The historic, tranquil forest retreat on the outskirts of Kathmandu

For those looking for a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, Gokarna Forest Resort offers a serene retreat just a stone’s throw from the Nepalese capital.

As the political and cultural capital of Nepal, Kathmandu – bursting with ancient temples and bustling street markets – is a city with the power to stimulate all senses. Yet for tourists eyeing a more serene experience in the region, tranquillity lies a stone’s throw away. Just a 25-minute drive east from the city center is Gokarna Forest Resort, a five-star luxury retreat and golf course embedded within 470 acres of protected sanctuary jungle, sheltering a rich array of wildlife. Once the private hunting grounds of the Nepalese royal family, part of the area was offered on lease following the abolition of the monarchy in 2008, explained Gokarna’s golf director Deepak Acharya, but only on the condition that any prospective builder would need to construct a 100-room hotel. Though a golf course had been present since 1999, the development saw it blossom into the undulating 6,755 yard, 18-hole setup that sits as the crown jewel of the resort today. For Acharya, its natural beauty rivals the world’s most iconic courses, such as Pebble Beach Golf Links on the Californian coast. “The uniqueness of the golf course is what really inspires me, and I have been to at least 200 or 250 golf courses around the world. It’s very serene,” Acharya told CNN. “I played Pebble Beach in December. Yes, the conditions there are immaculate and the oceans are wonderful, but Gokarna is also beautiful in its own way.”