Holiday Destination Nepal - Highlight of Outdoor Activities
Sure, the mountains are Nepals number one attraction. The Himalayas, of course, are unsurpassable concerning mountaineering activities. And most of all trekkers from around the world consider the regions of Nepals snow mountains as their dream destination number one. However, there are more items on Nepals touristic map that are quite famous, attracting quite different kinds of travelers. The ancient townscapes with their temples and pagodas and stupas in the Kathmandu Valley and the Buddhist monasteries along the Tibetan border are definitely a highlight of heritage tourism. The national parks, particularly those rhino and tiger parks such as Chitwan and Bardia are highlights for wildlife enthusiasts. Last not least Nepal is extraordinarily rich in ethnic minorities with distinct cultures, many of them allowing guests to come into personal contact and ecperience homestays or village life.
Apart from this top activities exploring the mountains and the culture and wildlife there are quite a few other things you can do in Nepal, maybe spending the entire holiday for one of them or enjoy a few hours just for a change.
The list below is just an overview, giving you an idea of the various activities Nepal has on offer, with very basic introductions to inform you as quickly and easily as possible. The best way to go into further details for an activity of interest is to learn about it from locals. Just contact apexnepal and for getting answers to your more specific questions.
Apart from this top activities exploring the mountains and the culture and wildlife there are quite a few other things you can do in Nepal, maybe spending the entire holiday for one of them or enjoy a few hours just for a change.
The list below is just an overview, giving you an idea of the various activities Nepal has on offer, with very basic introductions to inform you as quickly and easily as possible. The best way to go into further details for an activity of interest is to learn about it from locals. Just contact apexnepal and for getting answers to your more specific questions.
Trekking
As mentioned in the introductory note, the most popular tourist activity in Nepal is exploring the mountains on multi-day treks. Most routes do not require any climbing experience, several ones can even be done with normal shoes. Dozens of exciting trails in almost all mountainous regions of Nepal (plus additional ones in the hillcountry and lowlands) are well-mapped and can easily be organized with the help of a guide and carriers such as those of the team of Apex Nepal Treks & Tours. Normally they follow a river in a valley and then have to cross passes to the next valley and have some smaller and easier-to-reach peaks included that offer wonderful panoramic views. Apart from the amazing scenery with views to the snow mountains in all directions, several of the trekking routes also cross beautiful vegetation zones, most notably rhododendron forests, which are in full blossom in the spring months.
Walking along paddy cultivation terraces and visiting ethnic minorities such as Sherpa, Thamang and Gurung and their villages is also part of many trekking experiences. There are some routes the main focus of which is the local culture. Some villages are used to welcome guests and know their needs, whereas villages along less-popular routes, particularly in western Nepal are almost untouched by tourism.
When trekking in remote areas, camping equipment is required. It can be provided by our team. However, the popular routes have offer basic accommodation in so-called tea houses. They are run by locals an typically provide four or five rooms and serve dinner and breakfast. The food is fresh and meals are cooked every day and allow guests to get an impression of local dishes. You can also visit a tea house just for lunchbreak. An even more comfortable category of accommodation, usually called lodges, is available only in some villages at the most popular routes.
For beginners, trekking in lower altititudes is more recommendable. This is why the Annapurna Range the scenery of which is no less excisting than the Everst region is the most popular trekking area in Nepal. The altitudes given to rank the degree of exertion refer to the highest point of a trekking route, which is usually a pass. The longest part of the routes are at lower elevation, of course. But its the passes that are most strenuous anyway, and walking there is all the more exhausting with less oxygen. Usually routes with maximum elevations of up to 4000m are considered suitable for beginners. Those walking along even higher routes, are recommended to be experienced trekkers or to to take part in some ecercises prior to the trekking. A very popular scenic trekking trail below 4000 is to Poon Hill in the Annapurna region. The maximum altitude of the Poon Hill Trek is 3200 m. Another popular route in moderate altitudes is the Jhomson Muktinath Trek in Lower Mustang, the region to the northwest of Annapurna. Though has seen less trekkers in recent years, since this trek in the Kali Gandhaki Valley runs now parallel to a nearby road, its still recommendable, as the most beautiful parts are in a distance from the traffic. The higher-altitude treks, not surprisingly, are those in the Everest region. They can only be done by experienced trekkers are people in a very good physical condition. One of the most popular routes is Three Passes Trek with a maximum elevation of 5530. One of the highest passes crossed by a trekking route is Thasi Lapcha Pass at the so-called Rolwaling Trek.
When trekking in remote areas, camping equipment is required. It can be provided by our team. However, the popular routes have offer basic accommodation in so-called tea houses. They are run by locals an typically provide four or five rooms and serve dinner and breakfast. The food is fresh and meals are cooked every day and allow guests to get an impression of local dishes. You can also visit a tea house just for lunchbreak. An even more comfortable category of accommodation, usually called lodges, is available only in some villages at the most popular routes.
For beginners, trekking in lower altititudes is more recommendable. This is why the Annapurna Range the scenery of which is no less excisting than the Everst region is the most popular trekking area in Nepal. The altitudes given to rank the degree of exertion refer to the highest point of a trekking route, which is usually a pass. The longest part of the routes are at lower elevation, of course. But its the passes that are most strenuous anyway, and walking there is all the more exhausting with less oxygen. Usually routes with maximum elevations of up to 4000m are considered suitable for beginners. Those walking along even higher routes, are recommended to be experienced trekkers or to to take part in some ecercises prior to the trekking. A very popular scenic trekking trail below 4000 is to Poon Hill in the Annapurna region. The maximum altitude of the Poon Hill Trek is 3200 m. Another popular route in moderate altitudes is the Jhomson Muktinath Trek in Lower Mustang, the region to the northwest of Annapurna. Though has seen less trekkers in recent years, since this trek in the Kali Gandhaki Valley runs now parallel to a nearby road, its still recommendable, as the most beautiful parts are in a distance from the traffic. The higher-altitude treks, not surprisingly, are those in the Everest region. They can only be done by experienced trekkers are people in a very good physical condition. One of the most popular routes is Three Passes Trek with a maximum elevation of 5530. One of the highest passes crossed by a trekking route is Thasi Lapcha Pass at the so-called Rolwaling Trek.
White Water Rafting
What is most noticeable about white water rafting in Nepal is that this country has a lot of very different options for very different kinds of rafting experiences. As in many other country, travelers can enjoy of a short rafting adventure as one of various items on their itinerary, just for a change. Apart from a few hours of rafting fun, for example on Trishuli River not too far from Kathmandu, there are options of two- or three days rafting tours or even entire rafting holidays. Two- or three day rafting excursions with camping are available for more adventuross excursion or for wildlife explorations. Also entire rafting holidays, for more than an an entire week and distance of around 200 kms on a river are on offer in Nepal. A peculiarity of Nepal white water activities is the combination of trekking and rafting, which is the only way to explore the Tamur River Valley in the remote and rarely visited region to the east of Everest.
More about River Rafting in Nepal...
More about River Rafting in Nepal...
Mountain Biking
For Mountain Biking, too, there are one-day as well as multi-day options available in Nepal, up to routes of five days. Most mountain biking activities take about two or three days. The trails follow trekking routes in some parts, but the are otherwise separate parallel trails to be more amazing. No parts of the mountain bike trails are sealed, of course. The level of difficulty is moderate in most parts of Nepal‘s trails, neither very easy nor extreme. In Nepal, mountain biking is more a refreshing adventure enjoying the nature than about atheletic excellence.
Overnight stays during a mountain biking excursion are almost always in tea houses. Camping is done rarely, because it requires too much luggage.
The most popular mountain biking trails in the Himalayas are in Mustang to the north of the main mountain chain of the Himalayas and in Pokhara Valley and the southern foothills of the Annapurna range. For example, there is a mountain bike trail along Dhampus, which is also a popular trekking destination. The scenery is very nice, with views to the snow mountains.
In the hillcountry around Kathmandu, there are two major trails for mountain bikers, one at Nagarkot and Chisapani in the hills to the west of Kathmandu and Godavari Forest to the south, the latter being the highest hill in the Kathmandu region.
The most popular mountain biking trails in the Himalayas are in Mustang to the north of the main mountain chain of the Himalayas and in Pokhara Valley and the southern foothills of the Annapurna range. For example, there is a mountain bike trail along Dhampus, which is also a popular trekking destination. The scenery is very nice, with views to the snow mountains.
In the hillcountry around Kathmandu, there are two major trails for mountain bikers, one at Nagarkot and Chisapani in the hills to the west of Kathmandu and Godavari Forest to the south, the latter being the highest hill in the Kathmandu region.
Yoga & Meditation
Most meditation classes in Nepal are Buddhist, mainly in the tradition of the Tibetan schools, others are held in centers of the Vipassana tradition of meditation, which refers to the Theravada canonical scriptures and has its modern revivalist origins opening meditation practices to lay people in Myanmar, then called Burma.
Some of the Tantric Buddhist meditation classes are held in monasteries such as Namobuddha 40 km to the southeast of Kathmandu and Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu‘s suburb of Budhanilkantha. The Kopan Monastery, also know as Buddhist Research Center not far from the stupa of Boudnath. The center is situated 8 km to the east of the downtown Kathmandu. It‘s a Buddhist Monastery in the Gelug lineage of Lama Tsong Khapa, offering introductory as well as advanced meditation courses to all.
Most of the Vipassana meditation classes are on offer in modern centers such as the Dhamma Shringa Vipassana Meditation Centre, which is located in Budhanilkantha, too, but about 10 km to the north of downtown Kathmandu.
Hindu organisations also operate meditation centers in Nepal, for example in the Nagarjun Hills just to the northwest of Kathmandu.
Almost all meditation centers and monasteries offering courses provide room and board can be reached by car. The teacher is called by the Indian term for „teacher“, namely guru. The normal duration of a meditation course is a week or ten days or even more.
Most of the Vipassana meditation classes are on offer in modern centers such as the Dhamma Shringa Vipassana Meditation Centre, which is located in Budhanilkantha, too, but about 10 km to the north of downtown Kathmandu.
Hindu organisations also operate meditation centers in Nepal, for example in the Nagarjun Hills just to the northwest of Kathmandu.
Almost all meditation centers and monasteries offering courses provide room and board can be reached by car. The teacher is called by the Indian term for „teacher“, namely guru. The normal duration of a meditation course is a week or ten days or even more.
In contrast, Yoga classes are on offer in hotels as well. Yoga classes are sometimes held outdoors. The teachers are also called trainers in the case of Yoga exercises. The duration of Yoga classes is usually one or two or three days.
Heli-Tours
Helicopter tours are mainly on offer to see the snow mountains. For this purpose, they are an option for those who cannot spend enough days or do not have the physical condition for trekking tours, a helicopter tour is a perfect way to come close to the famous Eightthousanders of the Everest and Annapurna regions and to visit the respective base camps.
The most recommendable of those helicopter that can be arranged almost every day during the tourism season is also the cheapest one. The so-called ABC Helicopter Tour takes about 300.- US$ to reach Annapurna Base Camp from Pokhara. This helicopter expedition takes roughly an hour, with about 20 minutes to spend at the base camp. The reason for recommending it is threefold. Firstly, with an altitude of 4130m the Annapurna Base Camp provides significantly more oxygene than the Everest Base Camp, this means there is little risk of a short-termed circulatory failure due to the sudden difference of atmospheric pressure or suffering from high-altitude sickness after landing in the mountains. Secondly, in contrast to the Everest Base Camp the Annapurna Base Camp offers a 360-degree panoramic view of snow mountains. It‘s a little bit more scenic indeed. Thirdly, this flight allows to see the one promiinent peak from a close distance, namely the famous Fishtail Mountain, which is almost 7000 m high. Usually, four or five person join a helicopter flight to the Annapurna Base Camp. But the price is fixed. This is to say, single persons can take part, too, they have only to wait for more passengers to arrive.
The price of the much longer flight from Kathmandu to the Everest Base Camp is about 900 to 1,000.- US$. Health issues must be taken seriously when flying to the Everest Base Camp. However, emergency oxygene treatment is available for passengers. The Everest Base Camp is in an altitude of 5,364 m above sea level. Up to six persons can join the flight. During the tourist seasons, this helicopter flights too can be arranged almost every day, safe weather conditions provided. For those who want to see the Everest but must be cautious due to circulation problems or similar health issues, Namche Bazaar is a landing place in the much safer altitude of only 3,800 m. The costs for a return flight to Namche Bazaar from Kathmandu are about 600.- US$ per person.
A cheaper alternative to helicopter flights are mountain flights by aeroplane. In coontrast to helicopter flights, aeroplane flights do not include the experience of landing in the mountains to leave the cabin at a famous place. There are two types of aercrafts for Everest mountain flights, one with 18 seats and one with 35 seats. The per-person costs are below 200,- US$. This return flight from kathmandu takes around one hour.
A private flight in a small aircraft for only very few passengers to the snow mountains of the Annapurna Range can be arranged from Pokhara, but these flights are not regularly scheduled. These so-called "Avia Ultralight flight" cost about 90,- US$ for 15 minutes, 175,- US$ for 30 minutes, 280,- US$ for 60 minutes, or slightly more than 400.- US$ for 90 minutes. The three options of at least 30 miuntes allow to the the peak of Fishtail mointains from a close distance.
The price of the much longer flight from Kathmandu to the Everest Base Camp is about 900 to 1,000.- US$. Health issues must be taken seriously when flying to the Everest Base Camp. However, emergency oxygene treatment is available for passengers. The Everest Base Camp is in an altitude of 5,364 m above sea level. Up to six persons can join the flight. During the tourist seasons, this helicopter flights too can be arranged almost every day, safe weather conditions provided. For those who want to see the Everest but must be cautious due to circulation problems or similar health issues, Namche Bazaar is a landing place in the much safer altitude of only 3,800 m. The costs for a return flight to Namche Bazaar from Kathmandu are about 600.- US$ per person.
A cheaper alternative to helicopter flights are mountain flights by aeroplane. In coontrast to helicopter flights, aeroplane flights do not include the experience of landing in the mountains to leave the cabin at a famous place. There are two types of aercrafts for Everest mountain flights, one with 18 seats and one with 35 seats. The per-person costs are below 200,- US$. This return flight from kathmandu takes around one hour.
A private flight in a small aircraft for only very few passengers to the snow mountains of the Annapurna Range can be arranged from Pokhara, but these flights are not regularly scheduled. These so-called "Avia Ultralight flight" cost about 90,- US$ for 15 minutes, 175,- US$ for 30 minutes, 280,- US$ for 60 minutes, or slightly more than 400.- US$ for 90 minutes. The three options of at least 30 miuntes allow to the the peak of Fishtail mointains from a close distance.
Festival Celebrations
There are different kinds of Hindu and Buddhist festivals that are highly attractive for travelers. The annual festivals are held in the same months of the year but can differ up to 2 weeks from the date of the previous year in the Gregorian calendar.
The largest annual festival is 15 days long Dashain, which is celebrated by Hindus all over Nepal and Nepali speaking people in northeastern India. The festival known as Dashera in other parts of South Asia usually takes place in the month of October. Dashain commemorates the mythological battle of Goddess Durga against the demon Mahishasura, who threatend to overthrow the realm of gods. The festival thereby symbolizes the victory of good over evil. People return home to their families in this occasion, from all parts of Nepals and even from other parts of the world, to come together and receive the blessings of the elders. The rituals reach a peak on the ninth day, which is known as „Mahanavami“. The temples in the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara are crowded on this day, the largest ceremonies are held at the Hanuman Dhoka in the centre of Kathmandu. For travelers, Dashain offers good opportunities to be invited to private homes to receive blessings, too, and some local delicacies as a gift.
The most exciting annual festival for tourists is Holi, which is also a major event in India and world-famous for the tradition of throuing coloured water or powder on others.
Nepal‘s Tihar, a five-days festival in November, corresponds the Indian Diwali (Deepavali) festival, which lasts five days. Tihar is the festival of lights, when large numbers small oil lamp made from clay known as Diyas are lit inside the houses and in the streets alike. People also make patterns made of colours rice or sand, known as Rangolis, on the floor of living rooms or courtyards. Tihar is mainly a Hindu festival, too, but often joined by people of other religions.
Only in the Kathmandu Valley, the quite entertaintainig Gai Jatra festival is held in August. Comedies played by lay actors can be seen in the streets as well as indoors. A procession is held in Kathmandu, too. Bhaktapur is said to hold the most entertaining Gai Jatra. This festival is of profane royal origin and is all about amusement.
The eight-day long Indra Yatra is somewhat similar to Gai Yatra in that it is mainly held in the Kathmandu Valley and that large gatherings can be seen in the cities. However, it has a more religious background, as the procession celebrates the Kumari, the girl venerated as living goddess, who attends the ceremonies in a chariot. Accordingly, the musicians, dancers and actors are more of the traditional type and not merely entertaining. Indra Jatra is in September and somewhat marks the beginning of Nepal‘s a main festival season with the series of abovementioned religious festivals that fall in autumn. Both Gai Yatri and Indra Yatri are most rewarding for those travelers with photographic or videographic ambitions.
Apart from the annual festivals hold all over the country or in its central region of the Newar community in Kathmandu Valley, there are some regional festivals of minority groups in other parts of Nepal:
The Lohas festival, also known as Sonam Lhochhar is the main festival of the Tamangs and is a new year celebration held in the the month of Magh, which corresponds end of February and begin of March. It is celebrated to welcome the Tamang new year. The Tamang mainly live in the mountains to the north of Kathmandu and also in the far east of Nepal. The Lohas festival is also celebrated by the Gurung and Magar ethnicities, who live in the mountainous tegions of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri respectively. All three ethnic minorities are mainly Buddhist and speak languages belonging to the Tibeto-Burman family. Their second most important festival is Buddha Jayanti, the birthday of the Buddha, which is a public holiday in Nepal.
The Tharu people in the Terai lowlands along the Indian border have two major annual festivals, namely Maghi and Jitiya. The five-day long Maghi in mid January is their largest festival. It‘s held in honour of Lord Shiva and also marks the Tharu New Year. Focal points of Maghi celebrations are the areas near Chitwan and Bardia National parks. The festival is known as Maghe Sakranti in other parts of Nepal and celebrated by some other communities, too, mainly at confluences of rivers. Part of the festival is worshiping, dancing, and serving special Tharu food, ghee and sweets in particular. Tharu people wear all their jewellery and their most precious garments, which are very colourful. The three-days long Jitiya festival in late September or early October is mainly celebrated by married women of Tharu and neighbouring ethnicities, singing and dancing and thereby praying for their children and the welfare of their communities after fasting. Jitiya is part of nature worship, which can be integrated in Hinduism.
The four-days long Chhath festival in November, mainly known from in the neighbouring Indian states of Uttharakand and Bihar, is celebrated by some Tharu people, too. However, in Nepal it‘s most popular with their neighbours of Indian ancestry in the Terai lowlands, the Madhesi community. Chhath, venerating the sun god Surya, is a Hindu festival without idolatry. The rituals of the festival include holy bathing and standing in water for long periods and worshipping the first rays of the rising sun and the last raise of setting sun, the two powers of the sun god represented by his two coonsorts. Fasting includes abstaining from drinking water
The most significant temple festival in Nepal is held at Pashupatinath near Kathmandu for celebrating Shivaratri, another big Hindu festival which is very popular with Indians.
The most exciting annual festival for tourists is Holi, which is also a major event in India and world-famous for the tradition of throuing coloured water or powder on others.
Nepal‘s Tihar, a five-days festival in November, corresponds the Indian Diwali (Deepavali) festival, which lasts five days. Tihar is the festival of lights, when large numbers small oil lamp made from clay known as Diyas are lit inside the houses and in the streets alike. People also make patterns made of colours rice or sand, known as Rangolis, on the floor of living rooms or courtyards. Tihar is mainly a Hindu festival, too, but often joined by people of other religions.
Only in the Kathmandu Valley, the quite entertaintainig Gai Jatra festival is held in August. Comedies played by lay actors can be seen in the streets as well as indoors. A procession is held in Kathmandu, too. Bhaktapur is said to hold the most entertaining Gai Jatra. This festival is of profane royal origin and is all about amusement.
The eight-day long Indra Yatra is somewhat similar to Gai Yatra in that it is mainly held in the Kathmandu Valley and that large gatherings can be seen in the cities. However, it has a more religious background, as the procession celebrates the Kumari, the girl venerated as living goddess, who attends the ceremonies in a chariot. Accordingly, the musicians, dancers and actors are more of the traditional type and not merely entertaining. Indra Jatra is in September and somewhat marks the beginning of Nepal‘s a main festival season with the series of abovementioned religious festivals that fall in autumn. Both Gai Yatri and Indra Yatri are most rewarding for those travelers with photographic or videographic ambitions.
Apart from the annual festivals hold all over the country or in its central region of the Newar community in Kathmandu Valley, there are some regional festivals of minority groups in other parts of Nepal:
The Lohas festival, also known as Sonam Lhochhar is the main festival of the Tamangs and is a new year celebration held in the the month of Magh, which corresponds end of February and begin of March. It is celebrated to welcome the Tamang new year. The Tamang mainly live in the mountains to the north of Kathmandu and also in the far east of Nepal. The Lohas festival is also celebrated by the Gurung and Magar ethnicities, who live in the mountainous tegions of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri respectively. All three ethnic minorities are mainly Buddhist and speak languages belonging to the Tibeto-Burman family. Their second most important festival is Buddha Jayanti, the birthday of the Buddha, which is a public holiday in Nepal.
The Tharu people in the Terai lowlands along the Indian border have two major annual festivals, namely Maghi and Jitiya. The five-day long Maghi in mid January is their largest festival. It‘s held in honour of Lord Shiva and also marks the Tharu New Year. Focal points of Maghi celebrations are the areas near Chitwan and Bardia National parks. The festival is known as Maghe Sakranti in other parts of Nepal and celebrated by some other communities, too, mainly at confluences of rivers. Part of the festival is worshiping, dancing, and serving special Tharu food, ghee and sweets in particular. Tharu people wear all their jewellery and their most precious garments, which are very colourful. The three-days long Jitiya festival in late September or early October is mainly celebrated by married women of Tharu and neighbouring ethnicities, singing and dancing and thereby praying for their children and the welfare of their communities after fasting. Jitiya is part of nature worship, which can be integrated in Hinduism.
The four-days long Chhath festival in November, mainly known from in the neighbouring Indian states of Uttharakand and Bihar, is celebrated by some Tharu people, too. However, in Nepal it‘s most popular with their neighbours of Indian ancestry in the Terai lowlands, the Madhesi community. Chhath, venerating the sun god Surya, is a Hindu festival without idolatry. The rituals of the festival include holy bathing and standing in water for long periods and worshipping the first rays of the rising sun and the last raise of setting sun, the two powers of the sun god represented by his two coonsorts. Fasting includes abstaining from drinking water
The most significant temple festival in Nepal is held at Pashupatinath near Kathmandu for celebrating Shivaratri, another big Hindu festival which is very popular with Indians.
Sky-Diving
Sky-diving is even more spectacular in the Himalayas. However, this adventure activity must be booked in advance on special request. Unlike paragliding, sky-diving requires a medical report and prove of experience. First-timers are not allowed over the Himalayas.
Giant Swing
An alternative to bungee jumping is the giant swing that is available at „The Last Resort“. Actually, with a height of 160 m and a freefall of 100 m, the so-called „Canyon Swing“ in Nepal is the world’s highest giant swing.
Zip Flyer
Not far from Pokhara is the world‘s steepest and longest zipline at all, with an initial incline of 56 degrees and a total length of 1800 m.
Ballooning
Pokhara is also the best place for ballooning, with spectacular views to the eightthousanders of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Pre-booking is required for a balloon trip.
Ultralight Flight
Avia Ultralight Flight Pokhara, as mentioned above, is an opportunity for a single passenger to enjoy a flight over the Annapurna Range. Flights can take 15 or 30 or 60 or 90 minutes. The latter two variants reach the Annapurna Base Camp. In Nepal, it‘s no problem to take photos or videos during a flight.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing at steep rock is permitted only at certain places in Nepal. It usually requires the use of a belay rope for security reasons, but it can also be done by beginner, who will be taught the basics by a climbing instructor. The equipment will be provided. One-day climbing packages are available for some first experience, but usually the climbing outdoor activity will take two or three days.
A climbing destination popular with beginners is the Nagarjun Rock near Kathmandu. Another suitable rock for beginners is near Dumre village not far from Bandipur on the way from Kathmandu to Pokhara. An artificial steep slope for very beginners is Astrek Rock Climbing. Rocks in the high mountains are recommendable only for very advanced climbers.
Trekking Peaks
Trekking Peaks in Nepal are not those peaks that can be reached easily on trekking trails. Rather, Trekking Peaks require some climbing experience and mountaineering equipment additionally. The term ist usually associated with those 15 peaks classified as Group "B" by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), all of them below 7,000 m. However, some so-called Trekking Peaks below that category requiring little technical climbing skills. The latter are usually 5,000 to 6,500 m high and can be reached without supplemantary oxygene.
One popular Trekking Peak is called Island Peak, which is 6,189 m high. For having a view of Mount Everest, Mera Peak with e height of 6,476 m is recommendable. Lobuche East, with a altitude of 6,119 m, allows a closer view of Everest.
One popular Trekking Peak is called Island Peak, which is 6,189 m high. For having a view of Mount Everest, Mera Peak with e height of 6,476 m is recommendable. Lobuche East, with a altitude of 6,119 m, allows a closer view of Everest.
Mountaineering Expedition
To take part in mountaineering activities, it‘s not required but highly recommendable to have some climbing experience. At least trekking experience is a precondition. Beginners will receive a quick climbing training and can reach sixthousander peaks. Altitudes above 6,500 m require oxygene feed.
Canyoning
Canyoning adventures are possible in several gorges in Nepal, 4 or 5 places of which are the first choice of holiday makers. In contrast to river rafting, so far no fatal accidents occured during canyoning expeditions in Nepal.
cooking Classes
There are two options of cooking classes available in Nepal. Firstly, there are some professional cooking schools, where you can take classes of a few hours to learn how to prepare several courses of a meal. They are available in Kathmandu, mostly in Thamel, and also in Pokhara. Secondly, there are shorter private cooking classes for smaller groups, mostly in lodges or in kitchens of local restaurants. Cooking classes are usually held in the cities. However, they are also available in villages and the mountains, but in this case the cook will not be a professional teacher.
Traditional Crafts Classes
Thangkas are Buddhist paintings on cotton or other textiles usually depicting a saviours or deities or mandalas. In the Tantric tradition of Buddhism, mainly practiced in Tibet, Thangkas serve a spiritual means of meditation. The painting of a Thangka is a meditation exercise in itself. Thangka painting classes open for travelers are mainly located in the cities of the Kathmandu Valley. Other handicraft classes available wood carving and pottery, but there are fewer classes than in the case of Thangka painting.
Mehendi Art & Tattoos
Mehendi art, also known as Mehndi in India, is painting with a paste created from the Henna plant. In Nepal, Mehendi are tradtionally painting on hands worn by females. However, male guest are invited, too. Apart from Henna studios to create a professional work of Mehendi art on your skin, there are also Mehendi classes avalaible allowing you to carry out Mehendi paintings on your own. Apart from Mehendi studios, Tattoo studios can be found mostly in Thamel, the backpacker quarter of Kathmandu.
Ayurveda
In contrast to other Southasian countries, Ayurveda facilities are usually not available in hotel, exept from star-category hotels at the high end, and most Ayurveda centers do not provide accommodation, except from some so-called Ayurveda Homes. So Ayurveda in Nepal is usually a recreational activity on a walk-in basis, at places similar to spas. Traditional massage and herbal treatments and Shiro Dara (Sirodara) are available for a ombination of physical and spirtual cleansing. The most popular location for Ayurveda treatment is Pokhara, because the more peaceful environent is more favourable for Ayurveda than the busy town.
Skiing
It may come as a surprise to Alpinists tha skiing is not so popular in the high mountains of Nepal. Actually, there are no lifts transporting you to the top of the ski lopes. Skiing in Nepal therefore is a combination of hiking and skiing. However, boards are available for rent.
Everest and Annapurna Marathons
The Everest Marathon at the Everest Bade Camp is the world‘s highest marathon. It is held on May 29th each year in order to celebrate the aniversaries of the historical first ascent on Mt. Everest by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary in 953. Due to the high altitude and the trekking trails, it‘s one of the most demanding marathons at all. A semi-distance marathon is also held on the same day.
This Annapurna Marathon starts at a moderate altitude of 1200m to a maximum altitude of 3750m. A 100 km long mountain trail race is held in the Annapurna Range, too. The telling name is Annapurna 100.
This Annapurna Marathon starts at a moderate altitude of 1200m to a maximum altitude of 3750m. A 100 km long mountain trail race is held in the Annapurna Range, too. The telling name is Annapurna 100.