Maya Manor Boutique Hotel by KGH Group

The story of Maya Manor began in 1935, when it was first commissioned by Toran Shumsher Rana, Nepal's first Police Chief. He was a member of the powerful Rana Dynasty that ruled Nepal from 1846 until 1951. Much like his forebears, he also built himself a personal palace styled in European designs. These gleaming edifices were colloquially called "white elephants" due to their size and were considered homages to the Ranas' ties with the British Empire.

After the 1951 Nepal Revolution, these palaces were repurposed into civic buildings, with Maya Manor becoming the residence for the Chinese Ambassador. Karna Sakya, founder of the KGH Group, later acquired the palace and used it as a family home. It finally opened as a hotel in 2016, offering a beautifully preserved heritage stay in the Nepalese capital.

When Maya Manor was built in 1935, it represented the power and opulence of the Rana Dynasty and its owner, Toran Shumsher Rana. The Ranas openly embraced European architectural styles to convey their status and sophistication. Maya Manor follows Neoclassical and Baroque designs, featuring symmetrical facades, elegant French windows, and Greek columns. Completing the layout are central courtyards that can be considered as small nods to Italianate gardens.

The sense of opulence remains preserved within the building, having survived the decades. Although it was converted later into a family home before becoming a hotel, it has maintained its visual identity. Antique furniture and fixtures line the walls, while delicate filigrees run throughout the ceilings and portal arches. Although updates were obviously done, especially for its conversion into a hotel, Maya Manor's overall aesthetic provides a glimpse into Nepal's early 20th century.

Maharaja Restaurant

As the main dining spot of Maya Manor, Maharajah Restaurant provides a regal dining environment where you can enjoy wonderful Indian and Nepali cuisine. Admire the decor and bask in the ambiance that reflects the hotel's Rana heritage.

Opening hours:
Breakfast: 7 am to 10 am
Dining: 10 am to 9:30 pm

Moonshine Patio Bar

Designed as an open-air hangout, Moonshine Patio Bar offers a relaxed place for evening drinks and jovial socializing under the night sky. The casual comforts and serene atmosphere will help you unwind, while tasty cocktails and spirits encourage you to hang loose and let go of your worries.

Opening hours: 2 pm to 9:30 pm

Carter Garden

Savor your meals in this refreshing, open-air courtyard dining spot. Meals and refreshments are served amidst the beautiful landscaped gardens, letting you spend time with friends and family or linger in pleasant solitude. Aside from the à la carte menu offerings, Carter Garden also serves afternoon tea and evening drinks.

Opening hours: 10 am to 9:30 pm

Cinnamon Garden

Cinnamon Garden blends the casual cafe-style ambiance with delightful food and beverage offerings in a welcoming, biophilic space. Whether you're working, chilling, or hanging out with friends, you're sure to love this vibrant spot at Maya Manor.

Opening hours: 8 am to 8:30 pm

Maya Manor warmly welcomes couples looking for a magical venue for their special wedding day. Use the gorgeous palace as the backdrop for your matrimonial event, whether it's a small, intimate gathering or a big, bombastic reception. You'll have a range of spaces to choose from, such as lush gardens and shiny ballrooms. You'll also have the support of the hotel’s events team, who will help tailor every aspect of the event, from layout and decor to the catering and entertainment. Additional services can also be called upon, including photography and entertainment.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Kathmandu isn't just Nepal's capital; it's a big, bustling mountain metropolis with numerous things to do and places to see. But before you head out looking for adventure, Maya Manor has plenty of on-site activities that will entertain and educate you as well. Sign up for guided yoga classes and aura/chakra cleansing sessions, which focus on breath, movement, and relaxation. Another popular esoteric option is sound healing sessions that use traditional instruments. If you've got time, they also offer workshops in traditional skills such as Gurkha knife making and pottery. A more practical class to take would be the momo cooking lessons, linking Tibetan meal staples to their culture. Then there's the Thangka painting experience, introducing participants to the philosophy and techniques of Tibetan Buddhist religious art.

When you're ready to explore the city, you'll find plenty of options on where to go. Arguably, the most famous are the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Other accessible cultural and religious pilgrimage sites include the expansive Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath Stupa. Then there's the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, a former royal residence now showcasing monarchical history.

If you're not sure where to go because of the sheer number of options, you can also book guided or themed tours arranged by Maya Manor. These include Ethnic & Heritage Food Tours to discover authentic flavors, and Volunteer Tours to assist and mingle with local communities.

Kathmandu's an interesting yet also fulfilling choice for celebrating milestones and also corporate retreats. Maya Manor's heritage architecture makes for a majestic backdrop, whether it's for meetings, seminars, and conferences or reunions, birthdays, and anniversaries. The property features main venues are Carter Hall and Durbar Hall, each capable of accommodating up to 65 guests through multiple customizable layouts. Alongside your event, you can also avail enriching packages such as group tours or on-site activities.