Historical Significance
For many centuries, Nepal was cut off from the outside world. Initially it was ruled by the Mallas but dynastic squabbles allowed Prithivi Narayan Shah to establish his Kingdom in Kathmandu. However during the tenure of the Shah dynasty, a young army general, Jung Bahadur Rana usurped power from the monarchy and established himself as the Prime Minister with powers over the monarchy. He made the prime ministerial office hereditary - passing through brothers and sons - ruthlessly suppressing all opposition, while keeping the king under his thumb.
The Rana regime lasted for 104 years (1846-1951) and contributed to the country's ornate neo-classical palaces replete with a grandeur lifestyle accumulated during Jung Bahadur's travels abroad. At the turn of the 19th century, Juddha Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana, one of the most distinguished of the powerful Rana Maharajas and a renowned builder and musician, built the most elegant palace (now Hotel Shanker) in Kathmandu for his son, Agni Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana. The discreet boxes set in a fantasy of Nepalese neo-romantic plastic work, gilt mirrors, red velvet and marble were imported from Italy and transported on porters' back from India. The sunburst chandeliers were constructed locally from long abandoned crates of imported crystal.
Kathmandu retains its architectural reminders of the Rana period scattered throughout the city. One of them is the Shanker Hotel, situated in the heart of the city, minutes walk from Thamel and Durbar Marg. The Shanker Hotel was founded by one of the most visionary entrepreneurs of the day, Late Mr. Ram Shanker Shrestha in the year 1964.
With the historic character of the hotel and the new and upgraded facilities, the Shanker will continue to be the city's leading luxury hotel. Traditional Nepali architectural features have been preserved. Some of the display carved windows are more than 200 years old. Clearly, The Shanker is the only place to stay if your priorities are comfort, tradition, taste and authenticity.
Namaste!
Experience the Old World Elegance only found in a few Great Hotels around the world at Shanker. A former Palace of the Rana Maharajas of Nepal, it was converted into a World Class Hotel in 1964.Spread over 4.4 acres in the Heart of Kathmandu, it faces the north side of the Royal Palace Museum at Durbar Marg. Located only 5 minutes from Thamel, it is easily accessible to the major Embassies, Restaurants and Tourist Hubs.
Come and stroll in the luxury of our vast Nepali Gardens, swim in our beautiful outdoor Swimming Pool or pamper yourself with a long massage. Relax and enjoy your visit to Nepal in the lap of a typical Rana Maharaja's Palace.
- Shanker Hotel rated "excellent" by 20 travelers
