Rock Climbing has become a popular adventure sport and outdoor pastime for adventure seekers all around the world. Climbing is comparable to scrambling (another sport that involves scaling hills and similar formations), but climbing differs in that it requires the climber to use his or her hands to support his or her own weight rather than just providing balance. Climbing is a physically and intellectually difficult sport that puts a climber’s strength, endurance, agility, and balance, as well as mental control, to the test. Climbing may be a risky sport, and appropriate climbing skills and the use of specialist climbing equipment are essential for completing climbs safely. For travelers looking to spend a few days or even weeks challenging themselves with some difficult climbs, this small Himalayan country offers a range of rock climbing alternatives. Some well-known outdoor rock climbing spots are listed below:
Nagarjun Forest Reserve:
The famed Buddhist scholar Nagarjun is reported to have meditated on Nagarjuna, a forested hill northwest of the Swyambhu Stupa. The travel from Thamel to the Nagarjuna Forest Reserve takes 30 minutes. The climbing location offers a diverse choice of routes and is ideal for beginners, intermediates, and experienced climbers. It is one of the closest climbing sites in the capital, with more than 22 routes ranging from grade 4a to 7b+ overhang climbing. For those looking to train themselves, there are various multi pitch 65m and single pitch 12m options. The army patrols the Nagarjun Forest Reserve. The check-out time is 5 p.m. Tourists are presently not permitted to visit this location unless accompanied by a Nepali guide.
Hattiban Rock Climbing Site:
The rock climbing site of Hattiban is located on the road to the holy shrine of Dhaskinkali. The climbing site is for experts who want to climb at the highest levels. The drive duration from Thamel, Kathmandu is 1 hour, then you will have to climb for around 30 minutes to get to the site. The grades of climbing range from 6a to 7a. This location is ideal in the winter because it faces south and receives sunlight throughout the day, but it is too hot in the spring and summer.
Tame Rock Climbing Site:
3800m of outdoor rock climbing The Thame Everest region is located in Nepal’s eastern region, close to Mt. Everest. This town is well-known among climbers since it is the birthplace of two world-record-holding Everest climbers. There are about 17 different routes ranging from 4c to 7c multi pitch 200m height at this rock climbing destination. As this site lies in the Everest region you will get a chance to explore the Namche bazar which provides spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Everest and the nearby summits.
Bimal Nagar Rock Climbing Site:
Bimal Nagar, which is located in the south west of Kathmandu and takes nearly 5 hours by bus on the way to Pokhara, has just opened for rock climbing. Kathmandu is 140 kilometers away. If you’re coming from Pokhara, it’s 60 kilometers away, and there are several beautiful climbing routes. There are only a few fixed routes where you may go climbing; it’s a 55-meter natural rock climb with four pitches and a few single pitches that’s only 5 minutes from the road. This is one of the ideal places to climb while taking in the views of Mt. Manaslu and the Marshyandi River.
Kakani Rock Climbing Site:
On the way to Trisuli, Kakani is 29 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu. Excellent views of Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Gauri Shanker can be enjoyed from the hilltop. There is a single modest climbing rock with six routes on it. The rock is only approximately 20 metres high, yet it is extremely difficult and is for experienced energetic adventurers. There is also an outdoor climbing wall in the nearby Mountaineering park that is ideal for beginners of all ages, from children to adults, due to the safety equipment provided. Tents with outdoor cooking and showering amenities are available. This retreat location must be reserved ahead of time. In Kakani, rock climbing is one of the most popular adventure activities. You can choose between natural rock and a wall.
FAQ’s : Rock Climbing in Nepal
Rock Climbing is a sport in which participants ascend, descend, or traverse natural or man-made rock structures. The objective is to reach the top of a formation or the finish of a pre-defined route without falling.
Yes, there are few rock climbing sites in Nepal, some of the well-known sites are: Nagarjun Reserve, Hattiban Climbing site, Tame Climbing site, Kakani Climbing site, Bimal Nagar Climbing Site and many more.
Hands and forearms, biceps, shoulders, neck, traps, upper back, lats, lower back, abs, glutes, thighs, and calves are all strengthened by climbing. Climbing helps your entire body, especially your cardiovascular system. Climbing complements and improves performance in a variety of sports.
Mountaineering is a more holistic sport focused on summiting mountains, whereas rock climbing is a particular activity based around rocky cliffs. Rock climbing is, in essence, a more specialized sport than mountaineering.
The lead climber will reach a ledge, connect a small piece of rope or webbing to an anchor in the rock, and then the two climbers will trade places. The lead climber becomes the second climber’s belayer from above. As he climbs, the second climber detaches and gathers the quick draws put by the lead climber.
Carabiners, along with ropes and your harness, are the most important pieces of rock climbing equipment that can mean the difference between safety and serious injury, if not fatality.
Despite the fact that rock climbing is one of the safest outdoor hobbies, there have been numerous accidents over the years. Injury is prevalent, and some are fatal, according to research, but it is no more or less harmful than other similar sports as long as safety precautions are implemented.