Gokarna Forest Resort- Redefining Hospitality

One of the finest hotels in Nepal, Gokarna Forest Resort is known for its beautiful scenery that surrounds the entire facility.

A peaceful getaway from the city, as you enter the gate, you are welcomed by the vast wilderness surrounding the road and once you reach the top, one can see a beautiful red resort standing in the heart of the beautiful forest.

Their official website defines the resort as, ‘Tucked away in the serene Gokarna forest, a protected sanctuary that offers an immersive retreat into nature a mere 10 kilometres away from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu’.

Gokarna Forest Resort not only stands for its hospitality but the place holds a big historical resemblance in itself.

The resort also holds one of the finest golf courses in South Asia – Gokarna Forest Golf Course. 

Talking to the Vice President of Gokarna Forest, Dorje Sherpa, he went on to explain the root of the resort.

He noted, “Before Gokarna came to become a resort it was a hunting ground for the Royal families back in the days. But when hunting was declared illegal during the regime of late King Birendra, David McLay Kidd got permission to build the golf course in 1999. There were only 16 rooms when the resort came into existence and it was initially made for golfers. The plan was to have a resting place after a long match. It was only later that the number of rooms was increased and now we have 100 rooms to offer to our guests.”

And talking about the size of the rooms, Dorje went on to say how the resort has bigger rooms than any other hotel has to offer. “The rooms are built bigger with the concept that when a guest arrives, they feel  free and relaxed! ”

“The architecture of ‘Gokarna Forest Resort’ was inspired by the design of Patan Durbar Square. A part of the resort almost resembles the place, so that the guest can understand how we respect the history and culture of our country.”

Gokarna Resort is not only famous for its hospitality but for its amazing golf course that covers 6,755 yards of land and is 4,550 feet above the sea level.

As the only golf course built with international standard of 18 holes, Gokarna Forest Golf Course is not only surrounded by the forest itself, but by mountains of Langtang range as well.

It is said if you are lucky while playing, you will be able to get a glimpse of deer, foxes, or even a leopard but watch out for the mischievous monkey!

There have been a lot of golf competitions that have been held at the Gokarna Forest Golf Course .

And they are also organising one now on March 6 to 7, in memory of late Ang Tshiring Sherpa.

Ang Tshiring, the late Managing Director of Yeti Group of Companies and a tourism entrepreneur, was also a keen golfer. And honouring his passion, the two-day event will be held at Gokarna Forest Resort!

Recalling the time Tshiring golfed on the course, Dorje said, “Tshiring was a very passionate golfer. Golfing needs a lot of concentration, and he would never miss a game in the morning despite having a hectic night. He was always focused and keen to win.”

“In fact, the deal for the resort was made on the golf course itself. Back then while he was golfing, the previous owner of the resort came up to him and asked him to take over. So, Gokarna Forest Resort was a dream project for him as he wanted to create golf-tourism in Nepal. And I think he was successful in making his dream come true,” Dorje revealed.

He added, “Ang Tshiring was a simple guy with two passions – golf and tourism. And I think it is the best way to honour him through a tournament in his name.”