Ten years is a long time to stay away from the Himalayas, but I returned with a clear mission: a solo trek to Mardi Himal followed by Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), and catching up with family and friends. By the time I descended, my legs were heavy, my lungs were tired, and I was craving a very specific kind of restoration. I didn’t just want a hotel; I needed a place where the transition back to reality felt as sacred as the trek itself. While the “Lakeside” of Pokhara is famous for its vibrant cafes and backpacker energy, I was looking for something higher—both

