Best Adventure Activities in Nepal

Rafting

Himalayan rivers are the ultimate water-bodies for water sports like rafting. Sparklingly clear and clean, amazingly-hued tones of blue, green, and brown-at times tantalizingly turquoise or orange occasionally threateningly black or chocolate or gray, fast, turbulent with calm patches which are sometimes deceptive facades for whirlpools, these mountain torrents are irresistible for the super-sportsmen with the blood of the artist in their veins and the bravado of the stunt man or woman in their adventure-seeking!

Some of the most sought-after rivers which are logistically serviced for tourists of all hues along their rafting routes are the Trishuli, Kali Gandaki, Bhote Koshi, and Seti.

Jungle Safari

 

A Jungle Safari in the Chitwan National Park is an unbeatable experience!

The low-land forests of the Terai are breathtaking in an entirely different way from the temperate forests higher up-country with fierce rhinos roaming around as you sit on the top of an elephant secure in the howdah*(* frame with seating space) stomping through the tall elephant grass. While the rare sight of an endangered Bengali Tiger is not always guaranteed unless you are persistent as tigers are exceedingly elusive felines, you will see many animals you’ve always wanted to see in the wild - chital deer, wild boar, gaur, hyenas, gharials, crocodiles, monkeys, and the Ganges dolphin apart from gorgeous pheasants like the royal peacock or the humbler yet cockier jungle fowl.

An elephant is a must for these sub-tropical jungle safaris as the forests are dense and impenetrable to jeeps or tractors and too difficult or dangerous to walk. Safaris start early in the mornings and end by evening as the night belongs to the creatures of the wild and NOT to man! Elephants can take you deep into the heart of the dark, thick, labyrinthine, snake-infested forests where you can explore wildlife without harming yourself in any way. You will be able to see rare flora and numerous forest birds apart from stunning butterflies and occasional day moths. The Chitwan National Park is the natural habitat of innumerable animals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects and countless varieties of vegetation.

There are excellent lodges for accommodation which aren’t too expensive. Still, Economy Safari Packages could be arranged depending on the availability of resources. Chitwan is motorable from Kathmandu.

Jungle Safaris are also available in other areas like the large, quiet Bardia National Park in Western Nepal terai and that haven for water-birds - residents, denizens, or migrants - the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Sanctuary in Eastern Nepal Terai.

Bungee Jumping

The absolute thrill of bungee jumping can be experienced in Nepal.

Nepal's finest bungee site is situated at a height of 160 meters above the ferocious Bhote Koshi River not too far from Kathmandu. This site is an open invitation for the adventure seeker to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush in his or her veins in the magnificent surroundings of this amazing jump site.

 The jump is operated by some of the most experienced jump-masters in the business. The equipment used is state-of-the-art; its maintenance is world-class.

Perhaps, this is one of the best sites this action sport can boast of anywhere in the world! Do try it!!

Mountain Flight

This may be the most spectacular flight you’ll ever take! Different reputed airlines offer regular flights over the eternally snow-capped peaks of the Grand Central Himalayas. Flights take off from Kathmandu in the early morning before the clouds gather or the fog rises from the innumerable beautiful valleys leading up to this out-of-the-world mountain chain.

The first peak which comes into full and astonishing view is Gosaithan (8013m) followed by Dorje Lakpa (6966m). Then the flight takes you close to Gauri Shanker (7134m). Other grand summits follow one by one to your surprise: Melungtsee, Chugimago, Gyachungkang, and Pumori. The list of peaks is indeed large so you must take a map with you and study it carefully before boarding this flight. You feel as if you could touch these six- or seven- or eight-thousanders!!

At the end of it all comes the mother of all mountains Mt Everest (8848m and rising annually according to geologists!), the highest point on earth - also called Sagarmatha (by the Nepalese) and Chomolungma (by the Tibetans). When you get back to Kathmandu, you’ll realize you’ve just had an unbelievable experience high up in the air as if you’re yourself a golden eagle of the Himalayas!

The best months for these flights are February, March, April, October, and November.

Paragliding

Paragliding, particularly in Pokhara in the Mahabharat range, is a fulfilling experience for adventurous tourists. It makes the sportsman share airspace with Himalayan griffin vultures, eagles, and kites while soaring or floating or cascading over monasteries and temples, villages, and lakes and jungles. The views of the majestic Himalayas are unbeatable and the scenic grandeur witnessed is unparalleled.

Weather dependent, gliding starts from November through February. By virtue of Pokhara’s latitude and climate, atmospheric conditions are mild making it an ideal destination for paragliders. Subtropical conditions provide plenty of thermals. Combined with the length of the Pokhara valley, thermals produce perfect cloud streets. Pokhara’s microclimate, conditioned by its numerous lakes, makes it even better for the glider.

The takeoff points for these flights is Sarangkot (1592m above MSL) near Pokhara. The landing is by the shores of Phewa Tal (lake). No previous experience is required as qualified pilots fully brief gliders before launching them on flights.

Ultra-Light Flight in Pokhara:

A tourist to Pokhara can also get a birds-eye-view of splendid Himalayan mountainscapes and enjoy flying in a micro-light aircraft.

The aircraft used presently are Russian delta-winged powered-gliders which carry two persons. With a maximum speed of approximately 130 km per hour, they can quickly reach heights of 5,000 m or so.

To ensure proper safety, full comfort, and good viewing, experienced pilots handle these flights.

Bird Watching

Nepal is a paradise for birds. From its lowlands at 300 feet, or so, to the highest peak at over 29,000 feet, a total of over 850 species (approximately a tenth of the world’s spotted species!) can be found in this Himalayan wonderland, more than in any other country of its size in Asia. To name some species, there are many varieties of water birds like storks, cormorants, egrets, ibises, ducks, and cranes. In the jungles and fields thrive pigeons, doves, parakeets, sparrows, manias, swallows, cuckoos, drones, jays, woodpeckers, shrikes, mynas, bulbuls, flycatchers, partridges, and pheasants. Predators and scavengers such as owls, hawks, falcons, eagles, and crows or vultures dot the skies or perch on tree-tops. Above all, the naturescape where these birds live, fly, feed, and breed is stunning.

Though birds can be watched anywhere in Nepal, the best single location for serious birding is the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, a two-hour drive from Biratnagar in Eastern Nepal. This beautiful reserve adjoins the large Koshi River. It has varied habitats - sandbanks, small ponds, huge river islands. Nepal’s only herd of the endangered wild Water Buffalo is found in this wetland habitat. Spread well over 176 sq km with at least 439 species of birds (and 52 of fish!), this wetland is a MUST for the bird watcher. Tower hides enable birders to gain fine views over foreground vegetation and inflatable boats can get the naturalist almost anywhere in this otherwise impassable zone. Riverine grassland is one of the most threatened habitats in the world. In Koshi Tappu, it sustains the exceedingly rare Swamp Francolin.

Equipment needed should be brought by the birder himself or herself. Binoculars, a spotting scope on a tripod, a notepad, and related field guides are essential. For professionals, recording or reproducing or digiscoping or photographing or video graphing equipment may be necessary. Permission would have to be taken from the authorities and fees paid accordingly. Moreover, bird watching etiquette includes avoiding stressing the birds by limiting the use of photography or playback devices apart from keeping back from nests and nesting colonies. Unfortunately, 15 genus species of Nepalese birds are on the IUCN Red List while 10 are protected by the NPWC Act according to ICIMOD figures. New bird sighting is a sensitive issue and should be processed officially!

Some other areas rich in avifauna, which are easily accessible (being near tourist destinations) for birders, or ornithologists, include the world-famous Chitwan National Park with its Terai habitats, Mount Pulchowki in Kathmandu valley with its Himalayan sub-tropical forest, the botanical gardens of Godavari, and Lumle or Ghandruk with their fascinating Himalayan temperate rainforests via Pokhara. This lovely city also has a Butterfly Museum and the city’s environs, especially its lakes, provide excellent butterfly watching too.

Boating

Leisure boating can be arranged in various rivers and lakes. Nepal is reputedly the world's second-richest country in water resources. The country is an ideal destination for pleasurable boating and learning about aquatic life.

Pokhara with its lakes is famous for boating. Phewa, Begnas and Rupa lakes provide enjoyable boating experiences. Traditional canoeing is possible in Naranghat and Rapti rivers (Chitwan).

Nepales Rivers contain over a hundred species of freshwater fish. These include well-known ones such as the large catfish Gonch and sporting fishes Mahasheer and Jalkapoor. Other aquatic species include freshwater dolphins and crocodiles which are found in the Koshi, Rapti, and Narayani rivers.

For tourists interested in anthropology, there are ethnic groups like Bote, Majhi, Tharu, and Machhuwar in the hills and Terai of Nepal whose lifestyle revolves around fishing. Moreover, boating, often punting with bamboo poles, is a common form of traditional transport for people at large in these regions.

Cycling

Valley Bike

Biking on the amazing ridge-top forest roads and trails of the valley of Kathmandu is the ultimate experience for the urban cyclist who ventures out into near-wilderness. A day ought to be adequate though a couple of days would make the experience complete, unhurried, and not too tiring. Mountain bikes can be hired. Helmets are advisable.

Annapurna Bike

This is certainly an extraordinary trip around Annapurna along the Annapurna Circuit on mountain bikes. Although it is reasonably difficult, it takes the cyclist across most beautiful places. There are lowland villages, dense oak forests, deep gorges, lovely isolated hamlets, and the mighty high mountains. There are friendly people, strange cultures, lavish monasteries, wildflowers, rare animals, colorful birds, and gorgeous butterflies.

This journey can be made even more special, and harder, with a side trip to Tilicho Lake - a lovely Himalayan tarn. It is supposedly one of the world’s highest freshwater lakes. But this side trip is not recommended for beginners or the timid!