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Adventure of Nepal
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Boating in Nepal |
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Give the limited bodies of water in Nepal, Boating iss
not a widespread activity, however while in Pokhara it is one of the
major attractions around the valley. Boating in the Phewa lake is as
natural as elephant rides in the safari camps around Chitwan. Boating is
one of the most pleasant activities in Pokhara valley. With the gentle
breeze blowing and greenery surrounding the lake, you can spend hours
floating about in the chopping waters savouring the peaceful ambience.
In Kathmandu, boat rides are considered children's pastime and boating
in the tiny lake within the Jawalakhel Zoo is quite popular. Adults can
and do accompany the children here.
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Bungy Jumping |
The biggest and the shortest thrill you could get in
Nepal is Bungy Jumping. This one is known as the Ultimate Bungy, as the
location is spectacular and at the edge of Nepal. Ultimate Bungy is a
part of the many adventure sports organized by The Last Resort. There,
by the Bhote Kosi River near the Tibet-Nepal border many adventure
seekers gather; ready for the Jump of their life. The whole set up has
been designed, constructed and also run by experienced Kiwis who
guarantee your safety. You would not trust your life to inexperienced
operators.
The jump consists of a 160m drop into the gorge of the Bhote Kosi River
from a Swiss designed suspension bridge. At the end of your free fall
you are suspended above the river on an elastic rope. Sounds exciting
and it is. This is also the only privately owned bridge but it has also
helped the locals cross the river closer to home. Whatever, this is one
jump of your life and if you stay overnight, there might be a second to
follow up. The site is a 3-hour drive away or 100km from Kathmandu and
only 12 km from the Tibet border.
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Hot Air Ballooning |
Another activity, which is turning to be quite a
rage, is hot-air ballooning. Perched on a wicker basket, you can go as
high as 3000m, flying above the Kathmandu valley. As if that isn't
thrilling enough, you get a sweeping 360* view of the world beneath.
Lush-green terraced hills stretch like a carpet for as far as the eyes
can see. The eyes of Swayambhunath twinkle gently at you, a gilded
temple spire glimmers in the morning sun, houses sit huddled together in
peaceful harmony. And as your eyes look right, you see right before you
the Majestic splendor of the Himalayan peaks. All of them stand up in
the brilliance of the morning sun, as if to greet you. Suddenly time
stands still. The one-hour fantasy flight gives you a lifetime of
memories.
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Paragliding |
The main paragliding site of Nepal is the Pokhara
valley with constant and friendly conditions for paragliding experience
due to its special microclimate. The valley provides views of Annapurna
Himal, including 3 of the world's 8000m peaks. Paragliding in Nepal
Himalayas is a lifetime experience for the adventure-lovers as it
rewards you with some of the best scenery on earth.
Taking a tandem flight is the easiest way to have a go at paragliding.
Tandem flying involves an experienced pilot flying with a passenger
(i.e. you!). Both the pilot and passenger have separate harnesses that
are attached to each other and the wing. Paragliding harnesses are built
for comfort and safety, they feel more like an armchair. Once launched
the passenger just sits back, relaxes and takes in the epic scenery.
Even taking pictures is not a problem.
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Rafting & Kayaking |
Nepal is undoubtedly one of the best places in the
world for rafting and kayaking. Because not only does it have a plethora
of rivers that spoil you for choice, it also combines ideal river
conditions, white sand beaches, spectacular scenery and a rich and
exotic culture. The rivers of Nepal take you away from busy trekking
routes to the heart of rural, roadless, unspoilt Nepal. Rafting is an
attractive alternative to trekking. At the same time it complements
trekking. Rafting has minimal ecological effect, causing little or no
disruption to the social patterns of local life. You can enjoy peaceful
river travel, or the adrenaline-pumping thrill of running white water.
Drifting along in a boat is the most idyllic way of viewing wildlife
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Rock Climbing |
Apart from the stupendous mountaineering and trekking
opportunities, Kathmandu also offers some terrific rock-climbing
opportunities for those inclined to scale vertical walls with the help
of their fingernails! You can get climbing at the two places listed
below.
Nagarjun (also known as Jamcho). The climbing cliff is located inside
the Royal Forest and is suitable for both beginners and regulars. The
limestone face is 10-12m in height with several piton-equipped routes.
To get there take a taxi to Balaju and then a walk to the park entrance.
From there on a short walk, past the army check point gets you to the
cliff.
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Pony Treks |
Pony rides can vary according to terrain. Near
Kathmandu valley it means short excursions to see the countryside. But
high up in the Himalayan regions you can ride a pony instead of walking.
Ponies can be hired near places like Jomsom. The little ponies handle
the trails expertly leaving you free to admire the scenery around you,
instead of keeping your eyes on the path you tread.
You can go further up to Mustang where the landscape resembles the
deserts of Colorado. Riding through the dusty trails of Mustang reminds
one of the Hollywood westerns where heroes and villains chased each
other leaving a cloud of dust behind. The real cowboys here however, are
too busy driving their caravans on their way to trade goods.
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Nepal Travel Information
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