Other Outdoor Activities
Paragliding
Introduction
Paragliding is a relatively new adventure sport in Nepal, and little information is available in tourist guidebooks. Paragliding in Nepal can be a truly wonderful and fulfilling experience for the adventure seeking. Experience unparalleled scenic grandeur as you share airspace with Himalayan griffin vultures, eagles, kites and float over villages, monasteries, temples, lakes and jungle, with a fantastic view of the majestic Himalayas.
The last three years have seen the activity flourish in Pokhara and it now is an internationally recognized destination for free-flight enthusiasts.
Geography and Seasons
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 conditions. 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 found in the valley, is unique and provides excellent flying conditions.
The Himalayas are made up of a series of lesser mountains increasing in size before the greater Himalayas, with their majestic snow-clad peaks, dominate the sky. The range that is now offered for paragliding is the Mahabharata range south of these giants. Most flights are out of Pokhara, a town at the foot of the Annapurna Himal. This beautiful lakeside town nestles at the foot of the Annapurna massif, dwarfed by three of the highest mountains in the world. The conditions, at altitudes ranging from 800m to 2100 m, are known for their outstanding beauty and offer some of the best mountain flying experiences in the world.
Deals
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 own seat as your qualified pilot takes you on an unforgettable journey. The take-off point for these flights is Sarankot (1592 m), which also offers prime views of Phewa Tal and the mountains at sunrise and sunset (provided the skies are clear) and the landing is by the lake. No previous experience is required as qualified pilots provide a short briefing before launching.
Alternatively, experienced gliders can strike a package deal, which includes being picked up at Kathmandu airport on arrival and spending a night in the capital before heading for Pokhara. At Pokhara, after a few introductory flights, you could take off on a six-day para-trek to the incredibly beautiful West. While on the para trek, the flyers will be lodged or camp in villages, with local Sherpa guides to carry equipment, cook and set up camp.
So that all you have to do is relax and think of flying these incredible mountains. For those coming in from the West, as the agency puts it, `you can leave your winter flying blues behind'.
*Equipment is not available for hire.
Caution
Paragliding is adventure sport and can be dangerous. To minimise risks, it is highly recommended that you book these activities with experienced and qualified instructors, with an internationally recognised license.
Access and Accommodation
The bus trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara takes 7-8 hours and most departures are in the early hours of the morning. Public transport buses cost around NRs. 120, while the larger tourist buses charge NRs. 150 and the tourist minibuses cost NRs. 200. There are many daily flights to Pokhara from Kathmandu. The flight takes about half an hour and costs $61. The flight also gives you some great Himalayan viewing if you are seated on the right side of the plane from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and vice versa.
Pokhara offers a wide variety of places to stay and for all kinds of budgets. There are roughly four accommodation areas - around the bus park and bazaar, by the airport, Damside (Pardi) and Lakeside (Baidam). While the bazaar area offers some cheap lodging, it is noisy and far from pleasant. The hotels by the airport are large and more expensive, but they are a long way from Lakeside. It is best to check out places around Lakeside, where all the action happens, and Damside, which has some good mid-range hotels and also affords the best mountain views.
Mountain Flight
Introduction
For the traveller who is unable to make a trekking trip to the mountains either for the lack of time or physical fitness, and for the less adventurous, there are mountain flights that offer some of the best views of the majestic Himalayas. One can take an hour-long flight with any of the five flight operators that are presently offering the service.
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.
Flying High
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.
As the plane glides along, you get closer to these giants. Next on your vision is Choba Bhamare, rather small in this company at 5,933m but singularly stubborn as it remains unconquered to this day. Then comes Mt. Gaurishanker (7,134m) which resisted all attempts to conquer its summit until 1979. This mountain stands out sharp and very conspicuous during the flight and Hindus believe that Lord Shiva (Shanker) and his consort Parvati protect this mountain.
As the flight moves toward the Eastern Himalayas, a succession of majestic mountains follows. Melungtse, with a plateau-like top stands at 7,023m. Chugimago, at 6,297m, still remains to be scaled. At 6,956m, Mt.Numbur resembles a breast, believed to be the maternal source in the sky providing pure milk to the Sherpas of the Solokhumbu. Then comes Karyolung, a gleaming-white mountain at 6,511m resplendent in the morning sun. Cho-Oyu is the sixth highest mountain in the world at 8,021m, and appears stunningly beautiful.
The last and most exciting stretch of the journey takes you close to Gyachungkang, which stands at 7,952m and considered an extremely tough climb. To its right is Pumori at 7,161m and Nuptse at 7,855m, also called west peak signifying its location in relation to Mt.Everest. Finally, there is Mt. Everest itself (8,848m), called Sagarmatha by the Nepalese and Chomolungma by the Tibetans. It's a different feeling as one comes face to face with the world's tallest mountain standing there in all its splendid glory, beautiful and enigmatic.
Ultra light Aircraft
Introduction
The history of gliders can be traced back to 1896 when Otto Lilienthal of Germany made unsuccessful attempts with hang-gliders. Gliding as adventurous sports has gained immense popularity globally in recent years.
Avia Club Nepal is the pioneer in ultra-aircraft aviation in Nepal. Since its inception in 1996, it has been offering sightseeing tours aboard the ultra-light aircraft (power-glider) in the Pokhara Valley. The choice of the Pokhara Valley for ultra-light aircraft is appropriate chiefly because of the proximity of the mountains, and the scenic lakes. For those who wished they could fly like birds when growing up, this flight is a must. Leave your woes behind on earth, soar to heights, bathe in the clouds, reach out for the mountains and kiss the azure sky as you fly across it. It might be lonely at the top, but the spectacular view from up high certainly makes it all worth it.
The company operates flights from the Pokhara airport beginning September through June. The flights take place from sunrise to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to sunset every day during these months. Three different routes are taken:
- Fly for Fun: The flight duration is 15 minutes. The aircraft flies over the Pokhara city, Phewa Lake, Sarangkot hill at the speed of 50 km/hour to 90 km/hr. The maximum altitude attained is 5,000 feet. This flight is designed for the curious who just wants to have a little fun.
- Touch the Fish Tail: Not quite, but still this flight takes as close to the Fish Tail as is possible without compromising the safety. The flight duration is 30 minutes. The speed is 90 km/hr.
- Mountain Range Sky Trek: Flight duration 1 hr. This flight covers the whole of the Annapurna range at the speed of 90 km/hr to 130 km/hr. The altitude attained is 12, 000 feet, high above the clouds. This flight is intended for those who like to live life on the fast track, and love a little adrenaline rush now and then.
Avia Club Nepal has two ultra-light aircraft of the model "Biman-1". Designed and manufactured in Russia by Biman Company Ltd, the delta wing aircraft fitted with "ROTAX 582" engine and weighing 170 kg, has operational speed of 50 km/hr to 130 km/hr. Flying on "BIMAN-1" is safe. The use of aviation-grade aluminum alloys, Dacron, Parachute Recovery System (which will help the aircraft to land safely in case of emergency), world-class piston and satellite-assisted navigation GSP has enhanced safety while keeping the weight to a minimum. Ultra-lights can take off and land in a field or on a dirt road, and in areas where other planes fear to tread. The aircraft seats two, a passenger and the pilot. It can fly for hours and ascend the altitude of 5000 m. Its aerodynamic quality allows it to perform long flight even with the engine shut off. It is flown by pilots with over 6,000 flights to his or her credit. The aircraft was accorded high qualification marks in the BOURGE Air Show in France.
Bungy Jumping
Introduction
If you thought that bungy jumping is restricted to some locations in North America, Europe, and New Zealand, kick off that coffin lid and get an update. The sport has found a natural home for itself in the highest and most magnificent mountain range in the world. The ultimate thrill of a bungy jump can now be experienced in Nepal at one of the best sites that this sport can boast of anywhere in the world.
The Bhote Koshi, one of the world's wildest raging rivers, rushes down from the heights of the Himalayas. It roughly translates as `river from Tibet' and so there are a lot of rivers that go by this name in Nepal. This Bhote Koshi is the main tributary of the Sun Koshi and is followed by the Arniko highway from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Nepal's first Bungy jumping site is situated 160 m over this river, inviting you to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush in the surroundings of this amazing place.
Jump!
A bungy jumping trip can be arranged on arrival in Kathmandu. As of now, there is only one agency offering this sport. The site is located close to the Nepal-Tibet border and is a three-hour bus ride from Kathmandu.
The jump, at 160 m, was designed by one of New Zealand's leading Bungy consultants and is staffed and operated by some of the most experienced western jump masters in the business. The jump has an impeccable record and no mishap has occurred at the site. The agency takes safety `very, very seriously'.
The deal, access and accommodation
The deal is $75 per jump, including a bus ride to the site, lunch and a free T-shirt. Accommodation is also available at the resort, as well as options like white water rafting down the raging Bhote Koshi, rappelling down the canyon or trekking in the nearby mountains.
You can also get there in a local bus for the equivalent of $1 or hire a private minibus for $90. If you want to check out a place to stay, Bharabise is a good enough place to stay but has off late grown into a noisy little town. It is advisable to stay at the resort close to the Tibet border, if you can afford it.
Cable Car
Introduction
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 consciousness of the Nepalese 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.
Venerated since the 17th Century, Manakamana commands royal patronage, and the devotion of millions of Nepalese and spirituality-seeking tourists. In the past, millions of pilgrims made a long arduous trek up to the hilltop temple of Manakamana. Many still do.
Now that the Manakamana Darshan Pvt. Ltd. has started Nepal's first cable car service with the technical assistance of Doppelmayr, an Austrian Cable Car Company, would-be visitors to Manakamana have an option of getting there from the Cable Car Station in Cheres in 10 minutes flat or less! The ride covers the distance of 2.8 kilometers. With 31 passenger and 3 cargo cars, each with a seating capacity of 6, the system has the overall capacity of handling 600 persons per hour!
Situated atop a hill (1302 m) 12 km south of the historic town of Gorkha and 6 km north of Mugling, the Manakamana 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-Himalchuli and Annapurna massifs to the north.
The Legend
The legend of Manakamana goddess goes back to the time of Gorkha King Ram Shah (1614-1636 A.D.). His Queen possessed divine powers known only to her devotee Lakhan Thapa, her religious preceptor. On one occasion, the King found the Queen as Goddess and Lakhan as a lion. Following the revelation, the King mentioned it to the Queen and suddenly died. He was cremated, and when the Queen approached the funeral pyre to commit sati as was the custom back then, she consoled her lamenting devotee Lakhan by saying that she would reappear soon near his home. Six months later a certain farmer ploughing a field hit a stone, cleaved it and saw blood and milk flow forth. When the news got around to Lakhan, he knew that his wish had come true. The flow ceased when Lakhan worshipped the stone using his tantric knowledge. When the then ruling king of Gorkha learnt of this incident, he donated land and a grant to perpetuate the worship of Manakamana. This deed was invested with a Lal Mohar and the present Thapa-Magar pujari is the 17th generation descendant of Lakhan Thapa.
The shrine of Manakamana was renovated many times over the centuries. The present four-storey temple on a square pedestal has pagoda-style roofs. The entrance is to be entered from the southwest, and it is marked by stone pillars, one of which is the sacrificial pillar. The principal pujari is a Thapa-Magar and he performs daily prayers in the temple. The Magar priest performs rituals behind closed doors by offering egg, orange, rice, red powder (also called vermilion), and strips of cloth to the goddess. Only after the pujari is done with his puja that the public's turn comes.
Mountain Biking
Introduction
Nepal's diverse terrain is a mountain biker's dream adventure come true. Mountain biking offers an environmentally sound way of exploring this magnificent country, its landscape and living heritage. Because this is a spartan, laborious mode of travel, it is also considered the way to travel by the so-called "purists".
There are plenty of dirt roads and trails in Nepal to meet every mountain biker's wildest fantasy. Mountain biking is specially recommended if you wish to explore urban centers of Nepal such as Pokhara and Kathmandu as well as countryside in the outskirts. Imagine, if you will, a ride through lush green rice fields, through hamlets, up and down the hillside, along the river bank, around temples, past the street-roaming cattle, along the suspension bridge, along the highway, you name it. Through snow, Monsoon downpour, wonderful light effects, or fierce headwinds, depending on place and season. The adventurous souls may plan extended trips to such exotic locales as Tibet, Namche Bazaar, and western Nepal. You could even do the entire length of Nepal across the plains. What you can or cannot do on mountain bike is limited only by your imagination.
The 15 to 18 gear all-terrain mountain bikes are recommended if you wish to go up the hills, mountain lookouts or hilltop shrines. If you're going to be doing the exploring within the city perimeter itself, observing the hustle and bustle, going shopping, etc, one speed Indian bicycles will do nicely. Mountain bikes are available for rent by the day or longer in many of the bicycle rental outlets in and around the city. If you wish to be enlightened about the culture, rhythm of village life, cool spots to visit, perhaps guided trips should be undertaken.
It was in the mid-1980s that biking activity really took off in Kathmandu. Enthusiasts flew with their bikes from Hong Kong to Tibet to answer the call of the wild steppes. The two-week journey from there over the passes (17,000 ft) to Nepal is what sparked it all off. Even today Kathmandu is a mecca for mountain bicyclists, as it draws thousands of enthusiasts from all corners of the world.
Some of the regular routes that cover the valley are
1. Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan: Historically, the Kathmandu Valley was comprised of three Malla principalities, later conquered and united by the Gorkhali army of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who set the Shah dynasty chain in motion, which continues to this day.
Day 1: Kathmandu (24 km/3-4 hours): Start from the nerve center of old Kathmandu, and wind your way up to holy Swayambhu, otherwise known as the monkey temple. And then ride up and over the valley perimeter, reentering Thamel from the northwest corner through terraced farmland and hamlets forgotten by time.
Day 2: Bhaktapur (30 km/4-5 hours): Begin at Thimi or the restored capital of Bhaktapur, and head up the winding road to Changu Narayan Temple and return via farming villages. Then head down to Pashupati along the bank of the Bagmati river, arguably the most famous temple in Nepal, and finish up at Boudhanath stupa.
Day 3: Patan (51 km/8-9 hours): Start in Patan, winding your way through the labyrinth of lanes with painstakingly-carved windows, taking in historical sites such as the Golden Temple, Krishna Temple and Patan Durbar Square. Then head southeast over the Valley circumference to Panauti along a difficult off-road trail. Then return to Kathmandu via a paved road. A word of caution: this route is demanding and should only be undertaken by physically fit and experienced bikers.
Other outlying places popular with mountain bike enthusiasts are Nagarjun, Nage Gompa, Tokha, Ichangu Narayan, Gomcha, Bungamati, Kakani, Dhulikhel and Nagarkot.
Other relatively longer mountain bike trips are those extending from:
- Dhulikhel to Kodari (82 km), near the Tibetan border;
- Naubise to Royal Chitwan Park along the Rajpath through such as scenic places as the Palung Valley, Daman, and the not-so-scenic industrial town of Hetauda in the plains;
- Hetauda to Mugling by way of Narayanghat;
- Lakeside Pokhara up and along the ridge to Sarangkot Point, and continuing on to Naudanda from where you could take in the breathtaking close-up view of the Himalayas and the Pokhara valley;
- Naudanda to Pokhara through Lumle, Beni and Birethanti, or Naudanda to Pokhara (32 km) either via Sarangkot trail described in d) or the highway track, which starts with a twisting 6 km descent into Modi Khola valley.
There are many more if you are willing to take the time to find out and blaze your own trails.
Pony Treks
Introduction
Pony treks provide a fascinating way to experience the mountains of Nepal. For those who can't take the strain of daily hiking and those who want respite on long treks, there are ponies to ease that burden.
Sit astride a pony and feel like what it was to traverse some of the oldest trade routes, where men carrying material to be bartered, opened up paths through the mountains and brought in the influences, went out and influenced others.
Pony treks are becoming increasingly popular. The landscape ranging from the plains of the valley to the gently undulating hills around and the mountains beyond can take you through some of the most diverse terrain that you can see in a few days on horseback.
Ponies can be hired by the hour or for longer at one of several agencies in Pokhara. Some agencies and hotels keep a stable of ponies while others can requisition one at short notice. Trekking agents can alternatively plan either a full-length pony trek or short treks, depending on where you want to go and how long you want to be on the saddle.
Even a sight seeing trip around Pokhara can become so much more memorable on a pony ride. There are some hotels that have ponies and there are others that can arrange for one. Outlets near lakeside also rent out ponies and provide guides.
Boating
Introduction
Nepal provides some fine opportunities for boating. These range from the glacier-fed lakes up North and down to where the laden rivers ease into the plains of the Terai. Pokhara's Phewa Lake is the most popular destination for travelers wanting to indulge in recreational boating. It is the second largest lake in the kingdom and measures roughly 1.5 by 4 km. Its eastern shore, also known as Lakeside or Baidam, is the center of tourist activity in Pokhara.
Begnas and Rupa Tal are located 15 km out of Pokhara at the end of a road that turns off the Kathmandu highway. Both these lakes offer some splendid boating opportunities. Phewa, Begnas and Rupa Lakes were all part of the body of water that once filled the Pokhara valley. While Phewa is always bustling with the tourism-created Lakeside area, Begnas and Rupa have remained largely pristine. These lakes are divided by a forested hillock called Panchabhaiya Danda and the lakes offer a perfect nature retreat because of their seclusion.
Rowing around
Renting a boat for a couple of hours and heading out to the middle or the other side of the lake bordering the forested hill, and taking a swim, can be the highlight of a warm day. The water is cleaner out far from the buffalo and washing on the edge. Boats can also be had for the whole day, or on an hourly basis. You can either row around yourself or hire a boatman, the former being definitely a better option.
At Phewa, tourists have a choice of pedal-driven boats (which are basically fashioned out of two regular rowboats joined together by placing planks over them and providing space in the middle where the pedals are located), rowboats and sailboats. The latter are a recent development but definitely worth the money when there is a good breeze around. There is also a choice between fiber body sailboats and wooden ones.
Boating in the Pokhara valley is fun throughout the year, except during the monsoon months. However, the best time is in the winter months between October and February, when the skies are clear and the mountains cast their shadows on the lake's tranquil waters.
Down in the Terai, one can also go canoeing on the Narayani or Rapti rivers near Chitwan Royal National Park. Canoes can be had on an hourly basis and the trip is definitely rewarding in terms of both the pleasurable boat ride as well as the wildlife that one encounters - gharials, muggers, waterbirds and the occasional mammal. Remember not to be too adventurous and stick your hand in the water! With a bit of luck you might even catch a glimpse of the Genetic dolphin, although sightings are as rare as seeing a tiger!
Access, Accommodation and other
Pokhara is situated 200 km west of Kathmandu and is accessible both by air and road. The flight takes you alongside the Himalayan ranges to the north and the forested Mahabharata range to the south, while the road journey follows the snaking Trisuli river and offers a glimpse into life in Nepal's midland hill settlements.
There are local buses out of Pokhara to Begnas bazaar, a small market center at the end of the ridge that divides the two lakes. From the bazaar it is a short, pleasant stroll to either lake. Begnas has no lodges or hotels and so it is better to stay at Pokhara and make a day trip here.
Canoeing on the Narayani and Rapti rivers can be done out of Chitwan national park, which is located 160-180 km from Kathmandu. It is best advised to take a licensed forest guide along on your boating trip - it'll prove a worthwhile canoe safari!
Fishing
Introduction
Sport fishing, like hunting, is little advertised and therefore little known in Nepal. However, for the angling enthusiast, Nepal's lakes and rivers can prove good fishing grounds. There are approximately 118 varieties of fresh-water fish in these Himalayan waters, ranging from the much sought after Mahseer to the mountain stream trout-like varieties. The best season to go sport fishing on white waters is before and after the monsoon from February till April and October and November. During these times the fishes go upstream to spawn and they consume less food. But locals catch a lot of fish during monsoon as well for their livelihood.
Where to fish
Some of the popular fishing trips are done in Karnali, Babai valley in the Bardiya National Park. Chitwan also hosts a number of places like the confluence of Seti and Trisuli on the Tribhuvan Highway and also in the confluence of Kaligandaki and Trisuli river. Anglers can try their luck in the clear waters of Pokhara's lakes as well. While Phewa Tal offers some good sport, there is considerable activity and is not the ideal place for a quiet day's fishing. Begnas Tal and Rupa Tal are a better bet. Get out there on any of several local buses that start plying early morning or bike your way there. You can hire a boat and go out to some of the good spots in the lake.
Fishing rods and tackle are available on hire in Pokhara at around NRs.200 a day. If you hire a boat for the day, you can ask the boatman to get you a rod and tackle or you can hire one from one of many agencies. The bait is usually made of bread that is soaked in water and mashed into a thick paste (your boatman will do this for you). The lake boast of several fish varieties, the largest of which is Carp, which can weigh several kilos.
Ideally you could bring along a telescopic rod that can fit in a backpack and some artificial bait. Worms are hard to get in the winter months when they burrow deep to avoid the cold.
Fishing is also fun in many of the mountain streams. There are varieties of trout-like fish or even rainbow trouts and common trouts that can provide good sport. Recently the Fishery Department has released 4000 fingerlings in the Modi river, near Pokhara. There are agencies in Kathmandu that organise fishing trips to streams around the Kathmandu valley.
Dolalghat, east of the valley on the Kodari Highway, is easily accessible from the city - a bus ride from the Old Bus Park in Ratna Park early morning and back through the local buses by evening. You can encounter Nepali holidaymakers and the locals on the lookout for local variety of Asla and Katla, the former a kind of trout and the latter a carp. You could bring some flies along and try your luck. Some of the dams across Nepal's many rivers too have a good stock of fish.
Fishing in the Terai: the Mahseer
The rivers in the Terai are good fishing. Large catfish, Murrel and carp are found in abundance in these rivers. Anglers can also try their luck in West Nepal's Bardia Wildlife Reserve in the Babai valley where agencies organize guided fishing trips. While trekking or rafting in Karnali, Sun Kosi, Bheri, Arun river bring along a fishing rod or give the local methods a try - using a bamboo pole or a crude fish trap. The Mahseer is a large and much prized sport fish found in the Geruwa river that skirts the park. However, its numbers are dwindling rapidly and it is advised that you let go of one even if you land a catch.
Practical information
Asking local fishermen and boatmen for information on good fishing spots and varieties can be rewarding. The Tharus of the Nepal Terai are an active fishing and hunting community and can provide good company on a trip, or in just providing suggestions. In Bardia, apart from an entry fee to the park, you have to pay a fee of Rs.300 per rod for sport fishing. This may be well worth for a fishing trip in the Geruwa. You may just land a mahseer!
Jet Skiing/Scootering
Introduction
The adventure of a jet scooter ride can now be experienced in Nepal. A recent addition to the multiplicity of adventure sports in the kingdom, jet scootering offers a novel way of discovering Nepal's powerful rivers. The traveller and adventure sportsperson can now add that bit of adventure to complement the Manakamana darshan and wildlife trips to Chitwan National Park.
The jet scooter is gaining popularity worldwide in water sports. It is also widely used in river rescue operations as well. The safety features of these machines too have been well proven. Despite the safety and reliability of the jet scooter, there are certain mandatory safety conditions that apply - such as the use of safety helmets, life jackets, provision of a two-way communication system with the operator of the jet scooter and accident insurance for all enthusiasts trying the sport.
Where
Jet scootering is now offered along a 6 km stretch on the splendid Trisuli river. The ride starts at a riverside resort in Thimura, situated 8 km from Narayanghat and 28 kms from Mugling. It offers an excellent opportunity to experience the natural beauty and sheer thrill of navigating one of Nepal's finest rivers.
Costs, Access and Accommodation
There is currently only one agency in Nepal offering the sport. They have two petrol driven Yamaha scooters that can do speeds of 60-70 kmph. The agency's driver operates the scooter while it carries two passengers on the ride. A ride along the six-km stretch lasts approximately 12 minutes and costs Rs 176 per person for those walk-in tourists. For others, there are two package deals. A one night package deal, including the jet scooter ride, dinner, breakfast and a peep into the lifestyles of the chepangs, gurungs and magars (including a chudka dance), costs Rs 800 for Nepalese, Rs 1000 for tourists from SAARC nations and Rs 1200 for local diplomats (INGO staff etc).
There is also a 2 night package, including beside the above mentioned a visit to Devghat, a holy Hindu place at the confluence of the Trisuli and Kali Gandaki rivers. Interestingly, Devghat is also a destination for old people wanting to spend the last days of their life. They come here and find solace in being amongst others there for the same purpose - the elderly who are forsaken by children, who have no children to care for them and the disillusioned.
The site also offers jungle walks and bird watching. This package includes 2 dinners, lunch, breakfast and two nights stay at the river resort. For Nepalese it comes at Rs. 1500, for SAARC tourists at Rs.1800 and for local diplomats at Rs.2000. An additional attraction is a place called Sita Gufa, a cave believed to be the place where the earth opened up to receive her.
Getting there
The resort offers a pick-up service, by jeep/car, from the bus stop at Ramnagar, situated off the highway from Mugling to Narayanghat. The riverside resort at Timura is two kilometers from Ramnagar. Travellers from Kathmandu can take any of several buses going to Narayanghat/Chitwan and get off where the road branches off to Ramnagar. Those coming in from Chitwan can take any bus headed for Kathmandu or Pokhara and alight at the same place on the highway and head for Timura. The riverside resort (Lovely River resort) is the only accommodation in the area. To find out how lovely it is, check it out.
Jungle Safari
Introduction
A trip to Nepal is incomplete if you have not been on a jungle safari. While the mountains of the north boast some of the highest and most magnificent peaks in the world, the tropical jungles of the Terai still preserve some of the best wildlife habitat in the subcontinent. Some of these rich wildlife habitats are now protected and can be toured on elephant back, 4WD, dugout canoe or on foot accompanied by a licensed guide.
Nepal has sixteen national parks, wildlife reserves and conservation areas, occupying 16% of its total geographical area. Jungle safaris on elephant back or Jeep rides are offered at the Parsa Wildlife Reserve, Royal Bardia National Park, Royal Chitwan National Park and the Royal Suklaphanta wildlife reserve.
Safari
Royal Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is the most popular destination for tourists wanting to have a good experience of the region's wildlife. It was declared a National Park in 1973. In 1984, UNESCO designated Royal Chitwan National Park a Natural World Heritage Site. The Park offers protection to 56 species of mammals including the one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild elephant, striped hyena, Genetic dolphin and wild bison. There are estimated to be 470 species of mammals, over 500 species of birds, 126 species of fish, 150 species of butterflies and 47 species of reptiles in the park! A recent study also points out that over a third of Nepal's tigers are in Chitwan.
The Park is spread over an area of 932 sq kms and located in the lowlands of the kingdom. The forest cover is predominantly sal forest, interspersed with tall grasslands, small hills, ox-bow lakes and flood plains.
The best time to visit Chitwan is from October through February, when the temperature averages 25 degrees Celsius. The months of March, April and June can be extremely hot, while July-September is the monsoon season when rivers swell and parts of the park are inaccessible.
Royal Bardia National Park
The Royal Bardia National Park is spread over 968 sq km and located in the Western Nepal Terai. It is easily the largest and least disturbed wilderness spread in the Terai, and is predominantly Sal forest interspersed with tall grasslands. It is bound on the north by the Chure hills and is skirted on the West by the Geruwa river, a branch of the Karnali which is a major tributary of the Ganges.
It is generally known as the best place where your chances of spotting a tiger in Nepal are the highest (even Chitwan comes a second!). Other animals include the rhinoceros, swamp deer, leopards, jungle cats, blue bulls (nilgai), sloth bears, barking deer and langurs. There are a few wild elephants here and one of the males is considered the largest in Asia!
The Geruwa river that rushes in through a break in the hill range, silt laden and full with snowmelt, is home to the famous Mahseer game fish, gharial, mugger crocodile and the freshwater Genetic dolphin. The park also has cobras, kraits and pythons.
The park boasts more than 250 species of birds, including the endangered Bengal florican, Sarus crane and many species of geese, ducks and parakeets.
The activities here include jungle safari on elephant back, jungle walks, boat rides and jeep drives. The best time to visit the park is from October through March. The months of April-June are unbearably hot while July-September is monsoon time.
Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve
Suklaphanta is a smaller (305 sq km) version of Bardia in many ways. Located at the southwestern extreme of the kingdom, its topography is primarily riverine floodplains and open grassland and sal forest. It also has a large lake and the Bahini river flows through the park.
The park is home to tiger, leopard, a good number of swamp deer (prime habitat, often sighted), otters, hispid hare, blue bull (nilgai), leopard, hog deer and wild boar.
The park also has over 300 species of birds and most of the tourists who make the trip here are keen bird watchers. Reptiles include gharial and mugger crocodiles, Indian python, cobras, kraits, rat snakes and monitor lizards.
Activities here include wildlife watching on elephant back and jungle walks. The best time to visit the park is Feb-March. December and January are cold and visibility is poor due to foggy conditions, while April to June is hot.
Parsa Wildlife Reserve
Parsa Wildlife Reserve is located to the east of the Royal Chitwan National Park. It is spread over 499 sq. km of hills and flatlands, and has a sub-tropical monsoon climate. The forests are predominantly sal (Shorea robusta), with other tree species like chir pine, sissoo and khair, and grasslands making up the rest. This reserve has tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs (dhole), deer, blue bull (nilgai), hog deer and barking deer. The reserve also records over 300 species of birds, including the endangered giant hornbill and the Bengal florican. Snakes found here are cobras, kraits and pythons.
The best time to visit the reserve is during October to March, when conditions are best. The summer months April-June can be oppressively hot, while July-September is the rainy season. Activities here include safaris on elephant back and jeep, and jungle walks.
Access and Accommodation
Chitwan
RNAC operates daily flights from Kathmandu to Meghauli ($72 each way). There are also flights to Bharatpur (Narayanghat) for $55 each way. The flights take about half an hour. If you want to stay at Sauraha, the budget accommodation place for Chitwan, get to Tadi bazaar, located 15 km east of Narayanghat on the Mahendra highway. Royal Chitwan National Park is easily accessible from Kathmandu, connected by a national highway from Bharatpur to Sauraha. Sajha Yatayat buses cost around Rs.80 from Kathmandu or Pokhara while tourist buses cost around Rs.150. There are also greenline air-conditioned buses between Kathmandu and Sauraha at Rs.480. Any travel agent in Kathmandu or Pokhara can make a booking.
The other exciting way to get to Chitwan is to take a two-three day rafting trip down the Trisuli River to Narayanghat, or directly into the Western edge of the park.
There are plenty of jungle lodges and hotels in and around Chitwan, broadly classified as those in the park and those in Sauraha. The lodges in the park are expensive and mostly cater to the package tourist arriving from Kathmandu. For budget accommodation, look around Sauraha and take your pick of a range of good lodges.
Bardia
To reach the Royal Bardia National Park there are daily flights as well as public buses from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. The park office is situated at Thakurdwara, 20 km southwest along a dirt road from Anbassa on the Mahendra highway. The drive from Nepalgunj takes less than 2 1/2 hours, although local buses take much longer. For Thakurdwara, there are a couple of direct buses from Nepalgunj at 11 am and 2.30 pm, taking three to four hours and costing Rs.70.
Night buses from Kathmandu to Mahendranagar can drop you at Anbassa, although they get there in the wee hours of the morning. Buses to Mahendranagar cost Rs.150 and to Pokhara Rs.350.
There are a number of Chitwan style lodges and hotels that have sprung up in the recent past, so there is no real problem for accommodation. However, in the season, it may be advisable to make a booking before heading out there.
Royal Suklaphanta
The reserve is situated close to Mahendranagar on the Indian border. The ranger's office is 3km past the airport and is accessible by rickshaw. The only company operating inside the park, Silent Safari, picks up guests at the airport for $10. The accommodation provided here is in comfortable safari tents and the price ($150) includes meals, game drives and walks. Advance bookings are essential (099-21230, fax 22220).
There are regular buses and flights to Mahendranagar from Kathmandu. Check with the local travel agents.
Parsa
The reserve headquarters for Parsa are located at Adabar on the Hetauda-Birganj highway. Parsa is easily accessible from Kathmandu. It is connected by daily flights to Simra and buses that ply regularly on the national highway.
What to bring along
Although the Terai can be cool during the winter, it can be stiflingly hot during the summer months. If you are headed here in winter bring a sweater or jacket along. Summer months require cool clothes. Good walking shoes, a good shady hat and sunscreen may be considered essential. Make sure your clothes are in neutral colours that help you blend into the background. Red, yellow and white are conspicuous.
Carry along some mosquito repellant, anti-diarrhea tablets and anti-histamines. Lastly, along with photo equipment, a pair of binoculars will prove invaluable. If you are closer to the monsoon months carry some waterproof jackets. Just in case.
The Terai jungles are also famous for leeches that appear in the monsoon and are around for a few months after. Salt or a lighted cigarette will make them fall off, do not pull them off as the wound may get infected. Try an insect repellant to keep them away.
Hunting
Introduction
It may seem incongruous in an age of ecological awakening but the Himalayan kingdom allows controlled hunting of some animal species. The days of the big game hunter are clearly over, there being a time when the royalty, British officers and other civil and military officials hunted the big game of the Terai to near extinction in the 19th and first half of the 20th century. The wildlife that can be hunted today include the ungulates of the upper regions, blue sheep and the Himalayan thar.
Besides the national parks and wildlife reserves that are dealt with earlier in this booklet, there is a hunting reserve at Dhorpatan. The hunting reserve covers an area of 1.325 sq km spread over the southern flank of Mt.Dhaulagiri 1 (8,167m). The range is roughly falls within the three districts of Rukum, Baglung and Myagdi in Western Nepal.
The flora of the region is characteristic of the mixed zone - lower altitude regions are characterized by mixed hardwood forest and many of the plant species that are adapted to the drier climate of the north. Tree species include fir, pine, rhododendron, juniper, birch, hemlock, oak and spruce. As with many other protected regions of Nepal, the reserve includes within its boundaries several villages - inhabited by hill tribes and peoples of Tibetan descent who supplement farming with nomadic pastoralism and trade.
The Game
Dhorpatan is located to the higher north at altitudes ranging from 2000-3500m. Some of the other parks at this altitude include the Khatpad National Park in the far-west and the Shivapuri wildlife sanctuary near Kathmandu. Dhorpatan is one of the prime habitats of the blue sheep, a highly prized game animal and the main target of hunters headed for the region. Other game species are the ghoral, serow, the himalayan thar, black bear, pheasant and partridge. Endangered species here include the Chir pheasant and the red panda.
Controlled hunting is allowed here with a proper license and is restricted to certain times of the year. Game hunting licenses are issued by the department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu. The office is located in Babar Mahal. There are also a few agencies that organize and make all arrangements for hunting expeditions. Local travel agents as well as the department of wildlife can put you through to these agencies.
Dhorpatan is not only a destination for the game hunter. It is also an attractive destination for the wildlife enthusiast and trekker, as protection has helped animal numbers increase in this remote and rarely visited region.
Access and Accommodation
Dhorpatan is accessible from Pokhara, from where a five-day hike will get you there. For those that do not want to make the arduous trek, there is the option of flying to Dolpa, one of Nepal's dream landscapes - windswept, rolling and mystical. Charter flights by helicopter are also available for those on group expeditions. Special permits are required to trek to the region. Please inquire with your agency.
The best time to visit Dhorpatan is during the spring and autumn, February-April and August-October. Winters can get terribly cold in this region and access becomes difficult. Most accommodation here is in tented camps provided by the agencies or at one of the villages in the region. For those willing to rough it out, here is the chance for more than adventure.
Rock Climbing
Introduction
If you want a cliffhanger experience out here in Nepal, the Kathmandu valley perimeter offers some prime spots. There are some terrific, dizzying places for those who get their kicks from crawling up vertical cliffs. If you are not making it to some of the kingdom's high peaks, here's another opportunity to get a high.
Of late, rock climbing has found increasing popularity among the tourists coming into Nepal as well as for local enthusiasts. Trekking agencies too have jumped into the bandwagon and some of them now offer the rock climbing experience.
Most of the spots are situated to the North and Northwest of the valley, in the vicinity of the Nagarjun Royal forest and the Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve. Your rock climbing trip can therefore be combined with bird watching, game watching and experiencing some of the last of the Valley's wilds.
Where
Nagarjun
Nagarjun (also known as Jamacho) is a verdant hill located to the northwest of the Swayambhu stupa, and believed to be the place where the famous Buddhist philosopher Nagarjun meditated. The cliff here is located inside the Nagarjun forest reserve (or the Royal Forest), suitable for both beginners and wallrats. The limestone rockface is about 12-15 m high and bears the remnants of earlier climbs, what purists would describe as `piton scarred' or a `defaced face'. You could always do a free climb if experienced enough or use the friendlier chocks.
Shivapuri watershed and wildlife reserve
The Shivapuri hill, to the north of Kathmandu, has a fine rock wall on its slope. This is the valley's second highest mountain and a hike here is complete with village life, a Buddhist monastery, virgin oak and rhododendron forests and grand mountain views. This is also a protected watershed area and you may choose to visit the source of the Bagmati River. The summit of Shivapuri also commands a spectacular view of Ganesh Himal (7,111m), Langtang Lirung (7,245m) and Dorje Lakpa (6,966m). Your rock-climbing trip here can combine all these experiences.
The granite faces of this hill lie scattered about and the central big cliff is the challenge. It has an `equipped' route, the regular climb, but you could go ahead and do a free climb and go exploring around.
Getting there
To get to Nagarjun, take a tempo or taxi to Balaju (3 km from downtown Kathmandu), near the new bus park. From there you can take a hike to the entrance of the Nagarjun wildlife reserve. The park is open from 7 am to 10 pm, but the gatekeeper there has been known to refuse entry until 10 am. Admission is Rs.5 for a person, Rs.15 for a motorbike and Rs.50 for cars. There are a number of picnic shelters around and a viewing tower. The road there also has a number of shops and wayside restaurants if you are looking for a bite.
From the gate, follow the dirt road to the army check post where a path branches off to the right. Follow this wooded trail for five minutes and the looming rock face will greet you.
To get to Shivapuri, take a taxi or minibus to Budhanilkantha (9km from Kathmandu), where the shrine of Sleeping Vishnu is located. Walk westward from here, past the bus stop and past the Budhanilkantha School on your right. The trail then leads along the left bank of the Bishnumati stream and runs through terraced paddies before entering the watershed and wildlife reserve. The cliffs are conspicuous and you won't have any difficulty locating them. The road up to Shivapuri has a few eateries and shops.
Other
Trekkers and river runners have brought back accounts of prime rock climbing faces in the deep canyons of some of the rivers, but little information is available. Some of the spots are reported along the Bhote Koshi and Karnali Rivers. However, it would be best to cross-check this information with agencies and other rock climbing buffs and check out the qualities of the face before actually crawling up there.
Canyoning
Canyoning involves abselling, sliding, jumping, climbing and swimming in Nepal's most unimaginable natural aquatic environment . Local companies offer you the most extensive knowledge, expertise, safety and variety of canyons in the Kingdom. As the pioneers of canyoning in Asia, Nepal introduced this adventure sport to Nepal in 1996 and have been exploring these ruggedly beautiful, yet forbidden places since its inception. Nepal has canyons to suit your school children to some of Nepal's most extreme environments. Despite all the fun and games, this sport requires the guidance of an expert. The instructors are experienced practice of safe canyoning necessitates the proper gear, continual vigilance and a excellent knowledge of these remarkable places.
Golf
Some of the the world's most spectacular golf courses await you in Nepal. Lead architect David Mclay Kidd, and Director of Turfgrass Management James Kidd, both of Gleneagles Golf Developments, brought their world wide experience in design and agronomy to create a truly world class facility at Gokarna Golf Club in Kathmandu. Here and in several other golf courses in Nepal, a round of golf is both challenging and an incredible experience of nature in all its glory. It is no exaggeration to say that on these courses, while the lofty Himalayas will be keeping your score, you will feel all the worlds above and below coming together in your golfing experience.
Selected professionals and complete practice facilities are at hand for those who wish to follow that irresistible urge to improve, or perhaps, just to make a start at joining the golfing fraternity.
