Remembering Michelle Pradhan and the Courtyard Hotel, Kathmandu

Nepal has brought many wonderful memories, but it is also the place that perhaps more than anywhere has reminded me of the fragile nature of life and that all things are transitory.

This was brought home to me last month when I was shocked and saddened to learn of the early death of Michelle Pradhan.

Many visitors to Kathmandu will fondly remember Michelle and Pujan, the welcoming proprietors of the Courtyard Hotel, a tranquil palace tucked away among the bustle of Thamel, the tourist heart of Kathmandu.

Michelle enjoying some Italian vino bianco during a visit to Rome (Photo: Edita Horrell)
Michelle enjoying some Italian vino bianco during a visit to Rome (Photo: Edita Horrell)

The hotel was what is commonly described as ‘boutique’ – small, low key, but high quality, with only around 20 rooms on four levels arranged around a front courtyard. It felt like staying in a Newar palace. Every room was different, but all of them seemed to have intricate wood carvings and eclectic furniture.

The focal point was the outdoor courtyard – that was the place where everyone seemed to gather – but there was also a large reception area, a breakfast room, and a small bar and lounge-cum-library off to the side where we would retreat if it was too cold or wet to sit outside.

These were just the rooms, but Michelle and Pujan were just as much a part of the character as the hotel itself. They met in Seattle, Michelle’s family home, during a brief period when Pujan, a Nepali, was living in the US and working in the fashion industry. Perhaps it was my imagination, but this may be one of the reasons why Pujan seemed to speak perfect English in a slightly camp American accent.

They were married and moved to Kathmandu to take over the running of the Courtyard Hotel in a building that belonged to Pujan’s family. Their style was unique, and they complemented each other in a way that made the Courtyard by far the friendliest hotel I have ever stayed in.

Michelle was the hostess, who chatted with her potential customers and vetted them by email before allowing them a room. If someone didn’t feel quite right, too pushy or demanding, she would say they were fully booked. But if you were lucky enough to have stayed there before, then there were no questions asked.

The exterior and entrance to the Courtyard Hotel, as we remember it (Photo: Michelle Pradhan)
The exterior and entrance to the Courtyard Hotel, as we remember it (Photo: Michelle Pradhan)

You would often find Michelle relaxing in the courtyard with her laptop. She would make a point of getting to know her guests personally, treating them like family and introducing them to each other. The hotel had many repeat guests; we would all go back again and again. We became her friends. I even have a handful of friends on Facebook whom I met in the Courtyard, and have little else in common with other than shared memories of a place we once stayed.

Meanwhile, Pujan was the fixer, and the one who would keep things running behind the scenes. He was a great cook who made some famous steaks, right up there with the Everest Steak House as the best in Kathmandu. Occasionally he would relax and sit down with the guests, playing the court jester with his rapier-like banter.

Finally there was Tibby the dog, Michelle’s hirsute canine, who would usually be sleeping on the best chair in the courtyard. Occasionally Tibby would hide under the tables; you would have to be careful when standing up in case you received a nip on the ankles. There aren’t many of us who stayed in the Courtyard regularly who hadn’t been bitten by Tibby at some point; it was a mark of acceptance.

I first came to know Michelle and the Courtyard Hotel in 2008 through my erstwhile trekking and climbing partner Mark Dickson. Mark liked to party, and we would often find ourselves in Sam’s Bar at closing time, wondering what to do next.

‘Let’s go to the Courtyard,’ Mark would say. He had been a previous guest, so felt entitled to invite himself over.

The Courtyard was about a three-minute walk from Sam’s Bar, so it was a good solution. Michelle would always be there, sitting outside with her laptop and glass of white wine. She was always welcoming, and never begrudging of the pair of drunks who were staying in another hotel, and had turned up in search of a late drink.

Michelle finds a little piece of Kathmandu during a visit to Rome (Photo: Edita Horrell)
Michelle finds a little piece of Kathmandu during a visit to Rome (Photo: Edita Horrell)

‘Nice to see you. Help yourself to beers from the fridge,’ she would say.

So we did. And sat outside for another hour, drinking beer and chatting to Michelle. This happened several times, over two or three treks in different years.

It wasn’t until 2011 that I actually stayed in the Courtyard Hotel. With so few rooms and no opportunity to vet her guests, Michelle didn’t allow group bookings by travel and trekking companies. But she made an exception for the mountaineering operator Altitude Junkies, owned by her close friends Phil and Trish Crampton.

In the autumn season of 2011, I climbed Manaslu with Altitude Junkies. We stayed in the Courtyard Hotel, and on the eve of our expedition Mark Dickson emerged for breakfast with a large scar on his forehead. Neither Mark nor anyone else knew how he had acquired the scar, but as we had been out in Thamel the night before, we assumed it must be alcohol-related.

In 2012, Mark and I climbed Everest with Altitude Junkies, and again we stayed in the Courtyard Hotel. Again, Mark emerged for breakfast with a scar on his forehead and nobody knew how he had acquired it. We assumed it must be alcohol-related. We stayed in the Courtyard Hotel again after we returned from that expedition. Mark went out celebrating, and later that evening he awoke in the middle of the night on the bathroom floor. His forehead was bleeding, and as he slowly came to his senses, a picture emerged.

Mark always stayed in the same room in the wing above the bar when he visited the Courtyard Hotel. The room had a small step about an inch high on the way into the bathroom. You had to be careful entering the bathroom, because if you tripped over this step, there was a high chance you could fall over and bang your head on the toilet bowl directly in front of you. Mark found this out the hard way, but at least the mystery was solved.

These were happy times, but alas the Courtyard slowly faded away. It started in 2014. We stayed there for many days in the spring, when our Everest and Lhotse expeditions were cancelled following a strike by Sherpas.

Mark Dickson holds court in the courtyard with Trish Crampton during the old Courtyard Hotel heyday
Mark Dickson holds court in the courtyard with Trish Crampton during the old Courtyard Hotel heyday

But when I stayed there again in the autumn 2014 season, the hotel had changed dramatically. A family feud had caused the hotel to be partitioned in bizarre fashion. Half of it was still owned and run by Michelle and Pujan, but the other half was now owned and run by Pujan’s mother and sister.

Most of the downstairs, including the main courtyard, reception and breakfast room were now owned by mother and sister. We had to pass through reception in awkward fashion to get to our rooms on the third floor.

But the friendly atmosphere of the old courtyard had now been transferred to a second courtyard in the corner, where we also sat, chatted and celebrated just as we had in the old days.

On one occasion, I remember a guest of mother and sister coming into our area to find out why we were having so much fun. She was welcomed by Michelle and Pujan without a grudge, even though she wasn’t their guest. She asked whether it was possible to switch sides, and move into Michelle and Pujan’s half of the hotel instead. I don’t know whether this happened, but I can’t imagine it would have helped with the feud.

The Courtyard suffered further damage in the Nepal earthquake of 2015. Edita stayed there for several weeks when she was based in Kathmandu working on the disaster response. By now the walls of the hotel were crumbling as the aftershocks continued. Edita slept in her room, but many guests, as well as Michelle and Pujan, slept outside in the courtyard, fearing another quake during the night.

The hotel never recovered. When Edita and I stayed there during our Langtang trip in 2017, we were shocked at the state of it. We knew that it was no longer a working hotel, but rooms were lying empty and Michelle and Pujan were our friends. We wanted to show our support.

It was like a haunted house. Everything, both structure and furnishings, seemed to be crumbling. The chairs and benches in the second courtyard area, which used to be party land, had now been taken over by a number of stray dogs that Michelle had decided to take in and look after.

Phil Crampton holding an Altitude Junkies expedition briefing in the second courtyard of the Courtyard Hotel (Photo: Ricardo Peña)
Phil Crampton holding an Altitude Junkies expedition briefing in the second courtyard of the Courtyard Hotel (Photo: Ricardo Peña)

Despite the changed circumstances, Michelle and Pujan were optimistic and full of plans. Pujan, had just had a Hindu star chart done, and it had been very positive. It looked like they were about to reach an agreement with his mother for his share of the hotel. They were going to sell up and start another hotel project elsewhere.

We took them out for a meal at the Blueberry Café, and we even enticed Michelle down to Sam’s Bar for a drink, the only time I had ever seen her down there.

But the feud was still ongoing. Ten minutes before I was due to leave the hotel to catch my flight back to Rome, there was a knock on my door. I opened it to find Pujan’s brother-in-law and four or five police officers.

This isn’t a hotel; I shouldn’t be staying here. It’s no problem; we’re just friends. I wasn’t angry; I could see the funny side. When I told Pujan about the incident as we were bidding goodbye, he also saw the humour.

Later that year, Michelle came to visit Edita and me in Rome to coincide with a family holiday. I believe it was the first time she had left Kathmandu in many years. She had lost a lot of weight by then. Outwardly she was as cheerful and optimistic as ever. We were both working, so unable to entertain her as much as we would have liked. The sights of Rome were on our doorstep, but she seemed content to spend her days in the peaceful garden we had there, which felt like the countryside.

Pujan and Michelle with myself and Edita enjoying a meal at the Blueberry Café in Kathmandu (Photo: Edita Horrell)
Pujan and Michelle with myself and Edita enjoying a meal at the Blueberry Café in Kathmandu (Photo: Edita Horrell)

A year later, we were back in Kathmandu. We learned that Michelle had gone to Sri Lanka. She and Pujan had split up, but were still close.

It had been clear to us that Michelle was going through difficult times and was putting a brave face on it, but we didn’t suspect the truth – that she was in the later stages of lung cancer. It was possible that she didn’t know herself.

It came as a complete shock to learn that she had passed away on 25 April, the anniversary of the Nepal earthquake. I don’t ever remember her smoking a cigarette, but the polluted atmosphere of Kathmandu can’t have been a healthy place to spend all her days.

Our thoughts are with Pujan and her family – her father and sister whom we met when they came to Rome. She was back in Seattle with them when she died. I know it’s not much, but this will be some comfort, as will the memory of those few happy years when the Courtyard Hotel was enjoying its prime. They were happy times indeed and we remember them fondly.

To receive email notifications of my blog posts about mountains and occasional info about new releases, join my mailing list and get a free ebook.
Note: I get a very small referral fee if you buy a book after clicking on an Amazon link.

17 thoughts on “Remembering Michelle Pradhan and the Courtyard Hotel, Kathmandu

  • May 22, 2019 at 6:23 pm
    Permalink

    How sweet. Thank you for this.

  • May 22, 2019 at 6:49 pm
    Permalink

    Such a shock. I also stayed there a few times and was treated like a King. Thank you Mark for a fine tribute.

  • May 23, 2019 at 6:28 am
    Permalink

    Mark, thank you so much for sharing your memories and thoughts of our dear Michelle and her beautiful oasis in Kathmandu. She will be deeply missed. Her memory can help to remind us to open our heart to strangers at the right time and find lifelong friends, as Michelle did so easily.

  • May 23, 2019 at 9:26 pm
    Permalink

    Mark Thank you so very much for this. It is such a wonderful tribute to our dear Michelle. Your writing skills certainly captured the essence of her time at the Courtyard. She was loved by people all over the world as evidenced by the outpouring of sentiments received by her family. Thank you again and I’m asking if we might share your thoughts to her many friends? Also we would like to use your piece at her memorial if you have no objection. My best to you and Edita. Bill

  • May 24, 2019 at 7:18 am
    Permalink

    Hi Bill, yes of course you may use it. I’m happy that you appreciated it. Sorry, we can’t make it to the memorial, but our thoughts will be with all of you.

  • May 25, 2019 at 10:11 am
    Permalink

    What a wonderful tribute to your friend and the marvellous place that she and Pujan made. I’m sorry for everyone who will be missing Michelle.

  • May 27, 2019 at 5:25 pm
    Permalink

    So terribly sorry to read the sad news about Michelle. I was fortunate to be a guest at the Courtyard in 2012 when I accompanied my nephew to KTM where he did reasearch toward his PhD. Your thoughtful words brought back wonderful memories of our stay at the Courtyard, Michelle and Pujan, fantastic meals, and the fascinating people we met from all over the world. Michelle had a special gift for bringing people together and making everyone feel welcome. She will be missed.

  • June 8, 2019 at 4:57 am
    Permalink

    Beautiful tribute and thank you so much for taking the time to provide your experiences will Michelle (and Pujan). I stayed at the Courtyard in 2008 and their hospitality was truly a highlight of my trip. I am so sad to hear the news and wish the best for Pujan and all of the families.

  • June 9, 2019 at 1:45 am
    Permalink

    Thanks Mark for your wonderful tribute. I too stayed many times at the courtyard and I’m pretty sure we met there. For me too the place was special and what Michelle and Pujan created at the beginning was genius, I’ve never since stayed anywhere quite like it – late nights chatting with Michelle and guests, endless white wine, help yourself to the bar, lasting friendships forged and being attacked by hotel dog was totally unique! My husband, my children, my sister and nephew were all introduced to the courtyard too and met and knew Michelle. We once got stuck in Kathmandu during the Icelandic ash cloud saga, Michelle and Pujan put us all up for weeks, no bother, no drama and I’m pretty sure didn’t charge us! I’m currently in Kathmandu as I write. It’s not the same for me here without Michelle and the Courtyard as it was and the Courtyard can never be the same without Michelle. I’ve seen it unravel over the past years, I captured a glimpse of Michelle during that time. She didn’t deserve any of this. She was quite simply brilliant. Thank you Mark for telling it so well and accurately.

  • June 13, 2019 at 2:20 pm
    Permalink

    Thank you, thank you, thank you for writing this. I stayed at the Courtyard in 2016, after it had gone downhill, but I still felt much of the magic that must have been there in earlier years.

    Mourning the loss of Michelle and the Courtyard.

  • August 10, 2019 at 5:24 am
    Permalink

    I have ever stayed the hotel in 2008 with my wife, recall Pujan gave us quite number of vodka shots at the cosy bar next to the hotel bldg, now me and my wife are flying to Kathmandu after 11 years, checked on the courtyard hotel, could not find but this story. Thank you for al great story as well as what’s have happened…

  • August 14, 2019 at 12:49 pm
    Permalink

    We are returning to Kathmandu a decade after we were last there. I was looking forward to going back to the Courtyard as it was such a wonderful place, a quiet haven in all the fantastic madness and a place where you were treated like long lost friends. I still remember Michelle and Pujan orgainising all of the the guests for nights out and following Pujan through the backstreets to emerge in the most wonderful restaurants where all of the guests mingled and talked as if we had known each other for years. For a pair of reserved Brits it was a sight to behold but one which we thoroughly enjoyed. I am very sad to hear of all of that has happened. They were a remarkable couple. Thank you to both for the memories

  • October 11, 2019 at 8:53 pm
    Permalink

    I stayed many times when I was doing business in Bhutan. Great memories. I was very sad to discover the news.

  • December 12, 2019 at 3:00 pm
    Permalink

    I was staying at the Courtyard for nearly a month in Jan 2012 and was lucky enough that another guest (who became a friend) forwarded this to me.
    Thank you so much for sharing. Such a lovely tribute to a beautiful person and couple who managed to create literally the best atmosphere of any hotel I’ve ever been to.

  • January 5, 2020 at 2:58 am
    Permalink

    Great post Mark. You truly summed up the amazing hospitality that Michelle and Pujan gave to all their guests and friends.
    I first met them over 10 years ago on my first trip to Nepal and returned many times. As I live in Dubai only a few hours away I sometimes used to ‘pop’ over for a few days just to sit and chat in the courtyard.
    I’m returning on the 25th of January for a few days as they will be celebrating her life with the return of her Ashes. I’ll raise a glass or two for absent friends who knew her but couldn’t be there.
    Regards
    Andy T

  • January 8, 2020 at 4:46 am
    Permalink

    Wow, Im a bit late and this is a shock. I too was introduced by Phil to the Courtyard and have the most fondest memories of the place. I’m pretty sure I will never experience anything like the courtyard again. Michelle was absolutely lovely and Pujan a riot. I loved the melting pot they created and had the best times of my life chatting away in the courtyard between Tibby’s bites. I also loved their library

    I remember fondly that Michelle called us ‘lollipop heads’ after we came back from expeditions…stick like figures with red heads.

    I’ll miss Michelle, she and Pujan created something incredibly unique.

  • January 25, 2023 at 10:34 am
    Permalink

    Thank you for sharing this. I stayed at the Courtyard in 2013 and it was an oasis in the noise of the city. I remember all the potted marigolds in the courtyard, and Michelle often sitting under the bougainvillea (?). We were also fortunate to see a photography presentation there by Chris Beall. I knew it had closed due to family trouble, so was disappointed to not stay there on a subsequent trip to Nepal. But I had always hoped things would be worked through, and had been googling every now and again to see what came of it. It is sad that that time has now truly passed.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published, but it will be stored. Please see the privacy statement for more information. Required fields are marked *

Lively discussion is welcome, but if you think your comment might offend, please read the commenting guidelines before posting.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.