The Best Himalaya Resort in Kathmandu for a Relaxing Spa Getaway
Everyone needs more time at the Spa but however hard we try; going to a spa in the city becomes a hassle in and of itself. Instead of becoming one with the universe, we have spa stress on top of road rage and all the other stresses of the city. The best thing to do is to escape to Kathmandu. It is one of the most underrated destinations in South Asia and the perfect place to hide for a rejuvenating spa getaway unlike any other.
Kathmandu is known as a place where people escape to but in fact, offers much more to visitors. It is a veritable paradise for anyone who likes majestic mountains, natural beauty, and Buddhist culture. Located only an hour and a half away from Delhi by flight, more and more Indians are now rediscovering this overlooked jewel in the Himalayas and going there for summer retreats and winter vacations.
About Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, India’s neighbor to the northeast. It is also Nepal’s biggest city and the nerve center for its economy and tourism industry. Most tourists who come to Nepal from all over the world land in Kathmandu first and then make their way to other destinations. From Delhi, you can fly to Kathmandu in less than 2 hours and immediately upon arrival, you will be bowled over by its natural beauty, clean air and breathtaking vistas.
In Kathmandu, there are some iconic tourist attractions that you must visit to make your trip complete and to understand the unique culture and way of life here. Most people in Nepal are either Hindus or Buddhist but due to its relative inaccessibility, Nepal’s culture has developed unabated for thousands of years, making interesting to observe and study.
The people of Nepal are very happy and easy going. They are friendly towards tourists and eager to help strangers. The food in Nepal is also remarkable. It is a mix of ancient Tibetan mountain cuisine intermingled with various Indian cuisines and local culinary traditions. The natives are also very fun loving and there are plenty of good restaurants, bars, hotels and casinos here that tourists can visit.
What to do in Kathmandu
When visiting a foreign city, it is best to start by simply taking a walk around its streets and public squares to get a feel for the place. Since Kathmandu is located at an elevation of 4500 feet, it is a good idea to spend your first day here resting and acclimatizing yourself to the rare air. Once you are fully oriented, you can begin to explore this wonderful city. Here are some of the best spots to hit:
1. Mt. Everest: The world’s tallest mountain is located in Nepal, which has made the country a household name all over the world. Tourists can trek up the mountain but this can be dangerous. You can also take in an areal survey of Mt. Everesr, which is much more fun.
2. Thamel: This backpacker’s hub is a local market kown for its quaint shops, offbeat cafes and unique showrooms. If you are in Kathmandu, you must peruse its lanes and by lanes for a singular experience that will make you familiar with interesting locals and fellow travellers alike.
3. Boudhanath Stupa: also called The Great Stupa, this monument is perhaps the holiest Buddhist site in Nepal. It is known for its distinct tall towers and is said to mark the ancient trade route that goes through Tibet and into Ladakh. It was built around 1300 AD but in all probability replaced an earlier marker that has been there since 300 BC.
4. Casinos: Gambling in legal in Nepal for tourists and many five star hotels have constructed bedazzling casinos that offer all the popular games such as slot machines, roulette, blackjack, poker and more. If you fancy a visit to a casino, simply ask your resort and they will tell you the best places to go to and the proper procure to follow.
Where to stay
While there are many hotels and resorts in Kathmandu, the city can be quite congested and noisy for travellers looking for peace and quiet. Therefore, it is best to stay outside the city in a place with some greenery and natural beauty so you can visit the markets in Katmandu whenever you feel like but still spend your vacation time in the lap of nature.
One such Himalaya resort in Kathmandu that is surrounded by pristine forests is The Terraces Resort and Spa in Kathmandu. Perched on a cliff overlooking the city and surrounded by 100 acres of private forests, this resort is both uber luxurious and firmly grounded in nature. Staying here is a therapeutic experience in itself while its well-designed spa does the rest.
Arguably the best Himalaya Resort in Kathmandu, The Terraces features incredibly luxurious accommodations surrounded by exiting and innovative facilities that are truly world class, including a helipad for a private tour of Mt. Everest. The view from this location is to die for while the modern construction and attached helipad provides the ultimate in bespoke hospitality.