RARE India adds two Nepali hotels, boosting sustainable tourism in Nepal

Published on January 16, 2024

By: Rana Pratap

RARE India expands in Nepal with Nepali Ghar Hotel in Kathmandu and Sanctuary Resort in Chitwan, championing immersive sustainable travel.

RARE India, recognized as a leading collective of unique, eco-conscious, and locally integrated hotels and hospitality ventures in the Indian subcontinent, recently expanded its presence in Nepal by partnering with two new establishments: Nepali Ghar Hotel in Kathmandu and Sanctuary Resort in Chitwan.

As a longstanding member of the RARE Community, the acclaimed 25-year-old Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge has been a part of this network for several years. These recent additions bring the total to three RARE India-affiliated properties in Nepal, each dedicated to creating deeply immersive travel experiences that accentuate the beneficial aspects of tourism. This expansion underlines RARE India’s commitment to fostering sustainable tourism practices, authentic encounters, and a responsible approach to travel within the region.

Shoba Rudra, the Founder of RARE India, said, “With the addition of Sanctuary Resort and Nepali Ghar Hotel, we continue to expand our journey in creating authentic experiences in Nepal. Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge exemplifies RARE’s ethos of sustainable, community-focused luxury, and these new members are a testament to our ongoing commitment.”

Situated in the bustling Thamel district of Kathmandu, the 61-room Nepali Ghar Hotel is a unique fusion of classic Nepalese design and modern amenities. Its centerpiece, Seto Ghar, is a meticulously restored 200-year-old structure that previously served as the home of Nepalese Brigadier Colonel Pahalman Singh Basnyat. Built during the Rana era, the building’s restoration was a labor of love, utilizing local craftsmen and materials to maintain its historical charm.

To promote environmental sustainability, 30% of Nepali Ghar Hotel’s land is preserved in its natural state to facilitate groundwater replenishment. The hotel emphasizes the use of solar power, energy-efficient lighting, and invests in the continuous development and training of its local staff.

Sujan Tandukar, Operations Manager at Nepali Ghar Hotel, expresses gratitude for the partnership with RARE India, highlighting the transformative impact on the travel industry community. He said, “This collaboration with RARE has enabled us to reach a broader market and has significantly contributed to promoting Nepal as a desirable travel destination.”

“Nepali Ghar stands as a sanctuary in the heart of Kathmandu, proudly embodying two distinct schools of Nepali architecture. The courtyards within offer a tranquil oasis, providing respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. We are committed to delivering modern, first-class facilities, accompanied by our dedicated staff who embody the essence of genuine Nepali hospitality.” he added.

Nestled on a 6-acre expanse near Chitwan National Park’s edge in Amaltari, Sanctuary Resort is a serene retreat by the Narayani River. The 27-room resort is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Tharu people, a community native to the area since the 10th century. Reflecting Tharu architectural styles and landscapes, the resort employs local residents, showcases local craftsmanship, and uses materials sourced from the region.

Sanctuary Resort offers a variety of nature-based activities, including jungle safaris, canoe trips, and guided walks through the wilderness. In alignment with its ethical stance, the resort does not provide elephant rides, respecting the well-being of these majestic creatures.

Vijay Nanmaran S, Hospitality Advisor at Sanctuary Resort, values RARE India’s role in promoting authentic experiences and conscious, sustainable luxury. He said, “While Sanctuary envisioned “sustainable luxury” as its mission, we were obliged to live it consciously in every step we forwarded, from creating the overall guest experience to choosing our partners who could help us to achieve it. Primarily, our search was for a partner who could promote authentic Sanctuary experiences in the Indian subcontinent, and we found RARE was among the first movers who promoted destinations through experiences and asserted the need for conscious travel and sustainable luxury. We are happy and optimistic that our relationship with RARE will enhance our presence in the Indian subcontinent by communicating our stories of adventurous safaris, exciting river cruises, sustainable luxury initiatives, conservation policies, and the support we offer to the indigenous Tharu community.”