A new architecture for Nepal's tourism

Architecture can be a powerful agent of change, shaping not just spaces but the way people live, connect, and experience the world. 

For Nepal, which is gifted by nature and rich in cultural heritage,  reviving rural architecture with modern amenities could hold the key to more sustainable tourism that benefits local people more.

“Design and architecture are amazing tools to create a unique experience for visitors,” says Spanish architect Tomeu Esteva of Esteva i Esteva Architecture Studio. “Difficult destinations have beautiful hotels with design and comfort.”

Esteva was in Kathmandu with his colleagues at an event organised by the Spanish Honorary Consulate at Dwarika’s Hotel last week to showcase buildings which Nepali architects can adapt with local material and design inputs. 

Rural architecture holds a unique significance: it is more than a shelter and must reflect local identity, culture and heritage. An area’s natural and cultural harmony can be upset by poorly planned development, speakers at the event said, but the environment can be improved and revitalised by well-integrated structures. 

Another Spanish architect, Belen Moneo, has designed hotels at elevations of 3,700m in her home country Spain that supply natural spring water spas. “Creativity in construction must be encouraged. Rural architecture always shows possibilities of what we can do better,” Moneo explains, adding that designs must enhance the beauty of nature and give a natural feel at a time when steel, glass and cement dominate urban design. 

This is why the use of natural products such as bamboo, local timber, straw and rammed earth are in demand from customers who want a fresh eco-friendly look encouraged in construction of rural architectural structures. The demand for boutique hotels has increased world over, with  more and more tourists favouring aesthetics, experience and comfort over price.

While creativity is an important part of construction and architecture, incentives to build and use rural construction materials still remain minimal, and Moneo emphasises the significance of design and execution. 

Esteva helped design the Vana Retreat in Dehradun that kept the natural environment in focus, with the structure giving an elaborate aesthetic experience to visitors.

Another example is Hotel Las Mercedes in the Dominican Republic which was designed and constructed by Moneo and the company she co-founded Moneo Brock, respecting and revaluing the traditional architecture of the area. Hotels providing such experience could attract tourists and revenue.

The Spanish ambassador to Nepal Juan Antonio March Pujol said, “The role of architecture and architects in developing tourism is crucial, not only in urban areas but rural settings as well.” 

The concept of rural boutique hotels gained traction in Spain during the 1990s, particularly in regions like Majorca with economic and environmental sustainability as the main focus. In Nepal the tourism industry directly employs about 1 million people, and makes up about 8% of the country’s GDP.

In Nepal, the stone homes of Mustang and Manang, bamboo and mud structures of the Tarai, and the Kathmandu Valley’s terra cotta tile skylines, graceful temples, and tranquil bahal courtyards are all examples of Nepal’s traditional architecture. 

Nepali architect Sarosh Pradhan has been working for the past eight years on the Brakka Village project in Manang Valley north of the Annapurnas. Other examples of this kind of rural architecture for high-end tourism are the Shinta Mani Hotel in Mustang and Khumbu Lodge below Mt Everest. Says Pradhan, “There are places in Nepal that radiate purity and embrace simplicity. Creating projects in such settings require deep reflection and thoughtful planning.”

Rural architecture is not easy, and sometimes more expensive. Inflation, energy efficiency, the climate crisis, and increased costs of living pose obstacles to sustainable rural architecture.

Read also: Forgotten international starchitects in Nepal, Anne Feenstra and Varun S Bapu

Esteva says faith and trust between client and architect is necessary for any project to be successful. He adds that architects must practice being humble, the process of designing always involves learning and not imposing their ideas on clients.

Nepal is uniquely positioned for the growth of rural tourism because of its stunning countryside as well as its internationally renowned traditions in holistic wellness. Creating infrastructure that is small, thoughtfully planned and that respects both tradition and contemporary hospitality standards is crucial.

“Projects in Nepal can be made cost effective by using materials from houses that have been brought down,” says Esteva. “Pilot projects involving local people and simple designing also helps the process.”

The growth of homestays in Nepal is a step in the right direction, but they are still a bit too rustic for the international traveller who also wants comfort and is willing to pay extra for it. Upgrading the facilities in homestays and ensuring that the architectural heritage of the locality is preserved using locally sourced building material could allow owners to charge more.

Says Sangita Shrestha of Dwarika’s Hotel, “Our effort is to build upon rural architecture by empowering local communities and using what is available locally. We can fine tune and encourage indigenous design and training.”

The vision goes beyond just boosting the economy, it is about building a future where tourism helps villages grow in a healthy and lasting way. Instead of using up resources, it gives back to the land and the people. It supports local communities by creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and protecting natural beauty. When done right, tourism can be a tool for preserving culture and nature, not harming them.

Architects must therefore see their work as more than just designing buildings, they also need to care deeply about people and places, especially in rural areas that can benefit the most. 

With global interest in sustainable and off-the-beaten-path travel increasing, Nepal stands at the cusp of a tourism transformation that values community-driven, eco-conscious hospitality. A mix of modern ideas and traditional knowledge could transform rural tourism in Nepal.

Says Shrestha, “Young architects should spend time with local and indigenous communities, listen to their stories, and learn from their ways of living. These communities have deep knowledge about the land, materials, and climate. If this wisdom is used in new designs, it can help create tourism spaces that truly benefit everyone.”