Frankfurt Tower

Tahaja is a tranquil getaway with a large garden, unique architecture and a rich history. It is located in the rice fields just 20 minutes’ walk from Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a World Heritage Site. This special space was designed by renowned scholar of Himalayan architecture Niels Gutschow. BOOKINGS INCLUDE HOME-MADE DINNER AND BREAKFAST. Guests stay in separate towers but enjoy access to spacious common areas: the old farmhouse, arcade, terrace with great views and the large garden. The space The unique two-storey Frankfurt Tower feels like a charming treehouse. The bedroom on the upper floor is small (only 6.5 square metres!) but has a warm and cosy feel to it; you’ll sleep surrounded by greenery and birdsong. On the ground floor there is an open living space which opens up to the patio and garden. The bathroom is located in a separate tower right next to the Frankfurt Tower. While the Frankfurt Tower is small (approximately 2.5x2.5 meters), guests have access to the larger Tahaja property where they can leave luggage and spend time during the days, including: • The old farmhouse with a reading nook, kitchen, dining area; • A beautiful arcade featuring historical columns with traditional woodcarvings, covered outdoor dining and a traditional pavilion with lounging area and hammock; • A large terrace, patio and garden; • The Study Tower office room with a study desk and small library. NOTE: • This unit does not have an attached bathroom. The bathroom is located right next to it and can be directly accessed via a small bridge. • The single mattresses can be joined to make a double bed. • Home-made set dinner and breakfast are included in all bookings. • Tea and coffee are provided free of cost. • Children under 7 stay for free. • Best suited for 1 person, or for two people travelling light and happy to spend daytime outside in our garden and common areas. If you have a lot of luggage, you can store it in our farmhouse as the Frankfurt Tower does not have space for bulky bags. • Visitors usually spend most of their time enjoying our beautiful open spaces and exploring the many hidden corners in our garden. You will be lovingly cared for by our staff and can relax away from the crowds and noise of the city. ABOUT TAHAJA Tahaja was designed by renowned expert of Himalayan and Newar architecture Niels Gutschow, who lived here until 2021, combining traditional architecture with unique features. Owner Bijay Basukala, also an architect, has his architectural drawings exhibited in the Patan Museum and the Taragaon Museum (keep an eye out if you visit!). For guests who are interested in learning more, we offer tours on Bhaktapur’s architecture and lived heritage, and Niels’ books and Bijay’s drawings are available at Tahaja. The Frankfurt Tower features striking brick detailing and red columns. It was built by architects from Frankfurt, Germany, in collaboration with Newar artisans, under the guidance of Niels. Guest access Guests enjoy exclusive access to the Tahaja Frankfurt Tower overlooking our beautiful garden. They also have access to the property's large outdoor area and terrace with great views over rice fields, the ancient town of Bhaktapur and nearby hills. Common areas in and around the Tahaja Farmhouse where we serve delicious home-cooked meals – the kitchen, dining areas, reading nooks, and arcade – are also accessible to those booking our Frankfurt Tower. The bathroom is located right next to this tower and may also be used by other guests. Frankfurt Tower guests can reserve our study room with a long wooden office desk and a library for extra space. The Tahaja property includes one other unit – the Tahaja Guest Tower (also available on Airbnb). Other things to note ROAD ACCESS & PARKING The property can only be reached on foot. Guests have to walk 3-5 minutes on a small unpaved path through fields, and appropriate footwear is recommended. Our staff will guide you and help carry bags. Vehicles can be parked on the side of a road nearby. EARLY CHECK-IN/LATE CHECK-OUT If you want to arrive early, or leave later than our check-out time, please inform us in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you. STAFF Our staff Mohan and Punyeshwari are usually present at the farmhouse during the days. Co-hosts Bibek and Bijay live nearby. All hosts can be reached via phone throughout your stay. Our staff are discrete and the property is large enough for you to be undisturbed but if you prefer to be left alone, just let us know. FOOD & KITCHEN Dinner, breakfast and tea/coffee are included in your booking. We serve delicious home-made meals, using fresh local ingredients when available. Please inform us in advance of dietary restrictions and preferences as last-minute requests cannot be accommodated. We serve authentic Nepali, Newari and German/European dishes. Lunch is available at extra cost if ordered at least one day in advance. Most shops and restaurants are in Bhaktapur city, about 15-20 minutes’ walk away. Ask us if you have questions about where to get groceries or eat out. THE AREA & LOCAL CULTURE The property is located in a traditionally rural neighbourhood just outside historic Bhaktapur. Now, the city is expanding and the area is becoming more built up. But guests can still immerse themselves in the pockets of local Newar farming culture that remain and in Bhaktapur’s many festivals. While most tourists visit Bhaktapur during the daytime, we find that the city has a truly magical feel in the early mornings and in the evenings when you can observe local traditions and markets as they have been for decades if not centuries. TOURS & EXPERIENCES We offer quality heritage and architecture tours, yoga classes, farm walks and authentic food experiences. If interested in any of these, kindly let us know in advance and we will share the details. Feel free to ask us for suggestions on places to visit and things to do. We are happy to help. BEST TIME TO VISIT Any time of the year is beautiful at Tahaja but the garden is most green from April-May until December. During the monsoon season (July-September), the footpath to Tahaja gets muddy but you get to walk through paddy fields and experience the magic of the summer rains that make the area feel even more peaceful and special (our local guests love visiting during the monsoon). From January-April, the climate is dry and dusty and air pollution worse than other times of the year. INSECTS & NATURE Tahaja is located among fields and surrounded by a large garden that hosts precious insects, birds, lizards and frogs. We love that they still find a home around here as the city is expanding around us. Instead of traffic noises, you will hear cicadas and frogs at night and birds during the day. During certain seasons, you will see beautiful fireflies, dragonflies, caterpillars and butterflies. Snakes, once common in the Kathmandu Valley, are rarely seen these days – if you come across one, don’t worry as they are non-poisonous. We have insect screens on our windows and provide mosquito nets and repellent during the monsoon season. Occasionally, a bug or spider might enter the rooms - we are happy to assist you if you want it removed. PETS We allow dogs but expect owners to ensure that their dogs do not damage or soil the rooms. Other types of pets need prior approval from us. HOUSE RULES We ask our guests to kindly adhere to our house rules. Outside visitors need prior approval from us, illegal activities are strictly prohibited (Nepali law applies), film and photography intended for commercial use or profit needs documented permission from us, and quiet hours are from 10 pm until 7 am – no loud music or parties.