Tahaja Hill - Nepal
Where Newar architecture meets history and tradition
Ins and outs: hidden in the the fields of Bhaktapur, Tahaja Hill is a Newari farmhouse dating back to 1965, its brick walls standing quietly among swaying trees. Expanded by architectural historian Niels Gutschow with an arcade and four towers, the house seems to breathe the stories of its past.
Location: set just outside the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bhaktapur, Tahaja Hill offers a retreat from the bustle, where the sounds of the city fade and the rice fields landscape opens into a peaceful scenery. Just moments away to the historic sites like Bhaktapur Durbar Square and the ancient Changu Narayan Temple.
Rooms: you can rent the entire house with 4 bedrooms, suitable for 8 guests, or rent the two cottage-like towers separately. The farmhouse’s rooms embody the quiet charm of Newar craftsmanship, with intricate wooden carvings, lattice windows, and salvaged pillars. Each space is filled with a sense of history, softened by modern comforts and art objects collected over the years that tell stories of their own.
Food and Drinks: breakfast, tea and dinner are included in your stay. The table here is simple but rich with flavor—seasonal jams, local rice beer, and vegetables from the garden. Cooking classes offer a chance to learn the craft of traditional Nepali and Newari dishes like daal bhat and momos, alongside the local staff.
Care: venture deeper into Newar culture with guided tours led by Bijay himself, who knows every corner of this hidden world. Or, wander the surrounding fields, where you can learn about the local agriculture and partake in the planting or harvesting of the season.
Unseen: Tahaja is located in the middle of fields and surrounded by a large garden that hosts precious insects, birds, lizards and frogs. Instead of traffic noises, you will hear cicadas and frogs at night and birds during the day. During certain seasons, you will see beautiful fireflies, dragonflies, caterpillars, and butterflies.
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