One of Kathmandu's iconic grand hotels, housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century Rana palace and a modern wing near Durbar Marg. The property features elegant rooms, the legendary Chimney Restaurant, multiple dining options, a large pool, and a casino. An institution in Kathmandu's hospitality scene since 1961.
Hotel Yak & Yeti stands on Durbar Marg, Kathmandu's premier commercial boulevard, positioning it within easy walking distance of Narayanhiti Palace Museum (roughly 300 metres north), the Royal Palace Museum, and the city's main airline offices and travel agencies. Thamel's main entrance is approximately 700 metres west and walkable in under ten minutes. The hotel is a landmark institution in Nepali hospitality, tracing its roots to 1961 when restaurateur Boris Lissanevitch opened the original Yak & Yeti dining room, which became the social hub for Himalayan expedition teams and international diplomats.
The property incorporates a restored 19th-century Rana palace as its heritage wing, characterised by ornate white stucco colonnades, lofty verandas, and ballroom-scale entertaining rooms with original plasterwork ceilings. A modern tower wing adds contemporary rooms with city views, bringing total capacity to over 270 rooms across Deluxe, Executive, and multiple suite categories. Heritage wing rooms deliver high ceilings and period character; tower rooms offer consistent modern finishes and broader panoramic outlooks.
Dining options are among the most varied of any Kathmandu hotel. The Chimney Restaurant, open since 1967 and named for its distinctive central tandoor chimney, is a Kathmandu institution serving Mughal-Indian and continental cuisine that has fed expedition mountaineers and heads of state alike. The Sunrise Bar and Terrace, Mount Everest Pub, and an all-day café provide additional options. The on-site casino is one of the most established gaming venues in Nepal and operates from early evening.
A full-service spa provides international and Ayurvedic treatments; the outdoor swimming pool is large by city standards. The hotel maintains comprehensive business-travel infrastructure with three conference halls, a dedicated business centre, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Tour desks, trek-booking services, and helicopter excursion arrangements are handled in-house. The property serves a broad clientele spanning leisure travellers, wedding groups, and corporate delegations.
Amenities
- Multiple Restaurants
- Casino
- Pool
- Spa
- Bar
- Free WiFi
- Conference Facilities
- Airport Transfer
Location
27.7141, 85.3172 View on map
Highlights
- Historic 19th-century Rana palace wing with original ornate plasterwork colonnades and heritage ballroom-scale entertaining rooms
- The Chimney Restaurant, a Kathmandu dining institution serving Mughal-Indian cuisine since 1967, favoured by Himalayan expeditions
- Central Durbar Marg location within walking distance of Narayanhiti Palace Museum and Thamel
Tips for visiting
- Rooms in the heritage palace wing offer more character but older bathrooms; request a renovated tower wing room if consistent modern fitments are a priority
- The casino operates from early evening; non-gamblers can use the adjacent Sunrise Bar without entering the gaming floor
- Durbar Marg hosts lively foot traffic on weekend evenings; request a higher-floor room if street noise is a concern