“Remember that time spent on a rock climb isn't subtracted from your life span.”
Will Niccolls
Thanks to the varied landscapes and wonderful terrains which made it all possible for all the adventure activities for our thrill seeking travelers to Nepal. Rock Climbing is one of the best activities for outdoor lovers and wonderful experience to challenge the level of physical and mental control and balance testing both physical stamina and mental endurance level.
There are several rock climbing sites across Nepal where the giant boulder of rocks are waiting to be crawled and test the strength of climbing fanatic. And the good news is that there is a wide range of sites to choose from beginners’ level to expert professional level and suitable for any fitness level outdoor enthusiast. For first timers, pay attention during safety and other instructions like using the gears then you are ready to climb. There are various climbing routes and grades available with single and multiple pitches.
The nearest location for rock climbing in Kathmandu Valley is beautiful Shivapuri National Park which also includes Nagarjun forest. This site is a great place for bird watching and also to start Kathmandu Rim Hike for 3 days. Anytime except Monsoon (June-Aug) is a good time to climb these countryside rocks.
Here are some of the best locations for the Rock Climbing in Nepal,
Nagarjun Forest
It is the closest site for rock climbing located at the northwest side of Swayambunath Stupa (Monkey Temple). It is one of the best sites for any climbing enthusiast as there are more than twenty-two climbing routes of different grades (4a to 7b+) and pitches (single 12 meters and multiple 65 meters).“Nagarjun” is named after the famous Buddhist philosopher “Nagarjun” who once meditated in this dense forest which is also a bird watching site where more than 300 species birds are recorded.
Shivapuri
Shivapuri National Park is located on the northern side of Kathmandu Valley and features wonderful hiking trails through beautiful rhododendron forest with majestic views of Ganesh Himal and Langtang range.
Hattiban
Hattiban is located nearly twenty-five kilometers away from Kathmandu Valley, on the way to the famous Hindu Goddess Kali temple – Daksinkali. This site features more than ten different routes for climbing and most challenging grades of 6a to 7a. It is top-grade rock climbing site for expert and professional climbers who are skilled and able to endure the physical and mental challenge.
Thame
Thame is no strange name if someone has read about Everest Region Trekking. Thame is a beautiful village situated on the north side of Namche Bazaar – Gateway to Everest. The famous high adventure Everest Renjo La Pass Trekking and Tashi Lapsa Pass Trekking pass through this legendary village. There are more than 16 different climbing routes of various grades ranging from 4c to 7c and consists of multi pitches (up to 200 meters). This place is ideal for any adventure, mountain and culture lovers.
Kakani
Kakani is popular among locals and tourist for the gateway weekend destination to stay overnight and enjoy the panoramic view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Ganesh Himal Range. It is located nearly 22km away from Kathmandu Valley on the way to Syabru Besi, a starting point for Langtang Valley Trekking. It is one of the challenging rock climbing sites.
Bimal Nagar
Bimal Nagar lies near famous Bandipur village, approx 140 km from Kathmandu Valley and 60 km from Pokhara. This site features a 55-meter rock face, suitable for single pitches and multiple pitches rock climbing action.