Hattiban Forest, Pharping, Kathmandu, Nepal

Hattiban lies in a lush pine forest on the hills above Pharping. Campers find pockets of flat ground among the trees where tents can be pitched free of charge. Clear mornings reward early risers with sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley below and the Himalayan skyline to the north. A short hike brings you to the summit of Champadevi, a 2 278-metre peak, in about three hours. The forest offers natural cliff faces for rock climbing and winding tracks for mountain biking. Cultural excursions are close at hand: the Dakshinkali Temple and monasteries in Pharping lie within easy reach. There are no formal facilities at the campsite itself so visitors must bring their own gear and water. Light fire pits remain from previous campers, making al fresco cooking simple. At night the forest is quiet apart from rustling needles underfoot and distant village lights twinkling below. For those who require basic amenities or emergency shelter, the Himalayan Height Resort lies just ahead of the campground entrance. Its restaurant and cottages provide a convenient fallback. To reach Hattiban, drive from Balkhu through Chovar and Pharping, then follow the jeep track past the resort entrance for three hundred metres. The route is suitable for taxis or private vehicles carrying camping equipment.