10 adventure activities you need to try in Nepal

*You can expect to see these Tibetan prayer flags in Nepal.*

Are you passionate about adventure? If you are looking for a thrilling destination, then why not give Nepal a try?

Nepal is a small landlocked country in Asia sandwiched between India and China. Though small in size, it home to the highest point on Earth – Mount Everest. Alongside Everest, there are an abundance of mountains lining the northern border of Tibet which, together, form the Himalayas.

This amazing country is diverse in topology, wildlife, vegetation, tradition, culture, ethnicity and colourful festivals – a vibrant place that offers its fair share of world-class, recreational activities.

I’ve rounded up 10 of my favourite adventure activities in Nepal which demonstrate exactly why this small, landlocked Asian nation is bucket list-worthy.

1. Take a helicopter tour

Helicopter tours in Nepal can feel like holidays all by themselves. A helicopter tour is somehow thrilling and peaceful at the same time and, in Nepal, they are the luxurious way of exploring this incredible destination and reaching remote hiking spots.

A helicopter tour in Nepal can take you to wherever you want to go. The Everest base camp helicopter tour with landing is the most popular heli tour in Nepal. Fly into destinations such as Annapurna Base Camp or Kanchenjunga Base Camp and see the starting site for many who have the aim of scaling the world’s highest mountain.

You can also take the helicopter to more relaxing locations including the tranquil lakes at Gosaikunda, Tilicho, Rara and Shey Phoksundo. During your helicopter tour in Nepal, you’ll experience flying at higher altitudes as well as navigating gorges and flying by giant hills and mountains.

2. Going on a wilderness trek

If you are an enthusiastic trekker, you will plenty to whet your appetite in Nepal. Where do you start? You could perhaps trek to the base camp of Mount Everest, or to the pinnacle of thrilling high passes like Thorung La and Larkya La. Or maybe hike to Tilicho lake which, at 4,919 metres above sea level, is the the highest placed lake in the world?

Dive into the wealth of amazing adventurous trekking destinations in Nepal and choose from a variety of difficulties from short and easy, to moderate level and even highly strenuous. If you’re an avid walker, then there’s no doubt that you will have amazing experiences at any of these trekking destinations in Nepal.

3. Climbing experiences

*A group hiking in the Himalaya mountains in Nepal.*

To those who are curious about summiting peaks, Nepal offers a variety of different climbing options. There are many peaks of varying altitudes that are scalable, even if Everest is far out of reach. A beginner can choose a lower altitude, while experience climbers can opt for gigantic peaks not too far from the most famous mountain itself.

Some of the most popular, yet scalable peaks in Nepal are Island Peak (6,189 metres), Mera Peak (6,476 metres), Lobuche East (6,119 metres), Yala Peak (5,700 metres) and Pisang (6,091 metres).

The peak climbing in Nepal come in two categories: one with peaks lower in altitude than 5,000 meters, and the other with peaks between 5,000 and 7,000 meters. You’ll need to do some training before heading to Nepal for an incredible climbing experiences as they can be quite strenuous.

4. Go fishing

Like angling? Then try a unique fishing experience in Nepal. Take a fishing trip to one of the amazing lakes and rivers in Nepal, where many fisherman partake in this popular sport.

There are nearly 185 species of fish found across beautiful rivers like Karnali, Babai, Rapti, Narayani and Bhote Kosi – renowned spots for fishing in Nepal. Some of the common species of fish found in Nepal are trout, catfish, rainbow trout, and carp and, in the Karnali river, a beautiful species called Golden Mahseer can be found.

5. Try rafting

There are different places in Nepal where rafting is possible such as Karnali, Sunkosi, Kali Gandaki, Seti and Bhote Kosi, and several others that are home to rafting tours. While rafting in Nepal, you will see amazing scenery as you head down the white water along one of the country’s wild rivers.

6. Bungee jumping

*Bungee jumping in Nepal is not for the feint hearted.*

Bungee jumping is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have on your travels, and it’s something that you can try your hand at in Nepal. The popular spot is at the Bhote Kosi river, where you’ll jump from high above the flowing river below.

7. Rock climbing

Nepal is a landlocked country with lots of rugged hills and, of course, the Himalayas. So, naturally, rock climbing is a Nepal staple. Go rock climbing on the cliffs and natural rock formations and feel the adrenaline course through your veins as you attempt to summit the challenging climbs on offer.

Rock climbing is one of Nepal’s up-and-coming adventure activities, with some of the most popular rock climbing sites located in capital city Kathmandu including the rock climbing sites of Balaju, Hattiban and Bimal Nagar. There’s also Thame rock climbing site located in the Everest region.

8. Go canyoning

Canyoning is a popular water activity in the natural waterfalls of Nepal, which consists of abseiling down the cascading falls, although it required a certain level of physical fitness in order to participate. On a canyoning tour you will be accompanied by a trained guide at all times who is there to ensure your safety as you come face to face with the rapid water.

9. Take a jungle safari

*The mountains rising high above Sagarmatha National Park.*

There are 12 national parks in Nepal extending from Dudhwa National Park in Terai to Sagarmatha National park in the Himalayas region. These national parks are the ideal place for a jungle safari where you will get to discover the lush greenery and wildlife that call these parks home.

Jungle safaris come in several forms whether that’s simply exploring under your own steam and walking on the designated trails, or getting a Jeep ride and to get up close and personal with the wildlife.

10. Mountain biking

Riding mountain bikes over the dusty and rugged terrain of Himalayan trails is one of Nepal’s most exciting excursions. For daredevils, Nepal is a wonderful destination for mountain biking, where you can get your thrills cycling on remote trails set to the backdrop of Himalayan vistas, quaint valleys, lush hills and beautiful forests. Mountain biking in Nepal requires a high level of physical fitness.

Some of the popular mountain biking trails in Nepal are the Annapurna circuit trail, Mustang, Low Everest region and Bhaktapur-Changunarayan-Nagarkot.

Have you got any suggestions for adventurous activities in Nepal? Let me know in the comments below!