Travel
New Year’s Eve escapades
From Pokhara’s famed annual Lakeside Street Festival to rafting down the beautiful Sunkoshi River, here are some New Year’s Eve events and getaway deals for those looking to spend the night away from Kathmandu.Post Report
Serene Highway Resort, Icchyakamana (Kurintar)
Nestled in the Shivalik Hills in Icchyakamana and overlooking the lush Trishuli river, Serene Highway Resort (Dalima) is just three hours drive from Kathmandu on the Prithvi Highway. The resort’s New Year’s Eve package is priced at Rs8,000 (for two people and inclusive of all taxes) includes complimentary snacks and drinks, dinner, breakfast, a one-night accommodation on a twin-sharing basis, and a two-hour guided forest walk. Guests should not miss going for a walk to the nearby Trishuli River’s sandy bank.
For more information, call 01-5540814
Taj Riverside Resort and Adventure, Mulkot
Located 92 kms from Kathmandu in Mulkot, Sindhuli, Taj Riverside Resort and Adventure’s New Year’s Eve package offer a blend of adventure and dance party. The package is priced at Rs3,600 (per person and inclusive of all taxes) and includes a two-and-half-hour rafting trip on Sunkoshi River. The following evening at the resort will have a dance party, and guests can dance the night away. For those who manage to get up early the next day, several hiking options await— a short 30 minutes hike to Dhapka Village, also known as Majhi Gaun, or a one-hour hike to Sasra Dham, a religious site dedicated to Shiva.
For more information, call 9851088440
Borderlands Nepal, Bhotekoshi
Set right beside the roaring Bhotekhosi River, Borderlands Nepal’s setting allows guests to immerse in nature. Located 97 kms from Kathmandu, in Sindhupalchok district, the resort brims with greenery. There are plenty of quiet leafy corners within the resort where guests could sneak away to. Beyond the resort’s premises are several beautiful hiking trails for guests to take on. For the more adventurous, the resort also arranges rafting, canyoning and bungee. The resort’s New Year’s packages start from Rs3,500 (per person and inclusive of all taxes), which includes an overnight stay with all meals, guided hikes to nearby villages, a trip to the ‘Friendship Bridge’ at the Nepal-Tibet border, a visit to Tatopani for a dip in the hot springs.
For more information, call 9801024999
Rhino Lodge, Sauraha, Chitwan
Rhino Lodge is one of the oldest hotels in Sauraha, and has well-kept rooms with comfortable beds. This leafy, quiet lodge in the heart of Sauraha is spread over 62 ropanis of land, so if you are travelling with kids, they’ll enjoy the ample space to run around and play. The lodge is also less than a five-minute walk from the banks of Rapti River, which is a great place to relax and watch the sunset. The lodge’s New Year’s Eve package is priced at Rs7,999 (per person and inclusive of taxes) and includes two nights accommodation, meals (with a special New Year’s Eve dinner), jungle activities, Tharu culture show, and a campfire.
For more information, call 9851134280
Lakeside Street Festival, Pokhara
Between November 28 to January 1, 2020, the stretch from Lakeside’s Hallan Chowk to Barahi Chowk will remain closed to vehicular traffic as Pokhara celebrates its annual Lakeside Street Festival. The stretch will throng with live musical performances, tables and chairs laid out by restaurants and cafes, live cooking counters—lending this tourist hub of Pokhara a very festive atmosphere. At Basundhara Park, merry-go-rounds, a giant Ferris wheel, and many other fun rides are set up along with exciting games for visitors to play.
Irish Pub, Lakeside, Pokhara
This pub in Lakeside is known for its lively atmosphere and for hosting leading musicians. On New Year’s Eve, the pub will have a special festive menu with a live performance by Adrishya Kiran band. Once midnight strikes and 2020 officially begins, DJ Sejal, one of Nepal’s few female DJs, will take over and spin dance tracks late into the night.
For more information, call 061-467150