In the 60s and 70 Nepal was a magnet for idealistic young globetrotters traveling overland on modest budgets in search of spiritual enlightenment... and/or cheap cannabis. They they came from all corners of the world and stayed for just a few dollars a night in the rustic hostels on Kathmandu's Freak Street.
Flash forward a few decades. Freak street is still there, in the heart of Kathmandu, however these days it's far less... freaky. It's become a kind of museum to the colorful mid twentieth century hippies who once embraced its earthy simplicity. ~ A gradual gentrification has taken place in the city, aided by the arrival of international luxury hotels. Clean, well-appointed rooms... and myriad optional excursions... are available to travelers these days, and unique golf adventures are now being offered by a number of travel companies.
Golf adventurers can now hop on private helicopter and fly to an ultra-lofty driving range perched in the shadow of Mt. Everest. Imagine hitting balls at an altitude of 14,500 feet... without supplemental oxygen. The scenery would undoubtedly be spectacular, but I'm not sure I'd definitely opt for the small bucket.
Far more relaxing would be a round Gokarna Golf Club located in the former Royal family’s hunting reserve. And in case you're feeling a bit insecure about your high altitude golf skills, an excursion with iconic adventure travel company Cox & Kings even includes a pre-round ceremony conducted by Buddhist monks to wish you luck and bless your clubs. How awesome is that?In the next few weeks I'll be posting about a variety of Global Golf Adventures in anticipation of my own upcoming multi-continent golf excursion set to begin in early 2011. Golf is present... and growing... in so many seemingly unlikely places. In the current climate I feel that's an important story.
via Urban Daddy.
That driving range sounds breathtaking. Literally and figuratively. ;)
ReplyDeleteI traveled overland by bus to India in 74 and spent a couple of weeks in a Freak Street hostel. I don't remember much from that time, for cannibis-related reasons but its got to have changed a lot if well-heeled golfers are visiting the place. If I had seen a golfer back then I would have assumed I was hallucinating. ;o)
ReplyDeleteThat's very cool.
ReplyDeleteI think multiple layers would be necessary up at the lofty range even in the middle of summer. I'll have to remember to pack the UnderArmour.
ReplyDeleteHow would the altitude affect ball flight? I'm thinking it would have a positive effect which makes golf in that gorgeous place all the more appealing. ;)
ReplyDeleteExotic golf holidays are becoming more and more popular. I was reading about golf in VietNam recently. They've got a Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail they're remaking themselves into a golf destination.
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