The Sparkling Turtle Backpackers Hostel

Location: Buddha Park, Swayambhu, Kathmandu, np

Star Rating: 9.7 Stars

Property Type: Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

About this Property

Policies

Check-in: 10:30 AM - 10:30 PM

Check-out: 10:00 AM

Amenities & Facilities

• Offsite parking discounted rates available
• Nightclub
• Parking
• Non-smoking rooms
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Pets allowed
• BBQ facilities
• Luggage storage
• Safety deposit box
• Fax/photocopying
• Tour desk
• Ironing service
• Car hire
• Currency exchange
• Shared lounge/TV area
• Board games/puzzles
• Shuttle service (additional charge)
• Evening entertainment
• Outdoor furniture
• Staff adhere to local safety protocols
• Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
• Cashless payment available
• Fire extinguishers
• First aid kit available
• Invoice provided
• Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
• Key access
• CCTV outside property
• Face masks for guests available
• Security alarm
• Thermometers for guests provided by property
• Pub crawls
• Cooking class
• ATM/banking
• Television in common areas
• Nightclub
• Front desk (limited hours)
• Free wired internet
• Self parking (surcharge)
• Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
• Airport transportation - drop-off (surcharge)
• Offsite parking discounted rates available
• Beach yoga on site
• Internet access
• Games
• Housekeeping on request
• Wine release events
• Reception hall
• Japanese garden
• Garage
• Bicycle-friendly property
• Charcoal grill
• Accessible shuttle
• No accessible shuttle
• Accessible train station shuttle
• No accessible train station shuttle

Rooms Available

• 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room

  Offering free toiletries, this dormitory room includes a shared bathroom with a shower, a bidet and slippers. The dormitory room features parquet floors and offers a wardrobe, a tiled floor and a carpeted floor. The unit offers 6 beds.

  Max Occupancy: 6 (6 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Toilet
  • Slippers
  • Tile/marble floor
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Bidet
  • Toilet paper
  • Trash cans
  • Body soap
  • Socket near the bed
  • Lockers
  • Key access
  • Reading light
  • Hand sanitiser

• King Room with Balcony

  The double room features a seating area, a wardrobe, a terrace with mountain views as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. The unit has 1 bed.

  Max Occupancy: 3 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Desk
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Dressing room
  • Slippers
  • Sofa
  • Tile/marble floor
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Bidet
  • Terrace
  • Clothes rack
  • Drying rack for clothing
  • Toilet paper
  • Trash cans
  • Body soap
  • Socket near the bed
  • Lockers
  • Key access
  • Reading light
  • Privacy curtain
  • Hand sanitiser

• Standard Double Room

  Providing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower, a bidet and slippers. The double room is furnished with a desk and a seating area and provides a wardrobe and a dressing room. The unit offers 1 bed.

  Max Occupancy: 3 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Desk
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Dressing room
  • Slippers
  • Sofa
  • Tile/marble floor
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Bidet
  • Clothes rack
  • Drying rack for clothing
  • Toilet paper
  • Trash cans
  • Body soap
  • Socket near the bed
  • Lockers
  • Key access
  • Reading light
  • Privacy curtain
  • Hand sanitiser

• 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room

  The dormitory room includes a shared bathroom equipped with a shower, a bidet and slippers. The dormitory room comes with a wardrobe, parquet floors, a tiled floor as well as a carpeted floor. The unit offers 6 beds.

  Max Occupancy: 6 (6 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Toilet
  • Slippers
  • Tile/marble floor
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Bidet
  • Toilet paper
  • Trash cans
  • Body soap
  • Socket near the bed
  • Lockers
  • Key access
  • Reading light
  • Hand sanitiser

• 6-Bed Male Dormitory Room

  Providing free toiletries, this dormitory room includes a shared bathroom with a shower, a bidet and slippers. The dormitory room comes with a wardrobe, parquet floors, a tiled floor as well as a carpeted floor. The unit offers 6 beds.

  Max Occupancy: 6 (6 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Toilet
  • Slippers
  • Tile/marble floor
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Bidet
  • Toilet paper
  • Trash cans
  • Body soap
  • Socket near the bed
  • Lockers
  • Key access
  • Reading light
  • Hand sanitiser

Guest Reviews

• Daniela Maria (8/5): Family feeling stay - Quiet and clean house, beautiful views and good energy. Ajeet and his family make you feel like home. I like the location as well, everything is neat and at the same time you feel peace and the nature. .
• Stefan (9/5): Excellent facilities and super friendly, helpful staff - > The beds and facilities (bathroom, shower, lockers) in the 6 bed dormitories were great. Each bed has its own personal light and power outlet, as well as a curtain you can close along the side, which is really nice. The windows in the rooms are also good, and you can open a screen window if you want some fresh air without letting mosquitos in. The hot water to the showers is also really good quality. > The staff, led by Azet, are super friendly and accommodating. > The hostel is very clean and well maintained, with a nice common room. > You can buy 1L bottles of water at the front desk for just 20 rupees, which is very convenient. > The wifi is good quality, though it can occasionally drop in and out. > There's not really much food options at the hostel itself, though there are some nice cafes about 15 minutes walk away near Swayambhunath. You can also easily order food via the Foodmandu app.
• Timothy (10/5): Recommended - My second time staying here - again, a very good experience. Very clean and comfortable. Recommended.
• KAMAL (10/5): Amazing Stay with Humble Hospitality... - Recently I stayed at The Sparkling Turtle Hostel and I had a wonderful experience. The location, house, and rooms were all very nice, clean, and comfortable. I really enjoyed my stay there. Special thanks to Mr. Ajit, who attended to me during my stay. He is a very humble and kind person and made me feel very welcome. Highly recommended place to stay in Kathmandu.” 😊 Specially Thankyou Mr Ajit Sir for everything... Everything is Good 👍
• Ali (10/5): - Super Nice hôtel out frôm city center , Serene views, quite sorrounding, spotless clean, bequtiful room with balcony with all the amneties 24 hours running hot shower,Great host,always trying to feel you better and answer all the question i have,the best place to stay highly recommend this hotel to all the fellow travellers, Nothing
• Rashada (10/5): Excellent - I am writing this review with all my heart because people who truly do their job well deserve to be appreciated. This family-run hostel is managed in a very professional way, and the manager clearly knows how a hostel should be run. The place is extremely clean, and most importantly, there are no issues with hot or cold water. Guests are welcomed very warmly, and the hosts are kind, respectful, and genuinely caring. They are also very friendly, easy to talk to, and always try to help guests in any way they can. One day, I asked the manager’s wife if I could use the kitchen to heat some milk and prepare oatmeal, and she kindly allowed me to do so without any hesitation. I would especially like to highlight that the rooms, common areas, and the entire hostel were even cleaner and more organized than many places labeled as hostels. Everything, from the rooms to the beds, blankets, and pillows, was very well maintained and spotless. I sincerely thank them for such a warm welcome and for keeping the hostel at such a high standard of cleanliness. This review is based on my stay in February 2026, and I can confidently say that you can stay here comfortably and without any concerns.
• Marilou (10/5): - We stayed for several nights. The owner and his wife are very kind and welcoming and they were also very helpful with their recommendations. The room is clean and the hotel offers a stunning view of Kathmandu. it’s only a few minutes walk from the Monkey Temple. I recommend this place! 😄✨
• Mehdi (9/5): Séjour agréable et conviviale - Le personnel est très agréable et nous donne des conseils,astuces pour que le séjour se passe bien.
• Mario (10/5): - I really enjoy this hostel. Everything was clean and comfortable. The owners are a very cute family. This place is very peace full perfect for a good rest 👌
• Левицкая (10/5): - Решили с молодым человеком провести пятидневный зимний отдых в Непале, Катманду и выбрали для этого отель The Sparkling Turtle Backpackers Hostel. С самого начала выбрали этот отель из за вида с балкона на горы и город и это оправдало надежды, вид был потрясающий. Сам отель - это большой, красивый, чистый дом, с гостеприимный хозяином и его семьёй. Вкусные завтраки, помощь в любом вопросе, отличное расположение, высокий уровень обслуживания, уютные чистые номера, безумно удобные кровати и очень тёплые одеяла! Везде уют и покой, также выход на крышу, откуда видно панораму гор и всего города! Спасибо большое за отдых и отзывчивость в проведении наших небольших каникул! Всем советую приезжать в отель The Sparkling Turtle Backpackers Hostel, мы же обязательно посетим его снова!
• Jamie (10/5): -
• Ana Cristina (10/5): Volveremos, sin duda. - En general todo. Desde la pequeña terracita desde la que se puede disfrutar de la vista de las montañas y Katmandú iluminado por la noche, de la que dispone la habitación. La comodidad del colchón, la luz natural de la habitación y que dejen un hervidor de agua y también una botella de agua precintada a diario. Hay, en el edificio,varias terrazas para poder disfrutar del sol durante el día y de las vistas. La familia que lo regenta es muy entregada, con ganas genuinas de ayudar y muy amables. Nada
• Ana C (9/5): Un lugar para volver - La amabilidad de su personal. Muy atento y con ganas de ayudar Nada en especial
• Kalmakoff (10/5): Incredible stay at the sparkling turtle - My stay at the Sparkling Turtle was wonderful. The staff were kind and hospitable even going out of their way for me to make sure I found the correct location. I had a double room with an ensuite and balcony for a very good price. The location is in a quiet part of Kathmandu and the accommodation is very clean, well maintained, and safe behind a locked gate and locks on the room doors. I felt very safe staying here. I highly recommend staying here.
• Yawen (9/5): -
• Paul (10/5): - This new hotel sis so well located on the hill in front of Swayambhu. Very calm street with a spectacular view on the city and , by cleat sky, himalayan range. Few private rooms but dormitory very confortable, with lockers, cleaner than my own house. And possibility to meet nice people.Owners very friendly and helpfull. Absolutly nothong.
• jean (8/5): Très bon rapport qualité prix attention au froid - Accuei sympa et chaleureux Pas de chauffage mais c’est habituel dans le pays Eau chaude aléatoire
• Chia Hua (10/5): 非常推薦，但務必提早預約！ - 1.整體環境乾淨明亮 2.網路及熱水穩定（很重要） 3.寢具舒適、個人空間足夠 4.老闆夫妻非常親切熱心 室友看緣分
• CONG (9/5): -
• Timothy (10/5): - A great place to stay. The room was large, clean and comfortable. The family that run the hostel are very kind and helpful. It's a quiet location, very peaceful, with a nice view of the city. Recommended.
• Arnolda (10/5): Best hostel we have been so far - Our room was big enough and clean with a balcony on the main road from which you can have a nice view of the city. The host and his family are very welcoming and we had the best time in Kathmandu with them. It happened that we were there during the main festival of the country and we celebrated all together, was such a nice experience to feel part of the culture and traditions! You can reach the city centre and main attractions very easily from the hostel, we rent the host’s scooter and had a lot of fun driving around with that. Breakfast and dinner were delicious. It is also possible to get bus tickets directly there if you want to reach other cities in Nepal. So helpful! We had a great time in this place and we would for sure come back again! WiFi in our room was not working most of the time but not that necessary for us.
• Kushal (10/5): Clean, aesthetic interior design - The neatness of rooms, bathroom, toilet and the building is beautiful inside too.
• Tommasina (10/5): Feels Like Home - This property is clean and well maintained. It is big with plenty of space to enjoy being outside your room if you wanted. But, what really makes this place topknot is the kind hearted owner and his family. They made me feel at home. I am a single female traveler and it was a welcome relief to be so warmly invited into their establishment. Can’t think of anything
• LANXIN (10/5): beautiful hotel with an incredible night view, making my Kathmandu trip perfect! - This hotel was a complete surprise in Kathmandu—absolutely beautiful, very clean, and with delicious breakfast. The owner is incredibly kind and attentive, offering me all kinds of help. The location is not remote at all; close to the mountains, you can easily walk to stunning scenery. Transportation is convenient, with taxis and motorbikes quickly reaching the city center (which was too noisy for me to stay in). Because of this hotel, I extended my trip in Kathmandu—every night, I could overlook the entire city from the balcony. I will definitely be back！：）
• Thi hong Lien (9/5): - Rất sạch sẽ, xứng đáng với giá tiền Ăn sáng hơi muộn từ 8h sáng
• Jahir (9/5): The property was super clean, peaceful and friendly - I liked the behaviour of the owner and his family. Also the environment was super peaceful. If anyone is visiting for Work this place would be a great stay. Also the bus stands are near. And if someone is travelling, they can enjoy the total view of kathmandu from the terrace or balcony. There was no free water for the people who stays.
• Arad (10/5): Exceptional - For most of the stuff i would have given even 10 stars. Definitely the staff, also the rooms are so clean so welcoming, everything looks new and very nice breakfast. Really feels like a homestay more than a hostel. Everything else is so thought after. Also the view from the top is amazing. Things that are missing in my opinion: Fan/AC in the dorms Soap to wash hands in the bathroom
• Anna (10/5): This hotel offers a tranquil and well-equipped stay with excellent amenities - Magnificent! Clean, pleasant staff. Charming view of the city. Away from the hustle and bustle of the center. The best option for common areas. I could work on my laptop peacefully. Access to the rooftop. Hot water is always available. The dining area has a mini-library, board games, and a guitar 🙏
• Robert (10/5): Exceptional - Beautiful, quiet hostel conveniently located. Excellent facilities, very helpful and kind owner. Would recommend for anyone looking for a quiet and comfortable place to stay in Kathmandu
• Konstantin (10/5): Exceptional - I stayed at the Sparkling Turtle in February 2025 for 10 nights during the Buddhist teachings. And my experience was wonderful. Great warm atmosphere, beautiful sunrise view from the rooftop to the Kathmandu valley, its own small restaurant on the third floor. Everything is very clean, neat and tasteful. There are both shared and individual rooms. And the prices were very pleasing. 👍🏻 Convenient location. Swayambhu Stupa and Buddha Park are within walking distance. Just 5 minutes and you are already there. Special thanks to the owner of this complex. Ajeet, I appreciate everything you have done for me and wish you the development of your business. I am sure we will see each other again soon. In general, I recommend staying here, friends. I am sure your experience will be even more enjoyable. 🙏🏻
• Rupesh (9/5): Confortable friendly stay - The location was at walking distance from Swayambhu, which is one of the best and must tourist attraction. Also most of the buses are available around the location. Room had a good mountain view and cozy beds. Owner (Ajeet) is very friendly and would be there to help you out in understanding the city and for any support needed during the stay. Balcony is having ample space to enjoy views and night time. Peaceful place on eastern side of the city. Room was a bit smaller if you have good luggage. In our case almirah lock was broken, we were a bit concerned about the safety (but we were ok as we did not carry much valuables) although no one entered the room in pur absence and owner made us confident with his nature.
• Elizabeth (10/5): Exceptional - As I was spending time at the Tergar Oselling monastery it was a great location to be near both the temple and swayambhu Buddha park, and it's only 15 mins from Tamel on bike/taxi. The family who run the hostel are delightful, and so willing to help with anything you need, 1 day laundry, busses, flights, finding statues to buy... You name it, if you ask they will want to help you!
• Marina (10/5): Exceptional - Wonderful stay, will certainly be back!
• Goda (10/5): A wonderful place with wonderful people - This hotel is a true gem in Kathmandu. It is incredibly clean, peaceful, and affordably priced. The location is strategically very convenient. Swayambhu is just nearby. Other parts of the city are also easily accessible. The view from the window is simply breathtaking—you can see the city of Kathmandu beneath your feet, with mountains visible on the horizon. The owner is an incredibly kind person who is always ready to help with any questions. I highly recommend staying at this hotel. 🙏🇳🇵❤️
• Tuan (9/5): Superb - The 5* hostel with good quality and very reasonable price. The facility is good. The hostel owner is very nice and helpful.
• Mayanka (10/5): Exceptional - Managed well, friendly staff , reached late when restaurants were closed . They provided me with fruits and biscuits .Overall excellent experience. I wish they come up with a inhouse small cafe
• Bartłomiej (9/5): Superb - Great, helpful and supportive owner. Very good breakfast. Nice view from rooftop terrace Need taxi ride to get to Thamel
• Toby (10/5): Fantastic! - I stayed for 4 nights and it was perfect. The room and the facilities were perfect with a great view of the city. Great location for the monkey temple. Ajeet, the host was incredibly helpful and friendly when helping to organise my trip for me and maximise my time. Would stay again !
• Kumar (10/5): The Best stay - Super Good All good
• Mildred (5/5): I stayed there for 2 nights. - Food was good Place was good
• Aleksandra (10/5): 💟Unbeatable hospitality, cleanliness and safety💟 - ▫️ highly professional and welcoming team who make you feel home 🤍 Mr Ajeet, the hostel owner, is one of the warmest and deepest people I have ever met. He's so caring, he even came to pick me up from the bus stand at night, and he's very attentive and wise ▫️Everything is made with love in this brand new building 🤍 Every detail in the hostel has been carefully taken into consideration to create the perfect atmosphere for guests,  from the stylish design and decorations with a deep meaning to the super comfortable beds, mats and slippers. I also liked that every room has a private bathroom and a private shower room, separately; every bed in the dorm has individual light, a socket, a shelf and a locker; in the dining hall there's a tiny library, some boarding games and also musical instruments 🎼🎵🎶 ▫️ Location and breathtaking views 🤍 It's located  in walking distance to the main road, Swayambhu bus stand, shops and restaurants, famous attractions like the Buddha park, Swayambhu and Monkey temple, The Single Tree, Tergar monastery etc, and at the same time it's located at a quiet place on a hillside so you can enjoy the stunning city views and good sleep ▫️ delicious and beautiful food 🤍 Every meal and even just a cup of tea or coffee is made and served with love and a bright smile by Sandesh, the owner's cheerful assistant, who's always in the hostel and who can quickly solve any problem 💪 ▫️ Safety for female solo travellers 💯 I was feeling very safe and relaxed there. Didn't even want to leave the place I'll definitely stay in the Sparkling Turtle again and will recommend it to other travellers! 💜💜💜 nothing
• Lucas (10/5): Perfect - Ajeet is a wonderful host, always here to help, the location is very nice and the rooms are very clean ! Nothing, everything was perfect !
• Merlin (10/5): Best bathroom of the whole month Super clean and comfortable - The place is so clean and Asid is so cool, he really know how to give the good advices Highly recommended also the location is really cool, you go up hill and is a lovely neighbour to chill and eat something Perfect to rest before of after a trek I will come back 100% before Anapurna Trek All was super good
• Matthieu (9/5): I liked my stay here and recommend the Sparkling turtle to everybody - The personnel is very nice always ready to make your stay as comfortable as possible. I was generally satisfied with everything. May be the breakfast was a little bit thin:) And coffee not too good, I'd prefer the real one.
• Aleksandra (10/5): Very good hostel - The cleanest hostel I’ve been to so far in Nepal and not only. Facilities are very good, have toilet and shower in every dorm room, everything is new, hot water, toilet paper, everything… The owner is extremely kind and hospitable. So easy to become friends with. Many common spaces, very good atmosphere. Nothing
• Yu (9/5): Superb - Great hostel is nearby Osel Ling. Location is good for Tergar student and someone who wants to explore village life there. The owner always welcomes us with his smiling face at night. He is always hardworking and nice. The hostel is clean and comfortable because of his hardworking and responsible. I can feel safe there even though I am a girl travelling alone. Laundry service is good, too. I love the morning sun and air there. Great place ro stay.
• Nicolas (10/5): Amazing stay, excellent communication with owner, safe area - This hostel is a hidden gem, with some of the best views of Kathmandu! The owner is beyond helpful, and really takes care of the place and the visitors. After travelling for 1.5 years in Asia, this place surpasses the standards! I stayed over 15 days here and will definitely come back. Please, if the low number of reviews on Booking holds you back, as it did to me at first, just check the other great reviews 9.4/10 (541 reviews) in hostel world, 4.5/5 (133) in google maps, and 4.5/5 (292) in trip advisor.
• Tenzin (10/5): Exceptional -

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