Nepal is a playground for lovers of adventure sports and high-adrenaline activities. the country offers some of the best mountain biking and rafting trips in the world, as well as canyoning, bungee jumping, zip wires, and rock climbing.
Mountain Biking
The mountain bike is an ideal, go-anywhere, versatile machine for exploring Nepal. these attributes make it, if possible, to escape sealed roads, and to ride tracks and ancient walking trails to remote, rarely visited areas of the country. A mountain bike really allows you to get off the beaten track and discover idyllic Newari villages that have preserved their traditional lifestyle in Kathmandu valley. Trekkers Paradise offers guided mountain bike trips, we provide high-quality bicycles, local and western guides, helmets, and all the necessary equipment.
If you plan to do a mountain biking trip for more than a day or two, it may be a good idea to bring your own bicycle from home. your bicycle can be carried as part of your baggage allowance on international flights. If you bring your own bicycle, it is essential to bring tools and spear parts, as these are largely unavailable outside of Kathmandu.
The best mountain biking trip is Jomsom to Pokhara downhill trails that follow 4wd tracks down the western half of the spectacular Annapurna circuit.
- Annapurna Circuit
- Upper Mustang
- Lower Everest region
- Pokhara – Kathmandu
- Kathmandu valley
Rafting and Kayaking
In general, the best times for rafting and kayaking are September to early December, and March to early June. If you go on an organized rafting or kayaking trip, you will need light clothing, with a warmer change for cool nights. A swimsuit, a towel, a sunhat, insect repellent, sunscreen, and light tennis shoes or sandals are all necessary. Before you decide on a river, you need to decide what it is that you want out of your trip. there are trips available two to 12 days on different rivers, all offering dramatically different experiences. The Sun Koshi, which is a full-on white-water trip in September and October, are basically flat in the low water of early spring. On the flip side, the Marsyangdi, which would be suicidal during high flows. The Karnali is probably the only river that offers continually challenging white water at all flows, though during the high-water month of September and May.
Safety is the most important part of any river trip. your guide should give you a comprehensive safety talk and paddle training before you launch off downstream. Shorter trips or Day trips depart every day, but the longer rafting trips only depart after previous confirmation.
March to May: The summer season has long, hot days and lower water flows, which generally means the rapids are a grade lower than they are from September to November. the rivers rise again in May with the pre-monsoon storms and some snowmelt.
June to August: The monsoon rains mean the rivers carry 10 times their low-water flows and can flood with 60 to 80 times the low-water levels, making most rivers insanely difficult. Only parts of the Seti, Upper Sun Koshi, and Trisuli are commercially rung during the monsoon.
September to early December and May to June: Rivers can be extremely high with monsoon runoff. Any expeditions attempted at this time require a very experienced rafting company with an intimate knowledge of the river and strong teams, as times of high flows are potentially the most dangerous times to be on a river.
Mid-October to November: One of the most popular times to raft or kayak, with warm, settled weather and exciting runs.
December: Many of the rivers become too cold to enjoy unless you have a wetsuit, and the days are short with the start of winter- the time to consider shorter trips.
Rock Climbing
Perhaps surprisingly, rock climbing is still in its infancy in Nepal, and caving is even less developed. Most of the climbing is around the Kathmandu valley. There are some terrific places for those who get their kicks from crawling up vertical cliffs. Most of the cliffs are situated to the north and northwest of the valley. Balaju (Nagarjun forest), Hattiban Rock climbing site, Astrek climbing wall, Thame Rock climbing site, Kakani, Bimal Nagar, etc. If you prefer to get under rocks, then the company offers combined climbing, abseiling, and caving trips to the Siddha Gufa, a huge cave near Bandipur, as well as three-day multi-activity trips.
Bungee Jumping
For those who want to up the adrenaline ante, there are several bungees in Nepal. With the world’s highest swing and second-highest bungee, experience adventure from new heights and feel the thrill like nowhere else on Earth. The Cliff, locally also known as the Kusma Bungee located in Kusma, Parbat district situated in the western part of Nepal. The drive to Kusma from Kathmandu is about 260 kilometers (7 to 8hrs) OR you have the option of flying to Pokhara and 2 hrs drive.
The last resort on the road between Kathmandu and Tibet offers a 160m plunge off a bridge spanning a gorge through which the Bhote Kosi ranges. Further west more elastic-band ‘fun’ can be had just outside Pokhara, where Zip Flyer offers a 70m-hight tower bungee jump. The same fiendish minds also offer an 1800m long zipline ride where speeds of 120km/h can be reached.
Paragliding & Ultralights
Paragliding, where you strap yourself to a tandem parachute and silently sail on the thermals with incredible views of Annapurna and Macchapuchhare, is available just outside Pokhara and in Bandipur.
An ultralight, which is like a paraglider with a lawnmower strapped to it, is a fabulous way to view the mountain peaks. The 60 minutes option gets you thrillingly close to the peaks; less than this and you’ll just be flying around Phewa Tal. Open cockpits are more exciting but colder; a fixed-wing option gets you higher quicker.
Canyoning
This wet-and-wild sport is a combination of abseiling, climbing, swimming, and jumping into rivers. The best know canyoning area is on the turbulent Bhote Koshi north of Kathmandu on the road to Tibet. There are more canyons in Sundarijal in the Kathmandu Valley and at the Jalbirien route to Chitwan. September, October, April, and May offer the best conditions.
Trail Running in Nepal
Going for a run in the middle of nature is the simplest definition of trail running. Trail running exercises the upper body and legs as well as increase our focus and attention. In trail running, you run at your own pace and pay attention to your senses to feel good. A state of mind for trail running also exists. Using all of your senses, paying attention to your body’s signals, feeling well, and appreciating the environment as you run. All these different feelings make you exercise in sync with the natural environment. Accept the slope, move slowly, and enjoy the scenery!
Trail running in Nepal is an unforgettable experience that offers awesome cultural insights and Himalayan glimpses for trail runners. Nepal has been organizing various trail running races in its different parts. Nepal is a trail runner’s dream and there is a trail race covering most of the vibrant hills and the majestic Himalayas that every trail runners add to their bucket list. Rugged terrain and climbs are an element of trail running that Nepal offer, which is usually performed in the hills and the mountains. Nepal is truly a trail-running destination with the Himalayan trails like no other in the world. So if you are really into trail running passionate about adventure and want to run in the heart of the Himalayas and explore the real beauty of nature, Nepal is the place to be.
Among the trail running races in Nepal, Manjushree Trail Race (MTR) also known as Kathmandu Valley Rim is the only IRFA-certified 100-mile race in Nepal now. With a climb of about 12,695 meters through the seven highest peaks surrounding the valley namely Jamchho, Shivapuri, Nagarkot, Phulchowki, Basmasur, Champadevi, and Chandragiri, the Manjushree Trail makes up a total distance of 175 kilometers. The running trail route traverses through tranquil dense forests of the two national parks at Kathmandu’s border, Nagarjun and Shivapuri National Parks with an occasional sighting of the Himalayas and the Kathmandu valley from the higher exposed ridges and peaks. The upcoming MTR race will be held in October 2023.
Others Activities
Not all activities in Nepal involve a head for heights, a love of speed, or a desire to get soaked in freezing river rapids. The three big national parks of the Tarai- are Chitwan, Bardia, and Koshi Tappu. All national parks offer safaris, forest walks, and boat/canoe rides all of which are delightfully relaxing and calm.
Simply click here if you’re looking for the greatest adventure packages in Nepal.