Adventures in Nepal

Visiting Nepal

            Nepal is the ideal adventure for those wanting to experience the diversity and adventure of Nepal without all the trekking associated with this amazing mountain Kingdom. Natural beauty of Nepal is worth seeing and it is hard to describe it in words. The Panoramic view of the beauty just nourishes our heart. Nepal is home to eight out of the fourteen highest peaks in the world with colorful and intricate Hindu religion to the austerity of the Buddhist monasteries. From these breathtaking heights, rivers crash down through the foothills, fed by monsoon rains and melting snow, on their way to the Great Plains of the Ganges. Nepal has several exciting things to be offered to visitors that includes Rafting, Mountaineering, Canyoning, Bungee Jumping, Trekking etc. Some of them are described as follows:

1.  Rafting

Rafting or white water rafting is the challenging recreational outdoor activity of using an inflatable raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water. This is often done on white water or different degrees of rough water, in order to thrill and excite the raft passengers. The development of this activity as a leisure sport has become popular since the mid-1970s, evolving from individuals paddling 10 feet (3.0 m) rafts with double-bladed paddles to multi-person rafts propelled by single-bladed paddles and steered by a tour guide at the stern. It is considered an extreme sport, and can be fatal. Nepal has many rivers for you to explore: Trishuli River (rafting for 1 up to 3 days), Seti River (rafting trip 2 days), Bhote Koshi River (rafting 2 days), Kali Gandaki River (rafting 3 days), Marsyandi River (rafting/kayaking 4 days), Sun Koshi River (rafting 7 to 9 days), Arun River (rafting adventure 9 days), Karnali River (whitewater rafting 10 days), Tamur River (rafting adventure 11 days). On these rivers you will find the world's most thrilling whitewater with a wide range of difficulties, warm water and bug free beaches for camping. All this makes a wealth of unlimited opportunities for great river rafting, kayaking, climbing, mountaineering, biking, hiking and ever popular trekking adventures in Nepal. Nepal has something to offer to everyone.

2.  Bungee Jumping 

             

      Bungee Jumping is an activity that involves jumping from a tall structure while connected to a large elastic cord. The tall structure is usually a fixed object such as bridge, Crane or building. The thrill comes from free-falling and rebound. When the person jumps; the cord stretches and jumper flies upward again as the cord recoils, and continues to oscillates up and down until all the Kinetic energy is dissipated. Bungee at the Last Resort may be the most spectacular jump on the planet. At 160 meters high in a tropical gorge with the Bhote Koshi, one of the wildest rivers, raging below.

The jump site was designed by one of New Zealand's leading Bungy consultants and has been staffed and operated by some of the most experienced Western Jump Masters in the business, working to exacting international standards to guarantee your safety.

3.  Canyoning

Canyoning (known as canyoneering in the U.S.) is traveling in canyons using a variety of techniques that may include other outdoor activities such as walking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, abseiling (rapelling), and/or swimming. Canyoning is frequently done in remote and rugged settings and often requires navigational, route-finding and other wilderness travel skills. Most canyons are cut into limestone, sandstone, granite or basalt, though other rock types are found. Canyons can be very easy or extremely difficult, though emphasis in the sport is usually on aesthetics and fun rather than pure difficulty. Canyoning is a new adventure sport in Nepal. It is an activity that involves abseiling, sliding, jumping, swimming, and climbing down waterfalls through steep canyon walls to deep pools. This unique combination of skills gives the canyoneer the freedom to explore some of the most ruggedly beautiful, yet forbidden places in the world.

As many true adventure seekers have discovered, the most exciting spot for swimming begins at the very edge of a 45m waterfall. After the first descent, abseil another 25m down a steep canyon, past wild rock formations, through powerful blasts of water. At the end of the excursion, make your last jump and submerge ourselves into a pool. Once on the ground, rest on a beach within the canyon walls and swim out between narrow boulders.

From sheer cliffs and slides to pounding waterfalls, you will experience all the joys of Canyoning. Apart from all the fun and games and despite its apparent simplicity, this sport requires the guidance of an expert.

4.  Zip-Line

A zip-line (also known as a zip line without a hyphen, zip wire, aerial runway, aerial ropeslide, death slide, flying fox, Tyrolean traverse, foefie slide (in South Africa) or canopy tour) consists of a pulley suspended on a cable, usually made of stainless steel, mounted on an incline. It is designed to enable a user propelled by gravity to travel from the top to the bottom of the inclined cable by holding on to, or attaching to, the freely moving pulley. Zip-lines come in many forms, most often used as a means of entertainment. They may be short and low, intended for child's play and found on some playgrounds. Longer and higher rides are often used as a means of accessing remote areas, such as a rainforest canopy. Zip line tours are becoming popular vacation activities, found at outdoor adventure camps or upscale resorts, where they may be an element on a larger challenge or ropes course. The officially named Zip-Flyer Nepal is the world's tallest, fastest and the longest zipline in the world located in Sarangkot- one of the most beautiful places in Nepal. It is not just another zipline; it is inclined at 56 degree, 1.8 km in length, 2000ft vertical drop and speeds of over 160kmph making it the most extreme ride in the world.
Imagine, You're standing on the platform overlooking the majestic Himalayas and a mind-boggling 2000 feet vertical drop. As you look down, the adrenaline begins to build up and your heart begins to beat faster. The countdown begins…5,4,3,2,1, and you're airborne. Gravity takes care of the ‘go' portion of the ride, a feeling of weightlessness sets in, the wind gushes against your face, as you plunge at speeds of over 160kmph. After a minute of pure adrenaline, and travelling a distance of almost 2km, the ride begins to slow down as you approach the landing. The advanced, magnetic braking system then brings you to a complete stop.
During the ride, you'll get to experience the breath-taking views of the Himalaya range and the raging Seti River. Zip-Flyer by High ground Adventures Nepal is truly an experience not to be missed.

5.  Paragliding

 

Paragliding is the recreational and competitive adventure sport of flying paragliders: lightweight, free-flying, foot-launched glider aircraft with no rigid primary structure. The pilot sits in a harness suspended below a fabric wing consisting of a large number of interconnected baffled cells. Wing shape is maintained by the suspension lines, the pressure of air entering vents in the front of the wing and the aerodynamic forces of the air flowing over the outside. Paragliding is a relatively new adventure sport in Nepal, and little information is available in tourist guidebooks. Paragliding in this Himalayan country can be a truly wonderful and fulfilling experience for the adventure seekers. You can experience unparalleled scenic grandeur as your share airspace with Himalayan griffin vultures, eagles, kites, while floating over villages, monasteries, temples, lakes, and jungles, with fantastic views of the majestic Himalayas.
                 Gliding is a weather dependent sport and the flying season in Nepal commences from November through February, the best months being November and December. By virtue of its latitude and monsoon climate, the tree line in Nepal is at an incredible 3900m above sea level. With conditions milder than summer alpine, these are excellent and constant atmospherics. The topography and climate of Nepal also make it an ideal destination for all levels of pilots - subtropical conditions provide plenty of thermals and combined with the long valleys common in Nepal, they produce perfect "cloud streets" ideal for Para gliders, inviting them to fly along this "sky highway. The local microclimate, controlled by the numerous lakes in the valley, is unique, which makes it even better for the glider.
                  The take off points for these flights is Sarangkot (1592m), which offers prime views of Phewa Tal and the mountains at sunrise and sunset (provided the skies are clear); the landing is by the lake. No previous experience is required as qualified pilots provide a short briefing before launching.

6.  Mountaineering

                  Mountaineering or mountain climbing is the sport, hobby or profession of hiking, skiing, and climbing mountains. While mountaineering began as attempts to reach the highest point of unclimbed big mountains it has branched into specializations that address different aspects of the mountain and consists of three areas: rock-craft, snow-craft and skiing, depending on whether the route chosen is over rock, snow or ice. All require experience, athletic ability, and technical knowledge to maintain safety.

Mountaineering in Nepal is another prime tourism activity proving Nepal the cradle for mountaineers for ages. The great Himalayan range in Nepal has eight out of fourteen of the world's 8000 meter peaks with total number of 1310 snow peaks over 6000 meters and offers the best choices for Himalaya expedition and mountaineering in Nepal. Whether the interest is simply climbing a peak or an expedition on 7000 or 8000 meter peak, climbing Himalayas in Nepal has become a dream for most of the adventure enthusiasts and mountaineers in the world. We have the expertise to organize full scale Himalayan expedition as well as logistic support for climbing peaks in Nepal & Tibet under the expert management of famous mountaineers. Expedition on Pumori, Amadablam, Baruntse are considered the popular among 6000 & 7000 meter peaks where as Dhaulagiri, Makalu, Manaslu, Lhotse, and Everest are the 8000 meter peaks for the challenging climbing in Nepal. We arrange fully guided and logistic support for expedition on Cho Oyu, Shishapangma and Everest in Tibet.

7.  Trekking

Trekking is a long, adventurous journey undertaken on foot in areas where common means of transport are generally not available. Trekking should not be confused with mountaineering. The Himalayan routes are famous for attracting a large number of trekkers. Typical trekking regions in Nepal are Annapurna, Dolpo, Langtang, Manaslu, Kangchenjunga Mount Everest. Blessed with enchanting landscapes and mystic Himalayas, this beautiful country has in store a lot for everyone visiting here. With different geographical features, Nepal has a lot to offer everyone and one can go through the inner core of the nature through the means of different exciting activities like hiking, peak climbing as well as Trekking in Nepal which is the most adventurous as well as full of enjoyment activity popular so far among many other numerous activities. Nepal trek is all about exploring the beautiful nature and the flora and fauna residing on it with highs and lows of the trekking trails. The magnificent giant mountains and the snow peaked Himalayas are worthwhile to view with one’s own eyes during the trek which enable one’s rusty and tired soul to pep up and spark with full of divinity. Himalayas and Adventure are the synonyms of each other as trekker gets to experience all the essence during the journey.
According to the physical features of the trekking destinations, the trek is divided into two different styles where one is known as the teahouse trekking and next one is campaign trekking. As compared to both styles, teahouse trekking is relatively cheaper than the other one. In teahouse trekking, one can accommodate and have their meals on the teahouse which is why it is even known as lodge trek. This trek gives an opportunity for trekkers to be near to the local people so they can understand the tradition and culture respectively. The warm hospitality of the villagers will fascinate and charm the heart and soul of trekkers which may connect them for being life time friends and purpose to come back again. In campaign trekking, everything is well managed and fully organized as it is supported by the team of guides and porters who relatively might be the local Sherpas. This trekking style is all focused on the necessity of the trekkers need, during the trekking journey. Campaign trek is also known as the classic style of trekking. Thus, one can choose any of the styles according to the time, interest and budget so one can enjoy the journey throughout with comfort and happiness. There are different destinations categorized according to the trekking styles like for tea house trekking one can opt for the regions like Khumbu, Annapurna, Helambu, Langtang, Manaslu and Makalu whereas for the Campaign trekking, there are various destinations like Kanchanjunga, Upper Mustang, Lo Dolpa, Naar-phu Valley, Guerrilla trek, Chitwan chepang hills to mention few.

8.  Horse Riding

Horse riding is a popular sport and hobby around the world. It is often seen as a sport where the rider do nothing but give commands, however, the riders need to stay stable and balanced can use a lot of muscles, which can get very tiring for those new to the sport. Due to the safety aspects of the sport, it is highly recommended that you go to a professional instructor to start and don’t forget people of any age can go horse riding!
One can start with riding at any age and it can be a lifelong form of recreation. Therapeutic horseback riding, apart from recreational and sports riding includes a pedagogical and medical component. Riding relaxes and dissolves built up stress, it is very beneficial for overall health, and raises the level of psychophysical capability. It makes one happier with oneself and one’s body. Riding strenghthens the body muscles, the spine, joints and connective tissue. It enhances and balances the motoric functioning, coordination of movements and body agility. Thanks to riding, people can stay active despite their limitations of movement which were caused by an illness or process of ageing, and in this way the feeling of social isolation and low self-esteem are reduced. In addition, emotional closeness and care for the horse, feeding, grooming, and care, as well as the inseparable part of recreational riding all represent a special pleasure. This activity can be included in your holidays in almost every location. There are no age group limitations and it is organized throughout the year.

9.  Jungle Safari

          

        

 A trip to Nepal is incomplete if you have not been on a jungle safari. While the mountains of the north have some of the highest and most magnificent peaks in the world, the tropical jungles of the Terai preserve some of the best wildlife habitat in the subcontinent. Some of these rich wildlife habitats are now protected, and can be tours on elephant
back, 4 WD vehicles, and dugout canoes or on foot accompanied by a licensed guide.

Nepal has 16 national parks, wildlife reserves and conservation area, occupying 16% of its total geographical area. Jungle safaris on elephant back or Jeep rides are offered at the Parsa Wildlife Reserve, Royal Bardia National Park, Royal Chitwan National Park and the Royal Sukhlaphanta wildlife Reserve, all located in the terai.

Among them, there are two famous two National Parks Royal Chitwan National Park, & Bardia National Park where you can explore the wild-life getting yourself deep into the heart of the forest, while the others serve as the natural habitat to thousands of animals including Snow-Leopard, Gharials, Crocodiles, Ram, Bob Cats, endangered Red Panda, Elks, Deers, Anteplores, Kasturi, monkeys, hundreds of birds (in fact Arun Valley has the largest population of birds (650+) and butterflies (800+) in the entire world), and butterflies.

10.                   Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is an activity in which participants climb up, down or across natural rock formations or artificial rock walls. The goal is to reach the summit of a formation or the endpoint of a pre-defined route without falling. To successfully complete a climb, one must return to the base of the route safely.

Rock Climbing in Nepal is becoming one of the hottest sports to do for visitor and locals due to the awesome natural rock faces in majestic settings. Rock climbing areas in Nepal:

Nagarjun Forest – 20 minutes drive from Kathmandu

Hattiban – 1 hour drive from Kathmandu

Bimal Nagar – 20 minutes drive from Bandipur

Nagarkot – This bolted climbing area is hard to find without a guide.

Namche Bazaar – Bouldering field is 30 minute walk.

11.                   Ultra-Light

          

An ultra light trike, also known as a flex-wing trike, weight-shift-control aircraft, microlight trike, deltatrike or motorized delta plane, is a type of powered hang glider using a high performance Rogallo wing coupled to a propeller-powered three-wheeled undercarriage. Ultra light Flight aircraft is another medium to observe the full spectrum of the magnificent Pokhara valley along with mountain peaks and lakes at the same time. Ultra light is a very light aircraft that has no window and seating for only two persons, including a pilot and a passenger. Powered by engines these aircrafts can reach very close to the mountain peaks. Because of the ability to reach to close to the mountains, tourists love the experience of flying on their small machines. Foreigners generally fly on these aircrafts to have a close look at the mountains while Nepali takes a rede mostly to have an experience. Professional ultra light flights started in Nepal in 1997 AD. And is claimed to be the first in South Asia. Early autumn to early spring is considered the best season for Ultra light flight.
Ultra light aircraft take off from Pokhara and offer spectacular views of the lakes, mountains and villages. It has a unique blend of both mountain and plateau area. While flying over the Pokhara valley, you will not miss the scenic beauty of both the Himalayas and the most famous lake of Nepal, phewa Tal. The flight will be a journey through nature. This is truly a unique experience.
This is an ideal way to see life from a new perspective. The choice of the Pokhara valley for Ultra-light aircraft is appropriate chiefly because of the proximity of the mountains, and the scenic lakes. Flights are from Pokhara airport beginning September through June. The flights take place from sunrise to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to sunset every day during these months. Ultra-light aircraft is operated by Avia Club Nepal.

12.                   Cycling

Cycling is widely regarded as a very effective and efficient mode of transportation optimal for short to moderate distances. Bicycles provide numerous benefits by comparison with motor vehicles, including the sustained physical exercise necessarily involved in cycling, that cycling involves a reduced consumption of fossil fuels, less air or noise pollution, much reduced traffic congestion, easier parking, greater maneuverability, and access to both roads and paths. The advantages also include reduced financial cost to the user as well as to society at large (negligible damage to roads, less road area required). By fitting bicycle racks on the front of busses, transit agencies can significantly increase the areas they can serve. Many mountain bike routes lay claim to the title of the World’s Greatest, but only on our mountain biking holiday in Nepal will you be surrounded by five-mile-high peaks, and stay in teahouses run by local villagers and stocked with good food and cold beer. Mountain biking is a tremendous way to see the exotic sights of our kingdom such as the ancient routes of Trans-Himalayan Traders and the rural village life of Nepal. Here you will enjoy the timeless culture and rich flora and fauna of our heritage as you explore such wonders as the Kathmandu Valley, the monuments or the temple complexes. Alternatively peddle at your own pace along some of the hidden trails to the rarely visited rural villages where you will see the warm smiles of locals living the preserved, traditional and simple life (on the verge of poverty, long forgotten in the post industrial cultures of the world), that is the style of Nepal.