With the new year just around the corner, you may be planning for 2020 Adventure holiday in Nepal. With varieties of adventure activities in Nepal, we have listed some of the famous adventure activities during your holiday in Nepal.
1. Trekking
It is well-known that “trekking” and “Nepal” are synonymous. Blessed with eight of the 10 highest mountains in the world, no doubt, Nepal attracts trekkers from all around the world. Mostly, trekkers stick to Everest and Annapurna trekking route.
There is a good reason for this: the trails of Everest and Annapurna are popular offering close-up views of world’s highest mountains, dramatic scenery and fascinating culture.
On trekking, we will talk about two of the best trekking on the planet, the Everest Base Camp Trekking and the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking. We will likewise give you bits of knowledge on the physical condition, understanding, and arrangements required to tackle these treks.
a) Everest Base Camp Trekking
Trekking to Everest Base Camp is an experience of a lifetime. One of the main reasons, travelers choose to trek here is that they are able to say that they have visited the world’s highest mountain. Further, this trek has a number of stunning attractions. The spectacular view of Mount Everest from Kala Patthar (Black rock), and friendly Sherpa peoples of this region. These are the asset of Everest Base Camp Trekking.
View During Everest Base Camp Trekking
The first- part of the trek is tough and hard. Further, this part of the trek lacks the breathtaking views of the mountains. Day after day it is a tiring process of walking down one side of the steep valley and again walking up from the other side.
Everest Base Camp (5364m)
Honestly speaking, Everest Base Camp lacks the scenery compared to Annapurna Base camp trekking. Further, this trekking is strenuous too. Finally, when you reach to the base camp, your climb will add up to practically 9000m-the full stature of Mount Everest from sea level.
Only after you reach to Kala Patthar (Black Rock) at 5545m you get the mesmerizing view of Everest without climbing it. Matter of fact, this is the main highlight of this trek
b) Annapurna Base Camp Trekking
Since, Annapurna region opened to outside trekkers, the trek to Annapurna Base Camp has been one of the most mainstream trek in Nepal. On the contrary, to Everest Base Camp trek, this trek offers spectacular mountain scenery and passes through various villages inhabited by a wide diversity of people.
View Of Mount Fishtail (6993m) During Annapurna Base Camp Trekking
The starting point of this trek is Pokhara, one of the naturally blessed and the best tourist destinations in Nepal. Almost every day, this trek rewards you with an awesome view of the mountains.
Furthermore, every day you will pass some village inhabited by people of different cultural background compared to the last village you encountered. Hence, along with the mountain scenery, cultural immersion is a highlight of this trek.
Accommodation During Trekking
In the course of your trekking, you will spend your overnights in the tea houses. These tea houses are very basic. These tea houses do not have hot water or regular electricity supply. If you require hot water, you will need to purchase it from the tea house. Normally, they charge USD 3 per liter of hot water.
Furthermore, there will be an extra price for charging your cameras, mobiles, or power banks. Hence, do not be have high expectation on lodging during trekking.
Physical Condition
Trekking is physically demanding, hence some preparation is required. You will require stamina and endurance to tackle steep ascents and descents.
If you have a history of cardiac and pulmonary disease, consult your physician before you decide to participate in these treks. Furthermore, you should have some knowledge about Altitude sickness, its symptoms, prevention, and remedies.
Experience and Preparation
These trek does not require prior experience. However, to fully enjoy this trek, start exercising 3 weeks prior to the start of these treks. The exercise must include strength, cardio, and a body and mind training (such as Yoga).
The morning walks, jogging, and taking ladders instead of lifts or escalators will also greatly help to boost your stamina. Remember, the more physically and mentally fit you are, the more you are going to enjoy the trek.
Words of Advice
If you have arranged your trekking from a local tour operator, most probably they will provide you the information regarding the trekking. If they are not providing, you will have to ask them so that you know what to expect during trekking.
The Best Time to Trek
The best time to trek to these regions is October till December (Autumn season) and March Till May (Spring season). Winter months (January to February) are not the best time for trekking as these regions get very cold. Also, avoid trekking during the monsoons (June to September).
2. Adventure in Pokhara
Pokhara is an ultimate destination for foreign as well as local tourist for adventurous activities. Pokhara offers varieties of adventure sports such as Paragliding, Bungee Jump, ZIP-Flyer etc.;
Hence, if you are visiting Nepal for adventure sports Pokhara is the place.
As, you stroll around the lakeside area of Pokhara you will find plenty of shops that will offer you these adventurous activities. Pick any one that interests you.
a) Paragliding
If you wish to try Paragliding during your upcoming Nepal holiday, Pokhara is the place. There are around 19+ commercial Paragliding companies operating tandem Paragliding flights in Pokhara. Paragliding is one of the thrilling adventure activities.
During Paragliding, you will be seated in a separate harness in front of the pilot. You can seat freely and enjoy the views of the mountains, valley and lake during this flight. Furthermore, it is quite a comfortable ride.
Paragliding in Pokhara
The price for Paragliding depends on how much time do you wish to fly. There are different prices for standard flight (30 minutes), cross-country flight (40-60 minutes). The prices increase as per the duration of your flight.
If you are qualified, you can also fly on your own. However, you will need to get a flying permit from the office of civil aviation in Pokhara. You will require the following documents to get the flying permit:
– Copy of your passport,
– Copy of Nepal visa,
– A passport sized photograph,
– A copy of your insurance and
– Your Paragliding license
b) Bungee Jump
One of the best thrilling adventure activities to involve while you are in Pokhara is 70 m tower bungee. Just 20 minutes from Pokhara Lakeside, this is Nepal’s first and only tower bungee. The jump site offers the breathtaking views of the mountains, terraced hills, and the river.
Eligibility: Should be at least 13 years old or more and weigh between 35 to 125 kg.
c) Zip Flyer
Zip Flyer in Pokhara has become famous adventure activities among the visitors. With an absolute length of 1.8 kilometers and tendency of 56 degrees and a drop of 600 meters, it is the longest, tallest, and the steepest Zip line in the entire world. The Zip Flyer that starts from the 1625m in Sarangkot. At last, it ends at 960m in Hemja plain.
Zip- Flyer In Pokhara
Furthermore, the ride provides fabulous views of the Annapurna mountain range, Dhaulagiri range, Fishtail, and Lamjung Himal range.
3. Adventure in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, the largest metropolitan capital of Nepal is renowned for the number of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kathmandu is the largest city in the Kathmandu valley. With it and other two sister cities, Patan and Bhaktapur makes the larger Kathmandu valley set amid the foothills of the Himalayas. The only international air terminal in Kathmandu makes it the most visited place in Nepal. Furthermore, its medieval architectures, beautiful courtyards make it a cultural hub of the country.
The surrounding country sides make this place an ideal place for some of the adventurous activities. The popular adventure activities in Kathmandu:
a) Hiking
Many use ” Hiking” and ” trekking” as a synonym, however, they are totally different. In hiking you start in the morning from your hotel, drive an hour to reach the hike start point. After walking 2-3 hour, enjoying views of the mountains, hills, and villages you will be back to your hotel at the end of the day.
However, during trekking, you will be back to your hotel only after completion of your trek. During trekking you will accommodate in a basic tea house along the way.
Hiking In An Established Trail In The Hills Of Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu Valley offers plenty of scenic hikes. Normally, most of the hike starts after a one – hour drive from the crowded Kathmandu city. The hiking trail depends upon the number of hours you wish to walk.
Longer, hiking trails are more beautiful and passes through several villages situated in the surrounding hills of Kathmandu Valley. Hiking is the best way to visit the local village and communicate with the locals. If you are not ready for multi-day trekking, day hikes around Kathmandu valley is the best option.
Furthermore, a day hiking trip will not require any prior experience or preparation. It is a way to appreciate the scenic beauty and the culture of the country.
b) Mountain Biking
Kathmandu valley is an ideal destination for mountain biking in Nepal. Ride through unpaved, but well mapped routes in Kathmandu passing through the delightful forest. Commence a thrilling descent following rugged trails or serious single-track, same time enjoying the terrace hill, and captivating view of the Himalayan range.
The longer the route the scene, it will be. However, the longer routes will be physically demanding. Mountain biking around Kathmandu valley is the best way to get up close to the nature and some of the scenic places around Kathmandu.
Furthermore, make a stop in a village around Kathmandu village and have a chat with locals, Hence mountain biking can both be an adventurous and cultural experience.
These are some of the famous adventurous activities you can choose during your Nepal tour. Whichever destination in Nepal you may choose to visit during your upcoming Nepal holiday, there are sprinkles of adventurous activities everywhere.
Mountain Biking In A Single track Somewhere Around Kathmandu Valley
You will just require to ask your local travel agent to include some of these activities in your Nepal tour package.