Trekking
Nepal has more trekking routes than any country on earth — from gentle valley walks to gruelling high-pass crossings above 5,000m. No special climbing skills are required; just fitness, determination, and the right gear.
Everest Base Camp Trek
The world's most iconic trek. Walk through Sherpa villages, cross high suspension bridges, and stand at 5,364m beneath the world's highest peak.
Annapurna Circuit
A complete circuit of the Annapurna massif, crossing the legendary Thorong La Pass (5,416m) through diverse landscapes from subtropical to arctic.
Annapurna Base Camp
A shorter, equally dramatic journey into the Annapurna Sanctuary — a natural amphitheatre ringed by 7,000m+ peaks including Annapurna I (8,091m).
Langtang Valley Trek
A quieter alternative near Kathmandu, passing glaciers and Tamang villages. The valley was devastated in the 2015 earthquake but has since been beautifully rebuilt.
Manaslu Circuit
A remote, off-the-beaten-path circuit around the world's 8th highest peak (8,163m). Restricted area permit required — wilder and less crowded than EBC.
Ghorepani Poon Hill
Nepal's most popular short trek — a 4-day loop rewarding with a sunrise panorama of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre from Poon Hill (3,210m).
Kanchenjunga Base Camp
An expedition-style trek to the world's 3rd highest peak (8,586m). Remote, untouched, and raw — for seasoned trekkers seeking true wilderness.
Upper Mustang Trek
Enter the ancient Forbidden Kingdom of Lo — a rain-shadow desert of eroded canyons and whitewashed villages above 3,800m. Restricted permit required.
Peak Climbing & Expeditions
Nepal's 33 official trekking peaks require no technical expedition permit — just a peak permit and basic mountaineering skills. The 8,000m giants are reserved for experienced expedition teams.
Trekking Peaks (Beginner–Intermediate Climbers)
| Peak | Elevation | Duration | Difficulty | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Island Peak (Imja Tse) | 6,189m | 15–18 days | Moderate | Khumbu / Everest |
| Mera Peak | 6,476m | 14–18 days | Moderate | Khumbu / Everest |
| Lobuche East | 6,119m | 15–18 days | Strenuous | Khumbu |
| Yala Peak | 5,520m | 10–12 days | Easy | Langtang |
| Pisang Peak | 6,091m | 18–21 days | Moderate | Annapurna |
| Chulu West | 6,419m | 18–22 days | Strenuous | Annapurna |
The Eight-Thousanders
| Mountain | Elevation | World Rank | Expedition (days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Everest | 8,849m | #1 | ~61 days |
| Kanchenjunga | 8,586m | #3 | ~50 days |
| Lhotse | 8,516m | #4 | ~50 days |
| Makalu | 8,485m | #5 | ~54 days |
| Cho Oyu | 8,188m | #6 | ~45 days |
| Dhaulagiri I | 8,167m | #7 | ~50 days |
| Manaslu | 8,163m | #8 | ~51 days |
| Annapurna I | 8,091m | #10 | ~40 days |
8,000m expeditions require a Government of Nepal climbing permit, advanced mountaineering certification, and experienced high-altitude guides. Permit fees range from US$400 (Cho Oyu) to US$11,000 (Everest, spring season).
Water Adventures
River Rafting & Kayaking
| River | Grade | Duration | Best Season | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bhote Koshi | Grade IV–V | 1–2 days | Oct–Nov · Mar–Jun | Nepal's most intense whitewater; steep gorge near Tibetan border |
| Trisuli | Grade III–IV | 1–3 days | Sep–Nov · Mar–Jun | Most popular; great for beginners; en route to Chitwan |
| Seti | Grade III | 1 day | Nov · Mar–May | Calm waters near Pokhara, good for first-timers |
| Sun Koshi | Grade IV–V | 8–10 days | Sep–Nov · Mar–Jun | One of Asia's top multi-day rafting expeditions; 270km journey |
| Kali Gandaki | Grade III–IV | 3–5 days | Oct–Nov · Apr–May | Runs through the world's deepest gorge; remote & dramatic scenery |
| Marshyangdi | Grade IV–V | 4–5 days | Oct–Nov · Apr–May | Technical rapids below Annapurna; expert rafters only |
Kayaking
Several rivers — including the Trisuli, Seti, and Sun Koshi — offer guided kayaking. The Phewa Lake in Pokhara is perfect for casual paddling.
Canyoning
Abseil down waterfalls and swim through slot canyons. Popular near Pokhara (Annapurna foothills) and along the route to Chitwan.
Aerial Adventures
Paragliding — Pokhara
Take off from Sarangkot (1,592m) and soar over Phewa Lake with a panoramic backdrop of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. A 25–30 minute tandem flight is one of Nepal's most memorable experiences.
Bungee Jumping
The Bhote Koshi bungee (160m drop above a roaring river gorge, near the Tibetan border) and Pokhara's HighGround bungee are two of Asia's most dramatic jumps.
Zip-lining
Pokhara's zip-line (1,592m elevation, 1.8km long) is one of the longest and steepest in the world. Riders reach speeds over 100km/h over valleys with Himalayan views.
Skydiving
One of the world's highest skydives — freefall over the Everest region at over 4,000m with views of the Himalayan massif. Medical clearance required. Limited seasonal availability.
Hot Air Ballooning
Float at dawn over the Kathmandu Valley with clear Himalayan views. 1–2 hour flights launch from Balthali, Bhaktapur, or Pokhara depending on weather.
Helicopter Tours
For non-trekkers or those short on time: fly over Everest, the Annapurna range, or Langtang. Many tours include a mountain-top lodge landing for tea at 4,000m+.
Land & Jungle Adventures
Mountain Biking
Descend from Nagarkot to Bhaktapur on trails carved through pine forest and terraced farmland, or ride the epic Annapurna Circuit route. Pokhara and Kathmandu Valley offer multi-day routes for all levels.
Jungle Safari — Chitwan
Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, gharial crocodiles, and over 500 bird species. Jeep safaris, canoe rides, and guided jungle walks are available.
Jungle Safari — Bardiya
More remote and less touristy than Chitwan, Bardiya has one of Nepal's highest tiger densities. Dolphin-spotting on the Karnali River is a rare added bonus.
Rock Climbing
Nagarjuna Forest Reserve (Kathmandu) and various crags in the Khumbu and Pokhara areas offer sport and traditional climbing routes. Equipment and instructors are available at Nagarjuna.
Birdwatching
Nepal is home to over 870 bird species — 8% of the world's total. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Chitwan, and the Kathmandu Valley are prime spots. Best in winter (Nov–Feb) and spring migration (Mar–May).
Cave Exploration
Gupteswar Gupha (Pokhara) features a sacred underground waterfall. Siddha Gufa near Bandipur is one of South Asia's largest caves — over 400m long with dramatic stalactites.
Permits & Regulations
| Permit | Who Needs It | Cost (approx.) | Where to Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System) | All trekkers on official routes | US$20 (agency) / US$10 (solo) | Kathmandu or Pokhara tourism offices |
| ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area) | All visitors to Annapurna region | NPR 3,000 (~US$22) | Tourism offices or entry checkpoints |
| SNPBZ Permit (Sagarmatha / Everest region) | All visitors to Everest region | NPR 3,000 (~US$22) | Tourism offices or entry checkpoints |
| Manaslu Restricted Area Permit | Manaslu Circuit trekkers | US$70–100 per week | Kathmandu (Ministry of Home Affairs) |
| Upper Mustang Permit | Upper Mustang trekkers | US$500 for 10 days | Kathmandu (Department of Immigration) |
| Peak Climbing Permit | Trekking peak climbers (33 peaks) | US$250–400 per peak | Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) |
| Expedition Permit | 8,000m peak climbers | US$400–11,000 | Ministry of Tourism, Kathmandu |
Permit requirements change periodically. Always verify current fees and rules with the Nepal Tourism Board or your trekking agency before departure.