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Showing posts with label Adventure Sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adventure Sports. Show all posts

Monday, April 22, 2013

Best Adventure in Nepal- Canyoning



Nepal has always been an exciting destination for adventure seekers who like to push their limits, the rigid terrain and the lack of infrastructure at times may be seen as an obstacle but for hardcore adventure seekers it’s a boon. It’s a heaven to those who like to experience the real taste of adrenaline, who seeks the ultimate adventure and Canyoning combines the taste of adventure, and athletics.  To be precise, traveler and tourist love Nepal in practicing and living their adventure dreams where they do everything that is possible.   

Like such, Canyoning is yet another adventure sports that enthralls it’s follower with a new level of adventure and adrenaline. To be specific Canyoning involves various activities likes walking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, abseiling, and/or swimming through a canyon upon creeks or streams with using various techniques of hiking, scrambling, wading, boulder hopping, rock climbing, abseiling and rappelling. It’s an amazing full body and mind experience that enables you to explore some of the spectacular views and sights giving you an amazing 360 experience of being suspended in the air.
To be specific it allows you to explore some of Nepal’s most remote wilderness in the most adventurous way that has never been seen or experienced.  You will traverse though dense jungle, over deep pools and down rocky walls and waterfalls that make you feel the real Nepal. Canyons are generally formed with narrow gorges in numerous water outlets that beautifully sculpted into the walls, and sometimes take the form of spectacular waterfalls. Most canyons are formed into limestone, sandstone, granite or basalt, though other rock types are found.

Technically Canyoning is abseiling and rope work, technical climbing or down-climbing, technical jumps, and/or technical swims done with a safety line attached from the top to end. It is a comprehensive package letting you control through the experience of adventure that requires technical skills of rope management through a stream of waterfall on a fixed wall. For this sport you need to be in your top physical shape with a precise mind. There are different packages available depending upon your skills and knowledge.

Suspended hundreds of feet away from the ground may seem normal for the hardcore adventure seekers but for the faint liners it may seem dangerous and intimidating. But looking at the sport technically, you will know the main priority of this sport to be Safety. You have to take the right moves and guide yourself through the canyon, depending on your judgment based on competent instruction, experience and a realistic assessment of abilities and understanding of current canyon conditions. Canyons can be very easy or extremely difficult, though emphasis in the sport is usually on aesthetics and fun rather than pure difficulty. A wide variety of Canyoning routes are found throughout the world and are enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.

 Specially designed with tough carbon fiber and light aluminum, Canyoning gears includes climbing hardware, static ropes, helmets, wetsuits, and shoes, packs, and rope bags. While canyoners have used and adapted climbing, hiking, and river running gear for years, more and more specialized gear is invented and manufactured as canyoning popularity increases.  These items range high in price depending upon their material and quality. It may be costly but the thrill and adventure is the most prized among its followers where it’s never enough. Generally Canyoning packages starts from USD 50 and above depending upon the package and time


Some other rivers in Nepal for Canyoning
Name of the River
Location
Grade
Water Temperature
Time
Bul Bule Khola
Annapurna Himal
V3.A1.I
14
2 h
Kabindra Khola
Annapurna Himal (East)
V2.A1.I
14
30 m
Raindu Khola
Annapurna Himal (East) Marshyandi Valley, Syange Village – (1180m)
V4.A3.II
14
3h 45 m
Sansapu Khola
Annapurna Himal (East) Marshyandi valley, Syange Village – (1180m)
V4.A3.II
13
7h 30m
Gopte Khola
Annapurna Himal (East) Marshyandi valley, Bahundanda Village – (1200m)
V2.A1.I
14
6h 30m
Chipla Khola
Annapurna Himal (East) Marshyandi valley, Jagat Village – (1280m)
V5.A4.IV
13
6h 30m
Syange Khola
Annapurna Himal (East) Marshyandi valley, Syange Village – (1180m)
V6.A3.III
13
7h
Jagat Khola
Annapurna Himal (East) Marshyandi Valley, Jagat Village – (1280m)
V6.A5.IV
11
9h 30m
Tal Khola
Annapurna Himal (East) Marshyandi valley, Tal Village – (1700m)
V4.A4.IV
9
5h
Jombo Khola
BaraBise- Kodari Araniko High way- Bhotekosi Valley
V2.A1 I
13
3h
Handi Khola
BaraBise- Kodari Araniko High way- Bhotekosi Valley
V2.A1 I
13
4h
Kabre Khola
BaraBise- Kodari Araniko High way- Bhotekosi Valley
V2.A2 II
13
3h 45m
Galung Khola
BaraBise- Kodari Araniko High way- Bhotekosi Valley
V2.A2 II
13
6h
Fanfung Khola
BaraBise- Kodari (15 KM North from Bahrabise) Araniko High way- Bhotekosi Valley
V4.A3 III
13
6h 30m
Bandiba Khola
Kavre (East. Kathmandu) Sunkoshi valley
V2.A1 III
13
3h
Tantung Khola
Kavre (South-East. Kathmandu) Sunkoshi Valley, Kallery Village – (800m)
V3.A2 III
13
4h 30m

Canyoning is the new adventurous sport that not only gives you the thrill and adventure but is a unique way of seeing Nepal. For most of the adventure seeker Canyoning has become another option to visit Nepal and is one the favorite adventurous sport. Canyoning in Nepal gives you a life time adventure experience that is enriching as well as enthralling.



Bull fighting the Nepali Style




With rich tradition and culture, Nepal has survived its identity amongst intrinsic fest and festival which
are testimonial to its uniqueness and practices. From the living goddess Kumari to the illusive Yeti to
the birth place of light of Asia Gautama Buddha, everything is here in Nepal. May be this is the reason
why Nepal has successfully established it’s self as a holiday destination. Like such, the tradition of bull
fighting may seem indifferent but it’s not a copied of the European league to its reality bull fight in
Nepal started centuries ago. It is believed that bullfighting was introduced here in Taruka, Nuwakot in
the 1900, by Jai Prithvi Bahadur Singh, a monarch of the ancient Bajhang kingdom a part of the western
Nepal. The fights used to happen in different places around Nuwakot district during the festival of
Maghe Sakranti but six years ago the local decided to bring them all together for one big fight here in
the current location of Taruka.

This year also the Taruka Village organized a Bull Fighting competition here in Nuwakot district. Like
every year thousands of adventure enthusiast came here to see the bull fighting marking Maghe
Sankranti, the first day of the tenth month in the nation's calendar. Bull fighting has been seen as a
tradition of Nepal from the past where huge concerns have been raised by animal activists, though
reluctantly it happens every year with least cases of accidents.

People from all over Nepal gather here in Nuwakot just to witness this one of a kind event. Exciting and
exhilarating it’s a crazy action that the adventure enthusiasts love to participate and watch. During the
battle several pairs of bull entertained the crowd with the amazement and excitement overlooking the
spectacular on the terraced hillsides, fertile valleys and terracotta tiled roofs of Nuwakot in front of the
crowd of thousands that perched on grass banks and muddy slope.

The bull are highly trained for the annual fiesta where the Nepali version of the bull
fight is completely different from the European as no bloodshed occurs. Serious injuries to the animals
are rare as owners and handlers step in with bamboo prods to separate sparring bulls if one looks hurt.
Generally bouts only go on until one animal tires and gives up. Unlike in Spanish version people here
enjoy the fight between two bulls not between a bull and a man. Regarding the bulls, they are selected
when they are calves and trained only to fight at the annual fiesta, being spared the ploughing duties
their less tenacious siblings are reared for. It is regarded as prize and prestige to have the strongest bull
that brings honor and glory to the Family.

Indeed, Nepal has unique cultures and traditions, just like that if you look at the practices then we can
see Maghe Sankranti being marked as a special day in the different community like the Tharus in Terai
mark it as New Year by electing a new village leader, hiring new workers and receiving tika and blessing
from the elders. In the hills, the people organize fairs on the river banks and in Nuwakot it marks with
Bull fight. It may seem orthodox but reality is Bull fighting is a tradition that has prolonged more than
200 years and it shows the riches of what the real Nepal is. May be the definition of real Nepal may
differ according to place, people and time but for a travelers and tourists who wants to see the real
customs and traditions Bull Fighting competition can be an exciting means of looking at Nepal from a
different angle .

A zip-line - a new exciting thing to do


A zip-line or an aerial runway, or aerial rope slide is a long pulley suspended on a cable, usually made of
stainless steel, mounted on an incline that works by friction. It is designed to enable a user propelled by
gravity to travel from the top to the bottom of the inclined cable by holding onto, or attaching to, the
freely moving pulley.

The most thrilling ride in the longest, highest, fastest and safest zip liner allow all adventure junkies to
see the marvelous legendary Himalayas from world’s ‘most extreme’ mountain zip-slide. Plunging at the
speeds of over 160 Kmph, fighting with the powerful wind, and landing in the lap of nature releases all
your stress and gives you an ultimate ecstasy. Your adventure begins when you board your shuttle for
the ride to the top the mountain. Your guide will narrate as you pass through the village of Sarangkot
and then up the mountainside. Once on top you will take a short walk to the Butterfly Pavilion, an
architectural marvel with breath-taking views of the Himalayan range. While you sip coffee and wait
for your turn we assure your wait will be exciting. At 5400 feet above sea level you will sit into a special
harness seat and await your launch. Two guests launch at once, and it is a race to the bottom! 5,4,3, 2,
1 and you’re off, accelerating to 100 mph as you pass above the dense forest below. If your eyes are still
open you will see sweeping views of majestic Machhapuchhre, the Annapurna range and the raging Seti
River.

FAQs:
What is Zip-flyer?
Basically, zipline is a cable mechanism used for transportation across a river, gorge etc. In our context, it
is a piece of recreation equipment consisting of a cable stretched between point of different elevations,
a pulley, and a harness or a bar for attaching a rider, who moves by gravity. Zip-flyer Nepal also works
with the same mechanism and is categorized as an adventure sports.

How long is it and what would be its max speed?
Well, its 1.8 km long and has the speed of 160kmph making it the world’s most extreme ride.

What else does the cost include?
The cost includes pick up from Lakeside to the launch site, Sarangkot and then drop back to Lakeside
from the landing site, Hemja.

What are the age limitations?
The age should be 10 years and above. The children aged between 10-15 should be accompanied by
their parents or guardians above 18 years of age. The weight must be between 35kgs – 125kgs. Besides,
pregnant women are not allowed for the ride.

What if I decide not to do ride?
Well, sorry to say, but if you have already booked your ride and you decide not to do it, your amount is
non refundable and non transferrable. But, we can arrange to change your turn after some people does
it, so that you can gain some confidence by watching other people doing it. Besides, our crew member
is always there to assist you if you need any help or moral support. And also, no one would want to miss
such a lifetime experience.

Can two adults ride together at the same time (tandem)?
No, however two individuals can go on parallel lines racing their way down.

What happens if I forget close-toed shoes?
Close-Toed shoes are compulsory and need to be worn by every rider.

Do I have to get weighed before I get to zip?
Each passenger on the will be weighed prior to starting the ride. This is done to ensure rider and guide
safety.

Is there somewhere to store my personal effects during the tour?
No, however small items like phone, purses etc can be kept at the back pocket of the harness that the
rides zips down in.

Can I bring bottled water or other food and drinks with me?
Due to the nature of the Zip Line, we ask that Guests do not bring any food or bever- ages with them.
There will be food and beverages on both top and the bottom site.
I need to change the time of my tour is that ok?
Zip Line Eco Tour tickets may be exchanged or cancelled up until 24 hours in advance of the Zip Line
time. This can be done at any Discovery Tours ticket booth.

I have missed my tour can I go on the next one?
Once a tour start time has passed, all Zip-Flyer Nepal tour tickets become non-refundable. Guests may
use their ticket to go on the next available tour in a stand-by status only.
I don’t want to Zip, but I would like to go along for the ride to the top of the hill.
Due to limited space on the vehicle we use for transportation and for safety reasons on the road and the
platform, only people who are zipping will be transported to the first platform.

What if I want to cancel the ride after the booking?
Reservations may be changed up to 48hours before the ride without any additional charges but subject
to availability. Changes are not permitted less than 48hours of the ride. Cancellation received 72hours
before the scheduled ride are 100% refundable, less than 72hours is 50% refundable and less than 24
hours is non-refundable.

Source : High Ground Pvt Ltd