Trekking and mountain climbing are still the most popular sport among visitors. Rafting on white water mountain streams across the typical cross section of Nepal ‘s geography is equally popular. Jungle safari in the Terai is preferred by visitors interested to see Nepal ‘s rare varieties of animals and birds. Nepal also offers bungy jumping above the wild waters of River Bhote Koshi. Canyoning to explore the rugged and out-of -reach landscapes is another option at the site.
Aerial activities include taking off in micro-light aircrafts or hot-air balloons for a good view of the mountains. Mountain flights offer the closest possible spectacle of Mt. Everest and other peaks. The close encounter with the tallest mountains of the earth often draws awe-stricken silence from onlookers .
Cultural Tours: Nepal’s vast diversity of people, rich culture & art as well as distinctive architecture renders it ideal as the most amazing & interesting destination for sightseeing. Nepal has been claimed as one of the best sightseeing destination among the tourists with all its varied language, tradition & unique hospitality of the people inhabited in the countryside.
Pilgrimage Tours: There are many pilgrimage sites in Nepal, such as-Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, Barah Chhetra, Gosainkunda ,Pathibhara, Manakaman, Gorkha, Lumbini, Muktinath, Halesi Mahadev, Janakpur, Tansen, and Swargadwari, Khaptad Ashram ect. Nepal is also the Gateway to Kailash Mansarovar, the mythical abode of Lord Shiva. Pilgrimage sites of Nepal like Muktinath and Gosainkunda make popular trekking destinations.
Village Tours : Village tours allow visitors to experience a stay in a typical Nepali village. This gives visitors an opportunity to observe the rich Nepalese cultural tradition from the closest quarter and intermingle with the locals. Besides, any expenses made at that level directly contribute to the welfare of the local community, hence giving the visitor a sense of satisfaction. Village tours are conducted in Sirubari, Gorkha and other places.
Mountaineering: With eight of the highest peaks in the world, Nepal has been the focus of some of the most outstanding achievements in the world of mountaineering. For many decades the dauntless icy peaks have posed as challenge to those who dare. There are some 326 peaks in Nepal open for mountaineering today. Government of Nepal opened around 175 peaks in the last two years to mark the Mount Everest Golden Jubilee Celebrations.
Climbing permit to scale the Nepal Himalayas is issued in all seasons by the Mountaineering Section of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. Certain official documents are required to seek permission for climbing peaks. Around 121 peaks do not require liaison officer for expedition.
Trekking: Nepal offers excellent trekking options to visitors from the easy walking excursions to the strenuous climb of the snowy peaks. The most rewarding way to experience Nepal ‘s natural embellishment and cultural assortment is to walk through the length, breadth and the altitudes of the country. Trekking in Nepal is a big part of the ultimate Himalayan adventure and a majority of tourists have trekking as a part of their itinerary.
One can also trek on ponies in some remote places, which is equally enthralling for visitors. Pony treks follow nearly the same routes and are offered mostly in western region of Pokhara, Dolpo and Lo Manthang (Mustang).
Jungle Safari: Royal chitwan and bardiya national parks and royal suklaphanta wildlife reserve offer exciting safari holidays. Jungle activities here include venturing into deep jungle on elephant back or four-wheel drive to view wild animals in their natural habitat, canoe rides on the Jungle Rivers, nature walks, bird watching and village tour excursions.
Rafting: Nepal has earned the reputation of one of the best destinations for white water rafting. Cruising down rushing rivers of crashing waves and swirling rapids can make up excitement of a lifetime. Rafting trips for some is the highlight of their stay in Nepal . The waters in Nepal offer something for everybody: Grade 5-5+ rivers with raging white water rapids for the adventurous, to Grade 2-3 rivers with a few rapids for novices. Rafters also have a choice ranging from two to three-week trips to trips of two or three days.
Sight-seeing: For those who can not withstand the rigorousness of mountain climbing there are mountain flights which fly around Mt. Everest and other summits providing a close-up view of the top of the world? On a clear day, the hill resorts of Nagarkot (32 km East of Kathmandu), Dhulikhel (32km) and Daman (80 km southwest of Kathmandu) afford magnificent views of Mt. Everest and the entire Himalayan range. For the less adventurous, Pokhara, the lake city of Nepal provides ample opportunities for fishing, swimming, canoeing and boating along with majestic panoramic views in its background.
Mountain Flight: For the traveler who is unable to make a trekking trip to the mountains either because of time lake of time or physical fitness, or due to sheer want of the adventure streak, there are mountain flights to simulate the experience The one hour flight takes you within camera 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 earth experience.
Hiking: The popular hiking hills of Nepal provides you with spectacular views of the rugged mountains clothed in ever lasting snow and the deep valleys, as well as a chance to become familiarity with the locals’ lifestyles, their arts, architecture and cultural traditions.
Shopping: Shopping in Nepal is easy. With a little money and sometime one can obtain the best buys this little kingdom has to offer. It will be helpful to have a Nepali for company if a huge shopping project is at hand. Common tourist shopping items include souvenirs and trinkets like gems and jewelry. However, one should be careful while buying jewelry as assessing their quality is difficult. Hand-weaved cotton fabric is a popular buy among visitors. Some buy pashmina that this Himalayan region is famous for and some also buy fresh tea and spices.
Popular buys among visitors are local craft and artwork. Among these are the Tibetan and Newar Thangka and Paubha paintings that belong to the time when these cultures were at their peak. Visitors buy Newari woodcrafts of picture frames, windows, statues and carvings. Carpets that represent the age-old folk art of the Tibetans are also very popular. Shops have rugs on display; however, carpets can be custom made by contacting the manufacturer. Traditional Nepali paper is popular as writing pads and bound journals, calendars and lampshades.
There are government restrictions that visitors should be aware of before purchasing items to take home. Antiques are not permitted to be taken out of the country. Hence inspection by the Department of Archeology is required for export of antiques. To be on the safe side, visitors should have all material examined by the Department of Archeology and obtain a certificate from the office before leaving Nepal.
Entertainment: Visitors have a choice from a potpourri of amusements. They can: partake in cultural shows that include theater and local art; wine and dine at premier hotels that provide excellent service; enjoy music and dance at newly opened discotheques; try a luck at rummy or blackjack at one of our casinos; enjoy a game of golf in our Himalyan serenity; or just watch a movie as cozy twosome in one of our movie’s theaters.
Meditation
Meditating rejuvenates one’s energy level and zeal, so you can feel enlightened, far from the metaphysical world. A meditation course in Lumbini, Bhairahawa or in Bouddha, Kathmandu will help you explore in-depth and find a new human within you. There are specialized centers offering meditation course, accommodation, and food.
More than 80 per cent of the total population of the country still rely on Ayurveda and Ayurveda based traditional medicine. Ayurveda and the traditional medical wisdom and practices are prevalent in the communities and are totally dependent on locally available medicinal herbs, knowledge, technology and their application. It has deep history in taxonomical, pharmacological, and clinical studies of drugs. It is still the primary form of treatment and is extensively used.