May 22nd, 2006
Himalayan Adventures in Nepal
himal writes “Many visitors to India like travelling to Nepal, while they’re in the region, for the excellent trekking and other adventure activities in the Himalayas.
Trekking:
Nepal is a mecca for trekkers, with the world’s 12 highest peaks and unparalleled combination of natural beauty attracting them. While trekking on these paths, you will come across many people and places and get to see their way of life and live a part of their culture.
Trekking Seasons:
Although it is possible to trek at any time of the year in Nepal, the main season begins in Autumn (October and November), when there’s minimal rainfall and crystal-clear, mountain views.
During the Winter (December to Febuary), it’s freezing above 4,000 metres and the high passes may be snowbound. Winter is an ideal season for a lower trek.
March to May marks the beginning of the Spring trekking season, which peaks around mid-April.
River Rafting:
Nepal is also one of the best destinations in the world for white water rafting. Nepal’s thundering waters, coming from the glaciers of the Himalayas, provide unmatched thrills for rafting and immersing oneself in the landscape.
Rivers are graded on a scale of one to six, with one being a swimming pool and six a being very strenuous and dangerous.
Heli Trekking:
While the whole point of trekking is using your feet, not everyone can climb the heights to appreciate wonderful, panoranic views of the Himalayas.
For those who are restricted by time (or other constraints) from going trekking, helicopters fly swiftly into the core of any trekking zone.
Ballooning:
Ballooning is quite a popular sport in Nepal and a good enough reason to view nature at its best, from a height of 1,200 to 1,500 metres.
From this altitude, the entire Himalayan range will be in sight, with 360 degrees of visibility and fantastic downward views of the Kathmandu valley itself.
Bungi Jumping:
The new adventure sport introduced in Nepal is bungi jumping. The jump takes place in the gorge of Bhote Koshi river, from a bridge over a 160 metre, tropical gorge - with the Bhote Koshi, one of the world’s wildest rivers, raging below.
Mountain Flights:
Experience one of the most fascinating flights in the world.
If you came overland from India, this is your chance to see what you missed. These flights offer a panoramic view of the Himalaya, in just one hour.
Mount EverestDuring the flight you will see the mightiest Himalayas including Shisha Pngma (8,013m.), Dorje Lakpa (6,966m.), Phurbi-Ghyachu, Choba- Bhamre (5,933m.), GauriShankar (7,134m.), Melungtse (7,023 m), Chugimago 6,297 m), Numbur (6956 m), Karyolung (6511m), Cho-Oyu (8,201m.), Gyachungkang (7,952 m), Pumori (7,161m), Nuptse (7,855m), Mt.Everest (8,848+2m) - the highest peak in the world (also known as Sagarmatha in the Nepali Language) and many more, including a glimpse of Kanchanjunga.
Jungle Safari:
The southern lowland, known as the Terai, is covered with dense tropical jungles - teeming with diverse wildlife and exotic birds.
Here one will find some of the most exciting safari destinations in the world. Elephant-back safari or four-wheel drive vehicle is provided, to view wild animals in their natural habitat.
Other thrills are canoe rides on the jungle rivers, nature walks, bird watching excursions, and village tours.
Among the 14 National Parks and wildlife reserves in the Kingdom of Nepal, the Royal Chitwan National Park (932 sq km) is the most popular safari destination.
More than 43 species of animals are found in Chitwan: the endangered one-horned rhino, Royal Bengal tiger, Gharial crocodile, four-horned antelope, striped hyena, and the Gangetic dolphin among them.