When Guru Rinpoche fled the Mongols in the 8th century, he began a search for hidden beyul valleys…
He found one such sacred space in the pine-clad valley that now contains The Happy House. This valley inspired the moustachioed mountaineer, Count Guido Monzino, who created an idiosyncratic Shangri La that Edmund Hilary came to love and live in. Today this ‘salon for the mountain literati’ offers you its spiritual, Sherpa heritage and spectacular setting.
On a wide green terrace, flanked by moody pines, fluttering prayer flags and mist-encircled, seductive peaks, the luxurious interiors contain masterpieces of thangka wall art, heritage furnishings and a welcoming staff who ensure you feel at home.
Start planning your journey here...
Give us a call 9am-5pm UK time Monday to Friday, or make an enquiry online at any time.
Location & Highlights
- Cultural heritage & history
- Stunning setting
- Hiking & mountain biking
- Yoga & relaxation
Why we love it
“This place has a fascinating history, a wonderfully welcoming ambiance and the most beautiful mountainside setting.”
A sense of history
This is where the Sherpas first settled and defined themselves as they escaped persecution and where Edmund Hillary paid back his love of their culture by building hospitals and schools. The wooden floorboards hid the family, who still manage the house, from Maoist fighters during the civil war. History pervades the building and its fixtures, its thangka paintings on the wall, elaborate religious carvings and its leather sofa and gambling table that were carried by Sherpas for Count Monzino’s extravagant expedition.
A sense of place
From the pine trees surrounding the thick stone walls and heavy temple doors of The Happy House you can watch as the mists lift to reveal all of the Himalaya’s 8,0000-metre peaks. Nearby you have dense rhododendrons and forests strung with the silver beards of lichens. Walk out to the mountains and monasteries and learn about the spiritual significance of this area. Here Guru Rinpoche meditated, in this cave the print of his hand can be seen and Junbesi’s beauty made the moon descend to bestow a kiss upon it.
What can you do there?
Begin each day with a quiet moment or two taking in the views before an invigorating yoga session or a quiet meditation. Arrange a short walk or energetic trek in the lower Salleria, to Pikey Peak, Junbesi or Chiwong Monastery, with a focus on learning more about Sherpa culture and history. Enjoy the rush of mountain biking downhill to work up an appetite for a feast of earthy mushrooms and garden-grown greens and squashes served on beaten copper plates by a roaring wood fire.
Inspiring experiences and places to stay
Lean into the details of your bespoke Asia trip to discover rare experiences, exceptional hotels, local connections, inspiring conservation and much more…
Start planning your journey here...
Give us a call 9am-5pm UK time Monday to Friday, or make an enquiry online at any time.
Thamel, Kathmandu
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