Enclosed between the Tibet autonomous regions of India and China is the breathtakingly beautiful country of Nepal. Abounding in mesmerizing views of the Himalayas, charming hilly villages, dense jungles, exotic wildlife, and golden topped temples; Nepal is a haven for trekkers. Highly recognized for its adventure tourism, Nepal is, without a doubt, one of the greatest travel destinations in the entire world.
Home to 8 of the 10 highest mountain peaks in the world, of which the famous Mount Everest is one, alongside Lumbini, the birthplace of the Gautama Buddha, Nepal is a place like no other in the world. It is one of the few nations in the world that are suitable for independent travel. From eating to one’s heart’s content at the bakeries and pizzerias in Nepalese cities like Pokhara to scouring one of the many trekking stores, backpackers can find ample things to do in Nepal.
If you like yourself a good mix of serenity and adrenaline rush, then here are some of the most popular adventure places in Nepal that you need to put down in your bucket list: -
1. Sun Kosi – White Water River Rafting
If you don’t mind getting a little wet as you brave the rough whitewaters, then the Sun Kosi River in Nepal is a place for the adventure lover in you. Ranked among one of the 10 best whitewater rafting journeys in the world by National Geographic, the Sun Kosi River rafting activity evokes a sense of pure thrill.
Comprising of Class V rapids (meant for experts), whitewater river rafting journeys at Sun Kosi also take you through white river banks, forests, and villages on your way to the endpoint.
2. Hattiban – Rock Climbing
Another great spot for adventure in Nepal is Hattiban, an impressive little village close to Kathmandu. Rock climbing as a popular adventure sport can be quite rewarding. With a striking view awaiting you, it is your will and skills that take you to the top! Safety too has been well taken care of. The limestone cliffs of Hattiban contain around ten mid-level to advanced single-pitch climbing routes. To prepare these routes for sports climbing, they have been bolted throughout. The cliffs with steep slopes have some overhangs on them too.
You will have to take a 20-minute hike through the forest surrounding the village before you reach the rock climbing area. Rock climbing at Hattiban affords you the opportunity to expend all that pent up energy and refresh yourself.
3. Chitwan National Park – Jungle Safari
Fascinated by wild animals going about their lives in their natural habitat?! Visit Nepal’s first national park, the Chitwan National Park. Consisting of over 900 square kilometers of tropical and subtropical vegetation, this National Park boasts of luscious greens, including, Sal, sisam, elephant grass, etc., and a variety of animal and bird species.
A necessary part of all adventure tours to Nepal, Chitwan National Park has safaris too on offer that feature bird watching trails, nature walks, elephant bathing, boating/canoeing among others. Back in 1984, this park was also declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
4. Bhote Kosi River – Bungee Jumping
Being suspended in the air as you nosedive down the river can be an overwhelming experience for many, but if that sounds like something you would love to try, then bungee jumping at Bhote Kosi River is the adventure activity in Nepal for you. Popular as the third highest bungee jumping spot in the world, it is set on a suspension bridge constructed across the Bhote Kosi River.
While it all begins with your heart racing wildly in your chest as you prepare yourself to take the leap, towards the end you feel an unusual sense of tranquility wash over you. The canyon which makes the spot for bungee jumping here also features a fast-flowing river augmented by the amazing sights all around.
5. Pokhara – Paragliding
For those who often wonder what it would feel like to fly freely like birds, Pokhara in Nepal presents just the adventure activity - paragliding. Comprising of a large and safe space for landing and fascinating views of the mountains, paragliding in Pokhara makes for a highly enjoyable experience.
With the availability of transport and even insurance on paragliding trips, Pokhara is actually one of the best places to try out this activity in the country.
6. Mustang – Mountain Biking
A major part of the adventure tourism in Nepal, mountain biking attracts people from different parts of the globe to the hilly terrains of this beautiful country. With crisscross walking trails covering most parts of Nepal, it is one of the best places to set out on a mountain biking adventure. For those looking for smoother rides, there are flat city roads, while those who don’t mind bumpy paths, you have the off-beaten trails through villages and woods to test your limit.
Serving as a pilgrimage to mountain bikers, Mustang takes people through Tibetan Plateau, finally coming down to the deepest gorge in the world. You can even bike up to the highest point on the Mustang trail to reach the sacred Muktinath Temple.
7. Gorak Shep – Everest Skydiving
Situated at a height of more than 5000 meters close to Mount Everest, Gorak Shep is a frozen lake bed that is one of the highest drop zones for skydiving in Nepal and beyond. A chopper/plane carries people to the drop zone which faces the mighty Mount Everest itself! Now here’s a David vs. Goliath cue for you.
Bringing together a mix of both thrill and wonder, Everest skydiving at Gorak Shep will prove to be one of the most unique and remarkable experiences of your life. Even for those who set out on thrill-seeking journeys from time to time, Everest skydiving can be a life-changing experience.
As you trudge into the countryside, you start to see the rocky landscapes of Nepal unfold. With numerous possibilities for unique adventure trips to Nepal before you, the question isn’t “Should I take a tour package?” On the contrary, it is about finding the best tour packages to Nepal that are made for those who love adventure.
No matter what travel options you take and activities you cover, one thing is certain - this adventure land called Nepal will grow on you.
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