Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Bouddha Boutique Inn has started operation near Bouddhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Kathmandu-6.
According to promoters, the boutique property aims to offer guests an authentic Nepali cultural experience through indigenous art, architecture and hospitality.
The property was conceived and developed under the leadership of young entrepreneur Bibudh Luitel. According to Luitel, the hotel was designed to showcase Nepal’s unique identity to both domestic and international visitors. “We wanted to offer tourists a taste of Nepali art, culture and craftsmanship. That is why we have used locally made products wherever possible,” Luitel said.
One of the defining features of the hotel is the use of traditional Nepali materials and craftsmanship. Visitors are welcomed by artistic stone sculptures carved by skilled artisans from Bungamati in Lalitpur. Traditional wooden struts, known locally as tundals, adorn the walls, while handmade furniture and stonework evoke the atmosphere of a historic Malla-era palace. The interiors feature handcrafted furnishings crafted by local artisans, while Ankhichyal patterns have been carved into tables and other furniture. Traditional lime and mortar finishes have been applied to the walls, while traditional teliya bricks, which are fired at high temperatures and are oil-polished, line the floors.
The hotel has 25 rooms, including four studio apartments designed for guests planning longer stays in Kathmandu. The apartments include a living room, bedroom and a fully equipped modern kitchen.
Luitel said the apartments are particularly aimed at foreign students, researchers and Buddhist practitioners who spend extended periods in the Bouddha area. “Bouddhanath Stupa is a major destination for Buddhists, scholars and meditation practitioners from around the world. Many visitors face challenges related to accommodation, security and daily living arrangements. Our studio apartments provide hotel services while allowing guests to prepare their own meals and enjoy a more independent stay,” he said.
Bouddha Boutique Inn aims to cater to pilgrims and travelers visiting Bouddhanath by offering a combination of traditional hospitality and contemporary comfort.
Guests staying on the upper floors and rooftop can enjoy unobstructed views of Boudhanath Stupa. Morning and evening views of the stupa, accompanied by the area’s spiritual ambience, are among the highlights of the guest experience at the hotel, according to Luitel.
