Archive for March 17th, 2008

Adventure in Nepal

In adventurer’s delight, Nepal offers a plethora of outdoor activities, from paragliding near the mountains to waiting for the Bengal tiger in Chitwan’s wild. Adventure tourism in Nepal dates back to the early attempts to ascend worldâ’s highest peak Mt. Everest fifty years ago.

The 50th anniversary of the first ascent of Everest was celebrated recently amidst great fanfare and extravaganza. Renowned mountain summiteers Sir Edmund Hillary, Ms. Junko Tabei, Mr. Reinhold Messner, Mr. Appa Sherpa, Mr. Jamling Norgay Sherpa took part in the celebrations.

Trekking and mountain climbing are still the most popular sport among visitors. Rafting on white water mountain streams across the typical cross section of Nepal’s geography is equally popular. Jungle safari in the Terai is preferred by visitors interested to see Nepal’s rare varieties of animals and birds. Nepal also offers bungy jumping above the wild waters of River Bhote Koshi. Canyoning to explore the rugged and out-of -reach landscapes is another option at the site.

Aerial activities include taking off in micro-light aircrafts or hot-air balloons for a good view of the mountains. Mountain flights offer the closest possible spectacle of Mt. Everest and other peaks. The close encounter with the tallest mountains of the earth often draws awe-stricken silence from onlookers. For More Detail Please Contact us

Bungy Jumping in Nepal

Just imagination of jumping down from a bridge 160 meters above a tropical gorge with the Bhote Kosi, one of Nepal’s wildest rivers raging below is enough to make your heartbeat run faster. And, it is the thrill of bungy jumping as it there is no fun for real adventure lover if challenge is not so hard and difficult. It is located within a reach of 4 hours outside Kathmandu and just 19 km away from the Tibet Border.

The Bungy bridge happens to be the only privately owned bridge in Nepal. It has been specially designed for bungy jumping with a 4x-safety factor and has a loading factor of 41,500 kg or 4.5 tons according to Swiss measurements.

One would have to be totally insane or suicidal twisted to jump off the remarkable 500-ft (160 m) drop into the Bhote Kosi river gorge. As the Bungy Master nicknamed Rock advises the jumpers to ensure that pockets are empty and the girls have no loose jewelry coming in the way, nervous laughter erupts from the crowd when he strongly advises against taking intoxicants just before the jump. Jumper’s weights are recorded before the jump to use different cords for different categories of weights. The Green, Red and Black cords are used for the lightest, the heavier and the heavyweights accordingly. It is a perfect way of wild adventure. For More Detail Please Contact us

Paragliding in Nepal 

Flying like a bird
Paragliding is a relatively new adventure sport in Nepal. Paragliding in this Himalayan country can be a truly wonderful and fulfilling experience for the adventure-seekers. You can experience unparalleled scenic grandeur as you share airspace with Himalayan griffin vultures, eagles, kites, while floating over villages, monasteries, temples, lakes and jungles, with a fantastic view of the majestic Himalayas.

Gliding is a weather dependent sport and the flying season in Nepal commences from November through February, the best months being November and December. By virtue of its latitude and monsoonal climate, the tree line in Nepal is at an incredible 3,900 m above sea level. With conditions milder than summer alpine, these are excellent and constant atmospherics.

The topography and climate of Nepal also make it an ideal destination for all levels of pilots- subtropical conditions provide plenty of thermals and combined with the long valleys common in Nepal, they produce perfect ‘cloud streets’ ideal for paragliders, inviting them to fly along this “sky highway”. The local microclimate, controlled by the numerous lakes in the valley, is unique, which makes it even better for the glider.

The main area for flying in Nepal is the Annapurna region, more specifically the Pokhara valley. This lakeside town is Nepal’s second “city”, nestled at the foot of the Annapurna Himal, the views commanded from here, of 3 of the worlds 8000m peaks, are unsurpassed. At an altitude of 800m ASL the subtropical climate means that, year round, it is short and T-shirt weather. The micro-climate of the valley makes it an ideal area for flying, with far more constant conditions than the Kathmandu valley 150 km east.

There are several sites around Phew Tal (the lake) but the most accessible is Sarangkot (1500m ASL). A view point 700m above Pokhara, it is unique in that it has a road running to the top. A short walk brings you to the only purpose built take off in the country. Cut out of the slope is a 45m by 45m clearing. With regular cycles providing easy reverse launches, you could not ask for a more picturesque site. With the lake 2000 ft below, the mountains behind, and the unlimited potential for XC and out and returns, this has quickly become the main site for the area, and many pilots have based themselves in Pokhara for the season, flying from this mountain alone.

There are various deals for the paragliding enthusiast as well as those checking this sport out for the first time. There is a three-day introductory course for beginners, as well as tandem flights (where you fly with an instructor) for the inexperienced or less brave. At 6000 ft, you sit back in your seat as your qualified pilot takes you on an unforgettable journey. The take-off point for these flights is Sarankot (1592 m), which offers prime views of Phewa Tal and the mountains at sunrise and sunset (provided the skies are clear); the landing is by the lake. For More Detail Please Contact us

 Mountain flights in Nepal

Mountain flight is a much easier way to see the Nepali Himalayan peaks. Most flights are in mornings and operate at all times except in the monsoon seasons of June and July. Air planes fly along the Himalayan range and also beyond for passengers to get a good view of the Himalayan range. All the domestic airlines of Nepal offer various forms of mountain flights.

The flight takes you within camera range of some of the highest peaks in the world, and cruising this close to the awe-inspiring massifs of rock and ice is an out-of-this world experience.

A few domestic airlines offer mountain flight from Kathmandu to see Mt. Everest. This unique experience gives visitors a quick glance at Nepal’s untamed landscapes and a fly-past through the world’s tallest peak.

The aircraft takes off and heads eastward and almost immediately the peaks come into view. The first peak that appears on your horizon is the majestic Gosaithan, also called Shisha Pangma, standing at a height of 8,013m. To its right appears Dorje Lhakpa (6,966m), looking like a massive figure of eight lying prone and covered in snow. To its right is Phurbi Chyachu, which looms over the Kathmandu valley. For More Detail Please Contact us

Ultralight aircraft is being operated from Pokhara. It has a unique blend of both mountain and plateau area. While flying over the Pokhara valley, you will not miss the scenic beauty of both the Himalayas and the most famous lake of Nepal, phewa Tal. The flight will be a journey through nature. This is truly a unique experience.

Fly for Fun: (15 minutes Flight): Our shortest flight takes you over the city of Pokhara, Fewa lake, near Sarangkot hill, over the Buddha monastery and the south side of the city. This short flight will give you a panoramic view of the whole Annapurna Range with a view of another 8000 meter peak – Dhaulagiri, in the distance. Appeals to flyers on a budget or for those who have a plane to catch for Kathmandu.

30 Minute flight: This flight of medium duration, takes you slightly higher and further. You’ll fly over the Tibetan refugee camp and as far as Lamachour, on the northern part of the valley. The view is simply superb.

Mountain Range Sky Trek (1 hour flight): A truly memorable addition to any trip to Nepal. We take you over the city of Pokhara, Fewa Lake, near Sarangkot hill, over the Buddhist monastery on the south side of the city, as well as the Tibetan refugee camp and past Lamachour to the north. The view is simply superb.

You fly at an altitude of 9,000 feet above sea level and you go very close to Fish Tail peak and enter the Seti valley, itself a hidden remote valley. For More Detail Please Contact us

You don’t have to be in Switzerland to ride on cable cars. Unlike in the West, the cable car in Nepal takes you up to the abode of Manakamana, the Wish-Fulfilling Goddess, on what you could call a spiritual ride. Legend has it that Manakamana fulfills all wishes. This belief is so ingrained in the collective conciousness of the Nepalis that many make a trip to Manakamana every year without fail. Stories abound of people’s wishes coming true: lost sons returning home, lovers finding romance against all odds, people finding success in their business ventures, students excelling in their exams, separated husband and wife getting back together, and on and on. Even if you have no wishes to make (assuming that you have got it all, which means you have no need of Manakamana’s blessings) or even if you are an atheist or agnostic, this place offers you a unique look into Nepali people’s faith in Goddess Manakamana. Also you could look at the river valleys and the Himalayas from here. Or just explore the hamlets downhill.

Situated atop a hill (1302 m) 12 km south of the historic town of Gorkha and 6 km north of Mugling, the Manakama temple overlooks terraced fields, and the Trisuli and Marsyangdi river valleys. The hilltop also offers a vantage point for taking in the breath-taking view of the Manaslu-Himanchuli and Annapurna massifs to the north. For More Detail Please Contact us 

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