Rock Climbing in Nepal: Beyond Trekking, Conquer Cliff Faces Near You
19 Feb 2024 Chandra Gurung
Rock climbing seems like an exciting adventure for you, right? Visit Nepal, the home of the impressive Himalayan mountains, to get a real-time experience of majestic rock faces.
Every season, tourists come around for adventurous activities in Nepal like trekking, peak climbing, and rock climbing. To our surprise, most of today’s youth have profound passions for such activities.
Starting a rock climb can be tricky, but what it gives is just beyond the overwhelming feelings. It requires technical skills, pushing your body to its limits, a nice grip, and the art of getting to the top.
How do you start rock climbing, then? What’s the motive for your climbing activity? How to deal with all the queries one has in mind.
Only some people talk about rock climbing techniques and moves. But here is what you need to become a climber: Questions and curiosities are never-ending, but learning from fellow rock climbers in an artificial setup can be a good move.
Rock-climbing areas in Nepal
Rock climbing in Nepal is a sport requiring an extreme influx. It can offer endurance, agility, balance, and the adrenaline rush you are looking for. We have shortlisted some of the major rock-climbing destinations in Nepal.
1. Nagarjun Forest
Thanks to its relatively easy limestone rocks, Nagarjun Forest has long been a local favorite for rock climbing in Kathmandu. Interested adventurers can obtain a permit from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA).
If you are still confused about the location, the forest is just 20 to 30 minutes drive from the heart of Kathmandu. The off-road takes you to the Nagarjun hill rock climb, locally named Raniban- ‘Queen’s Forest’.
This beginner-friendly rock face is located inside Shivapuri National Park. Thus, an entry permit is required to access the protected areas in Nepal, so arrange in advance to keep your climbing excitement going.
One needs to hike for 5 minutes before reaching the rock climbing destination. Take your adventurous 2 hours climbing the rock, and proceed with the climbing stuff. Experienced guides will give you a demo if you are a beginner; that’s how you follow the climbing expertise.
2. Hattiban Rock climbing site
About more than 10 routes are there to reach the climbing site, which is approximately 26 km from Kathmandu city. You get a chance to hike through the verdant hills and dense jungle. Then comes the time to enjoy the wanderlust on the edges of the rock, which is a hard catch.
Adventure photographers and filmmakers can also train on the walls and get real-time experience. The 6a to 7a grade rock faces have 8–10 properly bolted routes, which you can conquer with the right safety and guides.
What is exciting is that you learn about team-coordinated efforts, a thrilling adventure, and witness sunlight falling on the cliff on the rock climbing adventure. Beginners can learn top loop, lead, and grip based on different rock levels. With experience, one can also do free climbs confidently on the stone faces.
3. Rock climbing in Kakani
Don’t just scroll about the wall climbing techniques. Learn from experts in the indoor and outdoor setups until you can grasp the rock formations in Kakani. The technically demanding climbing can be fun and is available across the terrain of Kakani.
Go with a team or solo, with guides who can help you safely complete the routes. Kakani Adventure Camp ensures adventure for all skill levels, with different routes on small climbing rocks near Kakani International Memorial Park.
If you have no prior experience, the NMA Wall Climbing Center has a 15-meter artificial climbing facility available to offer training courses too. This practical training offers you wild fun on the natural rock surfaces.
4. Nagarkot Rock Climbing
Nagarkot Rock Climbing offers proximity to the verdant hills of Nagarkot. The climbing routes grade from 4a to 8a. And is situated around 25 m/82 ft high. One can complete the rock climbing in Nagarkot for a fee of around Rs 1200, again subject to additional expenses made on your fun.
The typical rock climbing session in Nagarkot is around 3 to 4 hours, and the best time to have a clear view is from October to March. The maximum height one can reach in rock climbing in Nagarkot is up to 55 meters on the limestone rock cliffs.
Ramkot Boulder, Tower Rock, and Brahma Baba Temple Cliff are some moderate to advanced rock climbing sites in Nagarkot that one can consider exploring.
5. Bimal Nagar climbing site
Presenting Bimal Nagar climbing site, a newfound climbing destination on a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. It is situated approximately 59 km southeast of Pokhara, which is 140 km southwest of Kathmandu. You can quickly access the cliffside from Helen and Rocky Land.
Bimal Nagar climbing caters to all skill levels, from single-pitch climbs to challenging multi-pitch routes. It has over 35 climbing routes, from grade 5A to 8A+, including 4 multi-pitches on natural rock. Camping is an excellent option to make the most of the climb in Bimal Nagar. Be prepared for a peaceful ambiance among the magnificent viewpoints of the Manaslu Himal and the Marshyandi River.
6. Rock climbing in Namche Bazar
Climbers can have the opportunity to access a few bolted routes when signing up for exciting challenges in Namche Bazar. The glittering mountains by your side call you for a thrilling adventure.
Kongde Ri
Kongde Ri is a popular rock climbing spot near Namche Bazar, at an elevation of 3440 meters (11,287 feet) above sea level. On the Kongde Ridge, prepare for challenging pitches and safe climbing with well-bolted anchors. You get to see the extraordinary views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam from the rock faces themselves.
Thame
Thame rock climbing trek in the Khumbu region starts at 3800m altitude. This climbing site ranges from 4c to 7c multi-pitch and extends to 200m height, with 17 various route points to access the summit. Everest climbers do fascinate those exhilarating rock climbing experiences too.
Thame, a renowned high-altitude outdoor rock climbing experience, offers moderate slabs with technical overhangs. Climb with a guide and enjoy the vibrant views from the top. Get climbing permits, equip yourself with rental gear, and unveil the sport in you.
Rock Climbing Techniques and Moves: That works
Rock climbing requires skillful techniques, from footwork to body positioning, handholds, and effortless movement techniques. Here is how understanding the basics of rock climbing helps you harness safety and more adventure in rock climbing. Let’s decode the techniques, be it speed climbing, lead climbing, or bouldering in the rocks.
1. Footwork
There are foot tips using heel hooking, flagging, smearing, and edging techniques. Use the rubber edge of your shoes as edging, create friction on your entire foot for stability that’s smearing, and engage the heel for leveraging and pulling power. These are minute techniques that make such a difference in balance and stability during rock climbing.
2. Body positioning
Rock climbing is not that tough if you know the secrets. Keep the comfy vibes, let your body sync with the center of gravity, and engage your core without making many arm movements. Adapt to body positioning on rock features for more precision and balanced climbing.
3. Handholds
Knuckle up the rock climbing wall with efficient grips. Crimping can be a technique for you to hold a grip with small fingertips. Take a large, comfy hold if you look for rest or transition through jugging handholds. Use your entire palm for slopes, and just your thumb and index finger for precision grip—just learn the techniques from authentic trainers nearby.
4. Movement techniques
Moving horizontally across the rock or minimalistic momentum through static movement, you got your call. Dead hanging can also be efficient in certain cases; research more on rock climbing skills and practice first on easier terrain before quickly progressing to the more challenging rocks for safety purposes.
Conclusion
Rock climbing can be the next adventure in self-discovery. Don’t you think that knowing what the inner soul wants is a thrilling adventure? A chance to witness the raw power of nature!
Imagine yourself in Nagarkot, with the views beneath your grip on the cliff. Would that excite you? Or picture yourself in Namche Bazaar, etching some rich, majestic mountain views. Perhaps Bimal Nagar’s challenging multi-pitch ignites the adventurer within. Whatever you choose, rock climbing helps you conquer fear and scale up your limits.
Since rock climbing is physically challenging, ensure that you choose the right route, adhere to proper techniques, and have strong mental fortitude. Start small and keep your feet intact—a basic you need not miss out on.