At Shaligram Hotel in Jawalakhel, Nepal, we’ve had the joy of welcoming guests from all over the world each with a journey, a story, and a reason for traveling in Nepal.
Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting Olivia (USA) and Anna (Canada) – two friends who chose Pokhara as their launchpad for an unforgettable Annapurna trek.
This post is based on their story told from our side of the front desk.
When a Memory Brings You Back to Nepal
Anna first came to Nepal when she was just 13 years old. That visit left a strong impression on her, and over the years, she often shared memories of her trip with friends and family.
So when she planned this new adventure with Olivia, she already knew where they’d stay right back at Shaligram Hotel.
She remembered the kindness, the comfort, and how safe it felt even back then. And when she returned, it was just as she had remembered.
The Shaligram Welcome
After a long flight and a scenic drive from Airport, Anna and Olivia arrived in Jawalakhel tired, jet lagged, but excited.
Here’s what helped them feel instantly at home:
- Hot showers
- Soft robes
- A warm welcome from our staff
- A calm space to recharge
They quickly got into a rhythm exploring by day and returning to rest in the peaceful atmosphere of the hotel every evening.
Trekking the Annapurna Region: Ghorapani and Poon Hill
Like many visitors planning Pokhara travel, Anna and Olivia knew they wanted to trek.
They spent around six days walking through the Annapurna region, including a climb to the famous Poon Hill for sunrise views that made every step worth it.
They described it like this:
- Misty forest trails
- Villages full of friendly faces
- Long climbs, longer laughs
- Unforgettable mountain views
Want to plan your own trek? Check out this helpful Annapurna trek guide from Lonely Planet.
Dal Bhat Power: 24 Hour
Food is fuel when you’re hiking and in Nepal, that fuel is called Dal Bhat.
This dish a combination of rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and pickles became a staple for Anna and Olivia. In fact, they loved it so much, they had it nearly three times a day.
Dal Bhat power, 24 hour – it’s not just a saying, it’s a way of life on the trail.
Want to try it yourself at home? Here’s a Dal Bhat recipe to get started.
Coming Back to Shaligram After the Trek
After days of walking, they returned to Shaligram Hotel dusty, sore, and smiling.
What helped them reset:
- Ayurvedic spa treatments
- Delicious meals at our on-site restaurant
- Comfy beds (they actually called them cloud-like)
- Quiet mornings with mountain coffee
They told us it felt like pressing pause the perfect space to process all the memories they’d made.
Finding Culture in Every Corner
One of their favourite parts of the hotel? The decor.
They loved the mandala artwork on the walls, the hand-carved wood details, and the stories each design told.
You don’t always need a museum. Sometimes the culture finds you in your own hallway.
What They Loved About Pokhara Travel
Although their base was in Jawalakhel, their travels took them all across Nepal including the lakeside magic of Pokhara.
Some Pokhara favourites included:
- Walking along Phewa Lake
- Eating street momos and spicy thukpa
- Meeting fellow travellers in quiet cafés
- Watching paragliders float above the hills
Even with sore legs, they found time to use our gym wellness never takes a day off.
Restoring Routine After the Hike
Trekking throws your schedule out the window some days start at 5 AM, others go well into the afternoon.
Back at Shaligram, they eased into a rhythm again with:
- Late mornings
- Stretching at the gym
- Reflecting and journaling
- Fresh meals and time to just be still
Sometimes recovery is the most important part of the adventure.
Why They’re Already Planning a Return Trip
Even before leaving, Anna and Olivia talked about coming back.
Nepal has that effect. The views, the people, the peace it stays with you.
And when guests find a place that feels like home, they often return to it.
We’ll be here when they do.
Traveling in Nepal: What To Know
What to pack for the Annapurna trek:
- Good hiking boots
- Layered clothing
- Sunscreen and moisturiser
- Reusable water bottle
- Headlamp
- Trail snacks
What to eat:
- Dal Bhat
- Momos
- Thukpa (Tibetan-style noodle soup)
What to do in Pokhara:
- Paragliding over the lake
- Boating on Phewa Lake
- Sunrise at Sarangkot
- Exploring caves and waterfalls
🔗 Visit the Nepal Tourism Board for official travel info and tips.
FAQs
Here’s what travellers usually ask when booking long stay hotels in Kathmandu with kitchen Wi-Fi and laundry.
1. Does Hotel Shaligram’s apartments come with a full kitchen?
Yes. All our apartment includes a kitchen with fridge, stove, microwave, and all the utensils you’ll need.
2. Is Wi-Fi included in the stay?
Yes! high-speed Wi-Fi with backup power in case of outages.
3. Do you provide monthly rates for long stays?
Yes, we do. Contact us for special monthly pricing and packages for long stays.
4. Is the location safe and quiet?
100 percent. We’re in a private compound in Jawalakhel, one of Lalitpur’s safest, most peaceful areas.
5. Can you provide invoices for billing?
Yes. We provide invoices suitable for any organizations.
6. What amenities are included in a long stay?
Kitchen, Wi-Fi, laundry, daily cleaning, parking, gym access, and workspace. Basically everything except your groceries.
When it comes to long stay hotels in Kathmandu with kitchen, Wi-Fi and laundry, Shaligram is made for grown-up living, not tourist surviving.
The Kind of Stay That Stays With You
For Anna and Olivia, traveling in Nepal wasn’t just about mountain views.
It was about connection to the place, the people, and themselves.
The Annapurna trek challenged them.
Dal Bhat fuelled them.
Their Pokhara travel opened new doors.
And Shaligram Hotel gave them the space to reflect and rest.
If you’re planning your own adventure, we’ll be here with warm tea, soft robes, and a place that already feels like home.
About the Author:
Grace is a travel blog writer with a soft spot for rooftop views, warm breakfasts, and WiFi that actually works. She covers travel tips, expat living, and digital nomad hacks with one suitcase and zero fluff. If it’s comfy, cosy, and comes with great coffee she’s writing about it.
