*Did you know?*
Among the 14 highest peaks in the world, Nepal has 8 of the highest peaks that have been recognized globally. There are over 1310 peaks that surpass the height of 6000 m above the sea level in Nepal.
Before getting to know about the adventure activities in Nepal, let’s learn about few things first.
What are adventure activities?
Generally, adventure activities are those activities that requires physical strength which provides thrill and adrenaline rush to the body entailing risk and uncertainty. Any activity that incurs risk and danger to your body are all considered as adventure activities. The niche sector of tourism where a person travels from one place to another to experience adventure activities are known as adventure tourism.
Types of adventure activities
Adventure tourism is generally divided into two types: Soft Adventure Tourism and Hard Adventure Tourism.
Soft Adventure Tourism are those tourism activities that incurs low to moderate risk and does not require particular skills or expertise. For example: - Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Jungle Safari etc.
Hard Adventure Tourism is those tourism activities that incurs high risk and requires a greater level of expertise, skills, training and experience. For example: - Mountaineering, Rafting, canyoning etc.
These are some of the types of adventure tourism but there are mainly three common types of adventure activities noted below:
Land- based Adventure Activity: - Trekking, Mountaineering, Safari, Biking, rock climbing etc
Air- based Adventure Activity: - Paragliding, Bungee Jumping, Skydiving, Mountain Flight etc
Water- based Adventure Activity: - Rafting, Kayaking, Canyoning, Canoeing etc
There are several reasons that verify Nepal is a hub for Adventure Seekers. Nepal offers various activities including soft and hard tourism activities with land, air or water as per your preferences.
Some Popular Adventure Activities in Nepal
Trekking
Nepal is a paradise for trekking enthusiast. From easy treks to the challenging one, the trekking trails of Nepal is known worldwide. Every trek is unique in their own, offering a stunning blend of natural beauty, cultural emersion with local communities, breathtaking off the beaten track and landscapes surely makes every moment memorable. Some of the famous treks of Nepal are: - Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Ghorepani- Poon Hill Trek etc. There are many other treks in Nepal. Some of the hidden gems of Nepal for trekking are Tsum Valley Trek, Makalu Trek, Upper Dolpo Trek and many more. If you are interested to know more about these areas, we are always there to assist you.
Mountaineering
What pops up when hearing “Nepal”? For most tourists, mountain is the first word. Nepal is synonym with mountains at this very time. Since, 8 from the 14 highest peaks lie in Nepal, a lot of tourist gets fascinated by these physically demanding peaks. The eight highest peaks in Nepal are:-
- Mount Everest (8848.8 m) – World’s Highest Mountain above sea level
- Mount Kanchenjunga (8598 m) – World’s Third Highest Mountain above sea level
- Mount Lhotse (8516 m) - World’s Fourth Highest Mountain above sea level
- Mount Makalu (8463 m) - World’s Fifth Highest Mountain above sea level
- Mount Cho Oyu (8201 m) - World’s Sixth Highest Mountain above sea level
- Mount Dhaulagiri (8167 m) - World’s Seventh Highest Mountain above sea level
- Mount Manaslu (8163 m) - World’s Eighth Highest Mountain above sea level
- Mount Annapurna (8091 m) - World’s Tenth Highest Mountain above sea level
These are 8 out of 14 eight thousanders in Nepal. Among 4 of the 10 people visit Nepal for Mountaineering. Either they plan their trip to these 8 mountains or they try excelling other peaks with less height. Peak Climbing is also approved in Nepal. 468 peaks are approved for climbing in Nepal. Before trying high altitude expedition, you shall try climbing peaks that are beginner-friendly and add to your experience.
Jungle Safari
Jungle Safari is another most highlighted adventure activity in Nepal. Jungle safari tour typically takes visitors through one of the country's national parks or wildlife reserves, offering opportunities to observe and photograph a variety of exotic flora and fauna. Some of the wildlife attractions of Nepal’s Jungle include the rare-one horned rhino, Royal Bengal Tiger, Snow Leopard, red panda and musk deer.
The tropical jungles of Nepal’s Terai preserve some of the best wildlife habitats in this part of the world. Jungle Safaris can be enjoyed on a elephant back or in jeeps at Chitwan National Park, Bardiya National Park, Parsa National Park, Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve.
Bungee Jumping
For all he adventure seekers, Nepal offers one of the best and the world’s highest bungee jumps. The deep river valleys and gorges have made this activity in Nepal more popular, new, and challenging and up on the bucket list. One of the most popular Bungee Jumping in Nepal is at Bhotekoshi River with the height of 160 m. It is one of the most exhilarating adventure activity places near the Tibetan border in Eastern Nepal. Next one is the Kushma Bungee Jump, Nepal’s highest and world’s third highest. It is at the height of 228 m. Some other Bungee Jump of Nepal are Highground Adventures, Go Bungy at Pokhara.
Mountain Flight
Mountain Flight in Nepal offers a luxurious offer to those people willing to see the mountains up in close. Mountain Flight is usually of 1 hour. The one hour flight can help you catch glimpse of 20 mountains including the Everest. Domestic airlines are operating the regular mountain flights early in the morning. It is one time life experience for everyone that provides personalized experience to the top of the world.
Rafting
The raging rivers of Nepal directly flow from the Himalayan snowmelt providing some of the best white-water rafting and kayaking experiences in the world. The thrill is associated with rafting down a ferocious river over crashing waves and swirling rapids. The traditional houses on the hillside, terraced paddy fields, deep gorges, valleys is the one that makes the rafting in Nepal memorable and more thrilling experience. Some of the most loved destinations for whitewater rafting in the country are rivers like Trishuli, Bhote Koshi, Sun Koshi, Seti River, and Kali Gandaki.Trishuli River is one of the most popular rivers for white water rafting due to its close proximity with the Kathmandu and Pokhara. But there are more rivers best for white water rafting based on the grade from 1 to 6 matching your thrill level.
Paragliding
Nepal’s topography is truly magnificent. The lush green vegetation on the lap of glorious mountain ranges can make anyone’s heart melt. Flying in the sky enjoying this magnificent view of Himalayas, Lakes, Basins and lush green hills must be on the to- do list of everyone. Paragliding is one of the famous adventure sports in Nepal. One of the most famous places for paragliding is at Sarangkot, Pokhara whereas Bandipur, Godawari also provides the paragliding experiences. Paragliding totally depends on the weather of the area. Spring and autumn are considered as the best time for paragliding.
Some other Adventure sport activities that Nepal offers
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is one of the most physically challenging adventure sport that is favorite of outdoor lover. Nepal is a country of Himalayas providing a thrill for rock climbers. The unique rocky landscapes of Nepal provide a feeling like you have conquered the world and a sense winning. Rock climbing is a physically and mentally demanding sport, one that often tests a climber's strength, endurance, agility and balance along with his mental control. Some of the famous place for rock climbing is at the north of Kathmandu valley, inside the Shivapuri National Park.
Hot Air Ballooning
Hot Air Balloon in Nepal offers a great way to explore the natural beauty and landscapes of Nepal from above. The only commercial hot air balloon is done in Pokhara, viewing you with the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain range in above and serene Phewa Lake below. The best time to visit Nepal for Hote Air Ballon is from September to April. The Hot air balloon rides are halted during the monsoon season due to heavy rain.
Canyoning
Canyon is a type of adventure sport where the person travels down the canyons using variety of techniques such as walking, scrambling, climbing, abseiling and swimming. It is one of the underrated adventure activities in Nepal. It is physically demanding but provides a sense of victory and satisfaction. Nepal has many canyons that are yet to be discovered. Some of the famous canyons are Sundarijal Canyon, Rupa taal Canyon, Jalbire Canyon etc.
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking is one of the underrated adventure activity offering a unique way to explore the country’s diverse topography and landscapes. From the flat plains of Terai to the rough mountain way, Nepal is a paradise for biking enthusiasts. One of the most pouplar biking routes in Nepal is the Kathmandu Valley itself, the Annapurna Circuit and mustang region. Mountain Biking provides an unparalleled experience for those looking to combine physical challenge with cultural immersion.
Ultralight Flight
Ultralight Flight is a unique way to experience the majestic beauty of Nepal from the Sky. Pokhara is the primary hub for the ultralight flight. The ultralight aircraft, a small two-seater, typically accommodates the pilot and one passenger, ensuring a personal and immersive experience. One of the most appealing aspects of ultralight flights in Nepal is the proximity to the Himalayas. Within minutes of takeoff, you'll find yourself soaring close to the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The flights typically last between 15 minutes to an hour, with longer flights offering more extensive views and the chance to explore more remote areas.
Skydiving
Skydiving is one of the most loved thrilling adventure sports in the world. Skydiving in Nepal offers a lifetime opportunity to leap into the skies having the breathtaking Himalayas as a backdrop. There are currently two places in Nepal that are currently operating Skydive is at Everest and Pokhara. Skydiving at Everest is done from the world's highest drop zone at Gorak Shep, Kala Patthar in front of the Mt. Everest taking past the world’s highest mountain peaks.
Skiing and Heli Skiing
Skiing is one of the recently added adventure activities in Nepal. While Nepal is primarily known for trekking and mountaineering, the country’s towering peaks and snow-covered slopes provide excellent opportunities for skiing. The best time for skiing in Nepal is from early December to early April. During this time, the mountains are covered in untouched powder where the person can ride through the Himalayas, enjoy amazing local culture and traditions and support the local ski community. The most popular destination for skiing and heli skiing is at Kuri, Kalinchok. Some other popular destination are at the Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, and Manaslu regions, where skiers can descend from elevations as high as 6,000 meters, surrounded by panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and pristine valleys.
Honey Hunting
Honey hunting is the ancient tradition of Nepal that involves harvesting the wild honey from the hives nestled in the cliffs of Himalayan foothills. This practice is passed down through the generation and is mostly followed by the Gurung or other local communities. The honey collected at Nepal is widely known for “MAD HONEY” famous for its psychoactive effects due to the presence of grayanotoxins. This honey is widely famous worldwide. It usually takes place in two seasons, autumn and spring in the remote villages of Bhujung Pagan, Naya Gain, Ludhi, and Dare.
Nepal is more than just trekking and mountaineering. Nepal has more to offer not just the adventure activity itself it is the total package of natural beauty, blended with the rich culture and traditions. If you’re looking forward to push your limits exploring the untamed wilderness area soaking yourself in the stunning landscapes, Nepal has it all. Hence, proving Nepal is a hub for adventure seekers.
If you are looking forward visiting Nepal or have any further inquiries regarding your visit or adventure tours and activity, Contact WalkMountain, we can help to make your trip to Nepal memorable and successful.
