Top 10 Adventure Sports in Nepal

From mountain expeditions and trekking, to mountain biking, rock climbing, rafting, bungee jump, Nepal is a haven for those who love extreme adventure. Here are some of the adventurous things that you can do in Nepal.

#1 Mountain Expedition

Nepal is a Himalayan country. Some of the world’s highest mountains are in Nepal. If you are a mountaineer, you can go for Everest, Annapurna, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and many other summits which are above 8000 meters.

Everest Expeditions

If you are a hardy mountaineer, you should definitely try Everest Expedition, which begins from Everest Base Camp at 5356 meters. Before you begin actual climbing, you have to acclimatize by climbing uphill and downhill for few days and reach Kala Patthar (5545 m). Kala Patthar offers breathtaking view of Everest and other adjacent peaks. The first major hurdle to Everest ascent is Khumbu icefall (5486 m). If you are lucky enough to survive Khumbu icefall, you will have to climb further to the South Col (7906 m), the Hillary Step (8760 m) and finally to the summit (8848 m).

Annapurna Expeditions

Annapurna is a mountain range where there are numerous mountains; some of the popular mountains in Annapurna range are Annapurna I, Annapurna II and Annapurna III. Tilocho lake, a lake in the world’s highest altitude and Thorang La pass, the world’s highest pass are in Annapurna mountain range.

#2 Trekking

About 40 percent people who come to Nepal come to trek Nepali mountains. Nepal is world’s top destination for trekking.

Trekking to the Everest Base Camp

A 30 minutes flight from Kathmandu will take you to Tenzing-Hillary Airport, in Lukla (2,860 metres), which is one of the ten deadliest airports in the world. You have to walk for eight days to reach Everest Base Camp. The alternate Everest Base Camp Trek, a 11-days walk, is from Lamosangu village, which is three hours drive from Kathmandu.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp begins from Pokhara. It takes about 8 days to reach Annapurna Base Camp.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal and the world. Annapurna Circuit Trek, which circumnavigates, the entire Annapurna Range, takes almost 21 days to complete. The highest elevation in Annapurna Circuit Trek is 5416 meters at the Thorung La pass.

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

You can reach Annapurna Sanctuary via walking through a narrow pass between Hiunchuli (6,441 m) and Machapuchare (6,993 m) mountains. Annapurna Sanctuary is a plateau, which offers the view of entire mountains in the Annapurna Mountain Range.

#3 Hunting in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve

Nepal allows legal hunting in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. All you have to do is get permission from Wildlife Conservation Department by paying US$ 500. Hunting can be expensive because access to Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is difficult, and you have to cover expenses for helicopter.

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, which is located in western Nepal, was established in 1982 and spreads over 1325 square kilometres. At least 32 species of wildlife including wild boar, red panda, snow leopard, bear, stag, blue sheep etc. are found in Dhorpatan. However, you are not allowed to hunt other animals except blue sheep and wild boar.

There is also a trekking route from Dhorpatan to Dolpo, which is called Guerrilla Track, named after the Maoist guerrillas who traveled through this route during the armed insurgency (1996-2006). Recently, Nepal government has announced Dhaulagiri-Dhorpatan as the new travel destination. Dhaulagiri (8167 m /26,795 ft) is one of the eight highest mountains in Nepal.

#4 Peak Climbing

Almost 18 peaks are opened for alpine Climbing in Nepal. You can obtain permission from Nepal Mountaineering Association, and the charges differ depending on the peak. However, you must be aware that climbing these minor peaks – sometimes also known as Trekking Peaks – require snow climbing experiences. Most of these peaks provide challenging snow and ice climbing of high standard. Some of these minor peaks are Chulu East (6584 m), Mera Peak (6654 m), Yala Peak (5732 m), Imja Tse (6183 m), Paldor Peak (5896 m), Tharpu Chuli (5663 m) etc.

#5 Bungee Jump

Want some adrenaline rush, try bungee jump. Bungee jump in Bhote Koshi River is one of the top 10 Bungee Jumps in the World. The bungee site is situated near Nepal-Tibet boarder above Bhote Kosi River.

#6 Mountain Biking

Nepali terrain consists of flatland, hills and mountains thus providing wonderful adventure for mountain bikers. Whether you choose a bicycle or a motorcycle, you can find numerous routes to explore Nepal. Depending on your stamina and interest, you can choose either short routes or long routes. If you dare, you can even try motor biking in the Himalayan plateau.

#7 Jungle Safari

There are numerous national parks and wildlife reserves in Nepal where you can do jungle safari. Some of the popular destinations for Jungle safari are Chitwan National Park, Bardia National Park, Banke National Park etc.

Chitwan National Park is UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to 2011 census, there are 501 rhinos and 125 tigers in Chitwan National park.

Bardia National park is a home to tiger, wild elephant, rhino etc. Bardia National park is considered one of the best places on earth to watch Royal Bengal Tiger.

#8 Rock Climbing

If you love adventure sport, rock climbing is for you. You can climb either artificial walls or natural hills. Artificial rock climbing wall in Kathmandu is in Chabahil and maintained by Pasang Lamhu Foundation. In Pokhara, artificial rock climbing wall is at the Mountaineering Museum.

Nagarjuna forest and Shivapuri forests also serve as rock climbing destinations. Rock climbing itinerary to Nagarjuna and Shivapuri can be combined with hiking and bird watching.

#9 Paragliding

Some people who love extreme adventure have done paragliding from the mountains, however, if you think this is too risky, you may paraglide from Sarangkot over beautiful Pokhara valley or towards Annapurna mountain range. Paragliding from Sarangkot hill near Pokhara is one of the best ways to experience mountains and Himalayas. There are two options for paragliding, you can take a free-flying foot launched aircraft or a non-motorized foot launched inflatable winded glider. In both cases, you will have a trained pilot to assist you. Alternatively, you can also take a 10-day course and do paragliding alone.

#10 White Water Rafting and Kayaking

Nepal is a mountainous country, and hence the ideal place for white water rafting and kayaking. There are many long and short river routes for rafting and kayaking in Nepal.