Bungee Jumping In Nepal | ネパールでのバンジージャンプ

Among the various outdoor activities such as trekking, hiking, biking, rafting, and mountaineering, bungee jumping stands out as an extreme adventure that offers a short but intense thrill, making it one of the top adventure sports. Introduced to Nepal over three decades ago by a New Zealander, bungee jumping has become increasingly popular in the country. While New Zealand is renowned for bungee jumping, the technique was first developed in 1979 by the British in Bristol, England.

In Nepal, the first high-tech bungee jump took place in 1999 from a bridge over the Bhote Koshi River, marking the beginning of a new era of adventure sports in the Nepal Himalayas. Today, Nepal is home to three bungee jumping sites. The oldest and most famous is at The Last Resort, located about 80 km (50 miles) from Kathmandu on the Arniko Highway, near the Nepal-China border. Two other exciting bungee jumping locations are found in Pokhara, a popular tourist destination in Nepal’s mid-west, and in Kusma, where the world’s second-highest bungee jump takes place over the Kaligandaki River.

Bungee jumping in Nepal offers an unparalleled way to experience adrenaline and extreme thrills. For those visiting Nepal, it’s an incredible one-day adventure, easily accessible with a scenic drive to the jumping spots. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for adventure enthusiasts, set against Nepal’s breathtaking landscapes.

PLACES FOR BUNGEE JUMPING IN NEPAL

The Last Resorts Bungee in Nepal

Bungee jumping in Nepal began in 1999, with the first jump site located about 80 km (50 miles) from Kathmandu. The journey follows the Arniko Highway (also known as the Lhasa-Kathmandu Highway), leading towards the Tibet border, where the Last Resort is perched across the rushing Bhote Koshi River. After a short walk to the bridge, visitors arrive at the resort, which features a beautiful garden setting.

Before the jump, participants receive a safety briefing from expert instructors and undergo medical checks to ensure they’re fit for the adventure, especially regarding heart rate and blood pressure. Once all formalities are complete, you make your way to the center of the bridge, where the bungee platform awaits at a thrilling 160 meters (500 feet) above the fast-flowing Bhote Koshi River, nestled in a deep gorge—an ideal spot for bungee jumping.

After being equipped with the necessary safety gear, you’ll take a deep breath and, upon hearing the instructor shout “JUMP!”, leap into the air. As you fall, you’ll experience a few moments of weightlessness before swinging back and forth over the gorge.

Once the jump is complete, the resort staff will greet you with a refreshing drink, and you’ll be given a certificate and T-shirt as mementos of your unforgettable bungee jumping experience in Nepal.

Bungee Jumping in Nepal scenic Pokhara

The first bungee jumping site in Nepal, located at The Last Resort, has gained significant popularity over the years. This iconic spot paved the way for new bungee jumping locations in other well-known tourist destinations, including the charming and picturesque city of Pokhara. Pokhara, a perfect destination for a relaxing holiday, also offers the thrill of bungee jumping. The jump site in Pokhara is located just a short drive west to the Hyanja village, where the jump takes place from a height of 70 meters (230 feet). Unlike other locations in Nepal, this jump is unique as it is performed from a specially designed iron-built tower, offering participants an exciting experience.

The bungee plunge lands into a crystal-clear artificial water pond, making it a fantastic adventure, particularly for beginners or first-timers looking to try bungee jumping. This spot on the outskirts of Pokhara also offers stunning views of the Annapurna Himalayan range, adding to the scenic beauty of the experience.

Kushma Bungee Jump in Nepal

For thrill-seekers looking for an adrenaline-pumping challenge, Kushma Bungee Jumping in Nepal is the ultimate destination. Located just 60 km (38 miles) from Pokhara, in the Mid-Western region of Nepal, Kushma is situated near the towns of Baglung and Beni, in the Dhaulagiri Himal zone. The town of Kushma serves as the headquarters for the Parbat district.

At an impressive height of 228 meters (749 feet), Kushma Bungee Jumping holds the title of the world’s second-highest bungee jump. The jump takes place from the middle of a robust suspension bridge, with the bungee platform positioned above the Kaligandaki River, which flows from the majestic Dhaulagiri and Mustang Himal. After a comprehensive safety briefing, participants are secured with a harness and cord, preparing for the exhilarating jump. Once you take a deep breath and hear the word “Jump!”, the adventure begins.

Though the jump lasts only a few seconds, the swinging motion lasts for 10 to 15 minutes, providing an unforgettable thrill. Afterward, a short drive back to Pokhara allows adventurers to reflect on their bungee jumping experience, and each participant is gifted a T-shirt as a souvenir of their adventure in Kushma, Nepal.

Bungee Jump Season and Safety Protocols

Bungee Jumping in Nepal can be experienced almost throughout the year, as it requires only a short amount of time. However, the ideal seasons are spring and autumn, when the weather is generally clear and pleasant, making it perfect for all kinds of outdoor adventures. Spring spans from March to May, while autumn begins in September and continues through November. Bungee jumping is also a popular activity during the winter holidays, including Christmas and New Year, although daylight hours are shorter and temperatures cooler.

The activity is conducted under strict safety protocols, making bungee jumping in Nepal both safe and secure. Before jumping, participants receive a detailed safety briefing from professional instructors. Harnesses are securely fastened from the feet to the waist to ensure maximum safety and enjoyment.

There are some restrictions: pregnant women, individuals with heart conditions or high blood pressure, and those under 18 or over 70 years of age are not permitted. Participants must be in good health, and weight requirements range from a minimum of 40 kg to a maximum of 100 kg. However, at Kusma, home to the world’s second-highest bungee jump, the weight limit increases to 145 kg, but only for the Couple Swing experience.