Last week, when we were looking for a place for camping inside/nearby Kathmandu, one of my friends found a place called Panorama View Tower Resort on the internet. The resort is located at Ranikot, situated about 2,000 metres above sea level near the border of Bhaktapur, Lalitpur and Kavre.
According to Google Maps, it was not much farther than our location, and some of its photos available on the internet also intrigued us. So, we immediately decided to go there. It was just 16.2 Km away from Koteshwar.
And, our experience there that night proved Ranikot was the right choice for our camping.
Reaching Ranikot
The easiest way to reach Ranikot is via Suryabinayak of Bhaktapur. Take a left turn at the Suryabinayak Ganesh temple and go upward. After several turns through the forest area, the famous Pilot Baba Ashram on your right, you reach Ghyampe Danda. Move along the road and you reach Ranikot in a few minutes.
It was already twilight when we left for the resort. We, the group of seven, went there on two-wheelers.
Most of the roads are well-pitched, but the section some 15 minutes ahead of the destination is in a bad condition. The section is quite bumpy and extremely dusty. Hence, do not forget to take a mask, goggles and scarf that would cover you from dust.
Similarly, if you are going there on a scooter, prefer riding it single because sometimes due to the road condition, the vehicle can be unable to bear the two riders. If you are two, the pillion rider might have to volunteer to walk some hundred metres.
The evening
When we reached there, the resort welcomed us very warmly. It served us delicious food items in the welcome snack. It included veg pakoda, bhatmas sandheko (spiced soya beans), gundruk sandheko (fermented green leaves spiced), French fries and masala tea.
After half an hour, we started a BBQ session. There is a nice space to do it. Thanks to the resort for serving us well-marinated meat, we continued BBQ till the wee hours.
Despite it being very late, the resort served us dinner very warmly. And, the dinner was also equally delicious.
Afterwards, we went to our tent. It was well-managed and comfortable to sleep in. The resort has altogether 10 tents, each of them has a capacity of six people.
By the way, if you want to stay in a room instead of a tent, there is a facility for it as well.
The morning surprise
Since we reached the resort in the evening, we could not see the scene around Ranikot. But, the next morning, all of us were surprised. The landscape that was seen immediately outside our tent was very beautiful and refreshing.
With that, the trees and flowers at the resort in Ranikot have made its entire surroundings pleasing. There you can also hear the melodious chirps of different birds.
The resort surrounded around 6.29 acres (50 ropanis) has its own vegetation and farm for local chicken breeds and other aves.
The resort is quite affordable. The one-night package costs Rs 1,750 per person. The package includes welcome snacks, lodging, dinner and breakfast.
Overall, Panorama View Tower Resort, as well as Ranikot, is a very nice escape for someone who would like to stay camped for a night, in nearby Kathmandu. The only thing that might disappoint some visitors is the place does not have a proper mobile network and strong broadband connections.
Contact: 985-1033417
Location: Ranikot
