Hiking and trekking might be the first things that come to mind at the mention of Nepal, but the activities you can enjoy while in the country are certainly not limited to these two. On the contrary, Nepal has a lot to offer to travelers with varied interests, even to those who are not exactly big fans of the great outdoors.
So before you back out of your scheduled Nepal trip because you are worried that there might not be enough things to do when you get there, make sure to finish reading this article first. Trust me, you would probably find your scheduled trip too short for ticking off everything on this list.
What activities can you do in Nepal?
You already know that Nepal is great for hiking, trekking, and mountaineering – no need to tell you that. So instead, let me present you with the top things you could try out in Nepal – other than climbing mountains, of course!
1) Book an Everest Mountain Flight
Climbing the world’s highest peak is not for the casual traveler-cum-hiker, so unless you have months, if not years, of training, climbing Mount Everest is certainly not a very good idea. But that does not mean that you cannot see this majestic mountain in all its glory. If you still want to see Mount Everest and the other Himalayan peaks, you can book an Everest Mountain Flight and spend an hour flying over the pride of the Himalayas.
2) Go paragliding in Pokhara
If you do not want to go hiking but want to feel the rush, paragliding might just be the activity for you. Pokhara is one of top spots for paragliding, especially since the weather is generally agreeable and the city has an enormous lake which serves as a safety net for first-time paragliders.
3) Bungee jumping
Speaking of adrenaline rushes, here is another extreme sport you might want to try. there are numerous bungee jumping sites in Nepal, but if you are feeling particularly brave, go ahead and check out The Last Resort. This sports complex has the world’s highest bungee jump at 160 meters – certainly not for the faint of heart!
4) Explore the temples of Kathmandu
Kathmandu is possibly the busiest, most crowded city in all of Nepal, but that only adds to its charms. If you have gotten tired of jostling your way around market stalls, consider visiting its numerous temples like the Boudhanath, the Swayambhunath, and the Pashupatinath.
5) Visit the Chitwan National Park
For the animal lovers out there, visiting the jungle safari in Chitwan is certainly a worthwhile activity this jungle safari features lush greenery and houses some of the most majestic animals you would see. Get your cameras ready and be prepared to observe rhinos, elephants, various birds, and even the Bengal tiger, if you are lucky, in their natural habitats.
6) Motorbike across Nepal
There are a lot of transportation options in Nepal, but they are still not quite as convenient as in larger countries. That said, if you want to really explore the country without spending so much on transportation, you might want to consider cross-country motorbiking. You can rent a motorbike and explore Nepal, though you might have to be extra careful since some roads do require maintenance.
7) Try a community homestay
If you want to wind down, relax, and really enjoy the vibrant Nepali culture, then you might want to try a homestay. The Panauti Community Homestay is particularly remarkable, it being operated by a local women’s cooperative. Since you will be staying in a local home, you can really experience life in Nepal. Of course, you cannot really expect much by way of amenities, but you can be guaranteed that your stay will be comfortable.
8) Do a farmstay
If you find a homestay a little too uneventful, then why not try taking it a step further with a farmstay? A farmstay operates under the same principle, the main difference being the location and the activities you will be doing. You can try contacting the Nepal chapter of the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) and ask them to hook you with a local farm where you can stay in exchange for helping with some farm work. It is a good way to experience local life and, at the same time, you get to save on board and lodging.
9) Mountain yoga
With so many temples in Nepal and with such a tranquil scenery, it is easy to see why it is the ideal place to pick up yoga for the first time. And with the Himalayan range surrounding the country, you might as well try mountain yoga. If you want to try it for the first time, you can enroll in the numerous yoga retreat in Nepal. The Sadhana Yoga Retreat is particularly noteworthy and has various options to cater to every individual.
10) Eat
The best way to understand a culture is to sample a cuisine and that holds true for Nepal as well. There are numerous restaurants and food stalls all over Nepal, so you certainly would not have a difficult time sampling local dishes. If you are on a budget, skip the restaurants and eat at local eateries, kiosks, and food joints. If you find yourself craving for some international cuisine, however, no need to fret because there are a lot of top-rated restaurants in the country offering international food fare. Trust me, you can certainly eat to your heart’s content.
Nepal might have been stereotyped as a hiking/trekking country, but it certainly is more than that. The country has a vibrant culture and heritage, and with tourists from all over the globe constantly flocking the country, the local scene has become even more vibrant. These 10 activities are just some of the things you can do in Nepal, and if you go around and keep an open mind, there are a lot more to discover. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and try new things in Nepal.
