An Intimate Himalayan Adventure: Through China, Nepal, Bhutan and India

Aman at Summer Palace, which opened in fall 2008, is located just outside the east gate of the palace, and meticulously designed to harmonize with the graceful architecture of the former retreat of China's emperors. A series of century-old guesthouses, built for guests awaiting an audience with Empress Dowager Cixi, have been transformed into a hotel with 18 rooms and 25 suites. With their trademark sensitivity to historic properties, Aman has decorated the interiors with period furniture and rich fabrics that evoke the grandeur of the palace itself. There are three restaurants: The Grill; The Chinese Restaurant, which has an elegant Ming Dynasty interior; and Naoki, helmed by chef Naoki Okamura and specializing in his trademark "French Kaiseki", which combines the best of French haute cuisine with Japanese artistry. Other amenities include a bar, a library, and the Aman Club — a spa and fitness-center complex including a large pool, located underground to preserve the harmonious aesthetic of the architecture. The Aman is a 45-minute drive from central Beijing and a 45-minute drive from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).

Opened in November 2010, the St. Regis Resort in Lhasa stands on eight acres of land at “the roof of the world," with sweeping views of the Potala Palace. The spacious 162 rooms and villas with marble baths are decorated with carefully sourced artifacts that reflect the richness of Tibetan culture. There are a variety of restaurants to choose from, including the intimate private wine club Decanter by Haut-Brisson and Si Zi Kang, which serves traditional Tibetan cuisine. The health club boasts an indoor heated swimming pool, a yoga and pilates studio, and Iridium, a spa offering refined indulgence with Tibetan flavor. The business center offers 4 meeting rooms, copy and printing services, and faxing services. Other amenities include secretarial service and 24-hour butler service. The St. Regis Lhasa is located just minutes from the Potala Palace, the famous Barkhor area, Jokang Temple, Norbulinka, and is 46 miles from Gongga International Airport.

Opened in April 2014, this luxury property is a fitting new addition to the Lhasa hospitality scene. Shangri-La is, after all, the mythical kingdom believed to inhabit the Tibetan plateaus. Located in the city center, this stylish urban retreat allows guests to experience time-honored Tibetan customs - being welcomed with a local drink called chima, for instance, and being presented with a ceremonial khata scarf. Visitors at the Shangri-La Lhasa can enjoy being within strolling distance of this historic city's main attractions, including Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. For those who find Lhasa's high-altitude landscapes literally breathtaking, there's an oxygen lounge and relaxation center at the resort primed for guest recuperation. As with all Shangri-La properties, local culture plays a vital role in both the hospitality and the décor. At the Lhasa resort, this manifests in traditional architecture and design, with contemporary, luxuriously appointed guest rooms accented with local Tibetan textiles and artworks. Guests are also spoiled with far-reaching views of the mountains, the city and the spectacular Potala Palace.  

Located just outside Kathmandu, near Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred mountain, Dwarika’s is the recipient of a prestigious World Heritage Award given for outstanding historical preservation. The 74 guest rooms and suites are decorated with intricately carved wood and terracotta work in the traditional Newari style and are equipped with wi-fi access. Krishnarpan, one of the hotel’s two restaurants, offers six- to 22-course authentic Nepali meals, Toran has Chinese and Indian specialties, while Fusion has live blues and jazz in a bar setting. Dwarika’s has no spa, but does offer massage treatments and a swimming pool. The business center is fully equipped with broadband Internet access and secretarial services. The hotel is approximately a 10-minute drive from the airport in Kathmandu.

The Fish Tail Lodge in Pokhara is situated on a peninsula on Phewa Lake. Guests are received and transported to the Lodge on its shuttle-floats or boats. Since its opening in the late 1960s, Fish Tail Lodge has hosted countless celebrities and numerous world leaders, including former US President Jimmy Carter, former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, and Prince Charles and Princess Anne of England. The resort’s round cottages set amidst a lush garden offer a choice of 48 standard rooms and 12 deluxe rooms, all of which are decorated with oak furnishings and accented with traditional Nepali art. The restaurant overlooking the lake serves Nepali, Continental, Chinese, and Indian cuisines. There is no fitness center or spa, but there is a central swimming pool for fitness and relaxation. The hotel is located just 3 kilometers from the airport.

Begnas Lake Resort is situated on the southern bank of Begnas Lake, famous for its clear fresh waters and lush surroundings. The resort boasts 37 guest rooms, unbeatable views of the waterfront and mighty snow-dipped Himalayan peaks as well as an outdoor pool, steam room, spa, restaurant, poolside bar and lounge bar. The large rooms, scattered amongst a flower garden and orchard, are built in the style of indigenous ethnic Gurung stone-houses. Rooms are air-conditioned with roomy bathrooms and decorated with teakwood, terracotta and cane. Inside the rooms guests will find a safe, TV, satellite TV channels, an iron, ceiling fan and a mini bar. The resort has complimentary Wi-Fi and is within easy reach of the area's must-see attractions.

Tiger Mountain Lodge is located on a hilltop ridge a thousand feet above the Pokhara Valley and just a half hour drive from town. With spectacular views of the Annapurna Range, the lodge has also been touched by history: Sir Edmund Hilary, the first man to scale Everest, led the hotel’s opening ceremony in 1998. The 19 rooms are arranged around the hilltop in hand-cut stone bungalows that blend into their surroundings. All the bungalows have spacious verandas, adjoining bathrooms, and elegantly traditional décor that blends Tibetan hand-knotted wool carpets with British watercolor wall paintings. The lodge offers a range of in-room massage treatments, personal yoga sessions, and meditation training. There is a mountain-view swimming pool for post-hike relaxation. The hotel serves organic produce and locally supplied products, including at its authentic Nepali lunch buffet, and at the dinner with a table d’hôte menu that features European and Nepali selections. The Main Lodge has a cozy central fireplace, comfortable seating areas, and a bar, arranged around a Nepali-style courtyard. Another special feature of the lodge is Colonel Jimmy's Library, with an impressive collection of Himalayan mountaineering literature and photographs. There is no business center. The hotel is located 40 minutes from Pokhara Airport.

There are few more exciting ways to experience nature than from under canvas, and the Tiger Tops Tented Camp permits visitors to Nepal to do just that. Located in the heart of Chitwan National Park, and surrounded by lush grassland and green hills, the camp consists of 12 luxury safari tents. All the tents have connected bathrooms, and are lit by traditional oil lamps. The camp itself is powered by solar energy and was built to strict environmental principles to be as low-impact as possible. The camp is built around a central area containing a well-stocked bar, while the kitchen cooks wholesome, traditional Nepalese food.

Relax into the Nepalese way of life at Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge, in the heart of Terai. Standing amongst a gorgeous forest overlooking the serene Terai landscape, this deluxe jungle lodge is a prime base for guests to explore local Nepalese villages and the surrounding wildlife. Tharu Lodge emulates the longhouse style of indigenous Tharu dwellings and is built using local materials of timber, elephant grass, mud, cow dung and clay. The lodge offers caring hospitality, a garden side pool, tennis courts, relaxing hammocks and al-fresco dining. The internal restaurant kitchen use fresh organic produce straight from the resort’s own organic plot to create delectable Nepali and continental dishes. Expeditions in the area range from an elephant safari into the community forest and past strikingly green rice paddy fields to a boat journey and crocodile spotting down the peaceful Narayani River.

Located just outside Kathmandu, near Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred mountain, Dwarika’s is the recipient of a prestigious World Heritage Award given for outstanding historical preservation. The 74 guest rooms and suites are decorated with intricately carved wood and terracotta work in the traditional Newari style and are equipped with wi-fi access. Krishnarpan, one of the hotel’s two restaurants, offers six- to 22-course authentic Nepali meals, Toran has Chinese and Indian specialties, while Fusion has live blues and jazz in a bar setting. Dwarika’s has no spa, but does offer massage treatments and a swimming pool. The business center is fully equipped with broadband Internet access and secretarial services. The hotel is approximately a 10-minute drive from the airport in Kathmandu.

Originally a royal palace built over 100 years ago, the Yak & Yeti is now a gorgeous colonial-style hotel, with a brand new wing added to the original structure. It is now a blend of modern comfort and traditional Nepali architecture & heritage. The Yak & Yeti has 270 rooms & suites across both wings of the property. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, International Direct Dial telephones, color television and a fully stocked mini bar. Facilities on the Club Floor include 24-hour butler service, a private lounge for breakfast and cocktails, a boardroom, and in-room outlets for fax machines and computers, which can be rented. Leisure facilities include tennis courts, swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and a fitness centre, complete with state-of-the-art gymnasium and spa. There are several choices for dining including the Sunrise Cafe, the Russian-style Chimney, and The Pub.

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is a 5-star luxury hotel and resort, set on 37 acres of landscaped grounds and built in the traditional Newari style of Nepalese architecture. The hotel is just 4 km from the Tribhuvan International Airport and 6 km from the city centre of Kathmandu. The Boudhanath Stupa is within five minutes walking distance from the hotel. The hotel’s 280 rooms and suites enjoy views of either the Boudhanath Stupa or the lush gardens and the surrounding mountain ranges. All rooms are well-equipped and spacious with a private bathroom, a walk-in shower, an in-room safe and a mini bar. Guests at the Regency Club rooms and suites enjoy additional privileges and facilities such as the usage of the boardroom, a dedicated concierge and evening cocktails and canapés. The four exciting restaurants and bars at the hotel ensure the perfect dining experience with an array of cuisine options, while guests can stay fit at the hotel’s fitness centre - Club Oasis, which features a well-equipped fitness centre, a health and beauty spa, two outdoor swimming pools-one for adults and one for children, indoor and outdoor whirlpool, tennis courts and 1.6 km jogging track.

Amankora Thimpu is located on a hillside in a verdant pine forest far above Bhutan’s capital city. The hotel’s architecture is reminiscent of Bhutanese temples, or dzongs, and incorporates white-washed stone buildings around an enclosed courtyard. Sixteen suites are composed of living and sleeping areas, with views of the forest and nearby streams. The spacious terrazzo-tiled bathrooms have soaking tubs and twin vanities. Guests may dine either in an elegant dining room or on the adjacent terrace, both of which serve Bhutanese and international cuisine. Steam and sauna rooms are available, and massage and spa treatments are offered in private rooms nearby. Traditional hot stone baths can be scheduled. There is no fitness center. Fax and Internet are available. The resort is approximately 30 minutes from the airport in Paro.

Situated in the Thimphu Valley, this new property seamlessly blends Bhutan’s Dzong architecture and modern design. Adorned with classical hand-drawn Buddhist murals, its 52 deluxe rooms, 5 luxury rooms, 3 deluxe suites, 2 duplex suites and 4 luxury suites all afford guests an authentic peek into the region’s art and color. All accommodations have wired and wireless Internet access. Food and beverage options include an all-day, international cuisine restaurant, Ara Bar, an authentic Bhutanese restaurant, and a tea lounge. The Taj Spa is equipped with single and double treatment suites and has a menu featuring Indian holistic and signature treatments, specially designed to maintain physical, mental and spiritual equilibrium. There is a fitness center and a heated indoor swimming pool. The property is a two-hour drive from the airport in Paro, which is the only airport in the country. It is a six-hour drive to Phuntsholing and a 3.5-hour drive to Punakha.

Amankora Gangtey is in the remote Phobjikha Valley, with awe-inspiring views of a gorge and the 16th century Gangtey Goemba monastery. Each of Amankora's eight suites is fitted with a bukhari, a wood-burning stove, and wood paneling. The dining room and living room are combined and have views of the Phobjikha Valley out of floor-to-ceiling windows. There is no Internet, business center, fitness center or pool at Amankora Gangtey, but hot stone baths and a spa with two treatment rooms are available. The resort is approximately a 4-hour drive from the airport in Paro.

Gangte Goenpa Lodge will offer a luxurious and interactive experience in the Gangte Valley when it opens its doors for a soft launch in May 2013. The Lodge draws upon the inspiration of the unique and beautiful Bhutanese rural architecture down to the very last detail. Designed by Mary Lou Thomson, who has worked on some of the world's most prestigious resort projects, the interiors and furnishings showcase aspects of the vibrant local culture.
The focal point of the lodge will be an informal lounge and dining space with wall-to-ceiling views of the valley below. Plush leather sofas and rich fabrics will invite guests to share the day's adventures around two impressive fireplaces encased in local stone. The twelve beautifully appointed guestrooms, each with their own cozy fireplace, will reflect the rich cultural heritage with warm fabrics and earthen tones.

Amankora Punakha is located just across a suspension bridge along the Mo Chu River, with suites built around a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. A small property, there are only eight suites. The hotel is situated in an orange orchard, with views of Punakha Valley and Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful monasteries. The farmhouse has a dining room, courtyard and tea pavilion for dining and refreshments. The spa at Punakha has two treatment rooms, a steam room and a yoga and meditation area. There is fax and Internet access; however the connection is quite slow. There is no fitness center or pool, but hot stone baths are available. The hotel is approximately a four-hour drive from the airport in Paro.

An intimate luxury lodge situated in a lush valley, the COMO Uma Bhutan Punakha is nestled amongst rice fields and orchards, and overlooks a snake-like bend in the Mo Chu River. The lodge has a selection of villas suitable for a travel party of any size, as well as nine deluxe Valley View rooms with private terraces; all rooms boast comprehensive views of the surrounding landscape. The onsite restaurant, Bukhari, is named for a traditional Bhutanese fireplace, uses ingredients from local farms and can provide delicious meals for any palate. There is also a spa, the COMO Shambhala Retreat, with a range of holistic and Asian-inspired treatments, as well as hot tubs with a birds-eye view of the stunning scenery. COMO Uma Bhutan Punakha is part of the award winning property and luxury retail group COMO Group, with a sister property in Bhutan called COMO Uma Bhutan Paro.

Amankora Paro is located just outside of town and features sweeping views of the Paro valley and snow-capped mountains. The hotel, just 30 minutes from Paro airport, has 24 spacious suites designed to evoke a contemporary and minimalist vision of traditional Bhutanese style, incorporating local wood, stone and terrazzo tile. Each suite has a bukhari, or wood-burning stove, and a luxurious bathroom complete with soaking tub. Bhutanese cuisine and international fare are served in the hotel’s great room lounge, dining room, and terrace. The two-level spa contains private areas for massage and treatments, a glass-walled sauna, hot stone baths and a yoga room with a relaxation area. Fax services are available, as is Internet. There is no fitness center or pool, but the Amankora’s idyllic surroundings are perfect for hiking and mountain biking.

COMO Uma Bhutan Paro is a 29-room hotel set in Paro Valley with breath-taking views of the Himalayas. The Bukhari restaurant, set amid pine trees, uses mostly organic food from the surrounding area for Bhutanese delicacies such as pakshee paa, a sliced pork dish with chilies and radishes; ema datsee, a chili and cheese dish, or hewa datsee, a combination of potatoes, cheese and chilies. Uma by COMO, Paro is home to the COMO Shambhala Retreat, a holistic health spa with an open-air yoga pavilion overlooking the Paro Valley. Additional facilities include a business center, fitness center and swimming pool. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from the airport in Paro.

The Lodhi New Delhi (formerly the Aman New Delhi) is located on the outskirts of the Indian capital just south of the Delhi Golf Course and adjacent to the western half of the medieval Nizamuddin complex. Stone quarried from northern India is used for all floors and the interior design combines clean, modern lines with classic Mughal elements. There are 40 rooms and suites designed with regional style architecture featuring private plunge pools and the highest quality furniture and furnishings. The Lodhi offers a range of restaurants serving Indian, Thai and European cuisine. During the daytime guests may enjoy light snacks and classic cocktails at the Pool Café and in the evenings head to Anidra the supper and night club serving fine wines, beers, spirits, mixers and tapas. Other amenities include a spa, health center with four tennis courts, three squash courts, a pilates studio and a gymnasium, a lap pool, library and cigar room.  

Located near the heart of Chanakyapuri, the city’s diplomatic enclave, the Leela Palace New Delhi is a five-star luxury hotel in the Indian capital. Its 260 rooms and suites combine traditional Indian opulence with sleek contemporary decor and amenities in typical Leela luxury. Dining options include the striking glass-house Qube,offering an eclectic global menu and show kitchens, overlooking the Leela’s gardens; Jamavar for traditional Rajasthani and north Indian cuisine; and new outposts of the acclaimed restaurants Le Cirque (French and Italian) and Megu (Japanese). The Library, meanwhile, is a sophisticated retreat for cocktails, fine whiskeys, cigars, and a collection of first-edition books. The ESPA spa offers a range of Western, Oriental and Ayurvedic-influenced health and beauty treatments, as well as a café, a state-of-the-art fitness studio, relaxation lounge, finishing studio, roof terrace, and sauna, steam and drench rooms. The Leela is approximately a 30-minute drive from Indira Gandhi International airport (DEL).