On the lush forested slopes of the south-eastern Vale of Kathmandu, perched upon the Risal Danda and part of a small grouping of village homes, lies the Summit Village Lodge. This tiny lodge of just 7 rooms, is grouped in small bungalows about a traditional Nepalese house that, converted, houses the Restaurant and Bar lounge, its covered verandahs looking out over the well kept lawns of a small and colourful garden, across the urban sprawl of the city below and over to the splendor of the high Himalayan peaks dominating the north.

One reaches the lodge either driving part of the way or hiking up through terraced fields, stands of pine along an easy trail. Way up and behind lies the Pass at Lakhuri Bhanjyang, the hillsides covered in pine and scrub. The site inspires a sensation of utter tranquility, a hidden treasure of the hills, away from the crowded usual places of tourist attraction.

It’s an ideal place to bond with one’s family and friends, for small groups of people needing to confer and brainstorm on issues of import. For those wishing to merely escape from the hustle and humdrum of their urban lives, this is the ideal getaway, so near and yet so far. The air is clean and invigorating and there are easy hikes from this base either into the silent forests or to the laid-back village life, so different from that of the city below.