Holidays are what people look forward to, and most tend to spend their weekends somewhere in Kathmandu. Executive Director of the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN), Madhav Om Shrestha opines, “Hotel Entrepreneurs should focus more on domestic tourism creating special packages and prices. We should all keep in mind the internal situation of our country.”
Here are some tips on a few special places to spend your holiday. A 20km ride out of the city takes you to a beautiful spot, with panoramic views of the Annapurnas to Mount Everest. Club Himalaya is the perfect getaway to catch a breathtaking sunrise, but according to Yogendra Shakya, Chairman of Club Himalaya, “Nagarkot is more than just sunrise, sunset and Himalaya. It is not only the best place to have your holiday or even a business meeting, but also to create a good first impression when you have guests arriving for the first time.” Club Himalaya offers a peaceful atmosphere and comfortable accommodation at affordable prices. Children’s playground and village walks are some of the additional attractions of the resort.
Towards the north east of Kathmandu, another wonderful getaway, Le Meridien lies within 470 acres of the ancient Gokarna Forest. The resort houses the famous ‘Harmony Spa’ which offers massage rooms, a beauty treatment center, an indoor heated swimming pool, a gymnasium, a sauna, steam room, and a jacuzzi. A delight for recreational golfers, the resort also organizes an annual golf tournament which is one of the highlights of the professional circuit in the region.
From the isolated splendour of Haatiban Resort, Pharping, another superb getaway, you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Kathmandu valley. Stretch your muscles on the marvellous excursions around Haatiban resort and indulge in the wild fragrance of the pine trees in the crisp mountain air. It is only 15km out of the city and a scenic 45 minute drive to the pine forest crest. Enjoy the scintillating view of the mountains from your bedroom. The resort comprises nine delightful cottages strung along the ridge with deluxe rooms and 27 standard rooms.
