The Happy House in Phaplu, Nepal

The Happy House

Phaplu, Nepal

Overview

High in the Himalayas, The Happy House is a beautifully restored Sherpa home, offering a window into community life in the mountains, shaped over generations. With thoughtful simplicity, and a focus on local connection rather than formality, it provides a grounded base for exploring the region and spending time with the people who know it best.  

Key Features

  • Owned and run by a Sherpa family whose roots in the region span generations, The Happy House features ten uniquely designed bedrooms, characterful terraces, a yoga and meditation center, and a cozy treatment room. Well suited for exclusive use for bigger groups, each stay is shaped entirely by local knowledge and genuine Himalayan hospitality
  • Positioned on a quiet ridge above Phaplu, the house offers uninterrupted views across the Solu Khumbu region, home to some of the Himalayas most impressive mountains
  • Spend time with local families, visit monasteries and learn about Sherpa traditions through meaningful encounters that provide a deeper understanding of community life in the Himalayas
  • From scenic Mount Everest helicopter tours to mountain biking adventures and access to some of the best hiking trails in the world, The Happy House offers a wide range of experiences that bring the surrounding landscape to life
Interior decor in the Happy House Nepal
Colourful flags lining the patch up to the Happy house in Nepal

Location

Set in the peaceful Himalayan village of Phaplu in the Solu Khumbu region, The Happy House appears as if by magic amidst the towering pine forest and crisp mountain air. Here, stunning views stretch across the valley towards distant Himalayan peaks, creating a sense of deep calm and connection with the land. Far from the bustle, this is a place where traditional Sherpa life continues at its own rhythm and guests are welcomed with genuine hospitality.

DESIGN

The Happy House reflects generations of Sherpa heritage and is designed as a warm family home, rather than a conventional lodge. The original stone structure has been restored with great care, retaining thick walls, carved wooden features and hand-painted Thangka art that brings a sense of Himalayan spirituality into each of the ten individually designed bedrooms. Soft candlelight and open fireplaces create an inviting atmosphere, while furnishings blend local character with understated comfort. Communal areas, including a cozy library and quiet meditation spaces, are intended for unhurried moments of connection with family or fellow travelers. Outside, a characterful garden reflects a reverence for nature and colorful prayer flags flutter in the breeze.

Himalayan mountain range camp in Nepal

Activities

A stay at The Happy House is shaped around experiences that foster both discovery and connection with the Sherpa community. Guests can explore ancient forest trails, walk traditional mountain routes once used by yak caravans or visit remote monasteries that have long anchored spiritual life in the region. Those seeking restoration can join sunrise yoga, guided meditation or Tibetan bowl sound healing in serene surroundings. Encounters with local families, visits to village homes and time spent learning about Sherpa traditions offer a rare chance to understand life in the Himalayas from within. Meals are prepared with local and homegrown produce, and local chefs welcome all guests to get hands-on in the kitchen, encouraging an atmosphere of shared experience.

Sustainability

The Happy House is closely tied to the Sherpa family who own and run it, and every stay directly supports their local community. Employment, training and leadership opportunities are offered to people from nearby villages, ensuring that economic benefits remain within the region. A portion of each stay contributes to education, healthcare and agricultural initiatives that strengthen village life. Much of the food is sourced from local farmers or grown in the property’s organic garden, and waste is managed with a focus on composting and regeneration of the land. By welcoming only a small number of thoughtful travellers, The Happy House helps protect cultural traditions while supporting long-term community resilience.

Happy House colourful room with fireplace in Nepal
Bedroom in the Happy House accommodation Nepal
Breakfast table in the garden of the Happy House Nepal
Wooden bathroom in the happy House in Nepal
Candlelight fire in Nepal
Woman walking outside the Happy House Nepal with a dog
Colourful patterned wall at the Happy House in Nepal
Himalayan mountain view in Nepal
Happy house colourful flags in Nepal

Why we love it

Sir Edmund Hillary, the legendary mountaineer, first discovered The Happy House after establishing a nearby community hospital to support remote valley communities. Over time, the house became a trusted base during his time in the region, a place that reflected the spirit of the landscape he was working to protect and somewhere he returned to time and again. With some of the best mountain views in the Himalayas, this heavenly property certainly lives up to its name.

Looking for more Nepal Inspiration?


We have a vast range of experiences and accommodation options available.

Learn more about our luxury vacations and unique adventures in
Nepal or call our expert team on

+1 800 659 0217