Nepal offers
some really terrific places for people who like crawling
up vertical cliffs with the help of their gingernails.
If you don't have time to take on some Himalayan
Peak during this visit, the valley perimeter offers
a number of stone walls guaranteed to keep you on
your toes. So, instead of hanging around gathering
moss, why not try your hand at rock climbing and
get a grip on things?
Rock Climbing Sites
Nagarjun also known as the Jamacho
is the forested hill which lies to the northwest
of the Swayambhunnath Stupa. The climbing cliff
here is located inside the Royal Forest and is
suitable for both beginners and regulars. The limestone
face is about 12 meters high, and there are several
piton-equipped routes. To get there, take a taxi
to Balaju (3 km from downtown Kathmandu) and then
walk to the park entrance. From the gate, follow
the dirt road to a point just before the army checkpost
where you will come across a track leading to the
right. Follow this trail through trees and shrubs
for about five minutes, and there's the cliff
Another interesting rock wall is situated on the
slope of Shivapuri hill to the
north of Kathmandu .The granite faces here lie scattered
about, and the big cliff in the center is equipped
with a single route .To get there, go by taxi or
bus to Budhailkantha (9km),the shrine of the sleeping
Bishnu, then walk west from the bus stop the Bishnumati
stream through terraced fields and enters the Shivapuri
Watershed and Wildlife reserve. The cliffs can be
seen from a distance, so you won't have much difficulty
finding the place.
Pasang Lhamu Semi-indoor Rock Climbing site . |