If you have the urge to experience a constant adrenaline rush, you must head to Nepal now. Nepal is the mecca of adventure.
Bedecked with mystical mountains, fascinating landscapes, fluttering colorful prayer flags, majestic snow peaks, and epic mountain trail routes, Nepal’s chivalrous beauty lends a giant sense of adventure to every seeker. In addition to its spiritual and cultural draw, Nepal is venerated when it comes to its outdoor adventure and adrenaline-pumping activities. With its unforgiving terrains splurging through the mountains, jungles, deep gorges, and glacial rivers, it is an indisputable winner as the world’s greatest trekking destination. Furthermore, activities like mountain flights, luxurious helicopter tours, hand-gliding, paragliding, mountain biking, bungee jumping, white water rafting, and jungle safaris add to its world of adventure and zen. And even though, you may be visiting Nepal only for its culture, heritage, and wildlife, the views of the gorgeous masses of rock and snow, and the surreal Himalayan peaks in the backdrop will make you pause to hear your heartbeat, now and then. All this and more makes Nepal, the mecca of adventure.
Also Read – Explore Nepal Differently!
The fascinating Himalayan Trails
Mount Everest, the holy grail of mountaineering is the first thing that I think of at the very mention of Nepal. Trekkers from around the world dream of ascending the iconic Himalayan peak and accomplishing the best viewpoint in Nepal. Lukla is the place where the trekking begins and goes on further to Everest base camp (EBC) via Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep. It is one of the most coveted and challenging trails. And those who are aiming to make it to the top of Everest, it is a different ball game. A different level of commitment, preparation, and fitness is required.
After Everest and K2, at 8,586m, Mt Kanchenjunga (only about 300m lower than Everest), is also located in the Eastern region of Nepal sharing the border with Sikkim in India. It is gorgeous and is full of challenging trekking routes. Nepal offers a mix of both, established and breath-taking tourist trails as well as quaint but onerous routes. One of the most popular and classic walking expeditions in Nepal is the Annapurna Circuit trek which never fails to excite the hikers. The Annapurna range (ABC trek) takes one through sculpted terrain, wilderness, bridges over rivers, faraway villages, and small community lodges-cum-teahouses. While Manaslu Circuit, Langtang, Dhaulagiri Circuit, and Poonhill foothill treks are winsome, the remote treks in Mustang and Gokyo valleys have their own charisma. Not to forget, the most diverse is the Great Himalayan Trail lasting more than a hundred days. Overall, trekking in Nepal is a humbling experience that comes with ample opportunities to meet the locals and immerse in their culture and communities.
Adventure Junkies must know this
The good thing is that not everyone has to be a hardcore adventurer to make the most of outdoor activities. Even the tropical lowlands in Nepal glorify its adventure tourism. The rivers and forests are cradles for some of the most thrilling indulgences. The white-water rafting in rivers Seti, Karnali, Trishuli, etc is a perfect activity for water lovers to enjoy the emerald forests and Himalayan waters of Nepal. Bhotekoshi Valley, Marsyangdi valley, and Sisneri and Chhare in Kakani offer wonderful canyoning experiences.
If you wish to soar like a bird in the Nepalese skies, Pokhara is the best place to be. Helicopter tours, hand-gliding, and Ultralight flights are extremely popular among visitors. These aerial experiences which lend a bird’s eye view are both, thrilling and electrifying.
To see the crocodiles, one-horned rhinos, elephants, and the magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger, one must visit the bountiful Chitwan National Park. For wildlife lovers, Royal Bardia National Park is an equally fulfilling place to spot tigers, elephants, and rhinos.
11 Days : I Indulged in ‘Naturally Nepal’
Adventure capital- Kathmandu or Pokhara?
Kathmandu is the capital and the most vibrant city of Nepal. There are many interesting mountain-biking trips around the Kathmandu Valley. Hot air ballooning, rock climbing, and many short and heritage treks happen here but majorly, Pokhara is the ultimate destination for the adventure junkies. It is also called the gateway to Annapurna Circuit. More than 250 paraglides take off per day during the peak season. Phewa lake is all about zen experiences and Sarangkot fetches sweeping views of the Himalayas. One may also find the biggest zipline in Nepal in Pokhara. The melting point of the glaciers in the river makes for a thrilling point for rafting. And those who wish to see the prominent points of the Himalayas and soar through the airspace at between 30 to 55 miles per hour, the Ultralite experience in Pokhara is unmissable.
And whenever you are in Nepal, don’t forget to enhance your experience with the Nepalese thali and Dal-Bhat tarkari combination that is believed to keep you going for 24 hours.
Why you should travel to Nepal now?
All the peaks are not accessible all the time. Thus, if you are planning to climb a peak, the first thing to consider is when to climb. Weather plays a great role in your journey to the summit. Mid-September to November is one of the best times for climbing peaks in Nepal. Clearer days and rain-free skies add to the ease and incredible experiences of all adventure activities. April to May and October-December come as considered favourable periods to travel in Nepal.
Did you know?
- Jimmy Roberts, a British army officer is known as the grandfather of trekking in Nepal. He had a great influence on the development of mountain tourism in Nepal, he sowed the seeds of commercial trekking, popularized the word ‘trek’, and worked towards increasing the accessibility of a lot of others than just experienced climbers.
- The International Mountain Museum is a one-of-its-kind museum having three huge galleries. It has extensive information on the Himalayas, 14 peaks, mountains, geology, formation of the peaks, equipment used for trekking, and the acclaimed trekkers.
- Do you know that the Bhote Kosi River is Nepal’s first bungee jumping site and it is the third-highest in the world?
- Machhapuchhare in Nepal is a beautiful mountain that is forbidden for trekking.
- Tea-house trekking is a new and interesting concept in which trekkers trek from one lodge to another, spread all along the trekking trails of Nepal, to support sustainable and eco-tourism.
This may be helpful
- For women travellers or solo travellers, Nepal is very safe.
- It is advisable to plan all trekking and adventure activities under guidance or in groups.
- Adhere to safety precautions all the time. Keep up with the porter and the guide.
- It is extremely important to acclimatize to the higher altitude with rest and day hikes.
- One can buy all the adventure gear, woollen clothes, and other supplies from Kathmandu or Pokhara.
