Mountaineering:
Mountaineering is considered the keystone activity that Nepal offers to the climbers than any country in the world. The eight out to fourteen 8000m peaks lie in Nepal including the Mt. Everest (8848m), the highest peak in the world. Ever since, the country opened its peaks to climbers in 1949, the mountaineering activity has become the most popular trend of alluring hundreds of adventure seekers to Nepal every year. The pioneer of all, this mountaineering was the major starter of tourism in Nepal that dates back to the successful conquering of Mount Annapurna by Mourice Herzog in 1950 and the Everest by sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in 1953. Since then, the record setting and glory hunt of conquering these peaks have been remarked as the most prestigious earnings and so has been the ultimate dream of any climber to attain.
Rockclimbing:
The other extreme sport getting new heights is rock climbing. Rock climbing in Nepal can be done in aptly identified sites such as Nagarjun, Balaju, Shivapuri and Budhanilkantha. Other than these locations, one can also enjoy rock climbing during their trekking in remote areas such as Manang and Mustang.
River Activities:
Nepal has earned recognition worldwide for its best white water rafting, Kayaking and canoeing. There are 16 rivers to Choose form for rafting in Nepal out of which Trishuli river(grade 3+) is considered the best. The other popular rivers used for rafting are Kali Gandaki (5-5+), Karnali (4-5), Sunkoshi (4-5) and Marshyangdi. Rafting in Kali Gandaki river takes five days which passes through intense rapids, deep remote canyons and deep gorges. Rafting in Bhote Koshi extends up to 26 Km of continuous white water. Where as Marshyangdi river is a four-day of uninterrupted white water.The Karnali river provides some of the most challenging rapids in the world.
The Sunkoshi river offers the longest rafting of almost 270 km that takes 8-10 days to complete and the most biggest and longest of all.
White Water Rafting
The rivers that thunder down from the high himalaya churn with ferocity, mixing with melting glacier water to crash through gorges, valleys and tropical jungles on their way to the plains of India. They provide some of the fastest and most challenging white waters in the world.
Kali Gandaki river rafting: (3 days ex pokhara)
Named after the hindu goddess of destruction, the Kali Gandaki rised in Mustang, creating one of the world’s deepest river gorges as it passes between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Both novice and experienced rafters will enjoy the whitewater rapids and lovely scenery.
Bhotekoshi:
(2 days ex kathmandu or Kodari - Kathmandu) One of the most exhilarating short trips anywhere and an ideal introduction for new rafters. It has everything - stunning location, thrilling drops and unusual limestone formations.
Trisuli: (2 days ex Kathmandu):
One of the most popular short trips, this classic river assumes a whole new dimension during monsoonseason as huge runoffs make the river swell and sheer like an immense ribbon of churning ocean.
Mountain Biking:
The best way to explore Kathmandu valley and its outlying destination is on a mountain bike. Mountain biking is the only way to enjoy uphill and downhill of the country without spoiling its pristine environment. The sport is also considered enjoyable as well as adventurous in the surrounding valley and its vicinities. There are plenty of off roads and plain roads in Nepal to meet the wildest dreams of adventurous mountain bikers. Mountain biking is specially recommended if you wish to explore urban cities on your own. Mountain bikes are available for rent by the day or longer in many of the bicycle rental outlets in and around the city.
Bungy Jumping:
The ultimate thrill of a bungy jump can now be experienced in Nepal. The first of its kind, Bungy in Nepal is situated in Bhote Koshi at the height of 160m. The bungy jump in Nepal is considered best due to its natural ambience and high ridges. The jump is done from an artificial bridge specially constructed to carry out the activity and done in care of specially trained jump masters.
Just south of the Tibet border, on the Bhote Koshi river, Borderlands and the Last Resort offer tented accomodation set amongst beautiful gardens. They offer a range of adventure activities as well as a lovely and tranquil setting in which to relax.
Paragliding:
The history of paragliding in Nepal is not long but it is emerging as one of the fastest growing sports in Nepal due to the suitable weather and best locations to carry out. Paragliding in Nepal is a wonderful experience to enjoy scenic beauty of terrace fields and breath taking white Himalayan ranges.
Elephant Polo:
The most renowned sport played in Nepal is the Elephant polo. Unique in its texture , Elephant polo tournament is played in Chitwan every two year where hundreds of people flock in to witness the game. Chitwan has already been offering a variety of activities for tourists which varies form Jungle safari, elephant ride and others.
Artificial wall climbing:
Artificial wall climbing is relatively a new sport in Nepal where you have an artificial wall made for the sole purpose of recreational climbing. Though at present it has however gained much prominence and liked by all walks of life.
Artificial climbing walls are concrete or synthetic walls and look like natural rock or mountain surfaces with hand and toe grips at interval on the wall. These kinds of walls can be made more difficult or less difficult to climb by the strategic location and number of hand holds and toe grips. Climbing walls are ideal for beginner climbers as it is much more safer.
Hot Air Ballooning:
Hot air ballooning is very popular with tourists for it affords the most spectacular birds-eye view of the Kathmandu valley and the Himalayan ranges towering in the background. On a clear day it’s a superb way to view the Himalaya (from 6000m up), and the view of the valley is equally breathtaking.
Other Attraction:
Bird Watching:
Nepal is blessed with a vast array of exceptionally rich bird life with a total of over 900 species recorded so far. A diverse topography and climate has resulted in a variety of habitats with in the country, which are home to almost 10% of the worlds total bird population. Hence, making Nepal a paradise for the bird watchers. The most popular spots for the bird watching in Nepal are Phulchoki, Godavari, Nagarjun forest, Gokarna, Bank of Bagmati and Manohara river and Taudaha lake near Kathmandu valley. In addition places like Koshi Tappu wildlife Reserve, Chitwan national park and other national parks of Nepal are also famous territories of endangered birds.
Within the Kathmandu valley alone, almost 500 species of birds have been recorded. The surrounding hill offer a varied ecology ranging from primary and secondary forests to rhododendron, oak and pine forests. In addition, the wetlands and open fields inside the valley make up a diverse habitat for many species of birds, winter is the best time for bird watching in the area since many types of birds can be seen and the forest will be free from leeches.
Phulchoki hill
Pulchoki hill is the most popular spot for bird watching in Nepal. Phulchoki is the highest peak on the valley rim and is situated 20km southeast of Kathmandu. Phulchoki hill is one of the nearest and easily accessible places for any bird lovers. A part from birds it is also a fabulous place for butterflies too.
The Shivapuri National Park
The park is home to over 311 species of birds including many threatened species, over 120 species of butterflies. Bird including Kalij pheasant, common hill partridge, booted eagle, crested serpent eagle. Laughing thrushes, sunbirds, tits etc.
Taudaha
Taudaha, a lake on the way to Dhakshinkali, attracts flocks of migrant birds. Taudaha is the only remaining living lake that sustains the birdlife though there are other two such lakes in Kathmandu valley. This lake lies in the south of Kathmandu and is about 3 km form Chobar. This lake holds great place for the winter migratory waterfowls that comes as far as from Siberia. The migrations of waterfowls start from the beginning of fall that is September every year and can be seen till the late spring or summer time. Birdwatching can be done in and around the lake, down the Bagmati riverbanks in the east and along the Bosan River in the south of Taudaha.
Suryavinayak Jungle
More than 99 different species of resident and migrating birds have been spotted here. Different types of orchids are also found hanging in the trees in this forest all the year round. This type of forest is one of the best breeding ground for different kinds of resident birds. Lot of Warblers can be seen during winters in the forest. It is the best breeding ground for many summer visitors like Fly catchers, Cuckoos and bee-eaters. White Bellied Yuhina Doves, Magpie, Treepie, woodpeckers, flower peckers, Nuthatches, Laughing Thrushes, Minivets, Barbets and Bulbuls can be seen every where in the forest.
Koshi Tappu wildlife Reserve
As well as other kinds of fauna, the Koshi Tappu wildlife Reserve is renowned for being one of the best location for birding. Within Nepal’s subtropical Terai belt. This is the smallest (175 sq km) and Easternmost reserve in Nepal.
With over 280 species of birds recorded so far, including species of duck, ibises, storks, swamp Partridges herons, egrets, Bengal floricans and many exotic and migratory waterfowl not found elsewhere in Nepal.
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National park is renowned for its array of birds, with over 255 species recorded. There are many species of Parakeets. Other birds include Blue-Throat (thrush), long tailed Nightjar, Indian Peafowl, Great Barbet, red billed blue magpie and Tickell’s red-breasted blue flycatcher.
Bardia National Park
Bardia is also popular destination for bird watching situated in the far west of Nepal. It is an area of extensive Jungle which is covered by Sal forest riverine and grass lands. A boat ride on the slow moving expanse of the Karnali river provides plenty of opportunities to view a vast variety of birds including Rudy Shelduck, Darters, Brahmini kites, brown headed gulls, cormorants, oriental pied hornbill, night heron & Purple heron, Cinnamon bitterness, orioles and majestic peacocks.
The Annapurna Conservation Area
The bird habitat ranges form the sub-tropical lowland towards pokhara is the south of ACA to dry sub-alpine conditions above the tree line towards the North. The most commonly observed birds in the area include eagle and Bearded Vulture, and the golden eagle, Crimson Horned Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant and Kalij Pheasant.
Mountain Flight
Everest Flight ( 1 Hour)
The “must-see” landmark of Nepal is Mt. Everest-the highest mountain in the world.The enchanting experience which you will go through on board with new American 1900C Beech craft is indescribable in words. Capable of flying to an altitude of 25000ft., you’ll find yourself come face to face with majestic Everest. Experience exotic Himalayan range with panoramas extending from Langtang to Everest.
One of the best ways to get close to the Himalaya, and to Everest in particular, is to take a mountain flight. Lasting an hour they offer an incredible close-up views of the awesome peaks. Planes carry a limited number of passengers, ensuring a window seat for all.
Meditation Yoga and Ayurveda
Nepal provides the solitude and environment for meditation which is unparalleled in this part of the world. Nepal has much to offer to those interested in meditation, Yoga and Ayurveda. There are guided and residential course for meditation and Yoga and the effects are far reaching and cumulative. Kathmandu, in particular, is where most of these activities happen.
For more information regarding Meditation and retreats:
Please log on www.kopanmonastery.com
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