Adrenaline-filled activities like mountaineering, kayaking and paragliding or more serene strolls among medieval temples and hidden palaces, Nepal has a lot to offer. Here are some of the most adventurous things you could do on your stay at the mountainous country.
1Trekking in Annapurna and Langtang
Nepal is home to some of the world’s most spectacular trekking tours, it’s not for nothing that the wonderful land is referred to as a hiker’s paradise.
One of Nepal’s most popular trekking regions is Annapurna. Here, hiking trails lead through valleys, dense forests and past semi-frozen waterfalls. Fascinating are the spectacular views of the high mountains. Annapurna Circuit takes the hiker up to Ghorepani Poon Hill. From here you have a fantastic panoramic view of the most colorful part of the region.
On the other side is the lesser-known Langtang region. Those who choose this trail of the Langtang River will be surprised by the beauty of its nature.
2Fishing on Lake Phewa
Nepal is the world’s second richest country in the water resources including number of rivers and lakes which makes it a paradise for fishing and angling lovers. Around 185 species of fish are found including trout, catfish, murrei, rainbow trout, common trout and crap.
Betrawati, Indrawati, Karnali, Trishuli and Koshi are famous rivers where fishing can be done, but Phewa Lake in Pokhara valley is the place for the best fishing experiences in Nepal. The best season for fishing is from October to November and February to May.
3Flight over the Mount Everest
Even if you are capable of trekking and have dreams to make to the Advance Base Camps of Everest, a flight tour is still an experience to get. Mountain flights offer eye level view of the mountains by flying at an average height of 7000 Meter.
From Kathmandu Airport’s domestic terminal, you’ll take off in a helicopter early in the day, flying within 200 meters of Mount Everest and nearby peaks. The helicopter will then normally refuel at Lukla where after you will carry on to the Syangboche airstrip. Here, you can explore the Solu Khumbu also known as the Everest region and the Kala Patthar base camp on foot. After fantastic views and a great ride you will return to Kathmandu airport where the trip will end.
4Boating in Narayani River
An early morning boat ride in the glistening Narayani River near Chitwan National Park is undeniably an ideal thing to do. It is believed that a boating experience of this whimsical river is as fascinating as river rafting. The rippling waters and rich fauna both in and around it makes Narayani indisputably unmissable. Those with the thing for birdwatching would enjoy sighting various birds like river/ red wattled lapwing, Ruddy shelduck, Osprey, Kingfishers. The thrill of boating here multiplies with the possibility of spotting gharial/alligators in its water.
5Paragliding in Pokhara and Bandipur
You’ll ask yourself, why should I travel to Nepal to fly a paraglider? That’s right, it can be done almost anywhere where a few hills are to be found. But have you ever floated above the clouds? That’s why you’ll find ultimate paragliding experience that really pumps adrenaline through your veins, only in Nepal.
The best paragliding adventure of all time can be found in Sarangkot or Pokhara. Here you can even hover over the Annapurna Mountains. A thirty-minute tandem flight costs around 80 euros. The brave can also take part in a 10-day flight course and then fly alone with the eagles.
6Biking in Godavari, Bungamati, Chapagaun and Shivapuri
There are innumerable trails in Nepal, most of which are unpaved but to some gorgeous places in the country. And a biking expeditions on these trails can offer an exhilarating experience. All you have to do is to hire a bike and just head out in any direction in Nepal and you will certainly end up at some exotic place. Howevers, a lot of people choose to take their biking trip in the region of Godavari, Bungamati, Chapagaun and one of the best national parks in Nepal, Shivapuri.
7View Mount Everest from Gokyo Lakes
Gokyo Lakes consist of six oligotrophic lakes in Nepal’s Sagarmatha National Park and are a perfect place to be to relish unsurpassed view of the majestic Mt. Everest. The summit panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Kangchenjunga and Cho Oyu offer a unique experience on clear days.
The lakes are located in Khumjung Village Development Committee of Solukhumbu District in Sagarmatha Zone in north-eastern Nepal and are also considered sacred by both Hindu and Buddhist devotees. Hundreds of Hindus take a holy bath in the water of these lakes during the Janai Purnima festival in august.
8River Rafting in Bhote Koshi River
Bhote Koshi River in Nepal needs no introduction. Housing the third highest platform for Bungee Jumping in the world, this gorgeous river compels one to take up two adventure activities, namely river rafting and bungee jumping. The experience of river rafting in Bhote Koshi is undoubtedly exciting, the river has challenging rapids with big bounces making your rafting expedition quite a thing to remember.
9Bungee Jumping at Bhote Koshi River
And when it comes to bungee, nothing can beat the feel of jumping at the Bhote Koshi River. The suspension bridge from which the bungee jumping activity is taken up is at a dizzying height of 160 m and one can very well imagine the feeling of the ‘great fall’ from here.
10Flying with a Hang Glider
Hang Gliding is freshly introduced new Air Sports Activity in Nepal. Circling up to cloud base and setting course on a long cross-country flight over patchwork fields is one of the wonders of the modern world & thus this activity captures your sense of adventure surrounded by the beautiful mountains while gliding through the sky with a light breeze of Himalayan air.
10Kayaking in Seti River
Fill your tour of Nepal with an hour and a half adrenaline rushing adventure by kayaking in Seti River. Though kayaking can be enjoyed in both, Upper and Lower Seti River, the Upper side of the river is something to really talk about. With spectacular Annapurna mountain views, crystal clear water and a beautiful gorge adorned with a suspension bridge and prayer flags, Upper Seti River is unmissable for kayaking in Nepal. The adventure lovers here have the opportunity to face the Grade III and IV along with relishing the exotic views.
Fazit: Nepal truly is a paradise for the adventure traveler, so if you haven’t yet decided to visit this little Himalayan country, it is time to plan a trip.
