Things To Do In Nepal
Trekking
Nepal is the land that made trekking famous and little wonder, for it is land of many mountain trails and few roads. Trekking is the only way to see the Himalaya up close to explore traditional villages and meet the friendly country side people. Much of the rich flora and fauna of the country is preserved in the many national parks and wildlife reserves and most of the trekking routes pass through these places. Even a short trek from Kathmandu will take one to picturesque hamlets surrounded by terraced fields and forested ridges. A long trek will take one through different cultures and different ecosystems, places so unique they could be on entirely different parts of the globe. Because Nepal’s country people walk the same trails as the trekkers, there are almost always places stay and people to meet. Trekking in Nepal both an invigorating wilderness experience and a deeply enriching cultural experience. Annapurna Areas Everest Areas Manaslu Areas Langtang Areas Camping Treks Easy and short Treks
White Water Rafting
Rafting is the fastest growing adventure sport of Nepal. Nepal has earned the reputation of one of the best destination for white water rafting. Cruising down rushing river of crashing waves and swirling rapids can make up excitement of a lifetime. Rafting trip for some is the highlight of their stay in Nepal. The waters in Nepal offer something for everybody: Grade 5-5 + river with raging white water rapids for the adventurous, to Grad 2-3 River with a few rapids for novices.
Rafting trips go out from one to ten days, providing safety equipment, dry storage boxes, tents and delicious food. The most popular river is the Trisuli, whose put-in is just a few hours drive from Kathmandu. Here one can take a day of exiting white water running and floating through the hills enjoying the scenery or one can raft all the day down to Chitwan National Park in the south, passing through interesting settlements, through forests and river canyons and over plenty of thrilling white water. Himalaya Spirit can arrange combination adventure trips-a short trek followed by Rafting and ending in a few days of Jungle Safari in National Park. For those interested in longer rafting trips, the Sunkoshi offers one of the best river runs in the world, ten days on the water with exciting rapids each day. Far away from civilization, the rugged Sunkoshi Passes through some of Nepalis most interesting cultures and most beautiful natural places.
Whitewater river rafting is a journey on the torrential river on an inflatable rubber boat. You are provided with a life-vest and one helmet to put on all time while you are on the river. A river rafting is often an adventure trip which can be enjoyed even by an amateur. Nepal has some of the best white water river rafting in the world. The adjoining slopes of the river have often dense vegetations and diverse wildlife. The high mountain peaks on background are the added excitements in the rafting. In recent years the mountain scenery, white sand beaches, and hospitable people along the river made the river rafting in Nepal very popular. Among rivers of Nepal eight rivers in three River system of Nepal Koshi (east), Gandaki (central), and Karnali (west) are open for White water rafting for tourists. Modern rafts, experienced staff and well maintained equipment make the river rafting safe adventure. A beginner can also enjoy rivers of Nepal.
Peak Climbing
Peak Climbing/Mountaineering in Nepal is one of the demanding Adventures. The 800 km stretch of the Nepal Himalayan is the greatest in the world with eight peaks that rise above 8,000m including the highest in the world, Mt. Everest. Ever since the country opened its peaks to climbers in 1994, the Nepal Himalayan has become a great theatre of mountaineering activity and the drama of success and failure have provided impetus to thousands of men and women to meet the ultimate challenge. The Nepal Himalayan has been an attraction to many people, be they saints, philosophers, researchers or adventures. The Himalayas have always been the focus of outstanding achievements in the world of mountain climbing with their identified 1310 peaks above 6000m . One quarter of them are officially opened for mountaineering activities, which offer the great opportunity of adventure peak climbing in Nepal. By himalayan standards, there are smaller mountains known as "trekking peaks" (ranging from 5587 to 6500 meters), which any fit and keen trekkers can climb. Peak climbing in Nepal offers the best adventure trekking and expedition experience to both experienced trekkers/climbers. Himalaya Family Adventure has government licensed to organize peak climbing in Nepal.
Jungle Safari
While the high Himalayas makes up Nepals northern region, the southern lowlands known as the Terai is covered with dense tropical jungles teeming with diverse wildlife and exotic birds. Here you will find some of the most exciting safari destinations in the world. Jungle safari tour is one of the most amazing trips in Nepal, as it is a country of exceptional biodiversity and a beautiful natural environment. The tropical jungles of the Terai preserve some of the best wildlife habitat in the subcontinent. Nepal has 16 national parks, wildlife reserves and conservation areas, occupying 16 percent of its total geographical area. Nepal offers scenic views of some of the rarest and most endangered wild-lives on earth in these jungles. Jungle Safari tour in Nepal can be a very amazing experience for any visitors to stay in these parks and takes part and organizes jungle safari and other activities in the areas. It’s a great way to relax after a trek to soak up with environment of green jungles. It is great place to spend holidays with family members organize jungle safari and wildlife adventure trip.
For those who wish to experience the natural environment at its best there is no better place to visit than Nepal. The outdoor adventure sports into the wilderness to see wild animals, birds and natural beauty. You ride on an elephants back or on a four wheeler jeep accompanied by a fully trained guide (also known as expert Naturalists) for the love of nature and animals. In Nepal, Chitwan and Bardia are two hot dishes on the menu. Chitwan as this is Nepals most popular National Park offering excellent opportunity to see Royal Bengal Tigers, One horned Rhino, crocodile and thrilling wilderness experience into its deep and thick jungle. Bardia National Park also, as this is another National Park, which offers excellent jungle safari. Here too you can ride on an elephant or a take four wheel to discover some of Nepals unspoiled natural habitats.
Mountain Biking
Nepal has new achieved worldwide recognition as one of the best mountain biking destinations. The reason being that it is a mountainous country with diverse landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty. The numerous dirt roads and the trail that lead to scenic place inside and outside the valley have made Nepal a favorite among mountain Bikers. This fact has lead to the growth of foreigners coming to the Himalayan Country of Nepal even for the biking. BIking tour: Around Annapurna, Jomsom-MUktinath, Kathmandy valley tour, Kathmandu-Pokhara and more.
Mountain biking is a fantastic way to explore Nepal. The allow you to travel independently and stop where ever you want. You do not have to tortuous buses. You can explore secluded places and reach places that cannot be visited any other way.
Nepal has many trails to ride on. You can make a challenging climb thousands of meters to reach a viewpoint with fantastic views. Then you make an exhilarating descent. It is an interesting trip ride to Royal Chitwan National Park.
The long bike tours require that you are physical fit. Unless you plan to ride along a trekking route, there is no required paperwork. To do any serious biking you need a mountain bike, and a normal bike will not do.
The Kathmandu Valley has some great places to ride. It has many trails and back roads. It is a good way to visit the interesting towns, temples and Buddha stupas. It can be really interesting visiting a rarely visited traditional Newari village. To get around the valley you most likely will want a good map, such as the Schneider map. Most of the other maps are not very good and are often inaccurate.
Many trails are not on maps and you will need a good sense of direction and will have to stop and ask directions to get around. A little Nepali can really help.
Paragliding
Paragliding is perhaps the most rewarding of short duration adventure sports given the fact that there’s nothing between you and the scenery unfolding before you. This sport comes closest to flying like a bird as you share airspace with vultures, eagles, kites and other birds as you glide over Pokhara valley. In the distance lie the majestic Himalayas and down below are the villages, monasteries, temples, lakes and jungles, a true bird’s eye view and a fascinating one at that.
Gliding is a weather dependent sport and the flying season in Nepal commences from November lasting through February, the best months being November and December. By virtue of its latitude and monsoonal climate, the tree line in Nepal is at an incredible 3,900 m above sea level. With conditions milder than summer alpine, these are excellent and constant atmosphere.
The most suitable terrain for flying in Nepal lies in the Annapurna region, more specifically the Pokhara valley. This lakeside town is Nepals second "city", nestled at the foot of the Annapurna range, the views commanded from here, of 3 of the worlds 8000m peaks, are unsurpassed. At an altitude of 800m ASL the subtropical climate means that, year round, it is short and T-shirt weather. The micro-climate of the valley makes it an ideal area for flying, with far more constant conditions than the Kathmandu valley 150 km east. There are several sites around Phew Tal (the lake) but the most accessible is Sarangkot (1500m ASL).
Bungee Jump
Experience the hair-raising thrill of Bungee Jumping in Nepal. The site of the bungee jump in Nepal is considered among the best in the world. Located close to Nepal-Tibet border, it is 160m over the wild Bhote Koshi River. The first bungee jumping site in Nepal is a three-hour bus ride from Capital Kathmandu. It is managed by some of the most seasoned bungee jump masters. It is designed by one of New Zealands leading bungee consultants.
The Bungee Bridge where bungee jumping is enjoyed happens to be the only privately owned bridge in Nepal. The bridge has been specially designed for bungee jumping sport with the 4X safety factor. It has a load capacity of 41,500 kg or 4, 5 tons according to Swiss measurements. The Bhote Kosi gorge is located within 4 hours outside Kathmandu valley. The thrill of jumping from the altitude of 160 meters is unsurpassable.
Less than 3 hours outside Kathmandu if you travel by Ultimate Bungee Shuttle. The journey is to the Arniko (Kathmandu/Lhasa) Highway to within 12km of the Tibet Border and the famous Friendship Bridge.
Bungee Nepal Jump takes place on a 166m wide steel suspension bridge over the Bhote Kosi River. The bridge is Swiss designed, especially for bungee jumping keeping in consideration 4X safety factor. The bridge has the loading factor of 250kg per running meter. This means that the bridge will hold 250 x 166 = 41,500kg or 4.5 tons. Over 6000 meters of steel wire has been used to build the longest suspension bridge in Nepal which links two sides of a great valley. Before its construction, locals had to walk five hours to cross this river gorge.
Village Tour
Village tour of Nepal will show you what traditional life in Nepal today. It is a fascinating opportunity to discover Nepal through local people themselves. Village tour gives one the exceptional occasion to enjoy authentic Nepal experience. Inspiring as well as educating, village tour is an opportunity to understand roots of the culture, customs, practices, and lifestyle of Nepali people. More than 75 percent of Nepals population is dependent upon agriculture, farming, animal husbandry, and fishing, which makes sense that the majority of the Nepals population live in villages. Guests may learn many things from the people of the village; about the time and season of cultivation and collection, comprising indigenous skills to make the most use of natural resources, how to become nature-friendly, and most of all how to find joy within the simple means of rural life. Community home stays are available in certain trekking regions to facilitate visitors to enjoy village life. In addition to giving the visitor a peek into the rural Nepal life, some of these also include cultural programs, indigenous songs and dances performed by local youth, something visitors always look forward to.
Sight seeing
Nepal has been an extremely fascinating destination for travelers, scholars, and researchers. For those interested in culture, the Kathmandu valley is endowed with seven World Heritage sites. This valley was divided into three kingdoms less than a century ago. It now contains countless architectural monuments, and vestiges of varied cultural and religious traditions.In other chapters we explain about the adventure Nepal provides, here we detail some of the more popular gentle sides of a holiday in Nepal including the Kathmandu Valley itself and other major settlements of interest in Nepal.
Pokhara Excuirsion
Pokhara is the Second largest and beautiful city of Nepal. Which is 200km. far from Kathmandu. Which sits high on the list of ‘must visit’ places in Nepal. Tourists on extended holidays in Neppal make multiple visits to this famous valley of the seven lakes three lakes being major ones. The tourist district of Pokhara better known as ‘Lakeside Pokhara’ is quite distinctly separate from Pokhara city. Lakeside sprawls beside Phewa Lake and is reminiscent of Thamel except for the ample space and miniscule traffic which makes Pokhara so much more enjoyable and relaxed than its counterpart in Kathmandu. The enchanting Pokhara valley with the dominating presence of Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) in the background is the gateway to the Annapurna region where many a trekker finds his Shangri-la. Pokhara is also ideally placed for adventure sports such as: rafting, paragliding and ultra-light flights. The relaxed atmosphere on the shores of Phewa Lake gives a trekker a much needed respite from days of hiking up and down the hills and mountains on one of the popular Annapurna treks. The crowded bars and restaurants are the places to seek companionship, where tall stories and real life experiences are shared with perfect strangers. The friendly Nepalese make a tourist feel at home to the point where many stay on for extended periods and come each year to seek those friends he/she has made and to find peace of mind.
Pokhara’s bewitching beauty has been the subject of many travel writers. Its pristine air, the spectacular backdrop of the snowy peaks, the serene lakes and the surrounding greenery make it ‘the jewel in the Himalaya’, a place of remarkable natural beauty. Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,977 m) has a mesmerizing effect on any nature lover and the Phewa Lake creates an ambience of peace that is magical. Warmer than Kathmandu because of its lower altitude, Pokhara is pleasant in the winter and has a rich flora and fauna making it ideal for bird watching.
Pokhara once lay on the important trade route between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains arrive and set up camp on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods from remote regions of the Himalaya including Mustang. The people of this region are predominantly Gurungs and Magars, hardworking farmers who are known for their valor and have earned world-wide fame as fierce Gurkha warrior soldiers. The other well-known ethnic group found here are the Thakalis. Known for their entrepreneurship, they run many tea houses along the trek routes in the Annapurna region.
Ultra Light
Many travelers and visitors apart from exploring the tranquil beauty of Nepal Himalayas love doing some adventure activities like paragliding, cannoning, bungee Jumping, Hot Air ballooning etc. Nepal has the second highest bungee in the world and the giantess swing, over a canyon in the Bhote Koshi at the height of 170m. The paragliding is fabulous in Pokhara with 8000+ m peaks on the background, and newer soft & hard adventure opportunities are on the rise. You will also enjoy exploring the tranquil beauty and the remote & unique cultures
Ultra light flight takes off in the Pokhara Valley. The valley has inspired even Nepali young engineers to invent Nepal’s first aircraft invention in 2008. Scared? Don’t worry; you’ll be flying on the state of the art technology aircrafts with a full trained and registered pilot to make sure your flight is safe and enjoyable. Generally, flight duration is 15 minutes, 30 minutes and 1 hour.
Everest Flight
Everest flight is a much easier way to see the Nepali Himalayan peaks. Most flights are in mornings and operate at all times except in the monsoon seasons of June and July. Airplanes fly along the Himalayan range and also beyond for passengers to get a good view of the Himalayan range. All the domestic airlines of Nepal offer various forms of mountain flights.
The flight takes you within camera range of some of the highest peaks in the world, and cruising this close to the awe-inspiring massifs of rock and ice is an out-of-this-world experience. A few domestic airlines offer mountain flight from Kathmandu to see Mt. Everest. This unique experience gives visitors a quick glance at Nepals untamed landscapes and a fly-past through the worlds tallest peak.
The aircraft takes off and heads eastward and almost immediately the peaks come into view. The first peak that appears on your horizon is the majestic Gosaithan, also called Shisha Pangma, standing at a height of 8,013m. To its right appears Dorje Lhakpa (6,966m), looking like a massive figure of eight lying prone and covered in snow. To its right is Phurbi Chyachu, which looms over the Kathmandu Valley.
Limbini Tour
Several other places near Lumbini are linked with stories connected to Buddha and Buddhism. Lumbini is about 300 kilometers south-west of Kathmandu. Buses and flights to Bhairawa which is about 22 kilometers from Lumbini, are available from major cities. From Bhairawa transport services to Lumbini are easily available. There are sufficient hotels and restaurants in Lumbini and Bhairawa.
Some important monuments to see in this area: The Lumbini Garden - This is the site marked by a stone pillar (Ashoka Pillar) erected by the Indian Emperpr Ashoka at about 245B.C. The most important discovery in this place is a stone marked to suggest the exact birthplace of Buddha.Mayadevi Temple - This temple dedicated to the mother of Lord Buddha, Maya Devi, was excavated a few years ago. Many sculptures and carving in which the figures and designs are only slightly projecting from their background are seen here.Lumbini has many new monasteries and stupas built by Buddhist communities from around the world. Besides the Nepal Buddha Temple and the Dharmaswami Buddhist monastery, many other countries like Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, France, Germany and Burma etc have built their own temples and monasteries.Lumbini also has a museum and a research center for Buddhism. At present the Lumbini Development Trust is implementing a master plan to develop Lumbini according to by Prof. K. Tange’s design.
Cannoning
Cannoning jump and slide down, breathtaking steep canyon walls and waterfalls into deep pools of water below. Explore hidden canyons in the Himalayas for the ultimate wet and wild cannoning experience!nOne of Nepal’s hidden gems, are the fresh waterfalls, formed among the deep gorges, which are perfect hidden havens for hardcore water thrill seekers. Cannoning in these deep gorges has become a highlight for water thrill seekers. Discover new routes, which provide the perfect mind- body experiences, you can abseil down the cool water flowing down from the mountains down into fresh water pools below. Or slide down rocks to get a thrill of a natural water theme park.
Cannoning in Nepal has been recommended by The Lonely planet and ranges from exploratory walks to extreme activities. Enjoy the simple Rock and Slide activity at Jalbire Canyon located at Chitwan National Park ,it is a beginners level activity and is enjoyed by older generations to young kids. It in other words is best described as a Natural Water theme park experience. Or try the thrill of jumping of a 12 meter high cliff into the cool fresh tropical pool of water at Charaundi Canyon located along the silver sandy banks of Trishuli River. Explore the deep caves of Bandipur,on the way to Pokhara, where stalactites and stalagmites form giant cathedral like caves, filled with bats and old relics found along the trail. Discover hidden trails around these caves, and combine the package with local cultural tour around the small town, which is rich in Newari culinary and hospitality. This trip can be done including a cave and river guide. The trail offers a spectacular view of the Annapurna Range with breathtaking scenes of the terrace paddy fields and local villages.
Zip Flyer
Dangle 600 meters in thin air while roaring forward at 140 km per hour 1.8 km long! The worlds tallest and longest zip line! Nepal now offers the rush of extreme zip lining, the first of its kind in the whole of Asia. Zip flying in Nepal is not just another zipline; it is the world’s longest, steepest and fastest zip-line to give you the ultimate adventure experience. The launch pad is situated at the peak of Sarangkot, Pokhara, offering most spectacular views of the Annapurna mountain range and the Pokhara Valley below. Zip flying has been in operation since June 2, 2012. Safety is the leading criteria, and the system by Zip-flyer TM LLC, USA is designed with the most advanced technologies, and has delivered a state-of-the-art zip line. So get ready to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush!
Helicopter Tour
Everest sightseeing Heli tour is mountain flight by helicopter with offers the view of Everest region within couple of hours. Flying over th mountains and Sherpa villages the flight will take you to see kalapatthar/base camp. You will fly from Kathmandu to lukla to Kathmandu and after fueling, you will further fly to Mountains hovering over base camp or kalapatthar, we cannot land there because of high altitude threat. Then, you will be flown back to Syangboche and will be given the time of 15-20 mins for your tea. The views from Syangboche are excellent. You can take photographs; enjoy your tea, etc during the period of halt. Then, you will be flown back to Kathmandu via lukla after fueling.
The Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour, where you are taken to see Mt. Everest, gives you a quick look of Everest region finally allowing you to land on Everest Base Camp or Kalapathar. This Helicopter tour of Everest is so far the best Ariel tour in the world.
Everest Heli tour starts from Kathmandu, flying east from Kathmandu towards the beautiful Sherpa village and the gateway to Everest, Lukla. After fueling in Lukla, the flight starts flying towards Everest Base Camp/Kalapathar. The flight goes over the Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorakshep and Khumbu glacier to reach the Base camp of Mount Everest. This ultimate helicopter ride gives you some of the best mountain views and sceneries. You will be given maximum of 5 minutes of landing time at base camp due to the altitude threat. And on the way back, you will be given 20 minutes at Syangboche (Hotel Everest view) to take tea/coffee or Breakfast. Syangboche has excellent views of Mt. Everest and its range. Further, you will fly back to Lukla for fueling and then to Kathmandu to end your lifetime Experience of Everest tour by helicopter.
Pilgrimage Tour
Nepal has many pilgrimage site which is very popular for both Hindus and Buddhist as well as the any regilion who are interested to visit. Especially Hindus an Buddhist all over the world including from neighbouring India come to pay homage at Nepals many places of pilgrimage. Besides the famous shrine of Pashupatinath and historic sites as Lumbini and Janakpur, a number of other popular pilgrim destinations are also found in different parts of the country. While some are beautiful and intricately designed temples built by anonymous artisans of bygone days, other places are known for their fairs and festivals or are holy bathing spots revered by generations of worshippers.
Bird Watching
Take your natural experience in Nepal to a whole new level by going bird watching in Nepal. The country and specially the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in the eastern Terai is a bird watcher’s paradise. More than 850 species of birds are found in Nepal, and a surprisingly a large number of these birds can be spotted in and around the Kathmandu Valley alone. The hills around the valley especially Nagarjun, Godavari and Phulchowki are popular bird watching areas and the Taudaha Lake on the way to Dakshinkali is fabulous for watching migratory water fowl during the winter months.
In the higher Himalayan regions are found the raptors and birds of prey of which there are numerous species. The various national parks like Chitwan and Bardiya harbor a wide variety of birds. But Koshi Tappu has better sightings of an incredible variety of both resident and migratory birds that come from as far away as Siberia. Nepal’s national bird is the lophophorous, Impeyen Pheasant locally called Danphe which is found in the Himalayan region. Bird watching trips are organized by most resorts and are accompanied by experienced naturalists.