What we say

A mere 1hr 15 flight from Delhi and one lands in 2025, 2082 or 1145. You see, Nepal operates on the Hindu as well as Gregorian calendar and then, the Kathmandu valley has its own Newari calendar. Is this relevant I hear you ask? Well, yes, I think so

I’d been invited to stay at The Nanee in Bhaktapur, a destination usually given an obligatory half day at best. But The Nanee promised a totally different experience, mentioned being immersed in culture, local rituals and a festival practically every day. I pitched up to see firsthand if it could deliver and, as it happens, YES it can.

The owners call themselves custodians rather than founders or managers- and the distinction matters. Their approach to traditional food sees centuries-old traditional fayre tweaked and crafted into fine dining experiences, as rich in stories as flavour. Their own dhaba serves delicious takes on traditional breakfast, while each morning a puja unfolds at the ancient temple on their grounds. Each crafted experience has been designed to preserve – from UNESCO World Heritage private houses to arts and crafts threatened by modernization. Wood carving and pottery workshops aren’t tourist activities but genuine cultural preservation in action.

But Bhaktapur itself is extraordinary in its offerings. As we ate breakfast, soldiers marched by from training. Not two minutes later, twenty young Buddhist monks followed. Mere minutes later, drums announced another parade – led by a large goat. A stay at The Nanee provides a platform of discovery, where every carefully considered facet serves both guests and cultural continuity.

This truly should be a blue print as the future of cultural hotels, in this case rather wonderfully in a city of the past, offering experiences in the present.

Our three words:

Temporal | Sacred | Authentic

Philippa…

Hotel Story

Founded by Mr. Ajay Bahadur Pradhanang and Mrs. Shailaja Pradhanang, The Nanee emerges from a legacy of royal service to Bhaktapur society. As descendants of the town’s former royalty, the Pradhanang family established this experiential boutique hotel to honor their ancestral heritage and give back to their cultural roots through responsible preservation and revitalization of Bhaktapur’s timeless traditions.

The Nanee’s philosophy transcends conventional hospitality, creating a realm where art, architecture, cuisine, culture, and spirituality converge for transformative experiences. The property operates boundary-free, seamlessly integrating with the local community to promote inclusivity and authentic cultural exchange. This approach supports local artisans, engages in community projects, and sources locally, ensuring every aspect enriches Bhaktapur’s cultural fabric.

Set within a community living arrangement, the hotel features 18 uniquely designed rooms showcasing Newari aesthetics while providing modern comfort. Guests experience authentic community life in public courtyards, witnessing daily rituals from morning water collection to evening gatherings. Expert-guided experiences encompass cuisine, art, culture, and festivals, while signature activities include art workshops, architectural tours, and culinary adventures featuring traditional dishes, creating an immersive journey into Bhaktapur’s mystical essence.

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 62/70

  • Land Reclamation/Rewilding: 10
  • Food from 50 Mile Radius: 9
  • Local Culture & Heritage Initiatives: 10
  • Energy Efficiency, Recycling and Reuse: 8
  • Natural Materials / Heritage Building: 8
  • Single Plastic Use: 9
  • Local Staff: 8

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • Promoting and financially supporting potters, wood craftsmen, handmade papermakers, and art collectors to preserve traditional skills.
  • Curated tours to artisan families’ homes, contributing significant portions of tour revenue to incentivize skill transfer to new generations.
  • Supporting the traditional Living Goddess family through guided visits, providing essential livelihood support.
  • Partnering with local cultural performers to sustain authentic heritage practices.
  • Taking guests to local beaten rice and cooking oil manufacturing units, contributing tour revenue to preserve traditional methods.
  • Assisting traditional curd makers who serve as tourist attractions.
  • Using locally sourced bricks, stones, and wood that harmonize with surroundings and minimize environmental footprint
  • Sourcing artifacts, furniture, and interior items locally, except for essential electrical and plumbing equipment.

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 62/70

  • Land Reclamation/Rewilding: 10
  • Food from 50 Mile Radius: 9
  • Local Culture & Heritage Initiatives: 10
  • Energy Efficiency, Recycling and Reuse: 8
  • Natural Materials / Heritage Building: 8
  • Single Plastic Use: 9
  • Local Staff: 8

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • Promoting and financially supporting potters, wood craftsmen, handmade papermakers, and art collectors to preserve traditional skills.
  • Curated tours to artisan families’ homes, contributing significant portions of tour revenue to incentivize skill transfer to new generations.
  • Supporting the traditional Living Goddess family through guided visits, providing essential livelihood support.
  • Partnering with local cultural performers to sustain authentic heritage practices.
  • Taking guests to local beaten rice and cooking oil manufacturing units, contributing tour revenue to preserve traditional methods.
  • Assisting traditional curd makers who serve as tourist attractions.
  • Using locally sourced bricks, stones, and wood that harmonize with surroundings and minimize environmental footprint
  • Sourcing artifacts, furniture, and interior items locally, except for essential electrical and plumbing equipment.

EXPERIENCES

Morning and Evening walking Tours
Visiting Local Artisans
Meditational Pottery Experience
Traditional Cooking Classes, dinners with local families
Visiting The Living Goddess Kumari
Celebrate Festivals such as Biska , Navadurga, Madhav Narayan and Saparu

HOW TO REACH HERE

BY AIR: The nearest airport is Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu), approximately 45 minutes drive from The Nanee. This is the main international gateway to Nepal with connections to major cities worldwide.

 

DESTINATIONS DISTANCE (KM) TIME (HR)
Tribhuvan Airport 20 Km 45 Minutes
Kathmandu City 15 Km 30-45 Minutes
Bhaktapur Durbar Square 1 Km 10 Minutes
Nagarkot 20 Km 45 Minutes
Patan 25 Km 1 Hour
Pashupatinath Temple 10 Km 25 Minutes
Boudhanath Stupa 8 Km 20 Minutes