10 Insanely Awesome Adventures in Nepal

written by local expert Becky Rogers

Becky is an avid rock climber and outdoor enthusiast and is now living in France as an expat. When she is not writing about travel gear and various destinations she has visited during her travels, you can find her playing with her two dogs.

Land-locked between the sizeable countries of India and China, Nepal is often easily overlooked. Surprisingly, what it lacks in size, it makes up for it in adventures! Known for its stunning mountainous regions and unique trekking trails, Nepal offers all this and more with its jungle landscapes, medieval cities, and sacred sites.

What’s even better? Nepal caters to every type of traveler, whether you want to do some hardcore trekking or just enjoy a few adrenaline pumping activities. Backpackers often flock here for the Himalayan journey to see those pristine mountain views, and to conquer the monster mountain known as Everest.

So what is it that makes Nepal a Disneyland for adventurers? Here’s our list of insanely awesome adventures to do which might just convince you to make it your next adventure destination.

Waterfall Ice Climbing

With eight of the world’s highest peaks found in Nepal, The Himalayas are a mountainous playground for trekking enthusiasts, mountaineers and of course ice-climbers! Home to numerous routes all ranging in difficulty (WI3-WI5, 200′-1000’+), this is the place to get your climb on- with warm clothes of course!

If you want to push yourself to the limit by battling extreme altitudes and taking on the toughest icefalls and jagged peaks, then this exhilarating experience is one for you. Waterfall ice-climbing (yes, it’s a thing!) has become increasingly popular in this destination alone as not only do you take on the challenge to climb some incredible frozen water, but the amazing landscapes you get to see on your ascent are completely unique to Nepal.

Where to do it: The main areas to ice climb are Lantang Valley, Annapurna Sanctuary, and Thame, Khumbu Bijuli Power House. Make sure to research where the ones you want to do are located as some are close enough that you can climb two in the same day! nepal-ice-climbing

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Trekking Mount Everest

I know what you’re thinking, this should have been the first adventure right? Well, I wanted to mix it up a bit! Nepal has been known as one of the nicest countries in the world for trekking for a very long time and I think I don’t need to explain to anyone why this is. With new and restricted trekking areas and peaks being continuously opened, thousands of trekkers and climbers keep returning to test their endurance and explore every inch of this stunning mountain.

If you want to challenge yourself, try the Everest Base Camp Trek which involves 12 days of trekking along rocky tracks, up some grueling inclines all at increasingly high altitudes. A test of both physically and mental will, nothing is like the feeling of sitting on the peak of this conquered, snow-capped giant. Plus, I think being able to say that you climbed and conquered the highest mountain in the world will gain you a lot of street cred.

Where to do it: This particular adventure starts from the town of Lukla. Make sure to check out where your tour starts from as there are many options!

Insider Tip: Do your research and go with a reputable company. A journey like this is not to be taken lightly so its best to put your climb in the hands of professionals!  nepal-everest

Editor’s Note: Traveling Nepal to face some mountains? Check out our full article on the best trekking in Nepal!

Bungee Jumping & Canyon Swing

A bungee jump with incredible views makes the experience so much better, trust me! Obviously, people agree, as Nepal has been labeled one of the “best sites” to experience the thrill of a bungee jump.

I can see why, as plunging off a tropical gorge at 106 meters over one of the wildest rivers, Bhote Koshi, gushing below would add to the rush of adrenaline. To make a full day of adventures, you can combine this jump with trekking through the mountains or even with the world’s highest canyon swing!

Where to do it: Kathmandu – most tours will pick you up from your accommodation.

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Mountain Flight Around Nepal

Unable to trek up Mount Everest because you’re pushed for time or you simply don’t want to? If your answer is yes to any of these then this particular adventure is for you guys. An Everest mountain flight (airplane or helicopter) offer all the benefits of the summit views only from hundreds of feet higher!

So sit back, relax and comfortably enjoy the miles of snow peaks whilst flying close to massifs of rock and ice. A birds-eye, panoramic view of the highest peaks on earth? Sounds like a hell of an adventure to me.

Where to do it: Departures take place from Kathmandu and where you fly alongside and to the remote corners of the Himalaya.

Related: What the Hell does Adventure Mean? nepal-flight

Ultra-light Flying

Very similar to mountain flights, this activity involves viewing Nepal’s mountains from the sky but with an extra thrill! The microlight aircraft. Flying through the clouds with the wind in your face and a completely unhindered view of the mountain peaks, this form of free flying is almost as close as it gets to the real thing (we personally think paragliding is as close as it gets!).

An exhilarating 90-minute experience, enjoy being at one with nature during this flight as you do nothing but marvel at the incredible view.

Where to do it: Only one place offers this and that’s Pokhara Airport!

nepal-ultra-light-flights
Photo from Fishtail Flights

Parahawking

Okay, so this adventure is a little out there but seriously cool none-the-less! Parahawking, in a nutshell, is essentially paragliding with falconry. Yes you heard right, flying with actual birds of prey! Designed to advance the interaction between man and bird, parahawking combines the modern technique of paragliding with the birds natural instinct, allowing them to guide you towards thermals to show you the world through their eyes.

Of course, falconry techniques always involve rewards, so during the flight the passenger will regularly place small chunks of meat onto their hand for the bird to refuel.  The perfect mix of adventure, eco-tourism and conservation, this experience gives you the opportunity to interact with birds of prey in their own environment whilst experiencing the Himalaya from the sky.

Where to do it: All activities are based in Pokhara.

Jungle Safari

Yes, Nepal is known for its breathtaking mountains, but it is also home to luscious tropical jungles boasting of various species of exotic animals. I’ve always wanted to go on a Safari. Something about silently observing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat and watching their fascinating behavior is so appealing to me.

If you’re a lover of the wilderness too then Nepal seems to be a good place to have this experience. They have multiple National Parks preserving some of the best wildlife and numerous safaris to choose from. So, what better way is there to see these animals?

Where to do it: The region of Terai is where you’ll find Nepal’s stunning jungle landscapes. Head to Chitwan National Park or Bardia National Park for a wide range of tours.

Related: Top Things to Do in Kathmandu

nepal-adventures-safari

Zip Flyer

Yes, another zip line, but not just any zip line. The tallest, longest and steepest zip line in the whole world! (Or at least that’s what they claim). 1.8km in length with an incline of 56 degrees and a vertical drop of 600 meters, the Zip Flyer is renowned for being the most extreme zip line experience. Feel the adrenaline rush of plummeting towards the ground before flying forwards over the breath-taking landscapes around you. This activity is always great fun, but why not find out if this is really all it claims to be yourself!

Where to do it: You will find the Zip flyer in  Sarangkot, Pokhara. A man ziplining through the jungle

Sky Dive Over Everest

After all our adventures and experiences, we still consider sky diving to be the most extreme and scariest activity you can do. Mostly because of the building atmosphere beforehand, it gives me goose bumps just thinking about it! Again, this is an adventure best experienced with amazing views beneath you to be admired even if just for a few minutes.

In Nepal, adventurers can jump from 29,500 feet, higher than the Everest summit to experience the whole giant itself as well as it’s jagged peak surroundings. Words can’t describe the rush you will feel from the free-fall and the memories of the stunning scenery that you will keep with you always.

Where to do it:  200 km west of Kathmandu in Pokhara.

Heli Skiing

Being the best mountaineering destination, naturally, Nepal also offers the perfect location for heli-skiing activities. With the amazing height of the Nepalese Himalayas, the helicopter drops you off at the start of your run with the longest starting at 5,000 meters above sea level.

Here the adventure begins as you make your own tracks through the beautiful powdered snow, admiring the mountain views and forest scenery on your way down. With 1 to 2 week trips available to explore the Everest region, I’m sure all avid skiers would be tempted by this amazing adventure in the tallest mountain region!

Where to do it: Everest region, Annapurna, Dhauligiri, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Kangchenjunga, and the Dolpo region. So many options so little time! nepal-heliskiing Sadly, that concludes my list of insanely awesome adventures in Nepal and strangely I am still really surprised by how many things you can do with one mountain. If you are an adrenaline junkie, these may be adventures you want to check out! If you’re not, I’d defiantly still recommend visiting Nepal as its raw and remarkable beauty is something not to be missed.

Last thing, do you love adventure? Check out the Best Adventure Quotes of all time!


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13 thoughts on “10 Insanely Awesome Adventures in Nepal”

  1. This is one-of-a-kind list of adrenaline rush! Seriously, most of the activities listed here are completely out of my league. Actually, I think that the ones that I would be brave enough to try are the mountain flight, the jungle safari, and the zip flyer. However, I wish I had the courage to try everything!

    Reply
  2. So much adrenaline! Parahawking? I would love to visit Nepal to see the mountains and meet the people. To get close to the great hawks would be an honor, fly with them, not for me.

    Reply
  3. This is the clear case of a kid in a toy store. I am left open-mouthed, salivating and crying because I can’t jump on a plane and head to Nepal right now. Paragliding has been on my proverbial bucket list for ages (I keep promising myself that one day magic happens: I would be in a place where I can paraglide with enough money in my pocket to afford it ;). So far those two requirements haven’t coincided yet). Parahawking sounds even better. Been guided by a majestic bird – that’s a real fairytale. Thank you for the inspiration!

    Reply
    • Paragliding is indeed an EPIC adventure. I have had the opportunity to paraglide when I was in Ecuador and I kid you not, the nearby volcano started spewing lava and smoke. I definitely thought I was imagining it at one point. I hope you get your chance soon!

      Reply
  4. This is a very cool post. I hadn’t even heard of parahawking, but it sounds very cool. The waterfall ice climbing sounds amazing too, but I don’t think I’d be brave enough for that or climbing Mount Everest!

    Reply
  5. Wow, now those are REAL adventures! My husband and son visited Nepal a few years ago but didn’t do any of those. They did a lot of hiking and getting to know the locals, and they loved the country and the people.

    Reply
  6. Hey Becky,
    Thanks for this post! I’ve been looking at visiting Nepal for years but haven’t had the time to do so and the bucket list had a few other destinations ahead of it. I didn’t really think there’d be this many types of adventures to be had there. Mainly I’m just wanting to hike for days at a time but I might have to look into a few of these. Parahawking sounded quite interesting.

    Any idea of when the best time to visit is? Thanks again for the inspiration!

    Cheers,
    Mark

    Reply
    • Hi Mark,
      You’re welcome, so glad you enjoyed it! I know I thought the same, but Nepal has nearly every type of terrain there is so with lots of variety comes lots of adventures ! I love hiking too so Nepal is definitely the place to go for some amazing trails.
      As for the best time to visit..it really depends on what you would like to do there. Most people recommend between October and December as the best time as the skies are clearer which makes for better views! However, if you can brave the cold, you will find quieter trekking trails in January and February as there will be fewer visitors. This is the time I like to travel. Typically from May the heat will increase and then you hit Monsoon season in June so I would avoid traveling then as trekking would be miserable and the clouds will obscure the mountain views.

      Hope this helps! Good luck with your travels!
      Becky

      Reply

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