Activities

Mountaineering

The mountains are open for climbing in all the four climbing seasons:

spring (March-May),

summer (June-August),

autumn (September-November) and

winter (December-February).

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation issues permits for the bigger mountains while the Nepal Mountaineering Association issues permits for the smaller trekking peaks between 5,587 m and 6,654 m.

Please click for Mountaineering Royalty.

Trekking

That one in four visitors to Nepal go trekking should say something about the popularity of this activity in the Himalayan country. Most treks go through altitudes between 1,000 and 4,000 meters, while some popular parts reach over 5,000 meters. It’s not only the stunning landscapes on the trail that captivate the trekkers but also the people from different ethnic groups with whom they meet on the way – a rare opportunity to experience Nepal’s rich cultural diversity. And what better way than walking to see and experience it.

It was mountaineering that first opened up Nepal to the outside world. Of the world’s 14 highest peaks above 8,000 m, eight of them crown Nepal’s north, including the highest Mt. Everest. Not surprisingly, the fascination of scaling these physically demanding peaks draws crowds of visitors from abroad year after year without let up.

The most popular trekking routes have traditionally been the Everest, Annapurna and Langtang regions. But now the Kanchenjungha in the extreme east and Dolpo in northwest Nepal are gaining ground as new popular destinations. More recently, the government has developed a number of heritage trails in different parts of the country where you can combine a trek with a peek into the cultures of the local communities. And for those with the time and the stamina, there is The Great Himalayan Trail that stretches 1,700 km from Kanchenjungha in the east to Humla in the west – a trek that will take months to accomplish.

All trekkers are required to obtain the TIMS card before embarking on their trip. To trek in protected areas region one must acquire the entry permit by paying Entry Fees to enter the particular National Park or Protected Area. To get access to the areas restricted by the Government of Nepal, one must acquire the Trekking Permit to the area.

Please click for information on: TIMS card, ENTRANCE FEES TO NATIONAL PARKS and Trekking Permit to Restricted Areas.

Mountain Biking

Nepal’s diverse terrain makes it one of the best for mountain biking. Bike through the country and discover villages and small towns in the midst of rural serenity. Time permitting, it is even possible to explore the entire length and breadth of the country on a mountain bike. Bikes can be hired in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Special Interest

Ayurveda:

Ayurveda dates back to the Vedic period. Ayurveda, the natural way of living, is also the oldest authentically recorded science in existence today. The objective of Ayurveda is to achieve the highest goal of life – inner and outer dynamic harmony. There are several Ayurveda clinics in and around Kathmandu and in different parts of Nepal to help you achieve the different dimensions of health – physical, sensorial, mental and spiritual.

Meditation:

Meditation rejuvenates one’s energy level and zeal, so you can feel enlightened – far from the metaphysical world. A meditation course will help you explore in-depth and find a new human within you. There are specialized centers in Kathmandu, Lumbini and other places around the country that offer meditation courses.

Yoga:

Yoga classes will contribute to the development of a healthy body, a healthy mind and a healthy thought. It also helps one achieve balanced, harmonious and integrated development of all aspects of one’s personality. Yoga is a pathway to a true, happy and healthy living. Yogic training eventually prepares one for spiritual awakening, the supreme aim of human life. There are many yoga centers in Kathmandu and other tourist cities in Nepal.

Spa:

Nepal is also becoming a popular destination for spas. Spa is associated with water treatment and is believed to be curative. Day spas, which are quite popular among tourists, offer personal care treatments. The emphasis is on nurturing and pure pampering. Regular spa treatment is said to promote good health and prevent diseases. It also aids in relaxation and rejuvenation. This is achieved by the fusion of traditional healing practices and modern holistic healthcare in generating the self-healing powers of an individual.

Faith Healing:

Wrapped in innumerable myths and legends, Nepal is a land of magic and mystery. The cult of faith healing in Nepal dates back to pre-historic times, with the Jhankris, or shamans, who, with the garlands of tiny bells around their necks tremble and chant at the beat of a drum which they play during the invocation and possession of spirits. Sometimes their elaborate performance runs for the whole night. Often their ritual also involves the sacrifice of either a rooster or a black goat, depending upon the nature of the complication.

Astrology:

Astrology also has its origin in the Vedas, the primary texts of Hinduism written thousands of years ago. In Nepal, the moment a baby is born, the first thing they do is note down the exact time of birth. Then it is given to the astrologer, who according to the position of the different planets in the solar system at that precise moment, prepares a Cheena (horoscope). Astrologers are also consulted to set the date and auspicious hours for important occasions like weddings and important festivals.

Butterfly Watching:

Butterflies have been studied in Nepal for over 150 years, with much of the original study and collection done by the British, including one British diplomat in Kathmandu at the time. After 1950, the Japanese became involved in collection through scientific expeditions, and this resulted later in the establishment by Tribhuvan University of the Natural History Museum at Swayambhu in 1974. Records show that Nepal has 11 out of the 15 families of butterflies in the world, or over 500 species, and still today in the 21st century new species keep turning up.

Fossil Hunting:

To the geological world, the Shaligram is a coiled chambered fossil shell of the extinct Cephalopod mollusk, believed to have been formed during the emergence of the Himalayan heights from the depths of the Tethys Sea millions of years ago. The fossilized stones are, however, sacred to the Nepalis and embody Lord Vishnu, according to Hindu Scriptures. They are found in the Annapurna region up to Damodar Kunda, and also in the waters of the Kaligandaki River right up to Tribeni in Dolalghat. The most popular belt to look for Shaligrams is the banks of the River Kaligandaki at Jomsom where the pilgrims pass on their way to Muktinath.

Adventure Sports & New Products

ZipFlyer:

Nepal now offers the rush of extreme zip lining, the first of its kind in the whole of Asia. ZipFlyer Nepal is not just another zipline; it is the world’s longest, steepest and fastest zip-line to give you the ultimate adventure experience. Just imagine the adrenaline rush as you zip down at speeds of up to 140 km per hour on a cable 1.8 km long! The launch pad is situated at the peak of Sarangkot, Pokhara, offering most views of the Annapurna mountain range and the Pokhara Valley below.

The ZipFlyer has been in operation since June 2, 2012. Safety is the leading criteria, and the system by Zip-flyer TM LLC, USA is designed with the most advanced technologies, and has delivered a state-of-the-art zipline. So get ready to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush!

Everest Skydiving:

Emerging as an extreme form of aerial adventure, Everest Skydiving is one of the adventure world’s unique experiences. Skydiving is done from a plane or a chopper onto the world’s highest drop zone at Gorak Shep, Kala Patthar. The skydiving takes place in front of Mount Everest (8,848 m), and the free fall takes place past some of the world’s highest mountain peaks. It is a unique way of experiencing the Himalayas from both above and below. Experienced pilots with skydiving ratings man the aircraft, so safety is guaranteed. Skydiving can be either a solo jump or in tandem.

Everest Marathon:

Starting from Everest Base Camp at 5,356 m, the Everest Marathon reaches over 42 km of rugged Himalayan terrain to end at the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar (3,446 m). The race is held every year on May 29 to mark the first ascent of Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on that day in 1953. The marathon retraces the traditional route to Everest and passes through monasteries, monuments, chortens, suspension bridges and stunning landscapes.

Annapurna Marathon:

Annapurna Marathon (42.19 km), named after the Annapurna Himalayan range, starts from Annapurna Base Camp (4,395 m) and ends in Dhampus village (1650 m). It is held on June 3 every two years. The first Annapurna Marathon was held in June 2011 coinciding with Nepal Tourism Year. The marathon was also organized to celebrate the first successful ascent of the 8,000-m peak, Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m), by a French team led by Maurice Herzog on June 3, 1950.

Elephant Polo:

In December of every year, the annual tournament of the World Elephant Polo Association is held at the Meghauli airfield near Chitwan in south central Nepal. The tournament was first staged in 1982, and has since become an annual event. Teams from all over the world including Scotland, Thailand, England and Hong Kong participate in the tournament.

Elephant Polo is similar to horse polo. Each team of four players plays on a marked pitch 140 x 70 m, using a standard size polo ball. The game consists of two 10-minute chukkers of playing time, with an interval of 15 minutes. Elephant Polo in Nepal and Thailand is played under the auspices of the World Elephant Polo Association which enforces strict rules regarding elephant welfare and game play.