Nepal is the ultimate adventure travel destination. Here, you can immerse yourself in a fascinating, welcoming culture, learn about the country’s varied history and explore magnificent natural landscapes in the heart of Asia. During an adventure trip in Nepal, you’ll see amazing wildlife, record-breaking mountains and get to try some of the most exciting extreme sports in the world.
Nepal might be small in size, but its rich geographic diversity makes it one of the best places for adventure travel in the world. Home to the majestic Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world which sits within the Himalayas, there is ample opportunity for hiking and trekking. But it’s not just about mountains. There are three major river systems here—the Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali—which make for excellent kayak or rafting adventures. Don’t miss a trip to the jungles of Chitwan, either, where you can track tigers, rhino and elephants.
With so much to see and do for visitors, we’ve narrowed it down for you. These are the best activities for an adventure trip in Nepal.
Nepal is home to eight of the ten highest peaks in the world, making it an ideal destination for travelers that love to go trekking or climbing. The routes range from day trips to longer, multi-day excursions across many difficulty levels. These mountain routes take trekkers through icy ravines, along dizzying cliffside paths and to ice-capped peaks with incredible views.
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, there’s no better way to get the blood pumping than by bungee jumping off a bridge that stands over 3,600 feet above one of the deepest gorges in the Bhotekoshi River. If that doesn’t quite do it for you, the Bhotekoshi River is also great for white water rafting and kayaking.
Watersport enthusiasts will love canyoning in Chitwan National park. Established in 1973 and recognized as a World Heritage site, the park is an adventure hub in Nepal. Canyoning trips here involve trekking through the jungle, climbing up waterfalls and jumping into pools from rocks of great height. You’ll see many beautiful birds as you explore this way, too.
Bardiya National Park is an excellent place to do some wildlife spotting. Here, you can take a jungle safari in a 4WD to seek out wild Asian elephants and rhinos, as well as see hundreds of different birds and many monkeys swinging in the treetops. If you’re really lucky, you might even spot tigers, leopards and river dolphins too.
Paragliding in Nepal offers a unique perspective on the landscape. Climb onto the mountainside, strap yourself in and soar above the valleys and peaks for a stunning birds-eye view of the many lakes, rivers and forests. If conditions are right, you might even find yourself flying with eagles or hawks high up in the sky. The lakeside city of Pokhara is one of the best for paragliding, with numerous reliable companies offering tandem excursions.
For the best adventure vacation in Nepal, visit during the fall season (October through November) to enjoy warm, dry weather. When trekking in the mountains, you’ll need a local guide for essential advice on climbs and general safety. Pack plenty of layers, as the higher you go, the colder the air gets.