With so many accommodation options in Thamel, it’s difficult to decide where to stay. If you’re on a super tight budget, there are plenty of grungy hostels with dorm beds for just a few bucks a night. But if you’re looking for comfort, convenience, cleanliness, aesthetics, and a social atmosphere, Yakety Yak Hostel is where it’s at.
The Rooms & Dorms (5 Stars)
Opened in July of 2018, this hostel is sparkling. The dorms are spacious and the dividers really give you a sense of privacy.
The mixed dorm
The private rooms are beautifully designed with lots of wooden shelfs and fixtures, giving the space a rustic and calming feel. The beds and linens in both the dorms and privates are excellent as well.
Rustic private rooms
Dorms go for 12-15$/night and a private room will cost you 40$. While these prices are somewhat steep for Nepal, as my Japanese grandmother always says, “What you get, what you pay.” And at Yakety Yak Hostel what you get is comfort, convenience cleanliness, and ultimately a restful slumber. To me, it’s worth the extra cost.
Ps. Shower pressure strong enough to blow the socks off Sienfield’s Kramer. Best shower in town!
The Common Area & Bar (5 Stars)
One of the main reasons why I stay at hostels these days is to socialize with other travelers. Yakety Yak’s common area makes socializing easy. There’s a long bar with decent priced beers. Right next to that is huge chill out area, with cushions all around. It’s perfect for watching TV or even doing Karaoke. Finally, theres a massive patio overlooking the courtyard.
Chill out heaven
Big comfy leather chairs all over the hostel
Pine topped bar
The patio
The Location (5 Stars)
Yakety Yak is located just off of Amrit Marg road. It’s about a 5 minute walk to anywhere worth going in Thamel. More than it’s central location, what really makes this hostel stand out is the quiet and lush complex it resides in.
Go one floor down and you’ll find Karma Coffee, a cozy joint with coffee that won’t disappoint even the most hardcore Swedish coffee addict. It’s the perfect place to both socialize and write. In fact, I’m writing this here now!
Best coffee and cafe atmosphere in Thamel
Head another floor down to the garden dining area of Melrose Restaurant for a chicken Cordon bleu or Mezze platter. This restaurant is a serious gem, especially if you’re after proper western fare at really reasonable prices.
Perfectly cooked grilled Norwegian salmon, 1200 rupees
Need a supermarket, bike rental, or ATM? It’s all right downstairs!
And if you’re craving proper pizza, well that’s just 2 blocks away. If you want to go swimming in a rooftop infinity pool, just another 2 blocks away at Hotel Mulberry.
In terms of convenience, Yakety Yak can’t be beat.
The Staff
The owner/manager is a friendly guy named Girish who lived in New York City for 13 years. His English is perfect, and he’s dedicated to helping everyone feel at home and have fun. He’s definitely your insider guide to all things Thamel and Nepal.
Overall, the staff is super friendly, courteous, mostly English speaking, and the epitome of Nepali hospitality.
Nepali-New Yorker Girish in the white
The Verdict
Yakety Yak Hostel is for people who want the comfort and cleanliness of a high end hotel but also want to meet some awesome likeminded travelers. It’s for people who appreciate soothing interior design, above par coffee and food, and a quiet place to escape the bustle of Kathmandu. After 10 years and dozens of hostels in Thamel, I’ve finally found my new base in Nepal, Yakety Yak…don’t talk back!
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