Himalayas Magazine – June 2019

http://www.travelhimalayamagazine.com TRAVEL HIMALAYA SPRING 2019 | 73

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reach the hotel’s main entrance is

the towering water fountain where

some birds are drinking water.

They sit there, looking blissfully

unaware of the fact that they are in the middle of

a big, busy city. From there my gaze rests upon a

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a museum or art gallery. When you step inside,

you might as well be in a different world. The

space is abuzz with activity: porters whizzing

about, smiling faces, sparkling floors and

numerous artworks. A young woman dressed in

a beautiful traditional dress and golden earrings

extends a hearty welcome. On the far side of the

lobby, there are scores of windows letting in light

and the view of an alluring, lush garden. The

Piano Bar has drinks on offer, guests sit around

and reading the paper or share stories of their

day while enjoying the atmosphere.

On one side of the reception desk, a man and

a woman are speaking with an accent which is

unmistakably South African. Not being able

to curb my curiosity, I walk up to them and

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my suspicion and tells that they are from

Johannesburg. I knew it. My country. We

exchange small talk and they tell me that they

were staying at Yak & Yeti for a few days to

attend an international conference held at the

hotel. This answers the question of whether

the hotel is focusing on meetings, incentives,

conferences and exhibitions (MICE) Tourism.

On a last look outside the windows, with the

sunset magnifying the garden’s colours, I see

one elderly guest having a loud nasal afternoon

nap just there in his chair. Everyone is feeling

at home here.

Yak & Yeti Hotel has a colourful history

including the palace theatre of the luxurious

Rana period called Lal Durbar, the “Red

Palace” which was completed in 1885. Marble

was shipped from Italy as well as mirrors and

chandeliers from across Europe to decorate

this place of royalty. In the year 1944, an

Yak & Yeti Hotel has a colourful history

including the palace theatre of the

luxurious Rana period called Lal Durbar, the

“Red Palace” which was completed in 1885.