Yak & Yeti sits just off Durbar Marg, the wide avenue that runs south from the old royal palace at Narayanhiti. Part of the hotel uses the Lal Durbar, a Rana-era palace with mirrored and stucco-heavy halls, while the newer wings hold most of the guest rooms around gardens and an outdoor pool. The hotel's name and its Chimney restaurant go back to Boris Lissanevitch, the Russian hotelier who ran some of Kathmandu's first tourist hotels in the 1950s and 1960s.
For our guests the strength is location. Thamel is about 1.5 km away, Kathmandu Durbar Square around 2.5 km and the airport roughly 6 km, so sightseeing days start quickly. It is a large hotel used to Indian families, groups and wedding parties, and it stayed open through the September 2025 protests, when it took in guests moved from damaged hotels nearby. We use it in luxury, family and honeymoon packages when guests want a full-service 5-star in the city centre.
Why we book it
- Central Durbar Marg address, about 1.5 km from Thamel
- Rana-palace halls alongside modern room wings and gardens
- Large property that handles families and groups well
Best for
- Families
- Groups
- First-timers
- Couples
Questions travellers ask
Is Hotel Yak & Yeti open in 2026?
Yes. Hotel Yak & Yeti is operating normally in 2026. During the September 2025 protests in Kathmandu it remained open and received guests moved from other hotels that were damaged. As with any city hotel, we recommend checking current local advisories before you travel, and we confirm the booking with the hotel when your package is finalised.
How far is Yak & Yeti from Thamel?
About 1.5 km, which is a 20 minute walk or a five minute taxi ride depending on traffic. Many guests walk to Thamel for dinner or shopping and take a taxi back at night. Kathmandu Durbar Square is about 2.5 km away and the international airport roughly 6 km, usually 20 to 30 minutes by car.
Is Yak & Yeti good for an Indian family holiday?
It works well. The hotel is used to Indian families and groups, the restaurants serve Indian and vegetarian food alongside Nepali and continental dishes, and the central location keeps drive times short for children and grandparents. Ask us for connecting or extra-bed rooms early in October and during Indian school holidays, when the hotel fills quickly.