KATHMANDU, JANUARY 30
The Shinta Mani Mustang (SMM), A Bensley Collection, has been listed among the top 22 'best new hotels for 2024' in National Geographic's 'Best of the World' list.
Expressing his delight at SMM being listed at the top among the best hotels in Asia, Namgyal Sherpa, CEO of Sherpa Hospitality Group, which manages SMM, said, "This achievement is not just significant for us at Shinta Mani Mustang but for the entire nation. It reflects the vision, passion and hard work of our founders and team, dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for our guests."
The NatGeo description of the SMM reads, "Guests at Shinta Mani's all-inclusive lodge are paired with guides who take them adventuring amid the dramatic mountain and desert landscapes of Nepal's Lower Mustang region. Experiences include biking to centuries-old Buddhist monasteries and trekking to high-altitude Dumba Lake. Lodge buildings use native Baglung stone and glass to evoke traditional Nepali houses; guest rooms are furnished with tiger motif rugs and antiques. At the 60-seat Nilgiri restaurant, dishes such as Himalayan yak momos (dumplings) and Tibetan thukpa (meat and noodle soup) rely on ingredients from local farms."
Sherpa also expressed his happiness in being able to promote Nepal in a global context, positioned as a budget destination. "This recognition by NatGeo, along with our recent feature on the cover of Conde Nast, opens new and exciting opportunities for our country. We are elated and grateful for the chance to showcase the beauty and hospitality of Nepal on such prestigious platforms."
He also shared that operating in remote areas can present unique challenges, a strategic investment by the government in infrastructure development that can enhance accessibility to tourist destinations.
This is the need of the present.
"While the rewards of developing and operating in remote areas are immense, the inherent risks and challenges are substantial. Taking the challenges and issues faced by operators into account, the government should provide incentives or encouragement for investments in such areas which can turn out to be instrumental in local tourism development," he opined.
Majestic Mustang is located between the mountainous peaks of Mount Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks. The region has also secured the 37th spot on the New York Times' list of 52 must-visit destinations in 2024, for one to immerse themselves in the natural allure and historical significance of the region, which once served as a trade route between Nepal and Tibet dating back centuries.
