Kathmandu:

It goes without saying that owing to her immense wealth of natural resources and amicable climatic conditions, Nepal is emerging as one of the best destinations for adventure sports in the world. And the need to exploit this opportunity is fast growing among domestic denizens, especially the urbanites. So if you are also looking forward to some adventure this season, here are some sports that will put the thrill pill in your life.

Rafting

Out of 16 rivers open for rafting in Nepal, Sunkoshi, Bhotekoshi and Karnali rank among best rivers for whitewater rafting in the world. However, Trisuli is the most popular among ordinary enthusiasts of the Capital as it is near and not very strenuous.

Rafting, however, demands various equipment, besides experienced guides who are needed to steer the boat safely across rapids (turbulent areas in rivers) and jutting rocks. The easiest option to enjoy rafting would be to go through a professional rafting agency.

To add to the fun, the coming months are among the best times to enjoy the sport in Nepal. This May will see the 19th Annual Rafting Festival at Trisuli, which boasts a participation of 800-900 people yearly.

Apart from rafting, kayaking can also be tried in our rivers, but it is mainly for the experienced lots.

Surya Joshi, president of Nepal Association of Rafting Agents, says that anyone above 14 years of age and with an average fitness can enjoy rafting. Prices for domestic denizens range from Rs 1,000-2,000 per person for a day’s programme.

Mountain biking/cycling

Mountain biking is like killing two birds with one stone. While simultaneously bettering your health and sightseeing, you can also mingle with people from villages and enjoy their cultures. Furthermore, camping in the fresh and cool hillsides after a long day of cycling can be a truly amazing experience.

Interested people can go cycling by themselves in a group, or through various cycling agencies in a packaged tour. If you are a beginner, it is suggested that you hire a guide from professional agencies, especially for longer tours. Among others, guides provide trail guidance and help manage time better.

Various packages are available to suit your fitness level, experience, and the number of days you have at your disposal, says president of Nepal Cycling Association, Chimi Gurung. Prices for Nepalis start from Rs 1,500 per day for a packaged tour for groups.

Bungee jumping

You may have heard about this, but have you tried it? Have you experienced the thrill of diving 160-metres? You would not want to miss out on this one.

But is it safe? Those who manage the world’s third deepest bungee jumping site assure that they regularly check the equipment and never compromise on safety procedures. “We are following the Swiss standard for safety,” says Bhuwan Sharma of The Last Resort.

Plunging from such a great height without prior experience may be a bit tough for many, but Sharma says it is not a problem. “Anyone with an average fitness level can go for the kick. We’ve had customers ranging from 11-year-olds to 74-year-old.”

But they discourage those with, among others, heart problem, asthma, recent dislocations, laser eye surgeries, neurological disorders, epilepsy, and high blood pressure people from venturing in this sport.

Those below 16 years of age will need a written consent from their parents for the jump. Prices for packaged tour starts from Rs 2,500 per person for a day’s programme.

Paragliding

Paragliding in the paradisiacal Pokhara provides you a unique bird-like flying experience. In this sport, you will float in the peace and quietness of the open sky with the view of the Himalayas, dense forests and the Fewa lake. Varieties of paragliding can be enjoyed, depending on the time you want to spend on air and your need for a guide pilot.

For beginners, ‘tandem’ flights with experienced pilots are suggested. The flights can be conducted up to first week of April, depending on weather conditions. According to its organisers, all those above 15 years of age and who can give a run for the take off and while landing can go for this sport. Tandem flights (35-40 minutes on air) costs around Rs 4,500, and for student groups, discounted rates range from Rs 3,800-4,000 per person apply.

Ultralight aircraft

In Pokhara, you can also go for magnificent air surfing on this two-seater flight on Rotex engine.

After taking off from the Pokhara airport, you can take a cool round trip of the Annapurna range in just an hour flying as high as 10000-12000 ft, according to Shashi Lal Shrestha of Avia Club Nepal, which manages the flight.

Or, you can just fly over the beautiful valley passing over the Fewa lake and Sarangkot in just 15 minutes. You can have a go at this till May, depending on weather conditions.

Rock climbing

Put on your climbing shoes and get ready to scale the walls like a lizard or Spiderman. In the Capital, you can try this out in the natural rocks at Nagarjun and Hattiban. Or, you can test your crawling sills in Nepal’s one and only artificial rock at the Pasang Lhamu Mountaineering Foundation (PLMF) opposite Shankha Park, near Dhumbarahi.

Outside the Valley, there are rock climbing sites at Solu’s Junbesi, Khumbu’s Thamye, and the latest at Bimalnagar near Dumre, according to the sport’s organisers.

“Apart from spurring you to a better fitness maintenance, rock climbing also sharpens your concentration and confidence,” says Padam Ghale, an instructor who’s been climbing rocks for almost three decades. “Besides, a better body control and body flexibility is a part and parcel of rock climbing,” he adds.

If you want to try climbing among the natural rocks, packaged programmes are available, the prices of which start at Rs 1,200. Artificial rocks are less expensive. Crawling up the natural rocks can go on until the rainy season.

Canyoning

In this sport, you descend through a canyon or a waterfall in the safety of your harness strung above. There are less chances of meeting with an accident, and even it does occur, it is mainly minor one, according to the sports’ organisers. You can approach an agency to organise the trip, which can start from March till the commencement of the rainy season. The price is around Rs 1,700 per person.

All of these sports are a world in itself, so, the fun never ends. Being adventure sports, all involve a minimum risk of accidents. But their chances can be heavily minimised following the expert guidance of the professional instructors or guides.

Have fun!

(Rates given are meant for Nepali citizens only. Different rates apply for foreigners)