Surendra Tandukar visits Summit River Lodge in Kurintar to unfold what’s in the store

Nestled in the middle of two hills, Summit River Lodge is the quintessential place for relaxation. The lovely lodge’s location offers spectacular views that are a real treat for your eyes. Located across the Trishuli River in Kurintar, this lodge is equidistance (100 km) from both Kathmandu and Pokhara.

The tropical garden is the major attraction of the lodge, which is spread over an area of around 12 ropanis. Moreover, several activities like short forest and village walks, a visit to Manakamana Temple and white water rafting are some attractions of the place. With all these exciting features, this lodge could be the right place for an overnight stay, if not for a prolonged one.

Accommodation

The lodge offers comfortable private bungalows with sufficient space to relax. The colonial style bungalows have altogether 17 rooms. Each bungalow is

externally painted with the artistic  tiny images of cows and buffaloes. These paintings give them a simple yet appealing look.

Food and beverage

The lodge serves a variety of cuisine ranging from Nepali, Indian, Chinese, Thai and Continental. Manager cum Chef Ram Basnet’s Chicken Manchurian is popular with visitors at the lodge. A hearty meal awaits you at the spacious dining hall of the lodge.

However, the bar at the lodge offers a limited selection of wine, liquor and beer and the garden is ideal to enjoy a barbeque party with a huge bonfire on a wintry night.

Facilities and services

The lodge has rooms — all with air conditioning, attached bath with hot/cold water and laundry service. However, it provides Wi-Fi service only in the lobby. They also make arrangements for short day hikes and rafting for their guests. Not to be missed — swimming in their infinity pool on a lazy afternoon.

Activities

The lodge arranges brief day hikes into the hills to visit the village homes of the tribal communities like Chepang and Magar. Since the lodge is not so far from Manakamana Temple, visiting the temple is an option. White water rafting on the Trishuli River is the major adventure sport you can experience there.

Best time to visit

The ideal time to visit is September to April. Informing that the flow of tourists is high during these months, Basnet says, “We see some domestic tourists visiting us during the off season (May to August).”

How to get there

Take one of the luxury buses that departs from Kantipath, Kathmandu which leaves at around 7 am everyday. It takes around three to four hours to reach Babadham Petrol Station in Kurintar depending on the stops in-between. From here, you still need to cross the suspension bridge over the Trishuli River and get set for a gentle hike of almost another half an hour to reach the ultimate destination

— Summit River Lodge.

Current package

Room: Standard Double Room

Rate: Rs 6, 215 nett (inclusive of applicable taxes)with bed and breakfast for two.

Rate: Rs 8, 080 nett (inclusive of applicable taxes) with bed, dinner and breakfast for two

Contact: 01—4371537/ 4371397