Crown Plaza Kathmandu – Soaltee, Kathmandu, Nepal - Asian Geographical Adventures

Crowne Plaza Kathmandu
Kathmandu Altitude: 1,300 meters

Cultural Experience Take a walking tour with your private guide to explore the royal cities of Kathmandu valley; Patan and Bhaktapur. Patan is filled with wood and stone carvings, metal statues, ornate architecture, including dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples while Bhaktapur is known for its wood carvings and art. If interested in the majestic views of the Himalayas then please note that few places along the range can offer such uninterrupted view, as good as that seen from Nagarkot, a village close to Kathmandu. To subdue your high-octane awim, Nepal has some of the best rivers in the world offering excellent opportunities for river adventure. Alternatively, calm your nerves mediating at one of the specialised centres.

Dining Experience Al fresco, the Italian restaurant offers a wide range of Italian cuisines combined with its regional cuisines amid an intriguing atmosphere augmented by a well stocked bar. The restaurant is located on the regal suite complex by the swimming pool boasting open pizza kitchen offering private dining experience. Alongside is the North Indian Restaurant 'Kakori', that offers exquisite cuisines ranging from Punjabi, Kashmiri, Awadhi and Rajasthani along with famous Nepali delicacies. The Garden Terrace, is the ‘all day dining restaurant' at the lobby level, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It offers wide selection of Indian, Continental, Oriental and Italian food options. China Garden, serves more than 300 delicious Chinese recipes along with interesting options of Thai, Korean and Oriental. The restaurant has two private dining rooms and a wine cellar to choose your choicest wine. Not to be missed is the Rodi Bar which offers and extensive selection of imported and domestic Wines, Beers & Whiskeys.

Spa Experience The hotel has Fitness Centre, which is fully equipped with the latest state-of-the-art cardio vascular, sports equipment and on site trained instructors. An on-site Spa is available with steam, sauna, Thai and oil therapies and a swimming pool.

Shopping Experience Thamel is the Himalayan shopping paradise for trekkers, mountaineers and travellers alike. The first visit can be a bit overwhelming with its crowds, narrow lanes and shops, but is quite an experience once you get used to the place. You can buy anything here; from trekking boots, sleeping bags to jewellery and ancient books. Of particular interest to some may be the Thangka paintings – spiritual representations of Buddhist philosophy. These incredible works of art are central to Himalayan culture. Negotiation is the key and you might need to start as low as 50% at times to get a fair deal.

Smart Guide

• Health and Fitness Centre: Fully equipped and guests can enjoy complimentary access.
• Spa & Sauna: The facilities are under renovation at the time of writing.
• Children: Children are welcome. Babysitting and child care services available
• Water: Clean drinking water and mineral water bottles are available.
• Dress is generally informal. Light clothing is appropriate during summer but winters can be very cold. In most cases some kind of a jacket will be required even if you are going for a short sightseeing tour.
• Clothing: walking boots are preferred.
• Trekking. If you want to hike, bring hiking boots and waterproof clothing. Some trekking may only be suitable for elder children.
• Sun: Don’t forget your sunglasses, sunblock and hat

Tipping Tipping is a personal expense and depends entirely on the quality of services provided to you and your appreciation of those services. Whilst tipping is not mandatory, it is expected at restaurants and by drivers, guides and tour escorts. The following estimated guideline may help you in determining the tip amount, should you wish to tip any service provider in Laos. Tipping in restaurants is about 10% of the bill, if not included. Tour escorts and local guides between Rs 500-800 per day. Drivers between Rs 350-500 per day.  

When to go Nepal like the rest of the Gangetic plains has four seasons. The winter in the Himalayas is cold and damp, when the high passes are closed and certainly not a good time to visit Nepal. But beginning February as the weather gets warmer, travellers rush to make high-altitude treks. The skies may not be very clear but the forests are full of rhododendrons and other flowers are in bloom.

The heat wave runs through May and the high altitude plateau sees dust storms until the monsoon finally arrives in mid-June. Mountain streams become torrents, landslides take down mountain paths and the Himalayas itself get shrouded in mist and mystery. It is not a popular time to visit Nepal.

But in September, when the rains stop, the dust has settled, the weather is balmy, the air is crip and the sky is clear; it is the most perfect time to visit Nepal. Visitors, trekkers and mountaineers are rewarded with gorgeous uninterrupted views of the high Himalayas.

Passport/Visa A valid passport is required for all tourists except Indian nationals to travel to Nepal. A valid passport is required for all tourists except Indian nationals to travel to Nepal. You can apply for a visa on any entry points upon arrival. Payment should be made in US currency (exact change). Any other currency or credit cards are not accepted for visa payment. You will also need a photograph. However, to save time, tourist visa can also be obtained from Nepalese Embassies or Consulates abroad.