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Will the ‘Spirit of Golf’ retreat teach me how to play golf?
No, this retreat is not for learning how to improve your golf swing.
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Then why exactly are these ‘Spirit of Golf’ retreats being held?
Every golf academy teaches golfers how to play the physical part of the game, how to swing, hit the ball and putt. Those teaching facilities are geared towards practicing the swing, hopefully perfecting such skills.
Along with golf “playing skills”, you are constantly told that golf is as much of, if not even more, a game of the mind. You receive constant advice on being confident, trusting your swing, clearing your mind, focusing, letting go of negative emotions, staying in the present, staying relaxed, and so on. You are told to do these, yet not shown how to do it.
‘The Art of Living’ course has perfected teaching exactly these skills in daily life. The ‘Spirit of Golf’ retreat takes the Art of Living course and applies it to the mental side of the game of golf. The actual methods and tools to fulfil this part of the game are taught, allowing you to take what you learn each morning straight onto the course and put it into immediate practice during the retreat.
It also shows how to carry on practicing and improving the “mind” part of the game, just as you would practice and improve your swing.
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Are these Spirit of Golf retreats held anywhere else?
Due to the perfect environment found at Gokarna Forest, the Art of Living, Spirit of Golf retreats are only being held at Gokarna Forest and are not available anywhere else in the world.
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I am a golfer, but my partner who I want to bring with me is not a golfer. Should I bring them along? What will they do?
The retreat is as much for a non-golfer as it is for a golfer. The aspects of keeping our mind and emotions under control, of learning to breathe energy into ourselves, and yogic exercises, apply to our daily lives as well as our golf game.
In this retreat, the examples given during the course will apply to both golf and to life.
During the time golfers practice their newly learned skills on the golf course, non-golfers will have an array of activities to partake in. The course will benefit both equally. It might even convince non-golfers to take up the sport.
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Can my non-golfing partner take golf lessons?
Yes they can. Gokarna Forest Golf Club has golf professionals who specialize in teaching beginners who are just taking to the sport. There is a golf driving range and practice facilities. Lessons should be scheduled in advance.
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Can I bring my children?
These scheduled retreats are not geared for individual children below 18 years of age. Children who can take care of themselves independently are welcome but will not participate in the Spirit of Golf workshops and scheduled Golf rounds. They may join other general activities at a charge. If you do bring children who need supervision, requests for special care must be arranged in advance (before arrival). A charge may apply.
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What languages are the retreats held in?
The workshops will be conducted in English.
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Can I arrive early for the Retreat?
Yes. Quite a few people will arrive a day or more before a retreat begins. The cost for additional night’s are available on request. You are advised to make your reservation well in advance.
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Can I stay on a day or more after the Retreat is over?
Yes. If you plan on staying on after the workshop is over, you are advised to make your reservation well in advance. This often happens with those who want to, for example, take the Everest flight, play the adventurous Himalayan Golf Course in Pokhara, see the wildlife in Chitwan, or trek in the Himalayas. The cost for additional night’s are available on request.
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What is the weather like?
WEATHER / TEMPERATURES – Average °C (day / night) |
| Winter |
Dec-Feb |
19° / 5° |
| Spring |
Mar-May |
27° / 14° |
| Summer |
Jun-Aug |
29° / 20° |
| Autumn |
Sep-Nov |
25° / 15° |
Max. / Min. monthly temperatures in degrees Celsius during May/June is 29° / 20°.
The Temperature in Kathmandu is never too hot or too cold (as in below freezing) – it has snowed once in the valley in 60 years.
July and August see the monsoon rains which makes the country a cool getaway from the sweltering heat in neighbouring countries. This is also the best time to visit the upper Himalayan regions and Tibet.
Though it is within the city limits, Gokarna Forest is always a few degrees cooler than downtown.
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What clothes should I bring?
For the Spirit of Golf course in the mornings, you will be required to wear loose comfortable clothes. Example; Light track pants or traditional Indian kurta-pyjamas that allows you flexibility during the yogasanas. Some warm clothing may be necessary since many of the sessions will be conducted outdoor at dawn.
Normal golfing attire is appropriate for those who will play golf. In late May and early June, the days are warm, in the range of 25°C to 30°C. You are also advised to bring a light waterproof windcheater and include an umbrella with your golf equipment.
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The evenings are pleasant, down to 20°C, so comfortable evening summer clothes are fine.
You should have some kind of sports shoes, specially for the Forest Walk.
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What else should I bring?
If you are playing golf, it is strongly recommended that you bring sun block for any time of year (SPF 15 to 30 is normally fine). Though the weather is pleasant, at this higher altitude the sun is strong.
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How much money should I bring?
Most major credit cards are accepted. It is still recommended that you bring along some spending money, but it is suggested that this be less than US$2,000 in cash or traveller cheques, unless you are prepared to spend time at the airport declaring currency in excess of this amount.
At present USD1 = (about) NPR 65. The exchange rate of the Nepalese Rupee is fixed at exactly Indian Rupee INR 1 = NPR 1.60
Indian Rupees are accepted in Nepal EXCEPT for the INR 500 & 1,000 rupee notes (source). These notes should NOT be brought into Nepal. Please ensure you do not, under any circumstances, carry INR 500 and INR 1,000 rupee notes into Nepal.
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Can I bring my own golf set?
Bringing golf equipment to Kathmandu will not cause visitors any difficulties at customs. Sporting tourism is encouraged, and bringing in a personal golf set and equipment for use during a golfing holiday or business trip is permissible.
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Do I have to bring my own golf set? Can I hire a golf set?
If needed, golf sets and golf shoes are available for hire. If you require special equipment, like very large size shoes or extra long/short shafts on your set, these may not be available.
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Will there be Golf Carts or Caddies?
Gokarna Golf Course is a walking course and the caddy cost is US$4.50 per round. Ball boys may be hired at US$2.50 per round. In case of distress in walking for 18 holes, a very limited number of Golf Carts are available for hire at US$20 per round at the discretion of the head golf professional.
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Do I need to bring a handicap certificate?
We believe that everyone should enjoy playing the game. A handicap certificate is not a requirement just to play. Please be aware though that access to the golf course is subject to the rules and regulations of The Club and is at the discretion of the golf professional.
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What is the dress code on the golf course?
We request no denims or collarless shirts. Appropriate golfing attire is requested. We also suggest proper golf shoes.
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Can I bring a laptop?
Yes you can, and you will have no problems at the airport customs if you are carrying a used personal laptop. An internet LAN connection point will be available in your room for a daily charge. The business center also has internet facilities.
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Where can I access my emails?
Either from your room using your own laptop (a charge applies), or in the business center.
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Will my Mobile Roaming service work at Gokarna Forest?
The country has limited roaming facilities. The list of Inbound roaming partner agreements in place can be found here.
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Do I need a Visa?
A Visa is available on arrival at the Airport for all nationalities that need a visa and have a valid recognized passport (except for the 7 nationalities below). If you have a travel document instead of a passport, you must apply for a visa before arriving.
For a stay in Nepal not exceeding three days (72 hours) visitors may apply for a free transit Visa on showing a confirmed onward or return ticket. A Visa must be obtained for staying over the initial period of three days and is available on arrival at the International Airport.
The simple Visa Application Form requires one photograph (including for gratis visas) and payment of US$30. It is suggested that you have exact change. Children below 10 are granted Visas free (gratis). A Multiple Entry Visa costs US$ 80. Both types of Visas are valid for 60 days.
Indian Nationals do not need a visa. Nationals of other SAARC countries (Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Bhutan) and China will be given a free (gratis) visa on arrival. Often a photograph is asked for even for the free (gratis) visa.
When leaving the country, there is an Airport Departure Tax payable in local currency of about US$20 to SAARC countries and about US$27 to all other countries. The Domestic Airport tax for flights within the country is about US$2.50. This includes the Mount Everest flight.
Nationals that need a visa in advance are: Afghanistan, Ghana, Iraq, Nigeria, Palestine, Swaziland, & Zimbabwe. For up to date and detailed information check http://www.immi.gov.np/
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How do I fly in to Gokarna Forest?
The main direct airlines connections are:
Thai International,
Air Arabia,
Qatar Airways,
Gulf Air,
Royal Nepal Airlines,
Korean Air,
Indian Airlines,
Air Sahara,
Jet Air,
Druk Air (Bhutan),
Biman Bangladesh Airline,
Pakistan International Airlines,
Air China, China Southwest.
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Where is Gokarna Forest?
The best way to see where Gokarna Forest is, will be to look for yourself on this set of Google Maps.
The satellite maps are taken in winter, and are a few years old - probably 2003.
Main Complex | Gokarna Forest | Kathmandu Valley | Nepal | South Asia |
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How long does it take to get from the airport to Gokarna Forest?
It usually takes about 30 minutes to travel the 10 kms from the airport. If you need detailed instructions on getting to Gokarna Forest yourself, you can find them here.
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Can I go sightseeing ?
Yes, definitely. Those who are not playing golf will have organized sightseeing as part of their included activities. Golfers may also choose not to play golf every day and instead take part in another organized activity including sightseeing.
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What kind of food will be served?
A variety of delicious wholesome vegetarian food made from tested and tasted recipes from the east and west. The menu has been especially designed for the ‘Spirit of Golf’ retreat after considerable research by a team of specialists and can be seen here. |
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Will alcohol be served?
During the retreat, consuming alcohol will detract from the ability to learn and practice the exercises and techniques. It is strongly recommended that alcohol is not consumed. |
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Who are the workshop instructors?
Vinod Menon, Vikram Hazra and Rugmani Prabhakar are senior teachers of the Art of Living Foundation who have been personally trained by the founder HH Sri Sri Ravishankar on the knowledge and techniques on which the workshops are based. Please be aware however that instructors may be changed without notice. |
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