Discover tranquility: A historic forest hideaway near Kathmandu

Just a short 25-minute drive east lies Gokarna Forest Resort, a luxurious five-star retreat nestled within 470 acres of protected jungle, a haven for diverse wildlife.

This area, once the private hunting grounds of Nepal's royal family, was partially leased after the monarchy's abolition in 2008, according to Gokarna's golf director, Deepak Acharya. A key condition: the construction of a 100-room hotel.

While a golf course existed since 1999, this development transformed it into the impressive 6,755-yard, 18-hole course that now graces the resort. Acharya believes its natural beauty rivals world-renowned courses like Pebble Beach.

"The golf course's uniqueness inspires me. I've visited at least 200 or 250 courses globally. It's incredibly serene," Acharya told CNN. "I played Pebble Beach in December. The conditions are perfect, the ocean is stunning, but Gokarna possesses its own unique beauty."

With streams flowing through the Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayas as a backdrop, the resort – complete with a spa, two restaurants, and a bar – offers stunning scenery and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.

Acharya notes that it’s common to see up to 400 spotted and barking deer roaming the fairways daily. While Chitwan National Park is considered Nepal's wildlife heart, Gokarna offers a more reliable chance for close encounters with these deer.

This deer population presents a challenge for the greenkeeping team, but one Acharya accepts. "Maintaining the course is difficult because they run on the greens," he explains. "But beauty comes at a price. I refuse to build a large fence – it would ruin the beauty."

Ironically, the greenkeepers have an unexpected ally: leopards. These big cats help control the deer population through hunting, and lucky guests might spot them during the resort's guided golf cart tour of the 140-acre course.

Monkeys inhabit the trees, sharing their space with over 60 bird species native to the forest, including woodpeckers, leafbirds, and brown wood owls.

Bird watching and guided hikes are popular activities at the resort. These hikes lead guests from the ninth tee into the forest, exploring historic temples and local villages.

A highlight is the Gokarnaneshwor Mahadev Temple, an ornate three-tiered structure on the Bagmati River. It features stone carvings of Hindu deities and hosts a large festival on Kushe Aushi (Father’s Day) in August or September.

Visitors seeking cultural experiences will find plenty to explore in nearby Kathmandu, known as the "City of Temples."

Durbar Square boasts over 50 temples, including the towering Taleju Temple, the 16th-century Jagannath Temple with its erotic carvings, and the Kumari Temple, home to the living goddess.

Many key sites were damaged or destroyed in the 2015 earthquake, but were quickly restored to minimize the impact on tourism.

Kathmandu's numerous festivals, like the five-day Tihar festival in October or November, are a major attraction.

Its location near several mountains, including Shivapuri Peak and Chandragiri Hill, makes it an ideal base for adventurers. On clear days, trekkers on the highest peaks can see Mount Everest, over 150 kilometers away.