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Reviews of The Sparkling Turtle Backpackers Hostel

Buddha Park, Swayambhu, 09771 Kathmandu, Nepal

#80 of 427 hotels in Kathmandu

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 21 hostel reviews

9.6

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.7

  • Comfort

    9.5

  • Location

    9.7

  • Facilities

    9.7

  • Staff

    9.9

  • Value for money

    9.9

  • Free Wifi

    9.4

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Showing 1 - 21

  • Reviewed: April 3, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    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

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 18, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Solo traveler
    • 6-Bed Male Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 9 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    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. 🙏🏻

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: March 17, 2025

    9.0
    Confortable friendly stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    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.

    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.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: March 4, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 8 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    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!

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: February 28, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 8 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Wonderful stay, will certainly be back!

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: February 14, 2025

    10
    A wonderful place with wonderful people
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    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. 🙏🇳🇵❤️

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: January 3, 2025

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • King Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The 5* hostel with good quality and very reasonable price. The facility is good. The hostel owner is very nice and helpful.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: December 22, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveler
    • 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I wish they come up with a inhouse small cafe

    Managed well, friendly staff , reached late when restaurants were closed . They provided me with fruits and biscuits .Overall excellent experience.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: December 19, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • King Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Need taxi ride to get to Thamel

    Great, helpful and supportive owner. Very good breakfast. Nice view from rooftop terrace

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: December 14, 2024

    10
    Fantastic!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • King Room with Balcony
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    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 !

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: November 5, 2024

    10
    The Best stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    All good

    Super Good

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: September 24, 2024

    10
    💟Unbeatable hospitality, cleanliness and safety💟
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    nothing

    ▫️ 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! 💜💜💜

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: September 22, 2024

    10
    Perfect
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • 6-Bed Male Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing, everything was perfect !

    Ajeet is a wonderful host, always here to help, the location is very nice and the rooms are very clean !

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: July 27, 2024

    10
    Best bathroom of the whole month Super clean and comfortable
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    All was super good

    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

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: June 17, 2024

    9.0
    I liked my stay here and recommend the Sparkling turtle to everybody
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveler
    • 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    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.

    The personnel is very nice always ready to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: June 12, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveler
    • 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    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.

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: June 12, 2024

    10
    Very good hostel
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveler
    • 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    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.

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: June 11, 2024

    10
    Amazing stay, excellent communication with owner, safe area
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • 6-Bed Male Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 12 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    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.

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: September 27, 2024

    5.0
    I stayed there for 2 nights.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Place was good

    Food was good

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: May 14, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    There are no comments available for this review

    Stayed in May 2024

Showing 1 - 21

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