In 1970, a young forestry officer made a decision that would reshape Nepal’s tourism landscape forever. Karna Shakya resigned from his secure government position to open a modest guest house in Thamel, Kathmandu – a move that seemed risky at the time but would establish him as the father of Nepal’s modern hospitality industry. Today, his Kathmandu Guest House stands as an iconic landmark, and his name is synonymous with responsible tourism and environmental stewardship across the Himalayan nation.
Karna Shakya is a prominent Nepali environmentalist, conservationist, hotel entrepreneur, writer, and philanthropist, widely recognized for establishing Kathmandu Guest House and pioneering sustainable tourism practices across Nepal. His remarkable career spans over five decades, during which he has skillfully combined business success with environmental advocacy, making him one of Nepal’s most respected business leaders and conservationists.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Karna Shakya |
| Born (Age) | April 2, 1943 (82 years old as of 2025) |
| Nationality | Nepali |
| Birthplace | Kathmandu, Bagmati Province, Nepal |
| Occupation | Environmentalist, Conservationist, Hotel Entrepreneur, Writer, Philanthropist |
| Active Years | 1967 – Present (Tourism industry from 1970) |
| Notable For | Founding Kathmandu Guest House, KGH Group, environmental conservation efforts, authorship of Soch |
| Children | Sunil Sakya, Trishagni Sakya, Rajan Sakya, Susan Sakya Bajracharya |
| Late Spouse | Sushila Sakya (passed away in 1987) |
| Education | Indian Forest College, Dehradun |
| Key Organizations | KGH Group of Hotels, Resorts & Spa |
| Famous Books | Soch, Khoj, Moj, Kosh, Ma Sakchhu |
| Awards | Suprabal Gorkha Dakshin Bahu (1998), Prakhat Trishakti Patta (1988), NEFTA Film Award 2069, National Film Award 2068 |
Early Life and Educational Foundation in Nepal
Karna Shakya was born on April 2, 1943, in Kathmandu, during a time when Nepal was just beginning to open its doors to the outside world. Growing up in the bustling capital of Bagmati Province, he witnessed firsthand the country’s gradual transformation from an isolated Himalayan kingdom to a nation eager to embrace modernity while preserving its rich cultural heritage.
His early fascination with nature and wildlife led him to pursue higher education in forestry. Shakya completed his postgraduate degree in Forestry from the Indian Forest College, Dehradun, in 1967, specializing in wildlife conservation and forest management. This academic foundation would prove instrumental in shaping his later environmental advocacy and sustainable business practices throughout Nepal.
The young Shakya also received specialized conservation training in Australia, Canada, and the USA, exposing him to international best practices in environmental protection and sustainable development. These experiences abroad gave him a global perspective that he would later apply to Nepal’s emerging tourism sector, setting him apart from other entrepreneurs of his generation.
From Wildlife Officer to Tourism Visionary
Shakya began his professional career as a wildlife officer with the Government of Nepal, where he played a crucial role in the establishment of the country’s first national park, Chitwan National Park. His work included surveying and demarcating the park’s boundaries, demonstrating his commitment to protecting Nepal’s unique biodiversity and natural heritage.
However, by 1970, Shakya recognized an emerging opportunity in Nepal’s nascent tourism industry. The decision to resign from his secure government position and venture into hospitality represented a calculated risk that would ultimately revolutionize how international travelers experienced Nepal. This transition marked him as a successor to early tourism pioneers like Boris Lissanevitch, who had first introduced Nepal to international hospitality.
In 1968, while still a government officer, Shakya and his brother opened the initial 7-room Kathmandu Guest House in Thamel. After resigning from his post in 1970 to fully dedicate himself to tourism, he began expanding the guest house, a move that was instrumental in transforming the quiet residential area into Nepal’s most famous tourist district. The timing was perfect – as Nepal began welcoming more international visitors, particularly trekkers and cultural tourists, Kathmandu Guest House became their preferred base in the capital.
The success of Kathmandu Guest House was not accidental. Shakya understood that international travelers sought authentic experiences combined with reliable comfort. His establishment offered both, featuring traditional Nepali architecture and hospitality while maintaining international standards of cleanliness and service.
Building the KGH Empire and Literary Success
The KGH Group of Hotels, Resorts & Spa, founded by Shakya, expanded beyond Kathmandu to include eco-friendly hotels in major tourist destinations across Nepal, including Pokhara, Chitwan, and Lumbini. Key properties include the Maruni Sanctuary Lodge in Chitwan, the Buddha Maya Gardens Hotel in Lumbini, and the Waterfront Resort and Himalayan Front Hotel in Pokhara. Each property was designed with environmental sustainability in mind, reflecting Shakya’s deep-rooted commitment to conservation and establishing him as an early advocate for eco-friendly hotel chain ownership in South Asia.
Park Village Resort in Budhanilkantha stands as one of Shakya’s most ambitious projects, combining luxury accommodation with environmental responsibility. The resort, located in the serene valley north of Kathmandu, showcases how tourism development can coexist harmoniously with nature conservation, featuring extensive gardens, sustainable practices, and minimal environmental impact.
Beyond hospitality, Shakya emerged as a prolific author whose books have inspired generations of Nepali readers. His most famous work, Soch (Thought), first published around 2004, became a bestseller in Nepal, offering insights into positive thinking, personal development, and entrepreneurship. The book Soch was authored by Karna Shakya and has sold thousands of copies across Nepal and among the Nepali diaspora.
His other notable works include Khoj (Search), which explores environmental consciousness and personal discovery, Moj (Joy), Kosh (Treasury), and Ma Sakchhu (I Can). These publications established him not just as a successful entrepreneur but as a thought leader bridging business acumen with environmental activism.
Shakya’s literary talents extended beyond self-help books into creative writing and filmmaking. He received the NEFTA Film Award 2069 (Best Story) and National Film Award 2068 (Best Writer) for his work on the film “Pal,” demonstrating his versatility as a creative storyteller within Nepal’s cultural landscape.
Recognition and Leadership in Nepal’s Tourism Industry
Shakya served as National Coordinator for “Visit Nepal Year 1998”, a government initiative aimed at promoting Nepal as a premier tourist destination. His involvement in this campaign demonstrated his commitment to developing Nepal’s tourism industry at the national level, beyond his own business interests. This role solidified his reputation as the father of tourism industry Nepal.
His contributions to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation have earned him recognition as a South Asian Travel Award winner, acknowledging his innovative approach to balancing economic development with ecological preservation. Shakya’s work in Nepal conservation philanthropy extends beyond his business ventures to include support for various environmental and community initiatives throughout the country.
As an environmental conservationist Nepal has produced few leaders as influential as Shakya, whose approach to business consistently prioritizes ecological responsibility. His hotels serve as models for sustainable tourism practices, incorporating renewable energy, waste reduction, and local community engagement.
Personal Life and Family Legacy
Karna Shakya’s family includes four children: Sunil Sakya, Trishagni Sakya, Rajan Sakya, and Susan Sakya Bajracharya. His sons Sunil and Rajan have followed in their father’s footsteps, taking active roles in the family business and continuing the legacy of responsible tourism development in Nepal.
Shakya was married to Sushila Sakya, who passed away in 1987, and their partnership during the early years of Kathmandu Guest House was instrumental in establishing the business. The couple worked together to create the warm, welcoming atmosphere that became the guest house’s trademark and helped establish Thamel as the heart of Kathmandu’s tourism district.
A defining aspect of Shakya’s philanthropy was his national campaign for cancer awareness, born from personal tragedy after losing his wife to the disease in 1987. He was instrumental in establishing the B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Bharatpur, notably proposing and campaigning for a one-paisa tax on every cigarette sold in Nepal to help fund its construction. This initiative demonstrated his ability to channel personal loss into meaningful social change that benefits all Nepali citizens.
In Nepali society, Shakya is widely respected not just for his business acumen but for his philosophy of giving back to the community. His approach to business emphasizes social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and the development of local communities through sustainable tourism practices.
Current Influence and Environmental Advocacy
At 82 years old, Karna Shakya remains actively involved in the KGH Group’s operations while focusing increasingly on mentorship and environmental advocacy. His current role emphasizes strategic guidance rather than day-to-day management, allowing his children to take greater responsibility for the business while maintaining the founding principles of sustainability and community engagement.
Shakya continues to be a sought-after speaker at conferences and events related to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation in Nepal. His insights into balancing economic development with environmental protection remain highly relevant as Nepal seeks to expand its tourism industry responsibly while addressing challenges posed by climate change.
His ongoing writing projects focus on sharing lessons learned from decades of experience in hospitality and conservation. These contributions help educate new generations of entrepreneurs about sustainable business practices and environmental stewardship within the unique context of Nepal’s developing economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is the author of Soch? A: Karna Shakya is the author of the popular Nepali book Soch.
Q: How old is Karna Shakya? A: As of 2025, Karna Shakya is 82 years old, born on April 2, 1943.
Q: What are Karna Shakya’s most famous hotels? A: Karna Shakya is famously associated with Kathmandu Guest House and Park Village Resort in Budhanilkantha.
Q: Who are Karna Shakya’s children? A: Karna Shakya’s children are Sunil Sakya, Rajan Sakya, Trishagni Sakya, and Susan Sakya Bajracharya.
Q: What is Karna Shakya known for besides hotels? A: Besides hotels, Karna Shakya is known for his bestselling books like Soch and Khoj, his pioneering environmental conservation work in Nepal, and his award-winning film writing.
Q: Is Karna Shakya considered the father of tourism in Nepal? A: Karna Shakya is widely recognized as a pioneer and has been credited as the “father of modern tourism” in Nepal for his significant contributions to the industry.
Q: What awards has Karna Shakya received? A: Karna Shakya has received the NEFTA Film Award 2069 (Best Story) and National Film Award 2068 (Best Writer) for his film “Pal,” along with recognition as a South Asian Travel Award winner.
Legacy and Enduring Impact on Nepal
Karna Shakya’s impact on Nepal extends far beyond the hospitality industry. His integrated approach to business success and environmental stewardship established a model that many subsequent entrepreneurs have sought to emulate. The success of Kathmandu Guest House helped establish Thamel as Nepal’s premier tourist district, creating thousands of jobs and generating significant revenue for the local economy.
His books, particularly Soch, continue to influence Nepali readers across generations, promoting values of positive thinking, personal responsibility, and environmental consciousness. These publications have contributed to a broader cultural conversation about sustainable development and individual empowerment in Nepal, cementing his status as both a businessman and intellectual leader.
The environmental conservation principles that Shakya championed in the 1970s have proven remarkably prescient as Nepal faces increasing challenges from climate change and environmental degradation. His early advocacy for sustainable tourism practices helps position Nepal as a leader in responsible travel within the South Asian region.
Karna Shakya’s life story represents the best of Nepali entrepreneurship – combining business innovation with social responsibility, international outlook with deep cultural roots, and economic success with environmental stewardship. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of Nepali business leaders who seek to create positive change while building successful enterprises.
As documented in The Kathmandu Post and other reputable Nepali media outlets, Shakya’s work demonstrates that business success and environmental protection are not competing goals but complementary aspects of truly sustainable development. His example provides a roadmap for Nepal’s future development that honors the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage while embracing the opportunities of an interconnected world.
