Shinta Mani Mustang

A very nice hotel with wonderful rooms and gorgeous views. For this remote area I guess one has to accept that the food is not perfect, but the breakfast views make up for it. The art on the walls best of Robert Powell, and so is of course the interior design of Bill Bensley, how can it be otherwise. But the policy of trying to force you to stay five nights in a row is more than a nuisance. Pople want to see Upper Mustang of course and that can not be done by a day trip. I wish to return many times with my clients, but this policy should be thought over. I am not paying for five nights, when I will not use the room because I am in Upper Mustang, thats what we did. There mist be a way to stay for two nights, leave for two nights and happily return for two more nights in the end. Like that you would have many more bookings and not only influencers running around at your property without ever paying a penny to stay there!:-)

I had very high expectations which were fulfilled. This is a world class hotel tucked into out of the way Mustang (more on that). First the staff were incredible - from the GM Rana to our "butler" Yujen to the restaurant and spa - all great. Then the location - views of the Nilgiri peaks right outside our bedroom. 2 8000 m peaks around the corner - Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. We were there early in the season and the hotel was uncrowded so things may change but we had unlimited access to the spa with massages, soaking pool, sauna and steam. Food was wonderful, just what we like with local vegetable based options. The daytime expeditions were pretty much set up - I had been thinking long hikes with a sandwich but the hotel is more into shorter hikes with generous lunches. We worked out longer loops and the lunches were often exceptional - for example on our final day a 5 course Italian feast on the roof of a monastery (after a 10 mile hike). Yujen was with us the whole way making every day a wonderful experience. One downside is actually getting there - I thought the drive in from Pokhara would be a good introduction but it was long (6 + hours) and the roads very super bumpy, especially after the monsoon. I was excited about the (expensive) heli ride back to Kathmandu but this was cancelled due to weather so we had to do the drive back again. The local airport seems a decent option but again very weather dependent, VFR only and with the weather being very windy in the afternoon only good for early morning flights. Wonderful hotel, please go.

First I must start with Sudeep K., who was my first contact when I called to make arrangements. From our first conversation on the phone to the good bye at the airport, he made our experience exceptional. I really do not have the words to express my gratitude for the hospitality that was give to my wife and I. We felt very safe at all stages of our travels in Nepal, and felt the locals were friendly and spiritual. We flew in from Katmandu on a Helicopter and flew out by plane. I highly recommend both forms of transportation. If you are lucky enough to fly by helicopter you will land at the front door of this luxury boutique property. Shinta Miani just opened when we visited and as we walked around the property... it actually took your breath away at every turn. The property is all inclusive curated journey with a surprise every day. My wife especially could wait to get back to the hotel to get her daily massage , while I never wanted to come back to the property until the sun went down. The daily excursions range from Himalayan treks to religious visits and ancient villages and meals were always a special experience since there were no restaurant's where we were going. There are no roads in Mustang but the drivers were amazing at navigating mountain roads and driving in river beds. The vehicles were outfitted perfectly for the adventure. The meals were delicious and a different Nepalese meal each morning and night. They are building a new property in upper mustang and have been renovating all the mountain lodges and I really try not to go anywhere twice, but this will be the exception. I must visit upper mustang and trek to more of the mountain lodges. And must see Sudeep's and daughter as a teenager. This place is different then any other place you have been. Bring an open mind and a lot of energy, i couldn't get enough of Nepal. We were lucky enough to be there with a travel writer (we did a few excursions together) who does a way better job than I. If you search the web for Carolyn Beasley who wrote an article on Shinta Mani for the Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) on January 9, 2024 . She has pictures and awesome descriptions of our daily activities.