On Monday, April 14—coinciding with the Nepali New Year Day—a groundbreaking ceremony was held for Swonigha Resort Pvt. Ltd., an ambitious five-star facility set to rise in Gundu, Suryabinayak Municipality, Bhaktapur.
With an estimated investment of Rs 6 billion, this high-end destination will feature an internationally branded five-star hotel, 60 timeshare villas, and a variety of recreational and cultural centers under a newly introduced Nepali brand: “Swonigha.”
According to the developers, “Swonigha” is derived from the Newari language and refers to the Kathmandu Valley—comprising the three historic cities of Kathmandu (Ya:), Lalitpur (Yala:), and Bhaktapur (Khwopa:).
“This is a fitting name for a project that aims to recreate the traditional fabric of these cities along with their coexisting intangible cultural heritage like performing arts, traditional craftsmanship, food culture and history,” the statement released after the ceremony said. “The proposed site sits on a lap of the beautiful Himalaya Range overseeing a hilltop full of dense forest in front that resembles ‘A Sleeping Buddha Sakyamuni’ with birds eye view of three ancient cities of Ya:, Yala: and Khwopa:.”
Designed as a luxury retreat targeting both Nepali and international visitors, the project aims to be a centre for culture, wellness, spirituality, and nature. It will also serve as a wellness center focused on quality and healthy living.
“With the blessing of Pilot Baba, the project is fortunate to integrate the Pilot Baba Ashram as an essential part in this destination project with the quintessential blend of leisure, spiritual, art/culture, sports and lifestyle hospitality project,” the statement added.
The venture is being executed by Implementing Experts Group (IEG) in joint collaboration with S&JG Holdings (Australia). IEG is represented by Amrit Ratna Shakya and Subarna Krishna Shrestha, who have constructed mega structures such as temples and sattals showcased in international exhibitions for over five decades. They also have investments in properties like Summit Hotel, Airport Hotel, and the upcoming Oasis among others.
Similarly, S&JG Investments Pty Ltd., an Australian-based FDI firm owned by prominent NRNs Shesh Ghale and Jamuna Gurung Ghale, is also backing the project. The Ghales are globally active in the fields of education, real estate, and hospitality, with Shesh Ghale also having served as president of the Non-Resident Nepalese Association (NRNA).
Through their affiliate MIT Group Holdings, S&JG is already developing a luxury five-star hotel in Kantipath, Kathmandu—one of the largest FDIs in Nepal's hospitality sector—which is expected to launch later this year. The group is also exploring tourism-based business ventures outside the Kathmandu Valley and is preparing to enter the energy sector in the near future.
Targeted for completion by November 2027, Swonigha aims to become a comprehensive destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) tourism, international seminars, destination weddings, performing arts, wellness, and adventure activities like rock climbing, hiking, and biking.
Swonigha is envisioned as a future hub for cultural celebration, hospitality excellence, and holistic well-being—setting a new benchmark for luxury travel in Nepal.
