Shinta Mani Mustang

This review is long overdue as this was such an incredible property and they deserve all the accolades that they have been receiving. I visited Shinta Mani Mustang with my husband in early September of this year. We were one of the first guests to open the lodge for this season. Without hesitation, this was a once in a lifetime experience - the property and staff are truly something special. Rooms - Offer panoramic views of the Himalayas. It was incredible to wake up to the views every morning. So picturesque. Service - One of the best aspects of Shinta Mani. The staff always went above and beyond. Personable, friendly, great attention to detail, and so welcoming. Shoutout to Anish - he was so attentive and great. Chef Momo - incredible food especially lunches/dinners. Spa - This was our favorite to come back to after a long day. Spa treatments are included in your stay so my husband and I enjoyed a massage everyday (and utilized the sauna/jacuzzi). The Amchi was also great to meet with (he is a traditional doctor). Finally, our stay wouldn't have been complete without our adventure butler Abhishek. He was so insightful, friendly, and always went above and beyond. If you are thinking about visiting Shinta Mani, go. Each day was so different, the itinerary they have really shows you so many parts of Nepal.

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.