A paradise for adventure lovers, Nepal is one of the world’s top destinations for outdoor activities. Besides, it’s home to the world’s tallest mountains and has become a favorite destination for avid trekkers.
Beyond trekking, Nepal offers opportunities for many other adventure sports activities to satisfy the adrenaline junkie in you. If you’re planning a trip to the country and wondering where to go for awesome adventure activities, check out this list of the best destinations in Nepal for outdoor activities.
1. Nagarkot
Although Nagarkot is not a trekking hotspot, it’s becoming increasingly popular amongst travelers looking to experience thrilling outdoor activities in Nepal.
The village lies along the rim of the Kathmandu Valley, about 30 km away from Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city. Getting here requires taking a 3-hour bus ride from the capital, and many tour companies can arrange your visit if you prefer a more convenient way to travel.
Nagarkot has many beautiful trails, with some overlooking the mesmerizing views of the Himalayas Mountain range. The most popular trail is the Panoramic Trail, a circuit path looping the entire area. It’s a 14-km hike taking you through the local villages of Nagarkot. On a clear day, you could spot Mount Everest on some of the trail’s viewpoints. Depending on your pace, you could finish the trek in four hours.
While in Nagarkot, don’t miss the chance to hike up the Nagarkot Viewpoint Tower. It takes about an hour to get to the top, with incredible panoramic views of the Himalayas. Schedule your hike just before sunrise, and you’ll be in awe with the breathtaking sunrise views!
2. Pokhara
Pokhara tops the list of the best destinations for outdoor adventures in Nepal. It’s the gateway to some of the country’s most famous treks and is home to a beautiful lake, where you can go on fun boating and kayaking adventures. Surrounded by the stunning mountain range of the Himalayas, Pokhara offers the perfect backdrop for thrilling outdoor sports like paragliding and bungee jumping.
If you are up for heart-pumping adventures, try the second-tallest bungee jumping in the world. Experience the thrill of free-falling as you jump off a bridge, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Himalayan mountains. If bungee jumping is not enough to satisfy the inner adventure junkie in you, try paragliding. It’s a fascinating experience soaring to the sunny skies of Pokhara while strapped to a professional paraglider.
If you’re not yet ready to take on multi-day treks, you can try a few short treks within Pokhara, such as the trail to Shanti Stupa, also known as the World Peace Pagoda. Getting to the trailbase requires taking a boat ride on the lake. When you reach the top, you’ll be impressed by the magnificent scenery surrounding the stupa.
If you want to see Mount Everest but don’t have the guts to go on a daunting multi-day trek, consider splurging on a helicopter tour from Pokhara. You’ll land at the base camp of some of the world’s tallest mountains and see the Everest up close – a truly fascinating experience!
3. Kathmandu
As the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu is the jumping-off point for outdoor adventures in the country. While many would head straight to other places after landing at Kathmandu’s airport, it’s worth spending a day or two in the capital, especially if you want to learn about Nepal’s rich history and incredible diversity.
With various trekking companies situated in Kathmandu, it provides a perfect center for a Nepal trekking holiday, allowing easy access to the breathtaking Himalayan scenery and diverse pathways.
Spend time wandering around Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the center of Kathmandu’s Old Town. As you stroll through the square, marvel at the fascinating architectural gems, such as the royal palace with embellished carvings that tell stories about the city’s rich history.
As with most places in Nepal, Kathmandu has trails to take you to the quieter areas outside the city, away from the busy and chaotic streets. Some trails take you to the lush green hills outside the city and into Kathmandu Valley, with majestic hills and lush vegetation. Unlike the other places in Nepal, many hikes are at low altitudes, so it’s perfect for all hikers.
4. Sagarmatha National Park
Sagarmatha National Park is one of Nepal’s most iconic destinations and an excellent place for fun outdoor adventures. The park boasts an incredible display of Himalayan flora and fauna, surrounded by the awe-inspiring panorama of the Himalayan Mountain range.
Sagarmatha is the Nepali name of Mount Everest, and the Sagarmatha National Park is where the world’s tallest mountain sits. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of natural wonders, and you can best explore by hiking along its stunning trails.
Being one of Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations, Sagarmatha National Park has trails for all levels of trekkers. Most visitors here are on their way to the Mount Everest Base Camp. However, this is not the only trail in the area. Depending on your interests and physical fitness, you can have a local trekking company arrange a trek to best suit you.
5. Lumbini
Those heading to Nepal on a spiritual journey should visit Lumbini, a Buddhist pilgrimage site home to beautiful monasteries. Believed to be the birthplace of Buddha, it’s one of the world’s holiest sites. Even if you don’t practice Buddhism, visiting this place is a fascinating experience.
Expect to find many fascinating Buddhist temples, with the Mayadevi Temple being the main attraction. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and where Buddha was born. You will find the Bodhi Tree near the temple, which carries historical significance. It is believed that Queen Mayadevi held on to the tree’s branch while giving birth to Buddha.
Another significant monument in Lumbini is the World Peace Pagoda from the early 21st century. Built by Japanese Buddhists, the pagoda symbolizes peace and is one of Nepal’s top attractions. The glorious stupa follows the traditional architecture of a pagoda, with a white color and a golden Buddha statue.
