Lonely Planet Review
We know you want the best of both worlds. Close enough to the shops and restaurants of Thamel, but far enough away to be able to escape the hassle. Clean, comfortable rooms and reliable hot water, without losing those backpacker rates. If that's you, welcome to the Ganesh Himal.
Hotel Ganesh Himal is a well-run and friendly place five to 10-minutes southwest of Thamel. The rooms are among the best value in Kathmandu, with endless hot water and satellite TV. Every floor has a communal balcony, which is perfect for sipping a beer or writing a postcard, there are rooftop lounges and even a hammock in the garden. Deluxe rooms are more spacious, a little quieter and come with a bathtub. The place is well-run and the staff are just great, from the crisp Gurkha salute you receive at the gate to the spotlessly cleaned bathrooms. Email them in advance and they'll pick you up from the airport. The only downside is that the residential neighbourhood can be noisy, though everyone settles down by around 21:00. The last time we came to check this place out we ended up staying for two months!
Review by author
Bradley Mayhew