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With the getaway culture picking pace in Kathmandu, the hotel and resort business is booming and how! There is a resort, two or more on every hilltop around the valley, the search engines are filled with recommendations, and you are spoiled for choice. It isn’t easy to make a pick when the list of options is endless, is it? The next time you are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the valley, consider this list of five resorts that are surrounded by the woods and offer a front-row seat for a mountain viewing.

1. Haatiban Himalayan Height Resort

Located on the outskirts of the valley, near Pharping, Haatiban Himalayan Height Resort has for years been a sought-after destination for an easy weekend getaway, and for good reasons. Nestled in the pine forest of its namesake hill, the resort is a quaint hideaway blending urban comfort with nature. With cozy rooms featuring mountain views, a sprawling garden to laze around in, and an open-air dining affording a stunning view of the Himalayan range and the gorgeous valley, it is the peaceful forest escape you need. Guests can explore popular hiking trails, enjoy spa treatments, dine on global and local flavors and participate in activities like yoga, ATV and mountain biking.

How to get there: From Kathmandu, head towards Dakshinkali. Take the off-road on your right in Bhanjyang. The resort is easily accessible on 4X4 vehicles and motorbikes.

2. Chandragiri Hills Resort

Perched atop Chandragiri Hills, the Chandragiri Hills Resort is a place of luxury, retreat and adventure, all boxed into one. At 2,551 meters, this luxurious resort is accessible via an easy and scenic 10-minute cable car ride. Its vantage point allows absolutely breathtaking views of the Himalayas from the east to the west, and the emerald pines all around. A set of rooms face the mountains and the others face the pine forests. The infinity pool is a highlight in itself and adds to the laid-back vibe that a resort should have. Guests can enjoy hiking nature trails, participate in adventure activities such as wall-climbing and zip-lining, fine dine under the stars and more. The amenities, location, and the overall setting of the resort also makes it an excellent option for a destination wedding in Kathmandu.

How to get there: From Kathmandu, get to the Bottom Station of Chandragiri Hills at Matatirtha via private or public transportation. A 10-minute cable car ride later you will reach the Top Station. The resort is a short 5-minute drive or a 15-minute stroll from here. Pick-up and drop-off shuttle service is available upon request.

3. Prakriti Resort & Organic Farm

Away from the cacophony of Kathmandu lies Prakriti Resort & Organic Farm—a place of solitude and nature. Tucked away in the hills of Shivapuri, the resort delivers the essence of what its name represents in everything it does. From the comfortable wooden cottages, the flower garden, their organic farm to the dining hall and bar, everything seamlessly blends with and complements the lush surroundings. It is quiet enough for you to hear the waterfall on the neighboring hill. The mountain range is visible from the garden on a clear day. There are plenty of opportunities for short and longer hikes, such as the walk to Dhap Pokhari. Encounters with deers are to be expected and plenty of colorful birds will keep birdwatchers enthralled. Wi-Fi access is limited, so make payment cash. 

How to get there: The easiest way is via Sundarijal Bus Park. You can either hike for three to four hours or ride it out on a two-wheeler for 60 minutes. A 4X4 is highly recommended if you are planning to drive. There is a park entrance fee, so carry cash.

4. Tayo Eco Resort

Tayo Eco Resort is a luxury eco retreat located in one of the most popular hill stations of Nepal—Nagarkot. Set on a side of the Shanti Danda, the resort’s strategic setup offers guests an exceptional view of the Himalayan range, the endless terraced farmland, and a shimmering slice of the Kathmandu valley. Besides the view, the heavy influence of Newari art and culture on the resort’s architecture makes this place unique. From the plush, well-appointed rooms with picture windows, incredible restaurant and bar, to the infinity pool and spa facilities, everything at Tayo has been designed to offer its guests a luxurious stay. Pair it up with the view and multiple leisurely hikes, and you have a one-of-a-kind stay at a hill station.

How to get there: On the way to Nagarkot, take a sharp right-turn at the Telkot Deurali Junction and look out for Shanti Danda. Tayo Eco Resort is on the left. 

5. Namo Buddha Resort

Set in a destination known for pilgrimage, Namo Buddha Resort gives a reason to make it a trip for leisure. The organic farm is just outside Kathmandu, perched on a hilltop not far away from its namesake heritage. This tranquil retreat offers breathtaking Himalayan views and a taste of rural Nepali life. The cottages are built in traditional Newari style amidst farmlands and forests, and feature comfortable amenities while encouraging sustainable cultivation. Guests can hike to nearby villages, towns, and Buddhist sites and monasteries. Away from the city's bustle but still easily accessible, Namo Buddha Resort provides a peaceful nature getaway with a sense of adventure.

How to get there: Easily accessible via private vehicles, the resort is eight kilometers away from Dhulikhel on the Sindhuli Highway. Take the Namo Buddha road after Kavre Bhanjyang. Try public transportation if you are feeling adventurous.

JUMLA: A Nurse’s Story

Radha Paudel
Memoir 

The book is an account of the Maoist war in Khalanga, West Nepal. It’s basically a nurse’s diary. It is the English translation of Madan Puraskar winning book ‘Khalangama Hamala’. Radha Paudel, a trained nurse,  was in Khalanga, the Jumla district headquarters when the Maoists launched a massive attack in November 2002. Here, she recollects the stories of trauma that she came face to face with. She won the prestigious literary award Madan Puraskar for Khalangama Hamala, the original Nepali version of the book, in 2014.

I Wish You All The Best

Mason Deaver
Young Adult

When Ben De Backer comes out to their parents as nonbinary, they’re thrown out of their house and forced to move in with their estranged older sister, Hannah, and her husband, Thomas, whom Ben has never even met. Struggling with an anxiety disorder compounded by their parents’ rejection, they come out only to Hannah, Thomas, and their therapist and try to keep a low profile in a new school. But Ben’s attempts to survive the last half of senior year unnoticed are thwarted when Nathan Allan, a funny and charismatic student, decides to take Ben under his wing. As Ben and Nathan's friendship grows, their feelings for each other begin to change, and what started as a disastrous turn of events looks like it might just be a chance to start a happier new life.

Agony to Ecstasy

Sagar Parajuli
Spirituality

Agony to Ecstasy breaks down the esoteric yogic knowledge discovered in the lap of the Himalayas into eight simple practical steps that can be applied by anyone for self-discovery—to unleash one’s inner potential. By blending his own experience with the ancient secrets of health and wellness, the author shows how to find balance in a fast-paced modern world—the cause of many physical and mental health disorders. The author also clarifies various misconceptions about spirituality and brings clear, scientific insight into the not-so-discussed topics of life, death, and consciousness.

 ​​​​All these titles and more are available at Bookverse, Civil Mall, 4th floor, Sundhara, Kathmandu.

You will get 15% off when you buy five or more books and 15% off on Nepali books.

If you could turn back time and offer a piece of wisdom to the younger version of yourself, what insights, lessons, or words of encouragement would you share? This question prompts introspection, inviting individuals to reflect on the experiences that shaped them and the invaluable lessons they’ve learned along the way. Evana Manandhar talked to three people and their responses provide a glimpse into the reservoir of wisdom that comes from retrospection, offering not only personal reflections but universal truths that transcend time.

Sushila Karki, 48

If I could offer advice to my younger self, I would say, cherish the small moments, for they are the ones that make life beautiful. In the midst of the chaos of raising a family, take time to enjoy the laughter of your children, the warmth of their hugs, and the joy in their innocent eyes. While it’s important to plan for the future, don’t forget to relish the present.

Embrace imperfections, both in yourself and in your children. Perfection isn’t real, but love is. Be patient, not just with them but with yourself. Parenting is a journey of constant learning, so forgive your mistakes and learn from them.

Build a strong support network. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, share your values, and offer a listening ear during challenging times. You don’t have to navigate motherhood alone.

Lastly, trust your instincts. You know your children better than anyone else. While advice is valuable, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. Your intuition, combined with love, will guide you through the highs and lows.

In the end, it’s not about having a perfect life but about creating a life full of love, understanding, and beautiful memories. So, take a deep breath, enjoy the journey, and know that you are doing an incredible job.

Rupesh Lama, 21

First, take a breath. You’re doing fine, and you’ve got so much ahead of you. Embrace the uncertainty, it’s where the magic happens. Don’t stress too much about having everything figured out. Life’s a journey, not a checklist.

Travel when you can. It doesn’t have to be far or extravagant, but exposing yourself to different cultures and perspectives will change you in ways you can’t imagine. So, save a bit of money, pack a bag, and go see the world. Don’t compare your journey to others. Social media can be deceiving, and everyone’s on his/her own unique path. Your worth isn’t determined by the number of likes on a post or what your peers are doing.

Learn to manage your finances. It’s not the most exciting thing to think about, but in the future, you will thank the present you for being responsible. Budgeting is your friend, and credit cards are a double-edged sword.

Lastly, be kind to yourself. You’re going to make mistakes, and that’s how you grow. Don’t be too hard on the person you’re becoming, you’re a work in progress. Enjoy this time of self-discovery and embrace the opportunities that come your way. You’ve got this.

Sami Shakya, 47

Reflecting on my 47 years of life experience, I’ve come to recognize the profound importance of certain principles that have shaped my journey. One key piece of advice I would offer to my younger self is to prioritize education and skills development.

Education forms the bedrock of knowledge while honing specific skills ensures relevance and competitiveness in an ever-evolving world. Understanding the competitive nature of the future, I would emphasize the need for a serious approach to certain aspects of life, especially regarding career and personal growth. Striking a balance between enjoying life’s moments and approaching key areas with a sense of gravity is crucial.

Moreover, the wisdom gained from learning through mistakes is invaluable, yet the gravity of certain missteps underscores the need for patience and the cultivation of strong decision-making capacities. Navigating the complexities of life requires a harmonious blend of passion, perseverance, and strategic thinking, traits that can significantly impact one’s journey toward a fulfilling and successful future. 

Leonardo Da Vinci (1452 – 1519)

Leonardo da Vinci is probably the most important Renaissance artist. He painted the iconic Mona Lisa which now hangs permanently in the Louvre Museum in Paris. It’s protected behind a bulletproof glass. It’s an oil painting with a cottonwood panel as the surface. It’s believed this choice of medium is the reason why the Mona Lisa has survived for more than six centuries without ever having been restored. Apart from the sitter’s mysterious smile, the fact that there are no visible brush marks on the painting makes it even more intriguing. 

His other famous masterpieces are The Last Supper and The Lady with an Ermine. The Last Supper is the most reproduced religious painting of all time. da Vinci was also a scientist and inventor and he made many drawings of the human body. He had an insatiable curiosity about the natural world. He made many scientific observations and sketches that were far ahead of his time. He is even credited with designing a rudimentary form of aircraft.

Michelangelo (1465 – 1564)

Michelangelo is one of the most well-known artists of all time. He was a painter, a sculptor, and an architect who also happened to write poetry occasionally. He grew up in Florence, a city that was a center of art and culture during the Renaissance period. His most famous artwork is the fresco painting of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. It took him four years to make it. Twenty years after painting the ceiling of the chapel, he returned to create one of the greatest frescoes of the Renaissance, The Last Judgment.

Michelangelo’s other creations, the sculpture David and Pietà, the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and the famous carving of Moses on the tomb of Pope Julian II serve as inspirations for young artists of the 21st century.

Johannes Vermeer (1632 – 1675)

Johannes Vermeer was a Dutch Baroque Period painter who mostly painted domestic interior scenes of middle-class life. His work depicts scenes of everyday life in 17th-century Holland. The popular phrase ‘Vermeer’s women’ comes from the fact that many of his works feature women engaged in household tasks. They are pouring milk, reading a letter, or playing musical instruments. Among his most famous works are the Girl With a Pearl Earring, The Milkmaid, and View of Delft.

Vermeer was a moderately successful artist but he produced few paintings. He worked slowly and with great care, and frequently used expensive pigments. But he never made much money from them, leaving his wife and children in debt upon his death. He is known for his expert treatment and use of light in his work. He was also an avid art collector and dealer. Though he was modestly popular during his time, he was forgotten after his death. He was only rediscovered in the 19th century and went on to be acknowledged as one of the greatest painters of the Dutch Golden Age.

Vincent Van Gogh (1853 – 1890)

Vincent Willem van Gogh was a Dutch post-impressionist painter. He is one of the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art. In his lifetime, he made 2,100 artworks, including 860 paintings. These include landscapes, still life, portraits, and self-portraits. Most of his works have bold colors and dramatic and expressive brushwork. His paintings include Starry Night, Cafe Terrace at Night, Sunflowers, and Self Portrait among others. 

Starry Night is perhaps one of the most recognized pieces of art in the world. You can see it everywhere, from coffee mugs and magnets to cushion covers and t-shirts. Its bright yellow and blue tones are unmissable. But despite the paintings’ fame, Van Gogh was pretty much unknown when he died by suicide at the age of 37. He was battling depression and poverty. He is today widely known for being the artist who cut off part of his ear. He inspired upcoming artists through his technique of painting with thick brushstrokes made up of bright colors squeezed straight from the tube.

Pablo Picasso (1881 – 1973)

Pablo Picasso was a Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist, and theater designer. His father was an academic painter and thus he began to draw at an early age. He was in his twenties he experimented with different ideas and techniques.

The total number of artworks he produced has been estimated at 50,000, comprising 1,885 paintings, 1,228 sculptures, 2,880 ceramics, roughly 12,000 drawings, many thousands of prints, and numerous tapestries and rugs. But painting was where he stood out. His career spanned nearly eight decades. His work reflects his evolving artistic vision as well as the changing landscape of the 20th century. Some of his most famous works include Guernica (a dramatic portrayal of the bombing of Guernica by German and Italian air forces during the Spanish Civil War), Bird of Peace, and Woman with Fan.

Picasso changed the very definition of classic art by introducing concepts such as collaging and Cubism. His distinctive take on the creation of art in every medium makes him one of the most impactful artists ever.