Shivapuri Heights Cottages was exactly 20 minutes from my office in Thamel, in the heart of Kathmandu city but after an interesting car ride through the city and a tiny village, a stop at a Hare Krishna temple, a crazy ride up a non-existent road on a 4X4, and a bit of a steep walk up a hill I was pretty much on the border of the Shivapuri National Park, on the side of a mountain overlooking the city I had just left behind. It felt like miles from everything with almost no construction around, villagers that still grew their own rice and the threat of passing leopards from the wildlife park next door.

I walked through Neeru’s beautiful garden before finally setting my eyes on the traditional Nepali red brick cottages up ahead. The chairs were out in the garden, under the sun, overlooking the views and Neeru had already started setting out what was the beginning of countless glasses of beer. As I sat down, smelt the fresh air and the verdant greenery around me I thought of how good Kathmanduites (?) have  it – there are not many cities in this part of the world that give you the luxury of this kind of lush nature just a few minutes outside the city.

After discussing the state of Nepal’s government (a favourite topic in these times) we had an excellent dinner and I stumbled into my room. I woke to the birds chirping and as I opened the windows in my room, the vistas opened up in front of me. Mornings here are beautiful – like in all mountains. Crisp and cheery, I went around for a walk on the grounds, taking in the thoughtfully planted flower garden and the organic vegetable garden at the back. The breakfast was by far the best I had had in Nepal and when it was time to go, I found myself procrastinating.

If you find yourself in Kathmandu and tired of the constant chaos around you, Shivapuri Heights Cottages is the place for you. It’s even close enough for you to pop into the city for some lunch or shopping!