At the Himalayan Travel Mart 2018, inspiring mountaineers like Tashi Tenzing Sherpa, grandson of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, and adventurer, Adrian Hayes, shared their experiences of climbing Everest and many other peaks. They also offered recommendations for sustainable adventure tourism in Nepal.
Although I went to Kathmandu on a FAM tour that had to do more with Nepal’s architecture destinations and didn’t involve any trekking or adventure tourism activities, most people go to Nepal with the express intention of experiencing one or more of the activities below.
I might have opted for a more adventurous tour if I had been younger or more sprightly. If you’re looking for adventure tour packages in Nepal that you can do near or from Kathmandu, check out the links below.
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1. Bungee jumping near Kathmandu
This trip will take 4 hours outside Kathmandu and just 19 km from the Tibetan border. You’ll jump 160 meters off Nepal’s only privately owned bridge to the longest free-fall in the world.
This steel suspension bridge is specially designed for bungee jumping with a 4x-safety factor and has a loading factor of 41,500 kg or 4.5 tons according to Swiss measurements. The bridge is situated above a tropical gorge with the Bhote Kosi, one of Nepal’s wildest rivers raging below.
2. Canyon Swing near Kathmandu
Opt for a Canyon Swing if you want twice as much free fall from the same location as the bungee jump above. You’ll be fitted with a chest harness, attached to their twin rope swinging system.
Cables attach you to the pivot point of a pendulum-like system and you swing at its end for a total of about 12 seconds. What a great rush!
After your Canyon Swing, you can retire to the Karmabar site, and bond with other swingers over a glass of beer and some daal and bhat (rice and lentil soup) for lunch. You can also enjoy the resort’s sauna treatments at an additional cost.
3. Overnight canyoning excursion near Kathmandu
The Last Resort offers excellent opportunities for canyoning adventures away from the crowds. The resort is located amidst sprawling terraced gardens, surrounded by a dense jungle and pristine forest, and suspended in isolation on a high cliff-top gorge, above the Bhote Kosi River.
This spectacular location is also the ideal place to be based for canyoning adventures from the end of February to the end of May in spring and the first of September to end of December in autumn.
With some of the world’s most beautiful canyons right on the doorstep, the canyon you’ll explore will depend on the weather conditions, water levels, and the skill level of the group.
4. Rafting down Bhote Kosi, Kosh River in Nepal
Experience some of the most exciting rafting, kayaking, and canyoning adventures in Nepal on the Bhote Kosi River. The scenic drive to the rafting spot will bring you into view of Himalayan Mountain ranges such as Langtang, and Dorje Lakpa.
This rafting excursion is quite possibly one of the best short whitewater outings offered anywhere in the world and is an ideal outing for those looking for a short whitewater escapade.
5. Poon Hill sunrise trek from Kathmandu
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is the perfect family trek in the Himalayas. A laid-back but intense, 12-day trip, it doesn’t require extreme fitness levels. Kids and even seniors will be able to enjoy it.
You’ll experience the superb Himalayan scenery of the Annapurna mountain range and pass through Gurung villages, rhododendron forests, and terraced fields in the mid-mountain region of west Nepal.
6. Annapurna Base Camp trek from Kathmandu
Trekking up the Annapurna Base Camp, this 14-day Annapurna tour allows you to experience the lively culture of the Gurung and Thakali people and natural hot springs along the trail.
Annapurna Base Camp, or the Annapurna Sanctuary, is north of the Pokhara Valley. Experience beautiful landscapes, encounter amazing people, and share their vibrant culture. Enjoy panoramic mountain views and blooming rhododendron forests along the way.
7. Everest base camp trek from Kathmandu
The epitome of all trekking experiences, the Everest base camp trek attracts people from all over the globe who want to experience the highest mountain in the world up close.
Spending your nights in mountain lodges called “tea houses”, you’ll pass by the Tengboche Monastery, Sherpa villages rich with culture, Buddhist chorten, and the famous Kala Patter, where climbers gear up for their final ascent to the summit.
8. 14 day Kailash Yatra via Lhasa hike in Nepal
If you want to make the challenging Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage to, the easiest way is via Lhasa. This amazing 14-day excursion lets you explore Tibetan culture and the most important Tibetan sites before reaching the sacred Lake Mansarovar and holy Mt. Kailash.
You’ll start by flying over Mt. Everest to reach Lhasa – an adventure in itself. You’ll start with a visit to the Pashupatinath Temple where you can pay homage to Lord Pashupatinath, an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
The next day, you’ll fly to Lhasa and visit the picturesque Barkhor market. After acclimatizing your body, a scenic drive will take you through several Tibetan cities until you reach Lake Mansarovar.
9. 23 day Kailash Trek via Simikot Humla hike in Nepal
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can opt for the 23-day-long Kailash Trek via Simikot Humla. Considered sacred and the center of the Universe by Hindus and Buddhists alike, the holy peak Mount Kailash (Kangrinpoche) is situated in the western part of Tibet.
After flights to Nepalgunj and Simikot, you’ll begin trekking, passing barren land, lush green valleys, snow-capped peaks, and pristine blue lakes.
The Mt. Kailash Kora starts at the village of Darchen which opens up at the base of the Kailash massif. The highlight of this Trek is the trekking route itself, which is about 54km.
