Unofficially named by Sir Edmund Hillary, this historic guesthouse was a firm favourite of the legendary explorer and, to this day, still attracts adventurers from far and wide.
Situated in the quaint village of Phaplu, in northeast Nepal, Happy House is located far off the traditional tourist path and promises an authentic cultural experience. The house was built by Count Guido Monzino, who led the first Italian expedition to summit Everest in 1973.
Monzino’s expedition to Everest was extravagant to say the very least. It took a team of 6,000 porters to carry the Count’s fine wines, silver cutlery, gambling tables and leather sofas high into the Himalaya. Today some of these items can be seen at The Happy House.
Here, you can expect a wonderful selection of treks and cultural excursions. The area itself is historically and spiritually significant, and the guesthouse acts as gateway to famed attractions such as the Chiwong monastery, Phaplu hospital, the village of Chyalsa.
What we love about Happy House
- Ask your host about Sir Edmund Hillary’s favourite viewpoint – where on a clear day you can see most (if not all) of the 8,000-metre peaks.
- Nearby, Guru Rinpoche meditated on a rock on his way to Tibet. Ask your hosts about the cave that features his palm print.