Ambica Shrestha, the founder of Dwarika's Hotel and a prominent advocate for Nepal as a premier high-end tourism destination, passed away at the age of 92 on July 18, 2024. She breathed her last at the Mediciti Hospital in Lalitpur while undergoing treatment for pneumonia and rheumatism. The demise of Shrestha marks the end of an era for Nepal's hospitality and tourism industry. 

Born in Sikkim, India in February 1933, Shrestha demonstrated an unwavering dedication to heritage conservation, women's empowerment, and the development of tourism sector in Nepal. After completing her high school from St. Joseph’s Convent in Kalimpong, India, she spent two years teaching at the convent before tying knot with Dwarika Das Shrestha, an entrepreneur and photographer from Kathmandu, in 1955. Together, they established Dwarika’s Heritage Hotel, a renowned landmark that seamlessly combined traditional Newari architecture with exceptional hospitality.

After the foundation of Dwarika's, Nepal’s first boutique hotel, alongside her husband, Shrestha became an inspiration for those looking to establish boutique hotels in the country. Since its inception in 1972, Dwarika’s Hotel has been a testament to how cultural restoration and tourism can harmonize, preserving historical artifacts while fostering a thriving cultural industry. Shrestha and her husband's role in developing Dwarika’s Hotel, which began as Dwarika’s Village Hotel, was crucial in preserving Nepal’s rich architectural heritage. The hotel, known for its intricate wood carvings and antique art, became a symbol of high-end heritage tourism. The original 10-room hotel has now been transformed into an 80-room property and later opened the Dwarika’s Resort in Dhulikhel, Kavre, blending nature and culture into a luxurious retreat. Today, Dwarika’s is synonymous with boutique-style hotels in Nepal. Dwarika’s is not just a hotel; it is a heritage site showcasing Nepali art and culture to the world. Even distinguished visitors staying at other five-star hotels in Kathmandu often visit Battisputali to experience the refined cuisine that embodies Dwarika’s elegance. Over her five decades of dedication to the hospitality industry, Shrestha remained a steadfast advocate for environmental sustainability and cultural preservation. 

Her influence on the tourism sector was profound. For business leaders and entrepreneurs in Nepal’s hotel and tourism industry, Shrestha was a 'role model.' Srijana Rana, former president of the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), regards Shrestha as a role model. Rana admired Shrestha's belief that financial independence and empowerment for women come through entrepreneurship and development. "Even at the age of 92, her activism remained compelling," says Rana.

Deepak Raj Joshi, former CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board describes her contribution to promoting Nepal on the global stage as unparalleled. He praised her for her relentless encouragement to others to persevere and never tire, calling her contribution to preserving heritage through high-quality and environmentally friendly tourism unmatched. 

Shrestha's dedication to her work continued even after overcoming cancer at the age of 80. Her commitment to preserving Nepal's heritage and promoting high-end tourism never waned. Her contributions were not limited to the hospitality sector; she was also actively involved in social work, introducing Nepali art and culture to a global audience through tourism. Shrestha’s impact extended beyond tourism. She was a pioneer in women’s entrepreneurship in Nepal, securing the first bank loans for her hotels, an unprecedented achievement for a Nepali woman at the time. She championed the cause of financial independence of women and her advocacy for women’s rights was evident in her numerous social initiatives. 

She received the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' from New Business Age Pvt Ltd in October 2076 BS, in recognition of her contributions to women’s entrepreneurship. On that occasion, she remarked, "Determination is essential in every job. Given our family and social structures, it is challenging for women to step out and work; hence, family support is crucial." Ambica is survived by two daughters, one of whom, Sangeeta Shrestha, is actively involved in the hospitality sector, continuing her mother's legacy.