"Heaven is a myth, but Nepal is real." The tiny Himalayan nation is a paradise for all kinds of travellers, as it has something to revitalise everyone's soul. With eight of the ten highest peaks in the world and many smaller peaks, Nepal is a gold mine for a mountain lover.
Climbing a whole mountain sounds a bit too much? No worries! You can always go on extended treks that reveal views like no other. Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang and Manaslu are a handful of places where you can trek and enjoy the magnificence of the Himalayas right from their feet. With altitudes ranging from the lowlands to the highest point on Earth, Nepal offers a huge diversity of topography, natural resources, flora, fauna and culture. The geographical diversity also provides incredible opportunities for adventure sports. Here are a few of the things that make heaven a living reality in Nepal.
Trekking in Nepal
A traveller can find treks of all distances, lengths and difficulties in Nepal. The Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the most famous trekking destinations. It takes you up to a staggering height of around 4,200 metres and reveals traditional Gurung lifestyle on the way. Other famous treks are the Everest Base Camp trek and the Langtang trek. You can also always find shorter treks if you are short of time. The major treks are:
- Everest Base Camp Trek
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Langtang Valley Trek
- Everest Panorama Trek
- Upper Mustang Trek
Peak Climbing in Nepal
Nepal has not only some of the highest peaks in the world, such as Everest, Annapurna and Lhotse, but also smaller peaks for beginner climbers. Island Peak ("Imja Tse" in Nepali), a mountain of around 6,000 metres, can be climbed by a beginner. Other peaks are Mera Peak at around 6,400 metres in the Everest region and Chulu Far East at around 6,000 metres in the Annapurna region. The major peaks for climbing are:
- Mera Peak Climbing
- Chulu Far East Peak Climbing
- Island Peak Climbing
Expeditions in Nepal
The Himalayas are one of the most untouched places on Earth. Expedition groups from all over the world come to Nepal to ascend the Himalayas and uncover their secrets and beauty. The major mountain expeditions include Mt Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth, the Kanchenjunga expedition in the eastern part of Nepal and the famous Manaslu expedition.
Hiking in Nepal
Nepal is also known for its hiking destinations. There are many spots around the country where visitors can go on a short hike. Sundarijal, a village in the hills north-east of Kathmandu, is an ideal spot for a day's hike, with majestic views of the city and the mountains and waterfalls to relax by. Other hikes from the capital include Shivapuri National Park and the ancient Newari village of Khokana. Some of the fascinating hikes around Kathmandu are:
- Chisapani, Dhulikhel and Nagarkot
- Sundarijal hiking
- Changunarayan – Nagarkot hiking
- Shivapuri National Park day hiking
Tours in Nepal
Apart from the Kathmandu Valley, other famous tour destinations are Pokhara, dubbed "Heaven on Earth", a city of lakes with stunning Himalayan views; Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha and one of the holiest sites of Buddhism; and Chitwan, home to one of the biggest national parks in the country, with many rare species. Tours can be any length, depending on your time. The most appealing and unforgettable tours are:
- Kathmandu Valley Tour
- Day tour to Patan Durbar Square
- Pashupatinath Tour
- Lumbini Tour
- Chitwan Jungle Safari
Adventure Sports in Nepal
Nepal provides ample opportunities for thrill seekers. The Bhote Koshi River bungee, at a height of around 160 metres, is one of the highest natural bungee jumping spots in the world: a jump from a 166 m long suspension bridge over a gorge with white water underneath, just three hours from Kathmandu. People can also go rafting and kayaking in the white waters of the same river. Pokhara provides an incredible opportunity to paraglide above Phewa Lake with stunning views of the Annapurna range. The thrilling adventure sports are:
- Trishuli River rafting
- Paragliding in Pokhara and Kathmandu
- Bungee jumping
Besides that, Nepal has a wide choice of other activities, including mountain flights, helicopter flights to Everest and Annapurna Base Camp, pilgrimage visits to famous temples and off-road mountain bike tours, to name a few. Malung Treks & Expedition has been running tourism activities in Nepal for a long time – see our treks and tours.
