−Is it:
- a. South Africa
- b. Nepal
- c. Costa Rica
- d. New Zealand
- e. Australia
+And the answer is ...
There's a whole world of adventure out there for adrenaline junkies. Think about cage diving with Great White Sharks in South Africa. Or, imagine volcano boarding in Costa Rica. In Australia, the sheer array of dangerous animals (a slight exaggeration, to be fair) entices those seeking a heart-pounding encounter. And then there’s New Zealand with its lofty mountains, offering a whole new level of extreme sports.
Ever wondered why Nepal should be your first stop for adventure? Well, with eight of the world's top ten highest peaks, this country guarantees an exhilarating experience for sky-diving and paragliding enthusiasts.
But that's not the real reason for its selection in this article. The real thrill begins on the plane ride itself. Most of Nepal's airports are on various 'most dangerous' lists, despite having a very good safety record of late, ensuring your adrenaline levels are already soaring even before you touch down. With precariously short runways and erratic and icy weather, the frenzied rush of landing is akin to a heart-stopping scene from a Hollywood blockbuster. So buckle up and prepare for an unforgettable adventure right from the start. All other adventure destinations necessitate waiting until post-journey formalities are completed to kickstart the excitement. Nepal, however, is unique in getting your pulse racing right from the word go. Plus Nepal has Bengal Tigers you can see in the wild, the type former world heavyweight boxing champ Mike Tyson once had as pets, except the ones in Nepal are more dangerous.
+The quick museum tour with pearls of wisdom included
What adrenaline junkie wants a museum? Museums are for those who want to experience excitement through others and their cameras. What you will need, is a place to calm the heart down, so we're going to a Monastery, specifically, the Shechen Monastery in the Boudha district of Kathmandu, worth experiencing for its grandeur, stunning architecture, and treasure trove of artifacts. Admire its 'torma' sculptures and 'thangka' paintings, just like a museum! If you time your visit just right, get swept up in the annual 'Tshechu' festival where sacred dances and music take center stage. You'll appreciate this serene break!
+ The Nepalese Shakira
Respected for her high-octane performances and mesmerizing vocals, Indira Joshi is infamously dubbed as the 'Nepalese Shakira'. Her seamless amalgamation of traditional Nepalese rhythms with pop and dance music vibes has granted her an esteemed place among Nepalese music enthusiasts.
Blossoming from a musical seed planted in her childhood by her mother, a local singer in their hometown, Joshi's lifelong passion ultimately led her to gain a Bachelor's degree in Eastern Classical Music from the prestigious Padma Kanya Campus at Tribhuvan University, located in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Like many musicians worldwide, Joshi's star soared when she emerged victorious in a nationally televised talent show in Nepal, that she now judges. Her game-changing approach of infusing Western elements into an otherwise traditional and conservative music and cultural landscape ignited a new era in her country's music scene.
You can sample her music here.
+ The game with the name of an insect
Another notable figure is Paras Khadka, a former captain of the Nepalese cricket team. He has played a pivotal role in putting Nepal on the global cricket map with his exceptional leadership and cricketing skills. His passion and dedication to the sport have made him a beloved figure among cricket enthusiasts in Nepal and beyond.
Cricket became something to watch in the country in the 1990s, being extremely popular with two of its neighbors, India and Pakistan. Unlike football/soccer, cricket has a lot of scoring, which is appealing to many. It took a little longer for Nepal to have any success internationally until Paras Khadka came along about a decade ago. Since then Nepal has been able to qualify for world tournament competitions. Alas, for now, qualification is all the country has, but it's enough for the locals, as this sport is now a source of national pride and a symbol of national unity among the different ethnic groups in the country.
+ From the NatGeo adventurer of the year
Moving to the adventurous sport of mountaineering, Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita, a famous mountaineer, is known for her climbing feats. In July 2014 she reached the summit of K2, the second-highest mountain, and the most deadly, in the world, together with Maya Sherpa and Dawa Yangzum Sherpa, the first Nepali women ever to stand on top of it. For a long time, mountain climbing in Nepal was seen as a man's sport. She has also climbed to the top of the world's tallest mountain, Mt. Everest.
In 2016, Pasang was internationally recognized and awarded the National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, an honor given to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary achievements in exploration, adventure sports, conservation, or humanitarianism. This award recognized her exceptional mountaineering skills as well as her dedication to helping others. Unfortunately she later passed away from a tragic accident while doing what she loved doing best.
+Nature's best in a YouTube video
For this one, we are going to see Bengal tigers and the equally iconic one-horned rhino.
Craving an authentic wildlife experience? We recommend heading to Chitwan National Park or Bardiya National Park for an adventure of a lifetime. Known for their stunning Bengal tigers, these parks offer guided tours to ensure you can safely observe these majestic big cats. Remember, these creatures are as beautiful as they are dangerous, so always adhere to park instructions. But if you want to stay clear of the crowds and take things up a notch, Bardiya National Park, located in the Western Terai region, is your best bet. The dry season particularly, invites Bengal tigers to the riverbanks for a drink, giving you the perfect opportunity to spot these magnificent animals. Imagine this: Nepal, a country slightly bigger than England and home to about 30 million people, hosts only 250 majestic Bengal tigers. This rarity makes your encounter extremely special. Consider the vast territory each tiger commands - up to 60 square kilometers for males and 20 square kilometers for females. To put into perspective, each tiger's territory is larger than many towns for a single tiger! A testament to their grandeur, selfishness, and might, with a strong willingness to protect what they consider theirs. Of course, this territory size is meant to preserve their hunting grounds. Stay safe and follow your guide,
The one-horned rhino is no slouch either when commanding respect, and with only around 750 in the entire country not easy to spot, and quite vulnerable. These animals are shy, solitary creatures and usually timid. Being the world's largest rhino species, they also weigh two metric tons, the weight of a mid-size SUV, and can outrun Usain Bolt easily. What makes these animals unique is that their skin makes them look like their covered in medieval armour. One-horned rhinos have a unique eating habit. They are grazers and browsers, meaning they eat both grass and leaves, branches, and fruits from trees and shrubs.
+Fun fact
Nepal contains Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain. Ever imagined sailing through the sky from its peak? Let's get you introduced.
Nepal boasts not just of its natural beauty, but also of its adventurous citizens. We mentioned Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita earlier, awarded in 2016 for her daring exploits, but two more Nepalese citizens won the National Geographic Adventurer of the Year award in 2012. Meet Babu Sunuwar, a local paraglider and one of the recipients of the award in 2012. He conquered fear and gravity by paragliding from the top of Mount Everest, a feat not for the faint-hearted. Babu Sunuwar was not the only one, he shared the sky with Lakpa Tsheri Sherpa, another fearless Nepalese. Together, they embarked on this daring journey, making history in the world of adventure.
Nagarkot, another paradise in Nepal, offers a less risky yet equally exhilarating paragliding experience. Nestled amidst beautiful hills and mountains, away from the bustle of city life, the sights from Nagarkot are simply magical. Experience a range of emotions from the rush of adrenaline to absolute serenity, all with the Paragliding service at Nagarkot. The breathtaking views and thrilling twists and turns are sure to leave you spellbound.
+What does Trip Advisor tell me to do
After conquering the mountains of Nepal, your next adventure lies in the country's beautiful lakes and rivers. But forget about fishing - despite the wealth of species in these waters, it hardly gives the adrenaline rush you're seeking. Instead, why not try river rafting and water tubing? These activities, which involve being towed behind a boat or drifting with the current, truly pack a thrill. Look no further than this multi-day tour, which offers a complete outdoor adventure in the home of the world's tallest mountains.
+The perfect restaurant at home
Everyone likes Pizza from the day they're born. It can be served at sporting events, as a quick snack after going out, and is such a versatile comfort food. So let's go for Chatamari, often referred to as Nepali pizza, which is a traditional Newari dish. It is a rice crepe topped with ingredients like minced meat, eggs, or sugar. It's a popular street food and is often served during festivals and celebrations. We could have also gone with the most common meal in Nepal 'Dal Bhat Tarkari', which is a platter consisting of lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat), and curried vegetables (tarkari). This meal is a staple across the country and is consumed twice a day by most Nepalese. However, the Nepalese have given Chatamari a catchier nickname, hence the food we are cooking.
For the finest experience of local delicacy, head over to Kathmandu's capital city. Indigenous to the Kathmandu Valley, the Newari people have perfected the creation of delicious treats like Chatamari. The old market area of Asan is your go-to destination for a taste of this. Street vendors lining the lively streets sell these mouth-watering snacks, offering an impeccable blend of local culture and cuisine.
+References and tour summary
Trip Advisor, Shechen.org, Radio Kantipur (Indira Joshi), NepStuff (Paras Khadka), National Geographic (Pasang Lhamu Sherpa), Akita, National Geographic (Babu Sunuwar, Lakpa Tsheri Sherpa)
Photo credits are shown on each photo. The other images are AI-generated with Grok Imagine and Claude and are illustrative, not factual.
