Dwarika’s Story
The history of The Dwarika’s Hotel is intertwined with the life and times of its founder, Dwarika Das Shrestha. Dwarika Das Shrestha was an extraordinary human being – a true visionary who was acutely aware of his own identity, the changing world around him and his responsibility towards it. His story is one of inspiration borne out of struggle and torment, the relentless pursuit of an aesthetic ideal, and one man’s determination to make a difference.
Early beginnings
Being born into a relatively affluent Newar family, Dwarika Das Shrestha was sent to school in India at the tender age of six. With less than one percent of the Nepali population being literate, in the early 1950s, as Nepal took its first steps towards democracy, it was ill equipped to face the challenges of modernisation. It stood at a position where it could neither fully embrace the dramatic changes that modernity brought, nor fully comprehend the value and potential of its ancient cultural heritage.
Dwarika Das Shrestha completed his education with a degree in law and commerce in the early 1950s, and returned to Nepal with the dream of helping Nepal regain its past glory. His first business was the establishment of the first hotel in Nepal, Paras Hotel, in 1952, at a time when Nepal was yet to establish itself as a tourist destination. The hotel’s primary patrons were Indian and Nepali pilgrims who came to visit the Pashupati Temple. Back then, charging religious pilgrims for shelter was considered sacrilegious and earned Dwarika Das the wrath of his family.
In the late 1950s, Dwarika Das Shrestha bought the land upon which The Dwarika’s Hotel is now located and built on it a small family home, incorporating into the design some of the ancient windows he had collected. The first window that he used can be seen even today in the Fusion Bar. This was a revolution in building style and many people discouraged him from using the old window frames, seeing it as a reflection of poverty rather than an appreciation of cultural wealth. But Dwarika Das stood his ground; by then he had already started his collection of wood work and was beginning to understand the true value of Nepal’s rich cultural heritage, and the role it could play in building a prosperous Nepal.
An Unusual Passion Emerges
This vision was born in Basantapur on a cold morning in 1952. Change was entering Nepal, and all around, century-old mud, brick, and wood houses were making way for the concrete structures of modernity. Dwarika Das Shrestha was jogging past the ruins of an old building in front of the ancient palatial complex of Kathmandu’s Newar kings, when he saw, huddled in front of a small fire, two carpenters sawing off the intricate carvings on an old wooden pillar and using it to keep the fire going.
The reduction of his heritage into firewood stopped him in his tracks. The weight of his heritage fell upon his shoulders and knew he had to act. The carpenters ex plained that they were extracting the “good wood” from the carved pillar to make a door frame; the rest was good only as firewood. Shocked, he bought the ancient old wooden pillars from the carpenters. This impulsive decision turned into a calling that was to define Dwarika Das Shrestha’s life and initiate the revival of Nepal’s pride in its Newari cultural heritage.
The magnitude of that impulse in 1952 was not even fully understood by Dwarika Das Shrestha himself. Yet, over the years, he persevered with this passion and continued to collect wood works. Whenever an old building was brought down, he would buy as much of the carved windows, doors and pillars as he could afford. As his collection grew, he reflected:
"There [his home] they lay wounded for years, but I saw them every day. They communicated with me. They compelled me to visit monuments and temples in an attempt to understand them." Dwarika Das

would later give his shares in Paras Hotel to his brothers, and join the government service. This, however, did not stop him from dreaming and continuing to collect wooden masterpieces. As his collection grew, he was able to understand these works of art with a greater degree of appreciation. He realised that these wood works were not individual artistic endeavours but a product of a larger cultural tradition. These works were not made in isolation but made in collaboration and communion with a variety of different craftsmen. Dwarika Das came to see that in order to preserve his heritage, just collecting these pieces would not be sufficient. To some degree, a renaissance of the cultural context within which these works were produced was necessary, which included most essentially, the revival of traditional skills. The guiding philosophy of the Dwarika’s Hotel comes from this realisation.
Restoration Workshop
As his collection grew, Dwarika Das Shrestha knew that he had to find a way to finance such an expensive collection and ensure the wood works were properly restored, preserved and displayed. In 1964, he constructed a small apartment above the family cowshed using some of the pieces from his collection. The rental income allowed him to continue expanding his collection, but more importantly, it gave him the resources to hire three master carvers who still recalled the ancient knowledge and techniques of traditional Newari wood carving. With the master carvers, he started a heritage workshop to restore his collection of wood work to their former glory. Restoration work in pictures By the 1960s, few of the traditional wood carving families of the valley still continued their ancient profession, and thus the knowledge that his master carvers possessed was in danger of being lost. He hired young apprentices to work and learn under the three senior carvers and ensure their knowledge was passed down to a new generation of craftsmen. The workshop continues until today and over the years, scores of master carvers have emerged from its grounds.
As he was establishing the heritage workshop, he rented out rooms in his home and channelled this income into the restoration process. Because of his keen interest in his heritage, the workshop became a place to study the iconography, rituals and lore of the valley. Through this, Dwarika Das and his carvers learnt how the wood carvings and art works reflected the beliefs and cultural norms of a sophisticated civilisation.
Dwarika Das Shrestha’s interest in heritage extended beyond his collection of wood works and extended into all facets of traditional Newari art. He re-introduced the production of Dachi apas, tapered glazed bricks, which was a traditional practice that had died out in the valley. As he worked with his craftsmen, Dwarika Das realised that the old system, through which this artistic tradition had continued for centuries, was no longer in place. The days when emperors and kings were the patrons of the art and commissioned such works were long over. Dwarika Das also realised that the only way that the artistic traditions of yesteryear could be revived would be if they could be economically viable.
Breaking New Ground
His ability to see a role for the past in the present and to act upon an idea is what made Dwarika Das Shrestha a real visionary and an inspiring individual. With the help of his wife, Ambica Shrestha, he started exploring entrepreneurial avenues to assist in the development of Nepal’s tourism and finance his passion for conservation. They knew that many people would be interested in coming to Nepal, to tour its heritage sites, and to experience its natural beauty. Towards this end, in 1969, Dwarika Das Shrestha went on to establish one of the first travel agencies in Nepal, Kathmandu Travels and Tours.
Seeking to break the monopoly that Indian travel agents had over tours to Nepal, Dwarika Das Shrestha spent six months in Japan trying to establish himself in the market. Although he was unsuccessful, Dwarika Das was not a person who gave up easily. He then established his travel agency in Delhi and secured tours to Nepal through it. His persistence paid off and soon Kathmandu Tours and Travels was a successful business. The first seeds for The Dwarika’s Hotel grew out of this success during the coronation ceremony of King Birendra in 1972.
During the coronation period, all the hotels in Nepal were booked to capacity, and there were not enough hotel rooms for all the official visitors to Nepal. To accommodate their own guests, the Shrestha family moved into a rented house and converted their own home, along with the apartments, into a make-shift guest house. The overwhelming feedback they received from guests inspired them to build a hotel in the same authentic style.
The Dwarika’s Hotel was registered in 1977. The idea behind the hotel was to revive the architectural splendour of the valley. All the terracotta work was made in the valley, using local clay and skills. The couple also incorporated elements of Nepal’s diverse cultural heritage, including those from beyond the valley, when designing the rooms. The furniture was crafted by families of traditional carpenters, and the linen, textiles and embroideries were hand woven and used Nepali patterns. In all purposes, Dwarika Das Shrestha took the best of Nepali culture and presented it in a way that had not been done before. In explaining his vision, he once stated:
"My project is to recreate a 15th-17th century environment where tourist and Nepali alike would have a sensation of the original. The hotel as a commercial enterprise is merely a vehicle to finance and carry my dream forward."
The Dwarika’s Hotel was awarded the prestigious 1980 Pacific Area Travel Association’s (PATA) Heritage Award, and Dwarika Das himself was recognised for his remarkable contribution to heritage conservation. The following year, the central Lumbini building was built, utilising pieces that had been restored in the

heritage workshop. The entire building was built in the Newari architectural style but combined modern comforts with traditional aesthetics. With ten rooms, the hotel was an instant success with tourists who had a genuine interest in Nepal’s artistic customs.
In 1990, Dwarika Das Shrestha completed the Ram Palace, a sixteen room wing with the same stylistic elements he had used to make the Lumbini building. The hotel now had thirty rooms and he noted that people in Nepal were beginning to appreciate the value of their heritage. Sadly, Dwarika Das Shrestha passed away in 1992 before he could complete his vision for the hotel, but his legacy and dream still lives on.
Dwarika’s Today
Continuing his vision and utilising the sketches through which he had conceived the hotel, his wife and daughter, Sangita Shrestha Einhaus, completed the front building (where the reception is now housed) in 1998. In order to complete the building’s façade, they worked closely with a local potter named Hirakaji for close to a year, trying to replicate the horizontally carved designs with terracotta. Using a mold of the carvings from the horizontal reliefs on the door frame that is in front of the Lumbini building, they revived traditional terracotta designs that were used in the valley around the 15th century. These terracotta designs were more economical than wood, but created a similar aesthetic feel to a building’s façade. The revival of this tradition has proven to be highly popular, with such designs now being replicated throughout the valley.
The hotel is still managed by the Shrestha family - Ambica, Sangita and Dwarika Das’ grandson, Rene Vijay Shrestha Einhaus - and now makes up one of the largest private woodwork collections in the world. However, the family no longer buys old wood works unless they are significantly damaged and require restoration at the heritage workshop in the hotel. Where possible, the hotel instead encourages people to incorporate the pieces into their homes and appreciate their cultural heritage. The influence of Dwarika Das Shrestha’s vision can be observed to clearly in the old cities of Patan and Bhaktapur, where public and private initiatives are gradually restoring the city to its past glory. The Dwarika’s Hotel retains Dwarika Das Shrestha’s guiding philosophy and remains a beacon on the importance of

RESTAURANTS
The Dwarika's selection of three restaurants and a bar provide a range of culinary experiences from the world over. The spacious courtyards, amidst the architectural grandeur of Kathmandu’s ancient civilisation, are a unique feature of the hotel and provide an ideal location for all day lounging and informal dining. For those looking for a more elegant dining experience, the Dwarika's has two specialityrestaurants - Krishnarpan for a Nepali fine dining experience and Mako's for the best Japanese food in Nepal.

Krishnarpan
Krishnarpan serves the finest Nepali cuisines and is a slow dining experience reminiscent of the meals relished by the Kings of yesteryear. Meals range from 6 to 22 courses and is an unparalleled fine dining experience native to Nepal. Prepared from fresh organic vegetables straight from the Dwarika's own organic farms, a meal at Krishnarpan is a journey through the multi-ethnic nature of Nepal's culinary culture.
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Mako's
For a more subtle taste of the finer things nature serves, Mako's provides the best Japanese food this side of the Himalayas. Fresh, organic and healthy, a meal at Mako's is one to savor.
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Toran and Fusion Bar
Dwarika's multi-cuisine all day restaurant, Toran, provides indoor and outdoor seating and serves a range of tasty appetizers and scrumptious meals. With a separate natural foods menu that provides a fusion of Nepali flavors with popular world cuisines, the restaurant is a source of nutritious, healthy and gratifying food. Fusion Bar overlooks a swimming pool that is replica of 12th century Nepali royal baths. Open throughout the day and late into the night, the bar offers an elegant environment in which to sip exotic fruit cocktails and aperitifs , or for enjoying an after-dinner cigar or nightcap.

FACILITIES
The Dwarika's Hotel is designed to meet all the needs of our guests. From those visiting Nepal for leisure to those here on business, the facilities at the hotel can meet any requirement.
Library
Sit back and relax at the end of the day with a book from the library. Delve into Nepaliculture and history or plan your next exotic escape – the choice is yours.
Pool
Swim like a king in a pool reminiscent of 12th century Malla Dynasty baths. Or if that sounds too active, sip a sun-downer, poolside.
Mind, Body and Soul at The Pancha Kosha Himalayan Spa
At the unique Pancha Kosha Spa, you will find a range of massages that draw on ancient wisdom from the Himalayan region. You can also rejuvenate yourself through our daily morning yoga classes.
Fitness Centre
Named after our founder, who was a keen fitness enthusiast, Das Gym is open daily from 6amuntil 10pm.
Transportation
Please let us know if you would like us to arrange your airport transfers, and we will be happy to help you. We also have a fleet of vehicles to fulfill your transportation needs within and outside of Kathmandu.
Business Centre
Secretarial services, facsimile, photocopy, word processing and internet are available for all guests.
Wi-FiMeeting Rooms
Wireless internet connection is available in all rooms for a small charge.
Shop
Pick out gifts for your loved ones and support Nepali producers by choosing from a range of high quality items such as jewellery, Thanka paintings, handicrafts and Nepali Pashminashawls. Or for a different type of souvenir, pick up a book that will keep you dreaming of Nepal long after you leave.
Meeting Rooms
Book your meeting at Dwarika's, and rest assured of a smooth and successful event.
Guest Care
Receive personal care and first class service and support, whatever you require.

PANCHA KOSHA HIMALAYAN SPA At the unique Pancha Kosha Spa, you will find a range of therapies that draw on ancient wisdom and rare medicinal herbs from the Himalayan region. Guests can also rejuvenate themselves through the daily yoga classes.
The Pancha Kosha Himalayan Spa at The Dwarika’s Hotel Kathmandu is a sanctuary for healing and purification. It offers an experience modelled upon the ancient traditions of care and respect that have developed in the Himalayan region over several millennia. The name of the spa is derived from the wisdom of the Vedas that claims that our Atman or self is made up of five layers of being – the physical, the intellectual, emotional and the essence of the absolute. Combined, they offer an authentic experience of life.
The treatments at the Pancha Kosha Spa intend to provide a holistic experience that encapsulate all five layers and provide an experience of true bliss.
Any treatment at the Pancha Kosha Spa is a journey into the self. The therapies use a rich diversity of natural herbs, oils and essences from throughout the Himalayan range, to give you an experience of complete relaxation and rejuvenation. Each treatment is carried out by a trained therapist, in an atmosphere of complete respect and trust.
The treatment rooms and suites are exclusively designed with Nepali antique pieces and motifs from the Terai region of Nepal. Suites come with their own private bath and steam facilities, and are designed for individuals and couples to enjoy the spa’s unique Himalayan treatments in privacy and comfort.
Opening hours: 8.00 – 22.00

Royal Suite
The Royal Suite takes its architectural inspiration from the private abodes of the Malla kings and is set magnificently over three floors over an area of 250 sq meters. With an open-air exclusive breakfast terrace attached to the majestic bedroom, the suite also has a separate living area and an entrance foyer. A wooden-floored deck overlooks the living area, which also provides an area for recreation and lounging. There is also a private terrace attached to the living area from where you can indulge into the splendid view of the Kathmandu valley and surrounding hills and mountains. The most prominent feature of the suite is its exceptionally spacious bathroom, approximately 50 sq meters, intricately designed for luxury blended with traditional Nepali architecture. A stay at the Royal suite is a memorable lifestyle experience that even kings would envy.

With special suite services available for each suite, our host/hostess will ensure that every need and details of our guests are given utmost attention and care to.

All suites are inclusive of breakfast and Wi-fi throughout your stay

Junior Suite
Remaining true to the beauty of Nepali architecture, each of the 40 luxurious Junior suite is individually designed with local materials including pottery, slate and brass for your own comfort. The suite comes with a traditional diwan (day bed) for guests to lounge on and is fully equipped with amenities. Every Junior suite has its own pristine persona, giving every guest a unique experience to savor.

Executive Suite
Spread over an exquisitely spacious area with a luxuriously fitted open plan bathroom, the two magnificent Executive suite at Dwarika’s combines traditional design with modern convenience. With special amenities, the executive suite offers gives you a taste of traditional luxury in Nepal. Elegant and exceptionally comfortable, the executive suite experience will immerse you in style and privacy and there shall be nothing more you could desire.

With special suite services available for each suite, our host/hostess will ensure that every need and details of our guests are given utmost attention and care to.

All suites are inclusive of breakfast and Wi-fi throughout your stay.

Heritage Deluxe Room
Remaining true to the earthy living that symbolized traditional life in the valley, the rooms capture the essence of such a lifestyle without compromise. The linen is organically produced and hand woven.The furniture is custom designed and handmade. The amenities rival the best luxury hotels.

1st Jan – 30th April / 1st Oct – 31st Dec 2013

HERITAGE ROOM
Single 275
Double 295
Extra Bed 75

HERITAGE SUITES (Breakfast included)
Junior Suite 400
Executive Suite 495
Royal Suite 1800
Extra Bed 105 1st May – 30th Sept 2013

HERITAGE ROOM
Single 220
Double 240
Extra Bed 75

HERITAGE SUITES (Breakfast included)
Junior Suite 350
Executive Suite 495
Royal Suite 1800
Extra Bed 105

Meal Rates
Breakfast 18
Lunch 28
Dinner 32 All the above rates are subject to 10% Service Charge and 13% VAT

Heritage Room and Suite rates are on per night basis. Rates are subject to change without prior notice. All prices are in USD.

Check-in Time: 14.00 hrs, Check-out Time: 11.00 hrs