Where to stay in Nepal: areas & booking tips

Nepal is one of those places that feels almost unreal, with eight of the world’s tallest peaks rising above you. When it comes to finding a place to stay, it’s easy enough, but the options are usually concentrated in the more touristy centers. Prices can vary quite a bit, depending on where you are and when you visit. Here's a full guide to where to stay in Nepal.

Where to stay in Nepal: from budget to luxury

Nepal has a range of accommodation options, from basic guesthouses to more luxurious resorts. Many guesthouses are housed in traditional buildings that have stood for hundreds of years. You’ll find wooden window frames, peaceful courtyards, and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze—these are places that let you experience Nepal’s history just by staying there.

If you’re after more modern amenities, you’ll find those too, but many still tie into the local cultural touches. Some buildings use Vastu Shastra, a Hindu system of architecture. In more remote areas, you might come across eco-friendly touches like solar-heated showers or organic gardens. Sustainable tourism is on the rise in Nepal, and it’s nice to see these practices being used more often, even in more off-the-beaten-path locations.

No matter where you stay, one thing’s for sure: you’re sure to experience Nepalese hospitality. Even at the budget guesthouses, you might get invited to join in on local traditions like a puja (blessing ceremony) or try making traditional dishes. Learn more about planning your trip with our Nepal travel tips.

Accommodation types in Nepal

Like Nepal’s terrain, the accommodation here is diverse, with a range from basic trekking lodges to boutique heritage hotels. But more than just a place to sleep, where you stay here is part of the experience. Whether you’re at a monastery or a modern eco-lodge, you’ll often have the chance to connect with local guides, artisans, and community members. 

Teahouses

From $3–10 per night

If you’re trekking in Nepal, you’ll probably be staying in teahouses. They’re simple, usually family-run lodges that line the main trails, especially in areas like Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang. The setup is pretty basic: you’ll usually get a small room with two twin beds, a shared bathroom down the hall, and not much else. Some have electricity or Wi-Fi, but don’t count on it, especially the higher up you go.

What makes teahouses work is the shared dining space. After a long day of hiking, it’s where everyone ends up — warming up around a stove, eating dal bhat or fried noodles, and chatting with other trekkers. It’s part of the rhythm of the trail and a good way to meet people or just unwind. The tea is cheap and flows constantly, which helps when the weather gets cold.

These places are often run by locals who’ve been doing this for generations, and staying in them supports the communities you’re walking through. You don’t usually need to book ahead unless you’re trekking in peak season.

Mid-range hotels

From $30–80 per night

Mid-range hotels in Nepal are a good step up from budget stays without going full luxury. You’ll mostly come across them in places like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. They usually have clean rooms with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and reliable hot water. Wi-Fi tends to work well, which is a plus if you’re planning your next move or need to check in with folks back home.

A lot of these hotels have on-site restaurants, so you don’t always have to go out hunting for food—especially handy if you’ve just come back from a long day. You’ll also find nice touches like rooftop terraces or quiet garden courtyards. Some have a bit of traditional decor or local art, which gives the place a more personal feel.

Staff usually speak decent English and can help you figure out transportation or permits if you’re heading into the mountains. This is especially good if you're headed to Nepal with kids.

Luxury hotels

From $100–300+ per night

Luxury hotels in Nepal lean into comfort while still feeling very local. You’ll mostly find them in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Dhulikhel. Some are in restored old buildings; others are tucked away on quiet grounds with mountain views and big open spaces. Rooms tend to have a lot of wood and textiles, with more space to spread out than in standard hotels.

The service is thoughtful, and the details are often more polished—things like spa treatments using traditional methods, or staff who can help arrange experiences that are a bit harder to plan on your own. Meals usually include both Nepali and international dishes, often made with a lot of care.

Some of these hotels are involved with local artisans or environmental projects, which adds more depth to your stay. It’s not just about the comfort—it can also be a chance to slow down and take in your surroundings more intentionally. 
 

Homestays with local families

From $8–30 per night

Homestays are a low-key but rewarding way to get to know Nepali life from the inside. You’ll usually stay in a guest room inside someone’s home—sometimes in a village near the Kathmandu Valley or Pokhara, sometimes along a trekking route. The rooms are basic but usually comfortable, and you’ll share common areas with your host family.

Meals are a big part of the experience. They’re home-cooked, made with what’s on hand, and often based on recipes passed down through the family. Some hosts are happy to teach you how to cook, or chat with you over tea. You might be invited to help in the garden, take part in a festival, or learn something like weaving or farming, depending on where you stay.

Not every home has the same setup—some have hot showers and Western-style toilets, others are more traditional. Many of the best homestays are part of community tourism programs, which means the money goes directly to the families and the village.

Mountain huts

From $3–10 per night

Mountain huts are the most basic place to stay in Nepal—and sometimes the only option when you're trekking in more remote areas. They’re usually found at higher altitudes or along trails that don’t have teahouses. These huts are really just shelters: think wooden sleeping platforms, a shared stove or fire for cooking, and a pit toilet if you’re lucky.

You’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag and maybe a mat. There’s usually no electricity, or just a bit of solar lighting, and you’ll need to treat your own water from nearby streams. It’s not fancy, but it’s part of the experience when you're out in the mountains.

Space is first-come, first-served, and guides often get priority. There’s no way to book ahead, so it helps to arrive early in the day..

Meditation centers

From $15–50 per night

Nepal is full of places where you can slow down and take a break from constant movement. Meditation centers are one way to do that. They’re all over the country—in the Kathmandu Valley, around Pokhara and Lumbini, and tucked into mountain areas. Some are traditional monasteries that let visitors stay for a while, while others are purpose-built for retreat-style experiences, often with international visitors in mind.

Rooms are usually simple: a single bed, maybe a desk, sometimes a shared bathroom. Hot water isn’t guaranteed. What really defines these centers is the daily routine. You’ll usually wake up early for meditation, spend the day moving through a schedule of yoga, dharma talks, and long quiet periods. Meals are vegetarian and often eaten in silence.

Some places are fine with short stays, but most ask for a minimum of 3 to 10 days. It’s structured and can be challenging, especially if you’re not used to sitting still for long. But the guidance is usually solid—many of the teachers have been practicing for decades. Yoga retreats in Nepal are especially popular.

Eco-lodges

From $36–150 per night 

If you want to spend time in nature without feeling like you’re adding to the problem, eco-lodges are worth looking into. They’re usually in quieter areas—near national parks like Chitwan and Bardia, around the Annapurna region, and in the hills around Kathmandu.

Most are built using local materials like bamboo, stone, or reclaimed wood. Solar power and rainwater systems are common, and some places grow food right on-site. You’ll find a range of setups—from simple rooms to more comfortable cottages—but most aim to keep things low-impact.

Beyond the buildings themselves, a lot of these places are connected to nearby communities. Staff are often from the area, and many lodges get their supplies locally or support nearby conservation work.

Monastery stays

From $10–40 per night 

Staying at a monastery is a different way to experience Nepal—quiet, structured, and focused on daily life rather than sightseeing, and is one of the best things to do in Nepal. These are usually working monasteries in the Kathmandu Valley, the Mustang region, and along some trekking routes, and they occasionally open their doors to visitors.

Rooms are basic—sometimes just a mat on the floor, with shared bathrooms and very few extras. But that simplicity is part of the experience. You’re stepping into someone else’s routine, which means early wake-ups (usually with a gong or horn), shared vegetarian meals, and a lot of quiet time.

You might get to watch morning chanting or take part in meditation sessions, and some monks are open to informal conversations about Buddhism. You don’t need to be religious to stay, but respect is key—modest clothes, quiet behavior, and no alcohol.

Traditional Newari houses

From $25–70 per night 

If you’re spending time in the Kathmandu Valley, staying in a traditional Newari house gives you a different feel for the place. These old brick-and-wood homes, with their carved windows, narrow staircases, and central courtyards, are part of the landscape in cities like Bhaktapur, Patan, and older parts of Kathmandu. Some have been restored and turned into small guesthouses, often by the same families who’ve lived there for generations.

Rooms tend to keep their original features—low ceilings, carved wood, old stone floors—but usually come with modern basics like a decent bed and a private bathroom. Some places go a step further with air conditioning or more decorative touches, but many keep it simple and traditional. The layout of these houses can mean dark corners or tight stairwells, but they’re usually well located and have a strong sense of place.

Budget hotels

From $8–25 per night

Budget hotels are everywhere in places like Kathmandu’s Thamel neighborhood, Pokhara’s Lakeside area, and near bus stops and transport hubs. They’re simple, no-frills spots where you’ll get a bed, usually a private room, and a bathroom (sometimes shared). Hot water and Wi-Fi are common but not always reliable, and power cuts do happen—some places have backups, others don’t.

What these hotels lack in extras, they often make up for with convenience. Most are right in the middle of things, within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and travel agencies. You’ll often find a small rooftop terrace or basic lobby where people gather, and the staff can usually help with things like taxis, laundry, or booking trips.

Rooms vary a lot—some are bright and clean, others more worn-in—but if your main goal is to have a safe place to sleep while you explore, they get the job done.
 

Where to stay in Nepal: best areas by region

Here are some of the best areas to stay in Nepal:

Kathmandu Valley

This is where most people start out. Each neighborhood has its own pace, so where you stay really shapes your experience.

• Thamel: Thamel is busy, a little chaotic, and super convenient. You’ll find lots of guesthouses, mid-range hotels, restaurants, shops, and travel agencies all packed into a few blocks. It’s noisy, but great if it’s your first time in Nepal and you want to be in the middle of things.
• Patan (Lalitpur): Across the river from central Kathmandu, Patan moves a little slower. It’s known for its traditional architecture, narrow alleys, and the beautiful Durbar Square. There are some nice places to stay in old restored buildings, which makes it feel more personal and rooted in local history.
• Bhaktapur: Bhaktapur feels like a living museum, but not in a staged way. The old town is car-free, which makes wandering really pleasant. A lot of the guesthouses are inside traditional homes. It’s a good pick if you’re more interested in temples and history than nightlife.
• Budhanilkantha: Tucked up near the edge of Shivapuri National Park, this area is quieter and greener. It’s more residential, with mountain views and a slower pace. Great if you want to be close to nature but still near the city.
• Boudhanath: The area around the big stupa has a peaceful feel, with lots of Buddhist temples, monastery guesthouses, and places to reflect or meditate. If you’re curious about Tibetan Buddhism or just want somewhere calmer, this is a good place to stay.

Pokhara

Pokhara’s a lakeside city with a relaxed vibe. It’s a popular base before or after trekking, but you don’t need to be hiking to enjoy it.

• Lakeside (Phewa Tal): This is where most travelers end up. Everything’s within walking distance: restaurants, hotels, shops, and boats on the lake. You’ll find all types of places to stay, from simple hostels to more comfortable hotels, with mountain views on clear days.
• Pame: Just a bit west of Lakeside, Pame is quieter and more spread out. It’s still right by the lake but without the same crowds. You’ll find a few comfortable guesthouses here, and it’s a nice spot if you’re looking to relax and not do too much.
• Sarangkot: High above Pokhara, Sarangkot is known for its sunrise views over the Annapurnas. It’s a small village with simple guesthouses and some boutique stays. A solid choice if you’re into photography or want to try paragliding.
• Begnas Lake: About 30 minutes from Pokhara, Begnas is much more low-key. It’s surrounded by hills and terraced fields, and you’ll mostly find homestays or eco-lodges. Feels more rural, and good for some quiet time outside the city.
• Damside: East of Lakeside, this area is growing but still under the radar. There are newer hotels and fewer crowds. If you’ve got your own transport or are staying longer, it can be a good base.

Himalayan trekking regions

In the mountains, places to stay are mostly teahouses—basic lodges run by locals that double as restaurants. Some are simple, others more comfortable, depending on the route.

• Everest region (Khumbu): This is where you’ll find the most well-known treks. Teahouses in the main villages—like Lukla and Namche—are relatively comfortable, and some even feel a bit fancy. You’ll pass through small Sherpa towns with big views.
• Annapurna Circuit: Well set up for trekking. You’ll find teahouses in every village, and places like Jomsom and Marpha even have a few more stylish spots. The landscapes change a lot along the way, from subtropical forests to alpine passes.
• Langtang Valley: Rebuilding after the 2015 earthquake, Langtang is a quieter region that’s still accessible from Kathmandu. The teahouses are simple but welcoming, and the mountain scenery is really striking.
• Upper Mustang: A more remote region with Tibetan-influenced villages and stone-built guesthouses. It’s dry, windswept, and culturally distinct from other trekking areas. Good if you want something different and are okay with basic amenities.
• Manaslu Circuit: Still a bit under the radar, this trek feels more remote than others. Guesthouses are basic, but you’ll go through some beautiful landscapes and villages that see fewer trekkers. Best if you’re up for a bit more of a challenge and don’t mind roughing it a bit.
   

Booking tips and smart travel advice

How you book places in Nepal really depends on where you're going and when. In cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, it makes sense to reserve ahead during the busy seasons (October–November and March–April). Hotels fill up, and it’s easier to lock something in online. Outside of those months, you’ve got more flexibility. If you're comfortable showing up and asking around, you can often find better prices by booking in person—especially at smaller guesthouses. During big religious festivals, places fill up fast and prices go up, so planning ahead really helps during those times. 

Along trekking routes, you usually don’t need to book in advance unless it’s high season. Even then, getting to the lodge before mid-afternoon helps make sure you get a decent room. Just be clear about what’s included. Some places list cheap prices, but things like hot showers, charging electronics, or using the Wi-Fi might cost extra. 

One last thing: things don’t always run perfectly. Power cuts happen, water might be limited now and then, and some places are a bit rough around the edges. That’s just how it is—and part of what makes traveling here feel real.