Shangri-La Hotel

The Shangri-La Hotel sits in Lazimpat, a quiet residential and diplomatic district of Kathmandu, roughly five minutes' walk from both Thamel and Durbar Marg. That position is useful: you can reach the city's main shopping street and its busiest tourist neighbourhood on foot, without being in the middle of either.

The hotel is set in gardens, and the outdoor swimming pool sits beside them. There is also a tennis court, a fitness centre, and a spa on site. Wi-Fi is included, and a 24-hour concierge is available throughout your stay.

Three outlets handle food and drink. The Shambala Garden Café serves Indian, continental, and Chinese dishes. The Saffron specialises in Indian food. The Lost Horizon Bar pours a range of cocktails and offers a short snack menu; the kitchen also sends food directly to rooms.

For guests using Kathmandu as a base before or after trekking, the location works well: Lazimpat keeps you close to the city's practical centre without the noise of Thamel itself. Durbar Marg, the wide street lined with airline offices, banks, and upmarket shops, is the same short walk in the other direction.