Tourism Activity
Adventure and Mountaineering
Bungee Jumping
CANYONING
Thrill seekers will be delighted to know that Nepal offers a jump from high altitude in a natural environment. The bungee jump over Bhotekoshi with the natural environment is a must for thrill seekers. The bungee jump is located at an altitude of 160 meters above the BhoteKoshi River. It is located north of Kathmandu, which is 80 kms away. From Kathmandu, it will take a 3 to 4 hours long drive.
The two main locations for bungee jumping are BhoteKoshi and Pokhara.
The person wanting to do a bungee jump should take the following things into consideration before doing a jump.
- Heart disease
- Epilepsy
- High blood pressure
- Pregnancy
- Addiction to alcohol or drugs
- Orthopedic problems
- Psychological problems
- Neurological problems
Coming down refreshing waterfalls, formed among the deep gorges, which provide the perfect mind- body experiences, you can abseil down the cool water flowing down from the mountains into fresh water pools, which are like natural swimming pools. Expertcanyoning guides will lead you in abseiling, jumping and sliding down steep canyon walls and waterfalls to deep pools below. It is wet and wild and you will have a great time.
MOUNTAINEERING
HOT AIR BALLOONING
Nepal is a country well known for its Himalaya mountains. Among the 10 highest peaks in the world, eight, including the highest peak Mt. Everest, crown this country. Nothing on earth can beat the exhilaration of scaling them. No wonder Nepal is the favorite destination for mountaineers and every year more than 600 expeditions trudge up the Himalaya, including the trekking peaks.
Seasons
There are four mountaineering seasons: spring (March/May), summer (June/August), autumn (September/November) and winter (December/February). A total of 153 Himalayan peaks are open to mountaineers. Climbing permits are issued by the Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation (MOTCA) for 135 peaks known as mountaineering peaks, and by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) for 18 smaller peaks, known as trekking peaks, which range from 5,587 to 6,654 m in altitude.
Permission
The following documents have to be sent to MOTCA, Mountaineering Division when applying for a climbing permit: completed application, endorsement of the National Alpine Club, short biographies of all the members of the expedition (with photograph and signature), map and/or photograph of the mountain indicating climbing route and approach route map. Enlistment of the expedition’s name does not require any fee and it should not be paid before receiving the permit from the Ministry of Tourism.
Permits to climb the 18 trekking peaks are issued by NMA on “first come first served” basis. It is necessary to appoint a government recognized trekking agency of Nepal as a local liaison for the expedition in Kathmandu. The trekking agency will look after all the requirements during the expedition.
To look up into the sky and see the towers of the Himalaya is awe inspiring and certainly a valid and popular reason to come to Nepal. To walk among those mountains is more wonderful still. But to glide silently among them, this is perhaps the most thrilling of all. The adventure of hot air ballooning is now available in Kathmandu. The principles governing hot air balloons are very simple. Propane gas is fired into the balloon or envelope as it is called, which heats the air and causes it to rise. Once the balloon fills with enough hot air, it takes to the skies. From then on, it is the wind which decides where the balloon goes. Altitude is controlled by adding more or less hot air to the envelope and in this way, air currents can be ridden to reach a desired destination.
Usually flights begin shortly after dawn, when winds are their calmest. Once the balloon is full and all systems double checked, the lines are let loose and the passenger basket is carried up over the morning fog and into the sun-lit skies. The balloon will float at about 1,200 to 1,500 m above the Valley, which will bring passengers close to 3,000 m!
From this altitude, the entire Himalayan range will be in sight ?360 degrees of visibility is what the balloon affords, as well as fantastic downward views of the Kathmandu Valley itself.
After 15 minutes or so at this altitude, enough time for people to take their photos and convince their jaws to close again, the balloon will descend for a gentle flight over the sights of the Kathmandu Valley.
By the time the basket sets down again, roughly one hour after take-off, the balloonists will have experienced Kathmandu and the mighty Himalaya from an entirely new perspective.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
PARAGLIDING
Nepal’s extraordinary contours and numerous tracks and trails make it an ideal place for mountain biking. You not only climb up and down challenging mountain roads but also have tile opportunity to admire the magnificent scenery around.
A classic off-road adventure is the 70-km Scar Road that starts from Balaju to the west of Kathmandu city, traverses the hill resort of Kakani, Trisuli bazaar and Shivapuri, and then descends back to Kathmandu. Another route is the two-day circular tour to Dhulikhel to the east of Kathmandu. You can combine this ride with a visit to the ancient townships of Bhaktapur, Namobuddha and Panauti which lie en route. Yet another possibility is the 75-Km ride on the adventurous, hair-raising Tribhuvan Highway to the hill resort of’ Daman southeast of Kathmandu that challenges even the toughest. Pokharaand its environs provide equally great venues for this sport. And if’ you have not brought your own mountain bike- you can easily rent one.
Flying high and experiencing, the beauty of Nepal with the birds view is definitely a thing to do while your visit to Nepal. Paragliding has been in vogue in Nepal since 1995 and the sport is getting ever more popular. The ideal time for paragliding in Nepal is from October through April.Places to Glide in Nepal
Pokhara
Gliding depends on the type of weather. The ideal time for paragliding in Nepal starts from November through January. The primary months are November and December. The take off point is Sarangkot (1592m.). the view you can except are that of Fewa Lake and the sunrise and sunset at the mountains. The landing point will be by Fewa Lake.
You don’t need a previous experience as the pilots are highly trained and qualified. They will be providing you will short briefing before taking off.
It will take a 20 min jeep ride from Pokhara to sarangkot which is the view point. From this location we will be able to see 3 of the highest mountains in the world. These include Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manasalu.
Chapakharka
Chapakarkais situated at 2100 m from sea level and is considered as the most beautiful take off site in Kathmandu. This area consists of diverse vegetation, green hills and birds. This place is free from pollution. It is 13 km away from Tribhuwan International Airport at Kathmandu.
KotDanda
This place is 12 km away from the international airport in Kathmandu. The place is a monumental paragliding spot in Kathmandu valley.
Godavari
Godavariis situated around 10 km from Patan and Kathmandu. It is considered as one of the most popular hiking and paragliding spots in Nepal.
Fulchowki:
It is the highest green hill in Nepal. It is also suitable for one day trekking.
Due to the risks of being too close to the flying paths of domestic airlines, you are not permitted to just launch as a private pilot. Therefore it is important to get familiar with and follow the flying policies and regulations of Nepal.
POWER GLIDING
SKY DIVING
Visitors to Pokhara can enjoy a bird’s-eye-view of its splendid Himalayan scenery and experience the thrill of flying in a micro-light aircraft. The exciting sport of motor gliding is now available in Pokhara to complement its natural beauty.
Presently, Avia Club Nepal. ( Established in 1996 ) operates two delta – wing power gliders from the lakeside city, delighting adventurers with stunning views of Phewa Lake and the Annapurna range. Especially designed to suit rugged terrains, the ultra-light aircraft weighs 170 kg and needs only a 100-ft long runway for take-off and landing. With an operational speed ranging between 50 and 130 km per hour, it can fly up to 300 km at a stretch and reach a height of 5,000 m. The delta wing aircraft’s high aerodynamic qualities allow it to perform long flights even with the engine turned off. Uniquely designed and with a parachute, the aircraft can land safely even in emergency situations. Flights are conducted by experienced pilots.
Spectacular 360 degree view of the Himalayas makes sky diving in Nepal a once in a lifetime experience. The skydive takes place over spectacular Khumbu region, next to none other than Mount Everest.
As divers free fall they can see dozens of mountains alongside Everest, as well as the beautiful Sherpa villages dotting the landscape below. The skydiving season is October and November of every year.
Skydivers can choose to land in Syangboche Airport or at the base camp of one of the most iconic mountains in the Khumbu, AmaDablam.
TREKKING
WHITE WATER RAFTING AND KAYAKING
Nepal is home to network of trails also called the Great Himalaya Trails, an extensive trail system that covers Nepal from Humla and Darchula in the west to Kanchenjunga in the east. The diversity of trekking in Nepal cannot be found in any other region of the world. In fact, the lowest point in Nepal is 59 m above sea-level in the Terai region while the highest point is Everest, 8,848 m above sea-level, the two points are, in a straight line, only 200 kilometres apart.
The majority of visitors to Nepal come in via the Tribuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. It is in Kathmandu that trekkers need to acquire their permits and other documentation, either from a trekking agent or from the appropriate offices. These documents will be checked along the trekking route. For those with little time to spend in Nepal there are half-day hikes from Kathmandu to witness breathtaking Himalayan views otherwise trek for weeks over stunning challenging mountain passes.
Up to the mid 1960s only a few trekkers had generally visited Nepal and back then as part of groups of expedition followers. Many of the big expeditions of the day encouraged trekkers to sign up in an attempt to help balance the funding.
Trekking in Nepal today is completely different to that of the 1960s. In all the main trekking areas, the National Parks and Conservation Areas lodges have been established where trekkers can find accommodation, food and meet other trekkers and locals along the way. The majority of the trails are well maintained and in many cases are sign-posted.
The lodges are well appointed and have facilities for charging batteries and the larger villages often have email facilities. The length, the difficulty and timing of the treks vary greatly and to add to that once outside of the main trekking areas transport becomes more problematic and often involves at least two journeys made on domestic scheduled flights.
The three main trekking areas and therefore the most easily accessible are the Everest, Langtang and the Annapurna regions. Annapurna and Langtang have a slight advantage in so much that they can be reached via road connections. Trekkers are of course rewarded when they venture further afield as well! Great Himalaya Trails has extensive information on other trekking regions, which are accessible by domestic flights, such as Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Dolpo, and the Far West. Several days of trekking is required to reach the higher mountain areas from the local centers of population and administration.
White water rafting means cruising down a rushing river in an inflatable rubber raft or white water kayak over crashing waves and swirling rapids for the excitement of a lifetime. Nepal has earned a reputation as one of the, best destinations in the world for white water rafting.
Nepal’s thundering waters, coming from the glaciers of the mighty Himalaya, provide unmatched thrills for rafting and immersing oneself in the landscape. A rafting trip is bound to be the highlight of your stay in the country.
Rivers are graded on a scale of one to six, with one being a swimming pool and six a one-way ticket to your maker. Four is considered to be quite challenging without being exceedingly dangerous to the novice rafter. Five requires some previous river experience.
ZIP FLYING
With the real adventure along with the superb view, zip flying in Nepal is not as other zip line of the rest of the world.
The visitors or participants are zipped from the hill to the plains and the most interesting part of this zip flying is that the cables zip down at the speed of the 86.99 miles per hours on a cable of 1.12miles long.
The adventure activity Zip flying is located at Pokhara, not only the superb view of the Pokhara valley but we can also view the impressive view of Annapurna, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri and other mountains ranges while having the zip flying in Pokhara.
Nature
BIRD WATCHING
BUTTERFLY WATCHING
Take your natural experience in Nepal to a whole new level by going bird watching in Nepal. The country and specially the KoshiTappu Wildlife Reserve in the eastern Terai is a bird watcher’s paradise. More than 850 species of birds are found in Nepal, and a surprisingly a large number of these birds can be spotted in and around the Kathmandu Valley alone.
The hills around the valley especially Nagarjun, Godavari and Phulchowki are popular bird watching areas and the Taudaha Lake on the way to Dakshinkali is fabulous for watching migratory water fowl during the winter months.
In the higher Himalayan regions are found the raptors and birds of prey of which there are numerous species.
The various national parks like Chitwan and Bardiya harbor a wide variety of birds. ButKoshiTappu has better sightings of an incredible variety of both resident and migratory birds that come from as far away as Siberia.
Nepal’s national bird is the lophophorous,Impeyen Pheasant locally called Danphe which is found in the Himalayan region. Bird watching trips are organized by most resorts and are accompanied by experienced naturalists.
JUNGLE DISCOVERY
MOUNTAIN FLIGHTS
While the high Himalaya makes up Nepal’s northern region, the southern lowland known as the Terai’s covered with dense tropical jungles teeming with diverse wildlife and exotic birds. Here you will find some of the most exciting safari destinations in the world.
You will be going into deep jungle on elephant back or four-wheel drive vehicle to view wild animals in their natural habitat. Other thrills are canoe rides on the jungle rivers, nature walks, bird watching excursions, and village tours.
Among the 14 national parks and wildlife reserves in the Kingdom, the Royal Chitwan National Park (932 sq km) is the most popular safari destination. More than 43 species of animals are found in Chitwan.
The endangered one-homed rhino, Royal Bengal tiger, Gharial crocodile, four-horned antelope, striped hyena, and the Gangetic dolphin are the main attractions here.
The best part is that it is close to Kathmandu and easily accessible (only 165 km overland), and Bharatpur airport adjoining the park is a mere 25?minute flight away (there are daily flights from Kathmandu).
Many adventurers also choose to go down by raft. However you go, a jungle safari is an experience you will remember for a long time.
Only awe stricken silence can come close to matching the experience of going on a mountain flight to encounter the tallest mountains of this earth. No wonder mountain fly?by have become a popular tourist attraction in Nepal. Four airlines offer regular forages into the snowcapped peaks of the Himalaya.
Mountain flights appeal to all categories of travellers. For those who are restricted by time or other considerations from going trekking, these flights offer a panoramic view of the Himalaya in just one hour. Even those visitors who like the rigors of a trek still don’t miss the opportunity to 11 conquer” the mountains in one fell swoop.
Travellers take off from Kathmandu in the early morning for an hour’s worth of spectacular mountain scenery. As the aircraft lifts up and heads towards the cast, passengers don’t have to wait too long to find out what’s in store for them. There they are the mountains, as they always have been.
First to their far left visitors see Gosaithan, also called Shisha Pangma, standing at the majestic height of 8,013 m. Immediately to the right of Gosaithan, there appears DorjeLakpa (6,966 m), a mountain that looks like the number 8 lying down and covered with snow. To the right of DorjeLakpa is Phurbi-Ghyachu, which looms over the Kathmandu Valley.
As the plane moves along, the mountains come closer and closer. Next on the vision is ChobaBharnare, the smallest one of the lot at 5,933 m but singularly stubborn as it has never been climbed. Then appears the mountain that is not only prominent in sight but also in spirituality – GauriShanker. Lord Shiva and his consort Gauri are said to protect this mountain, at the proud height of 7,134 m, and the summit had a history of unsuccessful attempts till 1979. GauriShanker is sharp and very conspicuous during the mountain flight.
As the plane moves towards the land of the rising sun, the eastern Himalaya, a succession of glorious mountains follow. Melungtse, a plateau-like mountain, stretches up to 7,023 m. Chugimago at 6,297 m is still a virgin, waiting to be climbed. At 6,956 m, Numburmountain resembles a breast, the maternal source in the sky providing pure milk to the Sherpas of the Solukhumbu. Next is Karyolung, an intensely white mountain that at 6,511 m gleams with the rising sun. Cho-Oyu is the eighth highest mountain in the world. Reaching a height of 8,201 m, it appears stunningly beautiful from the aircraft.
Next on the menu is Gyachungkang, at a majestic height of 7,952 m, considered an extremely difficult climb. To the right of Gyachungkang is Pumori (7,161 m). As passengers get closer to Everest, there’s Nuptse (7,855 m), which means West Peak, signifying its direction from Everest. Finally, there’s Everest (8,848 m) itself, known as Sagarmatha by the Nepalese and Chomolungma by the Tibetans. Much has already been written about Everest, but to actually witness it face to face during a mountain flight is something else. Even while it looms there in front of the eyes, it remains an enigma, this highest spot on earth.
MOUNTAIN VIEWING
Nepal, after all, is known as the land of the Himalayas. Consisting of eight out of the ten peaks, Nepal provides endless opportunities for its mountain-bound views. Similarly, the mountains also offer trekking and activities as such to relish in the melodrama of the Himalayas and nature. However, these demand physical fitness, time, and effort of the individuals. To those who wish a mellower way to witness the mountains. Nepal is apt for such souls as well and offers many ways to experience the views of mountains.Himalayan range within a short driving distance from your hotel in Kathmandu. There are countless destinations for mountain views since you can get up close to the Himalayas
Culture
CULTURAL TOURS
FOOD AND CULINARY
There are few other places in the world with such a harmonious blend of cultures as Nepal. Take a cultural tour in the Kathmandu Valley to discover about the Newari founders, or take an ox cart village tour in the Terai region to truly discover Nepal’s fascinating mix of cultures.
Nepal’s convenient weather, fertile soil, and natural setting were the lucrative position for many emperors and tribes to settle in the history. Various, mighty, dynasties ruled Nepal throughout the episodes of the history, bringing many cultural and religious perspectives to this tiny land.
Respective to geography and religion, Nepal’s cultural environment is as diverse as its natural settings. However, Nepal – now – is a federal democratic republic country that cocoons 101 ethnicities and protects every religion beliefs and practices.
Nepal is divided into three layers, according to its geographical settings – Himalayan region, Mid-hills, and Terai region (flat land). Himalayan region is the home of legendary Sherpas, who are renowned for climbing mountain Everest.
One of the first mountaineers (two) to climb Mt. Everest is Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. Sherpas follow Tibetan Buddhism, the “ancient school” by religion, friendly in nature and share part of a culture of Tibet. Trek to the northern-most region of Nepal to see the rich mix of culture and lifestyle.
Mid-hills of Nepal are populated by many hill tribes of Nepal like Gurung, Magar, Rai, Limbu, Tamang, Chettris, Brahmins, Newars, etc. Before the unification of the modern Nepal, Gurung, Rai, Magar, Tamang had their independent countries, and still have their independent culture; manner of practicing religion, language, cuisine, music and dance, and their architectural settlement is distinct to each other.
Newars, being indigenous the Kathmandu Valley, are rich in metal works, arts, crafts, and building castles and temples. Chettries (Khas) and Brahmins are Hindus by religions and historians state they are ancient settlers of Karnali region of Nepal. They have carried their cultural values – with them – wherever they settled.
Terai is the home of Tharu tribes, and of Madhesis. They have distinctive cultures and lifestyle, though their social life is influenced by Aryan culture and Hindu religion. The tradition, custom, art & pottery, and language resemble the ancient Aryan culture and civilization. Being a hot province of Nepal, people of Terai region wear light, cotton, clothes, but, yet, works hard during the day time.
Food being one of the basic need for survival, it cannot be ignored. Nepal, an ethnically and culturally diverse country, is the best place if you have a discerning palate for an impressive array of ethnic cuisines, or if you are a true foodie, or simply, an explorer of local culture.
There is no better way to understand Nepal and the Nepali people, than through their cuisine. Nepal does not have one distinct cooking style.
However, food habits differ depending on the region. Nepali food has been influenced by Indian and Tibetan styles of cooking. Authentic Nepali taste is found in Newari and Thakali cuisines.
MEET THE PEOPLE
TRADITIONAL CRAFTS
The population of Nepal is estimated at around 30 million. Nepal has an assortment of races and tribes, of varying colors and contrasts; living in different geographic regions; wearing various costumes and speaking different dialects. The peaceful co-existence of all ethnic groups altogether represents unity in diversity.
The people live under quite diverse geographic conditions , from low land in the south, northwards through the middle hills and valleys to the high Himalayan alpine patches.
Nepalese religious architecture is another art medium that is an important part of the country’s cultural heritage. There are three broad styles – the Pagoda style, the Stupa style and the Shikhara style.
The Pagoda Style : This style refers to multi-roofed structures with wide eaves supported by carved wooden struts. Windows, either latticed or grilled, are usually projecting, while triangular spires enclosing and inverted bell of stucco or burnished gold generally top off the roof. The pagoda style shows the architectural genius of Nepal.A young architect-sculptor-painter named baibhau (or Arniko as the Chinese call him), led a delegation of 80 Nepalese artists to Tibet during the late thirteenth century at the invitation of the Chinese Emperor Kublai KhanThe Pagoda style was soon adopted in China and from there spread to other Asian Countries. The best example of the pagoda style in the Kathmandu Valley is Kasthamandap, a wooden pagoda built in the Malla period and from which the name of the capital city is said to be derived. The nine-storeyBasantpur Palace built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah is another outstanding pagoda specimen. The Pashupati, Taleju and Changu Narayan temples are also notable examples.
The Stupa Style : The Swayambhu and Boudhanath shrines are Nepal’s first examples of the stupa or Chaitya style. This style is purely Buddhist in concept and execution. The outstanding feature of the stupa is a hemispherical mound topped by a square base supporting a series of the thirteen circular rings. Narrowing towards the top, the rings are crowned by a parasol. The fourSides of the square base or the harmika, as it is called, are often painted with pairs of mystic ‘ all – seeing eyes’. The stupas in Patan, said to have been built by King Ashoka, are considered to be the most ancient stupas of Nepal.
The ShikharaStyle : The Shikhara style forms yet another architectural design found in Nepal. The super structure is a tall curvilinear or pyramidal tower whose surface is broken up vertically into five to nine section. The final section consists of a bell-shaped part at the top. The Krishna temple in Patan, consecrated by king Siddhi Narsingh Malla, is the finest specimen of the relatively less popular Shikhara style.
VILLAGE TOURS
Where the way of life has not changed and where everything is still built by hand, made by hand and created by hand, village tourism offers a unique opportunity for comfortable cultural immersion.
We take our guests to unspoiled villages where they spend a few days living with the local people and being treated as honored family guests.Local attractions, both scenic and cultural, can be experienced.
The traditional culture of the different ethnic groups is a highlight of all of village visits. These warm and friendly people are always ready to perform their music and dance and to give an insight into their religion.