Ever wanted to stay in a village and yet have some comfort at the same time – or even have a basic village experience? Well here is a catalogue of village hide-aways off the beaten track. Check it out!

Ram’s Resort – Saathi-ghar Bhagawati

On a ridge just a stone-through from the famous Sathighar Bhagawati temple lies Sunkoshi Adventure Retreat. We know it as “Ram’s resort” simply because it’s Ram Thapaliya who’s running it – and he’s done so for two decades. Ram knows the area in and out – he grew up there – and he’s organising rafting on the nearby river, amazing village walks through different ethnic communities, and cosy evening bonfires. Enjoy a local tea on the roof terrace with a view of the Himalayan mountains and deep valleys on either side – it is breath-taking.

[wpgmappity id=”4″]Ram has a dozen rooms for rent, furnished in traditional wooden style, and a cosy restaurant, bar as well as a conference hall. His always attentive chef, Prem, offers delicious cuisine and homemade snacks! It’s just a two hour ride from Kathmandu and yet you’ll feel like light-years away from the buzz of the city. Visit Ram’s website and facebook for more information and a first glimpse of beautiful Sathighar.

 

Kuri Village in Kalinchok 

Kalinchok is so far off the beaten track that it’s barely on the map. Go east from Kathmandu towards Last Resort, then take a right up to Charikot, and from there it’s a six hour hike up into alpine heights. Or if you have a four-wheel drive, take the gravel road for two hours. Once the terrain flattens into a green meadow, you’ll reach the only settlement for miles: Kuri Village. It’s a cluster of old stone houses and home to a wonderful family who’s lived there for decades.

[wpgmappity id=”6″] Kuri Village offers basic, traditional accommodation, and the family cuisine is delicious the way only village food can be. It’s first of all a great place to relax, breath fresh mountain air and read a couple of books. On most days, you’ll have this hide-away all to yourself! But the hikes are also amazing. The valleys on either side of the meadow are a mile deep, on the ridge above lies the famous Kalinchok temple, and from there is a 200 degrees view of the Himalayan mountains. Here are photos with more information and directions to the hide-away.

Chital Lodge – a bird-watchers paradise

Chital Lodge is run by one of Nepal’s great but little known bird experts. His name is Jib and he knows most of the local wildlife, too. Jib has spent most of his youth on the heels of nature guides and elephant drivers in the nearby Chitwan National Park and in that way got to know his way around the reserve. Want to see a rhino up close on a “walking safari” along the river, or hike through five meter tall elephant grass, well Jib is the best guide we have met.

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Or if you’re just into birds or simply want a relaxing time in the shade, no need to go further than under the canopy at Chital Lodge. The lodge is located in the village of Meghauli, next to a clear-water stream in between trees hundreds of years old. It’s like a patch of jungle of its own. Jib offers simple, cosy accommodation in four thatched huts, a shower, and delicious local cuisine on the porch. Getting there is easy: just follow the road ten kilometres from Narajanghat. Read more at Jib’s own website.

The Castle – Irish relaxation in a Pokhara village

The Castle is a village hide-away like no others in this catalogue. It’s located close to Pokhara – and so it’s not that remote or isolated – but it’s situated in a village and the atmosphere is worthy of any village hide-away. Walk or drive to the outskirts of the city along the lakeside, take a small path up the hill, and after fifteen minutes you’ll see the red walls of the Castle. Indeed, a true castle it is. Joe is an Irishman and decided some ten years ago to built his own small castle there in the style of his home country.

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Book your own cabin – it’s with hot shower at all times – and you’re in for true relaxation. Have the tea brought up to the roof terrace where the view of the lake is amazing, or enjoy a pint down in Joe’s Irish bar. The cuisine is delicious too with both local and foreign dishes on the menu. Oh, and did we mention there is heated swimmingpool! Visit Joe’s website for more information on activities, photos and the exact directions.