Adventures In Pokhara
Paragliding
Can you imagine sharing the same air space with the Himalayan griffin vultures and eagles as you shore up over the rivers, lakes, villages and terraced mountains all year round?
Pokhara is a truly wonderful and fulfilling experience for the adventure- seekers. You can fly high up in the air can share the same air space with the Himalayan griffin vultures, eagles as you fly over the rivers, lakes, villages and terraced mountains. The mountain appear over you to your north and below you, the landscapes dotted with paddy fields and hamlets. This is why Pokhara is one of the hot spot among the 5 best destinations in the world for paragliding. There are several companies in Pokhara operating daily Tandem flights with their professional pilots.
Ultra Light Flights
Ultra Light Flights provide a unique sightseeing experience that enables the passengers to catch a bird’s eye view of Pokhara valley along with the beauty of lakes and the Annapurna mountain range. The feature of flying in the aircraft is that there is only one passenger flying with one of the experienced pilot. This aircraft is open and you can feel chill breeze of the air and can enjoy taking beautiful photographs from the sky. The flights are operated from Pokhara airport especially from September to June.
Mountain Flight
Chartered Mountain Flights from Pokhara will take you to the close spectacular view of some of the world’s tallest Himalayas in Annapurna region. Pokhara offers crystal clear sky even during the winter. It gives value in addition to the experience of trekking. Helicopter services are also available for those who wish to make it more private affair.
River Rafting and Kayaking
Whether you would like to kayak in the Phewa or Begnas Lake or raft down the white waters of Seti River, Pokhara has it all. Several wild rivers run through the surrounding areas of Pokhara making the region a top rafting destination. Popular trips start from a half-day adventure of Seti River just 20 minutes from Lakeside which runs through the heart of Pokhara valley to several-day expeditions down the Kaligandaki, Trishuli, Marsyangdi and Lower Seti. The grades of the rapids vary from +2 to +5 depending on the river and the season.
Canyoning
Pokhara has opened two Canyoning spots recently in Ghalel and in Ghachok of Kaski district. Both spots are approximately in equal distance from Pokhara about 20 km., which is about one-hour drive. The Pokhara canyoning at Ghalel is in operation where as the other at Ghachok is still. Be a part of excitement and support the local people.
Cycling/Mountain Biking
Cycling is a unique experience to know in and around Pokhara and cheap way to explore it. One can pedal push your way through waterfalls, up and down treacherous slopes, lush forests and culturally heterogeneous communities and amidst centuries old monasteries and rice granaries. Biking or cycling up steep hills and through cruel mountain rivers is its other attractions. Bikes and bicycles are available on rent in several points around Lakeside but make sure the condition of the bike/bicycle before you set off.
Golf
There are two Golf courses and a driving range in Pokhara. Himalayan Golf Course is a world class Golf course, situated about 13 kilometers east from Lakeside, Pokhara. It offers an amazing golfing experience in a unique ground with 18 holes. It is popular as a Golf course in a paradise. Spectacular, stunning and unique location has made it an amazing Golf course in Asia. Besides this, Yeti Golf Course also offers unique golfing experience with its 9 hole course in the ground of Fulbari Resort.
Zip-Line
This is an additional focus of adventure. It consists of a trolley cable mounted on a steel cable 1.8 kilometers in length; the ride descends 2000 feet vertical at an angle of 56 percent. With resulting speed of over 90 miles per hour, it makes the most extreme zip-line ride in the world.
Bungee Jump
The ultimate thrill of a Bungee jump can now be experienced in Pokhara. It is the first tower bungee in Nepal. It has a vertical drop of 70 m. and 3 second free fall. This is available at Hemja 10 km. away from Pokhara town.
Swimming
Pokhara is blessed with sunny weather almost round the year because of subtropical climate and the effect of ozone layer. So to cool off on a sunny day it is better to go for a dip in a swimming pool or Begnas lake. Many hotels and clubs in Pokhara have private swimming pools. However, one can swim, grab a drink and chill poolside for a day by paying some fee. At Begnas lake one can swim from the shore at the east and west ends where there are several guest houses and restaurants.
Rock climbing
Pokhara has mainly three places opened for rock climbing and are open for all the visitors.
- Located closely just above Lakeside, in Methlang Village Sarangkot. It is a natural rock and provides opportunity for rock climbing lovers. It has 18 different routes, graded from 4C to 6B. The highest point is 23 m.
- Bimalnagar, a relatively newer destination located 65 km. east from Pokhara next to the Prithivi high way provides very good rock climbing opportunity for natural rock climbers. It has more than a half dozen of 30 m. routes from where you can enjoy the view of Mt. Manaslu and the Marshyangdi river.
- At the main entrance gate of International Mountain Museum (IMM), 23 m. tall 6 facets rock climbing wall is built for all the enthusiasts and lover of rock climbers to try it before they try in the natural mountains. IMM and NMA Annapurna Chapter organize Wall Climbing Competition every year on 5th February to mark its opening anniversary.
Pony Trekking
Pony trekking in Pokhara is a great way to explore the country’s rich landscapes which might otherwise maybe inaccessible. Ponies are available on hire for short excursions or full day trip depending on your requirements. Pony treks follow nearly the same routes as the natural treks and the walking paths.
Honey Hunting
Places which are close to Pokhara like Baglung, Landruk, Siklis, and Ghanpokhara etc. are famous for adventurous and arduous honey hunting practices. Visitors must be aware of this type of hunting as published in the National Geographic Magazine of its unique and traditional hunting just by hanging on a locally made rope and slide down to the massive cliff and hunt honey. Those who like to enjoy the honey hunting can combine the trip with trekking from Pokhara.
Hiking
Pokhara is not simply a gateway for trekking but also an extra ordinary destination for all sorts of tourists. Many hills and villages are easily accessible from Pokhara. While you stay at comfortable accommodations in Pokhara, you can enjoy village life at the same time. These villages still have unique specialties for their own cultures, traditions and rituals. There are many hills and hillocks around Pokhara like: Kahun, Sarangkot, Kaskikot, Naudanda, Australian Camp, Astam, Armalakot, Rupakot, Pachabhaiya, Thulakot, Pumdi, Mattikhan, Nirmal Pokhari, Dhampus, etc., which provide opportunity to enjoy local culture, sunrise, sunset, panoramic mountain view and many more.
Fishing/Angling
The lakes and confluence points of mountain streams and rivers are good spots for Sahar, Katale (Nepali native species of carp family), catfish. The best fishing season starts from June to August every year. You can enjoy fishing using a lure, a reel and so on. Rods are also available at Lakeside.
Boating
Pokhara is the place that makes your relaxing wonderful and memorable. Boating on the calm waters of Phewa Lake is the perfect place to relax and marvel at the reflection of the Annapurna and Mt. Fishtail. Colorful wooden boats are available on rent on the lake edge near Barahi Chowk ‘junction’ and other edges around the lake area. You can hire a boatman to paddle you around the lake or you can paddle yourself. You can also hire aluminum paddle boats and sail boats on Phewa Lake. The other lake Begnas near Pokhara also provides the same opportunity for boating. Boats with or without boatman are available on rent there as well.
