Nepal's Hidden Gem: Water Tower Hotel Nuwakot Bidur - Unbelievable Views!
Okay, buckle up, Buttercups! Because we're diving headfirst into the Water Tower Hotel in Nuwakot, Nepal. Forget your polished travel blogs, you’re getting the raw, unfiltered truth, the kind you’d hear over a shared beer and a plate of momos. And let me tell you, this place…this place is something. Let's go!
Water Tower Hotel Nuwakot Bidur: Unbelievable Views! (And the Truth, Mostly)
Right, let’s peel back the layers on this "Hidden Gem." First off, the name’s accurate – it’s a gem, and it is hidden. Nuwakot itself is a little slice of Nepali heaven, away from the Kathmandu chaos. Now, onto the nitty-gritty…
Accessibility (and the Cliffhanger Moment)
Okay, so… getting there is a story. The roads? Let's just say they’re… spirited. Accessible for wheelchairs? I'm going to be honest, based on my observations, this is NOT a wheelchair-friendly establishment. Think steep hills, uneven paths, and stairs. Unless you're part-Sherpa, this is going to be a challenge for mobility-impaired guests. But let's get real, that view from the top…
(Accessibility Score: 2/5 - for the sheer will to try!)
On-Site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges & Wheelchair Accessibility:
Again, a resounding "probably not." The whole place is built on, well, a water tower! Meaning levels and stairs. I didn't personally see ramps, and the restaurant areas weren't exactly sprawling empires of easy access.
(Accessibility Score: 2/5)
Internet: The Digital Nomad's Dilemma
Okay, so internet. This is Nepal, let's not expect blazing speeds. But hey, they have it!
- Internet Access: Okay.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: Yes! (Praise the Wifi gods!)
- Internet [LAN]: Hmm, probably not going to be a high-speed network.
- Internet Services: Basic stuff. Don't expect to stream HD movies.
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Yep, spotty but present.
(Internet Score: 3.5/5 - hey, you're in the mountains!)
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Days, and Stairway to Heaven
Alright, this is where the Water Tower shines. The "Unbelievable Views" aren't just marketing fluff. They're real. Breathtaking, almost religious. Waking up to that panorama is worth the journey alone.
- Body Scrub/Wrap, Fitness Center, Foot Bath, Gym/Fitness, Massage, Pool with View, Sauna, Spa, Spa/Sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: YES, YES, YES, YES, YES! (Except the gym, it was a basic setup, but who needs weights when there are stairs?)
- Couple's Room: Oh yeah, this is the kind of place to whisper sweet nothings to your honey!
The Spa Experience (My Moment of Zen… Kinda)
I treated myself to a massage. My traveling companions said I was glowing. I was so relaxed, I literally fell asleep. The therapist? Amazing. The view from the massage room? Jaw-dropping. The only imperfection? The occasional rooster crowing at what felt like 4 AM. But hey, it's Nepal! Embrace the chaos!
(Relaxation Score: 4.5/5 - and that's mostly the view.)
Cleanliness and Safety: Covid-Era Realities
The Water Tower Hotel did take safety seriously…and I honestly was really touched.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast takeaway service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: Check, check, check. Honestly, felt safer than some places in my own city.
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher: Yes. Yes. Yes. (I did not personally use these items, thank god, but they were present.)
(Cleanliness & Safety Score: 5/5 - Seriously impressed)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Momos, and Rooftop Views
Food! This is Nepal, so expect amazing Asian cuisine!
A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Breakfast [buffet], Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Yep to mostly everything.
My Food Revelation…. The momos. Oh, the momos. Forget everything you think you know about dumplings. These were fluffy clouds of deliciousness, bursting with flavor. I may or may not have ordered three plates in a row. It's a memory I will cherish forever.
Happy Hour: I definitely saw some happy faces!
(Dining Score: 4.5/5 - for the momos alone!)
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center, Good variety, but the offerings varied (No elevator)
(Services and Conveniences Score: 3.5/5 - varies on what you need!)
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I just have to take their word for it.
(Kids Score: Unsure)
Access, Getting Around, and More:
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Exterior corridor, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailable, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: All good.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Yep.
(Access & More: 4/5 - because they got the basics down pat!)
Available in All Rooms: The Essentials
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: All present and correct.
(Room Score: 4/5 - comfortable and well set-up.)
The Verdict: Is the Water Tower Hotel Worth It?
Absolutely. The views are worth their weight in gold. The staff is friendly, the food is delicious, and it's a genuinely unique experience. Yes, it has its quirks (the stairs, the internet…), but that's part of the charm. This isn’t a sterile, corporate hotel experience, and that's what makes it special.
The Offer: Your Nepali Adventure Awaits!
Escape to Nuwakot and the Unbelievable Views of the Water Tower Hotel!
- Book your stay now and receive:
- A complimentary welcome drink on arrival.
- A free upgrade to a room with a balcony (subject to availability – but let's be real, they all pretty much have a view!)
- 20% off all spa treatments during your stay.
- Discounted airport transfer (a lifesaver after those bumpy roads!)
- Plus, the memories of a lifetime!
Click here to book your stay today and discover the magic of the Water Tower Hotel!
Chez Lily Tokyo: Japan's Hottest New Secret Restaurant?
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your glossy travel brochure itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, probably-slightly-hungover TRUTH about my chaotic adventure at Hotel Water Tower Nuwakot, Nepal. Prepare for a journey, because, trust me, I'm still trying to piece it together myself.
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude Sickness, and the Quest for Wifi (aka, the Day Everything Went Sideways)
- Morning (aka, "What was I Thinking?"): Landed in Kathmandu. Holy moly, the air! Thicker than a bowl of dal bhat (which, FYI, I'm obsessed with now). The drive to Nuwakot? Oof. Let's just say the roads are "character-building." I may or may not have spent a good chunk of it clutching a barf bag while simultaneously trying to appreciate the breathtaking scenery.
- Mid-Morning: Arrived at Hotel Water Tower. First impression? Stunning. Seriously. That tower! That view! (Cue the Instagram post later. Emphasis on "later." WiFi is apparently a mythical creature here.) However, then came the altitude. BAM! Head like a lead balloon. Stomach threatening mutiny. Apparently, my body doesn't do "high up" very gracefully.
- Afternoon (aka, the WiFi Wars): Checked in (a process involving deciphering Nepali, pointing wildly, and copious amounts of charades). Managed to snag a room with, allegedly, WiFi. "Allegedly" being the operative word. Spent the next hour wandering around the hotel like a lost puppy, trying to find a signal. I swear, I saw a yak get better reception. Finally found a spot near the reception with a weak signal and sent out the "I'm alive" message. Success! (Now if only I could actually do anything with that signal…)
- Evening (aka, the Dal Bhat Redemption): Dinner. Glorious, glorious (and massive) plate of dal bhat. Spicy, flavorful, and surprisingly good for my altitude-sick stomach. I ate way too much (as usual). Ended the night curled up in bed, feeling slightly less like a dying fish and slightly more like a human.
Day 2: Temple Troubles, the Best Momos Ever, and the Curse of the Cobwebs
- Morning (aka, "Is This a Hike or a Torture Test?"): Attempted to visit the local temples. Nuwakot Durbar Square. Beautiful. Truly. But the climb! My lungs burned. My legs screamed. I may have cursed the gods (and my lack of fitness).
- Mid-Morning (aka, "Momo Bliss"): Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place that served MOMOS. Hands down, the best momos of my life. Steaming hot, juicy pockets of deliciousness. I ordered three plates. No regrets. Seriously, if you go to Nuwakot, find these momos. You'll thank me. (Note to self: learn the name of the place.)
- Afternoon: Back to the hotel. Attempted to relax on the rooftop. Wonderful views… and cobwebs. Everywhere. Like, I feel like I personally funded the spider population of Nuwakot. My attempts at snapping some nice photos were hampered by my constant flailing and brushing away cobwebs.
- Evening (aka, "The Great Laundry Disaster - A Tale of Wool and Regret"): Tried to do some laundry. Now, I packed a wool sweater. Nepal, cold, right? Got my wool sweater soaking wet. Then I tried to dry it with the hotel's very slow, very unreliable heater. Result: Felted, shrunk, and basically ruined. Cue the internal screaming. Cue the rapid internet search for dry cleaners (which, of course, yielded nothing). I'm currently contemplating wearing my rain jacket to dinner because I have nothing else clean.
Day 3: Towering Views, Chicken Curry, and the Existential Dread of Packing.
- Morning (aka, The Tower of Terror - And Glorious Views!): Okay, finally, FINALLY got to explore the Water Tower itself. The views? Mind-blowing. Seriously. I could see forever. Felt a wave of peace wash over me, momentarily forgetting the laundry-induced trauma. Totally worth the climb again. (Though I did stop four times to catch my breath.)
- Mid-Morning: Decided to write some postcards, but the ink kept smudging. Guessing the humidity. And then the pen ran out. (Why didn't I pack more pens?)
- Afternoon (aka, Curry Conspiracy): Ate chicken curry for lunch. It tasted different, but I couldn't pinpoint why. I have a sneaking suspicion the spice level might have been recalibrated to "Westerner's Palate," which feels slightly disappointing but I still inhaled it.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (aka, The Existential Dread Set In): Packing. The end is near. And packing always means an existential crisis. Does this shirt look good on me? Did I buy enough souvenirs? Will my luggage weigh too much? Are these packing cubes actually helping? Spent a good two hours just staring blankly at my suitcase. Maybe I'll just stay. Forever, in Nuwakot. Just maybe.
- Night (aka, The Last Dal Bhat): Went for dinner. Dal bhat, of course. One last hurrah. Sitting here, knowing this amazing trip is coming to an end.
Quirky Observations and Emotional Reactions:
- The hotel staff is incredibly kind and patient. They speak limited English, but they make you feel welcome, even when you're wandering around like a lost zombie.
- The sunsets over the Himalayas are something else. Seriously, they'll make you weep.
- I have a love-hate relationship with the altitude. Mostly hate, tbh.
- I miss my cats. (Don't tell them I said that.)
- I'm pretty sure I've gained five pounds.
- Why is it that the things you need the most are always the hardest to get? (Like reliable WiFi and a functioning laundry dryer.)
- This trip made me laugh, cry, and question every life choice I've ever made. In other words, a perfect trip!
Imperfections and Rambles:
- I didn't get to see everything I wanted. (Time, weather, laziness… you name it.)
- My camera roll is a mess of blurry photos and questionable selfies. (Don't judge.)
- Probably wrote about a few things twice. Or more. I like those things.
- I'm exhausted. Absolutely, wonderfully, gloriously exhausted.
- I'm already planning my return. (With a better pen and more momo-eating stamina.)
So, there you have it. A snapshot of my messy, beautiful, and slightly chaotic adventure at Hotel Water Tower Nuwakot. Go there. Be prepared for the unexpected. And for the love of all that is holy, bring your own laundry detergent!
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Water Tower Hotel Nuwakot: You Won't BELIEVE It (Unless You've Been!) - FAQ & Ramblings
Okay, so... what *is* the Water Tower Hotel anyway? Sounds... industrial.
Right?! "Water Tower Hotel" sounds like some bleak concrete jungle. But trust me, it's the opposite. Picture this: a cylindrical, whitewashed beauty perched on a freaking *hilltop* in Nuwakot, Nepal. Refurbished, of course, from an actual water tower – genius! It's all curves, glass, and... pure, unadulterated VIEWS. Let's just say, my jaw literally dropped when I first saw it. I was expecting… well, a water tower. I got a fairytale.
And those views... are they really as good as they say? I've seen enough Instagram filters in my lifetime to be skeptical.
Hokay, story time. I’m an avid photographer, right? I lugged my whole kit up there, expecting the usual – clouds, fog, maybe a hint of a mountain if I was lucky. I woke up that first morning… and I actually *gasped*. Like, a legit, involuntary “WHOA.” The entire Himalayan range? RIGHT. THERE. Seriously. It's like the mountains are having a convention and you've got the VIP balcony seat. I was there in October and it was insane when the clouds rolled in and just barely kissed the tops of the mountains so you get the complete view! Absolutely humbling. I still have the pictures. I still can't believe it. Don't rely on filters – it’s real life, amplified.
What's the deal with getting there? Is it a death-defying trek?
Alright, let's be real. Nepal and 'easy access' don't often dance together. Getting to the Water Tower Hotel involves a combination of… well, it depends. From Kathmandu, you're looking at a drive, roughly 3-4 hours, depending on the traffic and the state of the roads. Trust me, you’ll want to have a 4x4 if you can. Otherwise, you might be praying to every deity Nepal has to offer. Then, there's a short hike, but it's not too strenuous. I managed it, and trust me, my cardio is… questionable. The bumpy ride might be the real adventure. Pack some motion sickness tablets – you’ll thank me later.
What's the hotel *actually* like? I mean, inside the water tower.
Okay, this is the good bit. They've done a phenomenal job. The rooms are simple but stylish. Don't expect a five-star experience, understand? It's a bit rustic, but you can't fault the charm. The rooms are compact, but who cares? The view from the window is literally the size of the room! The food? Surprisingly good! The restaurant has a great view and the staff are all lovely and eager to please. The beds are comfy, the bathrooms are clean... and there’s a general vibe of "being cozy with the mountains." It's not luxury, it's... authentic. And the atmosphere is very relaxed. Perfect if you're looking to disconnect.
Okay, let's talk about the negatives. Anything I should be warned about? Because nothing's perfect.
Alright, brutal honesty time. The internet? Spotty. Prepare to unplug, which, honestly, is a good thing. The water pressure in the shower wasn’t the best when I was there, and the hot water... well, let's say it needed some coaxing. And yes, the drive. It's a long old slog. You'll want to be prepared for that. I took a bus and then a jeep. Both were questionable, but that's Nepal for you. It's part of the adventure, right? But yes... be prepared to be a little more relaxed about everything. Nepali time is a thing.
What is there to DO besides look at the mountains? (Because... mountains can only entertain for so long, right?)
You're right. There's a limit to even majestic mountain gazing! Nuwakot offers some other things. The Nuwakot Durbar Square is interesting; a little slice of history to explore. It's a small area. You can also hike around, visit nearby villages and experience the local culture. The staff at the hotel can help arrange things. Honestly? For me, the "doing" was secondary. The hotel itself is the main attraction. I went to chill. I read books. I drank tea. I watched the sunrise paint the mountains with fire. I didn't want to be anywhere else, especially not in the middle of the city.
Food! Is it good? I'm a foodie.
Okay, so I'm not a *total* foodie, but I know good food when I taste it. And honestly, the food at the Water Tower Hotel was surprisingly good. I was expecting basic hotel fare, you know? But they serve traditional Nepali dishes, made with fresh ingredients. And the views from the dining area? Even better. I had the local "dal bhat" one night, and it was phenomenal. Plus, the coffee was decent, which is always a win in my book. They even tried to make me a burger one night, and although it wasn't quite a Michelin star experience, it was delicious after a long day. Don't expect haute cuisine, but expect tasty, authentic, and satisfying. Oh, and the breakfast! They made fresh pancakes, which was very pleasing.
So, should I go? Seriously. Give me the verdict.
YES. A thousand times, yes. If you're looking for a unique experience, unbelievable views, and a chance to disconnect from the world, then the Water Tower Hotel is calling your name. It’s not a perfect hotel. It's quirky, it's a little rough around the edges, and the journey there is part of the adventure. But the views… the views alone are worth the trip. I still dream about them. I’m already planning my return. Just go. You won’t regret it. Prepare to be awestruck.
Okay, okay, you've convinced me. But... what should I pack?
Okay, gear up! Pack layers! The weather in the mountains can change faster than a politician’s promise. Warm clothes, even if it looks sunny, because the evenings get chilly. Comfortable walking shoes – you'll do some exploring, even short walks. A good book (or two!). A camera (duh!). And most importantlyWorld Wide Inns
