Gokarna Forest Resort - Tranquil Haven in Kathmandu

Forest and wildlife around the hotel

Wonderful break from the chaos of the city of Kathmandu

The deer outside my window.

The vegitarian momo's were hard.

Upon arrival at the hotel, I was initially offered a room that bore no resemblance to what I had booked, which left me rather disappointed. However, within minutes, Mr. Rupesh personally approached me, offered a cup of coffee, and reassured me by saying, “Don’t worry, I will resolve this for you.” True to his word, less than ten minutes later he arranged an exceptional room, and I could not have been happier with the outcome.At my request, he also organized a private guide for a visit to the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites—an absolute must for any visitor. The guide spoke fluent English and demonstrated remarkable knowledge of all four sites we explored. Our conversations extended far beyond the tours, covering Nepal’s history, economy, elections, and politics, making the experience both enriching and memorable. As a solo female traveler, I felt this was truly a must-try experience.Throughout my stay, the entire staff were consistently warm, professional, and attentive, making me feel safe, respected, and genuinely well cared for. Special mention goes to Anup and Rajendra Karki from the MT Bar, who were absolute stars. From recommending outstanding Nepali and international delicacies to engaging in heartfelt conversations about life, work, and family, they truly made me feel at home.I stayed at Gokarna Forest Resort for six nights, and every moment was a pleasure. The Harmony Spa is exceptional and not to be missed. While I have experienced many massage treatments before, the Himalayan Stone Therapy stood out as particularly rejuvenating and deeply relaxing.Overall, I spent the most peaceful and restorative New Year holiday at this hotel, surrounded by nature and supported by an outstanding team. It was exactly the escape I had hoped for on my trip to Nepal.

The grounds and the golf course were beautiful with a forest. We loved the deer and the monkeys. The hotel was very clean and our room was spacious and quiet. The staff were exceptional, especially Sudarshan Golarna, Madhav Prasad Shrestha and Shanti the housekeeper. We loved the pool, gym and spa. We both got deep tissue massages and the massage therapists were excellent.

Every time we wanted to leave the resort security questioned us. They had to call the front desk to make sure it was ok. We like to discover the nearby areas when we travel and not just stay on the resort grounds. The restaurant was very expensive compared to other places we ate at in Kathmandu. The location is beautiful but it is a good 45 minute drive through heavy traffic to get to Thamel.

F&B is the best part of this hotel. The restaurant is fantastic - service, food, drinks, environment, everything. Great breakfast, nice selection of local and international options on the menu for lunch & dinner, servers who are friendly and helpful yet not intrusive. Even the welcome drink was noteworthy. The room we had was spacious and comfortable with a large bathroom and we often saw spotted deer through the window.

From the moment we arrived, we missed the level of hospitality found elsewhere in Nepal. It was raining when our taxi pulled up and the security guard refused to let us under the awning, insisting that the vehicle behind ours be given that spot. No one assisted us with luggage as we unloaded into the rain and walked into the lobby drenched. Reception staff was initially surly although warmed up quickly. By then, the first impression had been set and I did not feel welcome.The swimming pool & spa are in a stand-alone building and while we saw staff walking the grounds with resort-branded umbrellas, none were available for guests.Our rate included use of the swimming pool & gym but not the steam room, sauna, or jacuzzi so we had to pay extra for these. Our rate included a guided nature walk but no one mentioned this and in the rain, it wasn't appealing. The cost for this walk is the same as for use of the steam/sauna/jacuzzi so they could have switched the inclusion.The women's steam/sauna/jacuzzi area is odd. The door to the lobby is propped open and staff routinely walk through. The men's door stays closed. I saw a staff member spit into the shower repeatedly before throwing the contents of her cup on the floor (a shower I had previously been frog-marched into by staff while asking a question, a shower I had to fix before I could use it). Another was cleaning dishes in the bathroom sink for half an hour. There was more but let's just say the situation was bizarre. We laughed through it all but if you want a pleasant spa or spa-like experience, Gokarna is not the place.There is no elevator (or if there is, we could not find it). Not a problem for us but something to be aware of.WiFi is poor and there are not enough electrical outlets in the room.We had a good time and made the most of the experience (the restaurant staff are truly wonderful) but I would not stay here again.

Very helpful with our dilemma over delayed Indian visa. Good food. Nice forested property in the midst of chaotic Kathmandu.

Gokarna Forest Resort is simply a beautiful luxury hotel where any of the staff: concierge, porters, housekeepers, spa and restaurant where you can have a lot of delicious food is unbelievably well trained.I have stayed here few days already 2 weeks ago and that's why I have decided to come back 8 more days to enjoy the golf court 18 holes they also have inside.TRULY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

I just liked EVERYTHING :-)

We had the best time at Gokarna. The staff was so friendly and helpful. The food was outstanding. We had a very spacious room with a great view. The area is just lovely. Nice forest walks/hikes in the morning and chilled afternoons at the club house while watching the deer. We already miss it.

The ceiling of the pool area needs a refurbishment.

Spacious room and clean

Customer service, food, Wifi, TV

golf course

Old property, old facilities. Everything requires renovating

Everything about Gorkarna was amazing ? beautiful location surrounded by nature. Friendly and helpful staff, what a beautiful room. Celebrated our mini honeymoon there they made sure we had amazing time. A special welcome fruit basket and cake. I will never forget the experience thank you Gokarna resort team.

Worst five star hotel I have ever stayed in!

Nothing like a five star!Many unprofessional staff with no proper training. Far from five star service.Terrible bed, terrible breakfast.

Amazing nature surroundings! Not far from center but same time very quite and peaceful part of Kathmandu

Great location, forest walks, lovely staff.

The property offered a tranquil escape with stunning views and luxurious amenities. Loved the food and hospitality of staff.

Beautiful hotel and helpful staff. Food was good, perfect ambiance.

restaurant was expensive.

We had a very pleasant stay at Gokarna Forest Resort. The staffs were very helpful. The foods were delicious. Would love to stay here again in our next visit.

The staff is very welcoming, super friendly and helpful. We had a premiere room which was spacious and nicely decorated, with a big attached bathroom. It’s a green oasis: The location of the resort is ideal if you like to escape the busy city, but still want to be in the reach of important sights.

The hotel was located just outside the city. The staff were friendly and attentive. The foods were great. A great choice for quiet and relaxing vacation.