Tahaja is a peaceful getaway with traditional Newar architecture and a large, quiet garden. It is located among rice fields, just 20-minutes' walk from Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a World Heritage Site. Designed by renowned architectural historian Niels Gutschow, this unique place blends heritage with comfort and rustic charm. Home-made dinner, breakfast and tea/coffee are complimentary. No road access! Guests have to walk around 5 minutes on a footpath through the fields to reach the property. The space The three-story Tahaja Guest Tower was built in traditional style, using old windows and pillars with intricate woodcarvings as central features. The architecture is extraordinary and the interiors are serene and comfortable (renovated in 2022-23). All materials used are natural, creating a warm ambiance. The cottage-like tower is located at the back of the garden, providing privacy and beautiful views. It is ideal for anyone wanting to relax and unwind away from the crowds and noise of the city. The Guest Tower is rented as a complete unit. The two spacious bedrooms on the upper floors are joined by open stairs; guests have to walk through one room to get to the other, making the tower best suited for couples, single travellers, families or close friends. On the ground floor, there is a roofed patio, a kitchenette, and a bathroom. PLEASE NOTE that the bathroom is on the ground floor while the bedrooms are on the upper floors. ABOUT TAHAJA Tahaja was designed by renowned expert of Himalayan and Newar architecture Niels Gutschow, who lived here until 2021, combining traditional architecture with unique features. Owner Bijay Basukala, also an architect, has his architectural drawings exhibited in the Patan Museum and the Taragaon Museum (keep an eye out if you visit!). For guests who are interested in learning more, we offer tours on Bhaktapur’s architecture and lived heritage, and Niels’ books and Bijay’s drawings are available at Tahaja. The property offers expansive outdoor and common areas, including an old farmhouse with a communal kitchen and dining area, an arcade for lounging and outdoor dining, a large south-facing terrace, a garden with a Buddhist stupa and a lotus pond, and a Study Tower with a work desk and small library. Guests are lovingly cared for by our two staff members but also have plenty of space to explore and retreat. Tahaja exudes a calm energy making it ideal for retreats (meditation, writing, art, yoga, etc.), small group or family outings, or unwinding after sightseeing or trekking. Guests can connect with nature and listen to birds sing, but remain within walking distance of historic Bhaktapur, and a short drive from most major Kathmandu Valley sights. Guest access Guests enjoy exclusive access to the Tahaja Guest Tower with its 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 kitchenette and covered patio overlooking the garden. They also have access to all common areas in and around our old farmhouse, the large garden, and the terrace with lovely views. Guests can also reserve our study/office room with a long wooden work desk and a small library. The Tahaja property includes one other unit – the Tahaja Frankfurt Tower (also available on Airbnb). The Frankfurt Tower can host up to two people and is only accessible to those who rent it. The entire Tahaja property, including both towers and the farmhouse, is also available on Airbnb for group bookings. Other things to note ROAD ACCESS & PARKING The property can only be reached on foot. Guests have to walk around 5 minutes on a small path through fields, and appropriate footwear is recommended. Our staff will guide you and help carry bags. Vehicles can be parked on the side of a road nearby. ACCESSIBILITY Unfortunately, the property is not accessible for people with mobility issues and those who struggle to walk the five minutes through the fields and up to Tahaja located on a hillock. The traditional Newari STAIRS inside our Guest Tower are STEEP and the bathrooms are NOT attached to the bedrooms, meaning guests have to use the stairs to get to the bathroom at night. Moving between our various buildings also requires the use of stairs. EARLY CHECK-IN/LATE CHECK-OUT If you want to arrive early, or leave later than our check-out time, please inform us in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you. STAFF Our staff Mohan and Punyeshwari are usually present at the farmhouse during the days. Co-hosts Bibek and Bijay live nearby. All hosts can be reached via phone throughout your stay. If you prefer to be left alone, just let us know. FOOD & KITCHEN Dinner, breakfast and tea/coffee are included in your booking. We serve delicious home-made meals, using fresh local ingredients when available. Please inform us in advance of dietary restrictions and preferences as last-minute requests cannot be accommodated. We serve authentic Nepali, Newari and German/European dishes. Lunch is available at extra cost if ordered at least one day in advance. Most shops and restaurants are in Bhaktapur city, about 15-20 minutes’ walk away. Ask us if you have questions about where to get groceries or eat out. TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS We can arrange airport pickups and drops (at extra cost) and help you arrange taxis to destinations within or near the Kathmandu Valley. For long-distance travel by road or air, please contact a travel agent. THE AREA & LOCAL CULTURE The property is located in a rural neighbourhood just outside historic Bhaktapur. Guests can immerse themselves in local Newar farming culture and Bhaktapur’s many festivals. While most tourists visit Bhaktapur during the daytime, we find that the city has a truly magical feel in the early mornings and in the evenings when you can observe local traditions and markets as they have been for decades if not centuries. TOURS & EXPERIENCES We offer quality heritage and architecture tours, yoga classes, farm walks and authentic food experiences. If interested in any of these, kindly let us know in advance and we will share the details. Feel free to ask us for suggestions on places to visit and things to do. We are happy to help. INSECTS & NATURE Tahaja is located in the middle of fields and surrounded by a large garden that hosts precious insects, birds, lizards and frogs. We love that they still find a home around here. 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. Snakes, once common in the Kathmandu Valley, are rarely seen these days – if you come across one, don’t worry as they are non-poisonous. We have insect screens on our windows and provide mosquito nets and repellent during the monsoon season. Occasionally, a bug or spider might enter the rooms – we are happy to assist you if you want it removed. PETS We allow dogs but expect owners to ensure that their dogs do not damage or soil the rooms. Other types of pets need prior approval from us. HOUSE RULES We ask our guests to kindly adhere to our house rules. Outside visitors need prior approval from us, illegal activities are strictly prohibited (Nepali law applies), film and photography intended for commercial use or profit needs documented permission from us, and quiet hours are from 10 pm until 7 am – no loud music or parties.