Adventure Activities in Nepal

Rafting in Nepal

The altitude of Nepal varies from the tallest of mountains to the lowest of valleys. The small country of Nepal is home to the tallest peak and one of the deepest gorges in the world. Although not a well-off nation, Nepal’s economy is mainly dominated by the tourism industry. Due to a significant focus on tourism, Nepal is one of the best destinations for people to travel globally. Along with its numerous trekking routes and scenic locations, Nepal also possesses a wide variety of adventure sports one can pursue with beautiful mountainous backdrops. Some of these activities include rafting, bungee jumping, skydiving, paragliding, off-road cycling, and canoeing, to name a few. These activities allow you to enjoy a variety of natural wealth in the country while raising the roofs with adrenaline.

Right under the vast Himalayan range, Nepal is the land of peace. Tourists from all over the world visit Nepal to see the mountains, the people, the lifestyles, and everything in between. This, along with the adventure activities one can pursue while in Nepal, makes it one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Some of the adventure activities found in Nepal are discussed below in detail.

Bungee Jumping

The audacious act of jumping off a high bridge has always been very addictive to anyone yearning for thrill and excitement. Nepal is home to one of the tallest bridge bungee jumps in the world, i.e. Bhotekoshi bridge bungee jump. This bridge stands at an astonishing 160m above the Bhotekoshi River, from which locals and international travellers take the leap of faith. Jumping over the Bhotekoshi River is an experience no one will ever forget. Along with the Bhotekoshi bridge jump, smaller bungee jumps are also available in Nepal. One such low jump is open in Hemja, Pokhara. The suspended platform for this bungee jump stands 80m above a pond and is much cheaper than the one at Bhotekoshi. Additionally, the world’s second tall bungee jump is being prepared over the Kaligandaki River, which will stand 224m above the water. This project is set to be open in early 2019.

Paragliding

Set in the Nepali Himalayas’ mountainous locales, Nepal’s paragliding is seen as a once-in-a-lifetime activity. This adventure sport has always taken a fairly big market in Nepal. One such activity is available in Pokhara, where individuals who want to paraglide can do so over the beautiful Phewa Lake. This adventure sport in Pokhara is something that most tourists perform at any cost. The adrenaline rush one gets from paragliding over the lake at Pokhara can only be understood if performed by oneself. The beautiful city of Pokhara is also packed with more things to do. However, out of all of the items available in the city, paragliding over the famous lake and the beautiful valley is one of the most adventurous and worthwhile moments one can ever experience.

Off the Beaten Track Cycling

Most, if not all, of the people who visit Nepal cycle at one point or another during their stay. While trekking through the rough tracks of Lower Dolpo or travelling on the road to the vast water fills of Rara Lake, cycling has always been a more conducive experience. Nowadays, one can take an “off-beat route cycling” trip to Nepal, where they can hike and trek to places with their cycles. These treks allow individuals to ride their bicycles to their destinations and perceive the culture and places while doing so. Some more famous Off the Beaten Track Cycling destinations include Upper Mustang and Lower Mustang, Annapurna Cycling Tour, Upper and Lower Dolpo treks, Kanchenjunga Trek, Makalu Trek, the Tsum Valley trek, Manaslu trek, Rara Lake trek, etc. All of these treks let travellers see the wilderness of Nepal at a more profound and rawer level.

Rafting

White water rafting in the various rivers that flow from the Nepalese Himalayas is famous all around the globe. So much so that people visit Nepal for the sole purpose of rafting in such waters. Such rafting activities can be found all over Nepal and are one of the most adventurous activities one can indulge in while in Nepal. The icy waters flowing from the highest of the mountains in the world offer a different rafting experience and are flaunted as must-dos while in Nepal. Some of Nepal’s more famous rafting hubs include Karnali River Rafting, Marsayangdi River Rafting, Upper Seti River Rafting, Trishuli River Rafting, and Bhote Koshi River Rafting, and Kali Gandaki River Rafting.

Lastly, the diverse country of Nepal is filled with fun and adventurous activities to pursue. One can experience their fill of adventure to the fullest while also perceiving the culture and traditions of various ethnic communities while doing so. This is why Nepal is the best destination to travel to, both in terms of adventure and beauty.

Puru Founder of My Everest Trip

Puru Thapaliya

My name is Puru (Purushottam Thapaliya). Since completing the Government Guide Training from Nepal’s Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (KEEP and HRA), I have been a specialist in mountain trekking and peak climbing. With specific expertise in the Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan regions, I have now been a trekking guide and tour operator in Nepal, and across the Himalayas, since 2012.