October is the second good trekking season of the year in Nepal and the Himalayas. The Annapurna region is great during this time, or go to the very north of India, Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Shoulder season in the Mediterranean again. So many beautiful cities and beaches all around, now with far fewer tourists than during summer. Do an inland detour in Turkey to Göreme and Cappadocia for some fairytale views.
Hiking in South Africa is pleasant now. See the crazy flowering in Namaqualand, or at least in the area around Cape Town.
If that sounds familiar and you are a thrill seeker that is looking for travel destinations that are more exciting, these are some of the best places to go.
1. Devil’s Pool, Victoria Falls, Zambia
Usually in dry season, a rock barrier at the edge of the falls forms a natural "Armchair". Swimmers can go near the edge of the falls and enjoy the swim as well as the mesmerizing view. Its on the Zambian side.
2. Trolltunga, Odda, Norway
It's only open during the summer months between June to Sep. There hasn't been any fatalities recorded till as mentioned in Wikipedia. Want an awesome selfie? An Internet magazine has listed it as one of the best place to take one.
3. The Edgewalk, CN Tower, Toronto, Canada
Its one hell of a trip for thrill lovers to walk on the edge of one of the world's tallest building. Its one of the extreme attraction for adventurous people who want to push their personal limits.
4. Bike riding on the Cliffs of Moher
The bike riding at this height and at this edgy steep cliff looks really terrifying and needs a lot of guts to do it. Scary as it looks in the photo. Balance must be the key here.
5. Insanity, Las Vegas
Gravity defying spin upside down. Imagine the rest.
Max Ride Distance: 68-foot distance between passenger and swinging arm base on tower.
Ride Height: 40 feet from observation deck, 906 feet above the Las Vegas
6. Sky Deck, Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), Chicago
Located above 1,353 feet off the ground, on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, Sky Deck allows tourists to stand on the glass ledge. Standing in the mid air? I can imagine and hear the pumping of my heart and scary view of Chicago underneath the legs.
7. Sky walking on Mount Nimbus, Canada
Also called heli-hiking by some, one can only reach there by helicopter. It is clipped into iron rungs very high above the ground, onto steel rope across a long suspension bridge. The climbers are given two lines attached to a harness around the waist and legs.
8. Portaledge Camping at Yosemite
For the adrenaline lovers, this is extremely breathtaking and scary at the same time. Can't imagine to be so calm like the lady and look below like the guy in the photo. I wonder how that portaledge bedding system works by holding so much of load. Scariest on the list!
9. Swing at the edge of the world, Baños Ecuador
The swing actually hangs from Casa Del Arbol treehouse, which is a seismic monitoring station. Long steep drop underneath and definitely you may feel your head spinning from the view underneath. But definitely worth extreme adrenaline rush!
10. Cape Town, South Africa
Just because you are looking for thrills, that doesn't mean that you have to give up on the beach entirely. If you want the best of both worlds, you should consider visiting Cape Town. There are still beautiful beaches that you can relax on but if you want to do something a bit more daring, you can hit the waves and go surfing.
If you are feeling particularly brave, you can even jump in a cage and swim with some great white sharks. If that's a bit too much for you, you should head over to table mountain where you will find some great hiking routes. Even if you are not a very experienced hiker, there are some great beginner routes around the mountain where you will still see some beautiful views.
If you feel up to it, there are some more advanced routes up the mountain and you can even abseil down when you reach the top.
11. Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown is often called the adventure capital of the world, and for good reason. The locals are very adventurous and there are so many great thrill seeking opportunities on offer. There are plenty of places that you can skydive around the world, but there's no better way to experience it than diving out of a plane over the beautiful mountains and lakes of Queenstown.
Those mountains also offer some great opportunities for hiking, climbing, and even hang gliding. It's an amazing way to experience the beautiful views in the area. Queenstown is also the site of the world's first bungee jumping site at Kawarau bridge. If you are looking for a combination of beautiful natural landscapes and hair raising thrills, look no further than Queenstown in New Zealand.
People nowadays are willing to do some craziest and freaky adventure activities. Then they must have to try Bungee jump once in their life. The bungee jump is the scary event where your legs and body tied up with a rope and lets you fall down from such a certain height. This event is risky and dangerous. Don’t ever try this without in the presence of experts and without unsuitable suits.
12. Meribel, France
If you don't mind the cold weather and you want an exciting travel experience, skiing is a great option in France for families. There are plenty of places around the world where you can go skiing, but all of the best resorts are in France, especially in Meribel. There are plenty of beautiful places to stay like the Purple Ski Chalet Foinsbois and there is a wide range of different ski routes.
Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned skier, you’ll find a route that suits you well. When you have finished skiing for the day, there are lots of nice bars and restaurants that you can visit, including L'Ekrin, an amazing Michelin starred restaurant.
13. Pokhara, Nepal
Dare to enjoy life on the edge. Thrill awaits you in Nepal, one of the adventure capitals of Asia, where nature and adventure blend together to create a concoction to make you come alive. Feel the adrenaline rush as you skydive in Everest, bungee jump from the second highest natural bungee in the world, as well as other adventure sports. Fun adventures begin in Nepal.
One of the best, if not the best, adventure and leisure destinations in Nepal is set at the foot of the Annapurna range. Visit Pokhara, the City of Lakes in central Nepal, for an adventure of a lifetime. Pokhara is a tranquil getaway to the famous Annapurna region.
If you're into adventure sports then you should know that Nepal is host to one of the most extreme Ziplines in the world! Take on the Classic or the Couple's zipline package zooming over 2,300 meters above sea level at intense speeds. Looking for a quick thrill on your visit to Nepal then Ziplining is one exciting experience you'll take back with you. The sport is available in the hills of Pokhara and Dhulikhel.
Being an age-old tradition in Nepal, honey hunting is one of the unique adventurous activities available in the country. Honey hunting can turn out to be a challenging adventure for those who have experience or adequate knowledge of rock climbing and are courageous to try this. Some of the popular honey hunting destinations in Nepal are located in Naya Gaun, Nai Chi, Ludhi, Pasgaon, Bhujung, and Dare.
Would you prefer a different form of workout for your strength and cardio other than your regular workout at the gym? Wall climbing is a unique adventure sport that has been available in Nepal for years. This activity is a perfect combination of strength/cardio workout which also provides you a chance to have fun whilst working out.
There are plenty of wall climbing destinations around the Kathmandu valley and Pokhara. You can opt for wall climbing at Thamel, Dhumbarahi and Jhamsikhel in Kathmandu valley whereas you can enjoy the excitement of climbing the wall at Nohar Marg in Pokhara.
Looking for adventure? How does skydiving with a 360-degree view of the Himalayas sound? That’s right, you can experience the thrill of adventure and relish the beauty of the Himalayas at the same time in Nepal. Everest skydiving is one of the most exhilarating aerial adventure sports in the world; it’s an experience unlike any other.
You get to skydive from a chopper in front of Mt Everest and take in breathtaking views of some of the highest peaks in the world before you land at the world’s highest drop zone at Gorak Shep, Kala Patthar. Sounds too extreme? Don’t worry, you can try it at Pokhara right next to Mt Machhapuchchhre, Mt Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range.
Have you ever wanted to fly above the clouds like a bird? Paragliding is the riskiest but popular activity to do in Nepal. It is a must experience activity for adventure lovers. Paragliding makes you fearless after completing the activity. During paragliding you can witness the real beauty of nature with fresh pleasant air and you can look over the amazing scenery of the Himalayan range.
For adventure seekers, it is also the starting point for paragliding culminating beside the banks of Phewa Lake. Take to the sky on thermals over the snowcapped mountains and pristine lakes like nowhere else in the world. With experienced pilots, choose from tandem flights to fully certified paragliding courses, solo flights or even go paragliding with hawks!
With the low lying valleys and the high cold mountains, Nepal can provide some of the best paragliding experiences in the world with it's natural and frequently produce rising thermals.
Feel the wind rushing past you as you soar high in the air in an ultralight aircraft, get a bird’s eye view of the entire Pokhara Valley and its beautiful lakes below, and marvel at the majestic mountains glistening in the sun!
Ultralight flight in Pokhara is not only for the daredevils, but for anyone who wants to experience the thrill of flying.
Experience the ultimate thrill and excitement of mountain biking across the Himalayas of Nepal. Feel the intensity of an adrenaline-pumping ride as you make your way along ancient trails in the exotic terrain of the Lost Kingdom amidst spectacular nature. Gear up for a cycling adventure unlike any other!
Mountain biking is the most preferable event by people who are scared of water and heights. It is the best way to explore Nepal on-road while taking a fresh breath and collecting many good memories by taking amazing pictures of the beauty of Pokhara Valley. Mountain biking will lead you to many unique picturesque spots which you have never experienced before.
Head to Pokhara from Kathmandu either by flight or bus, depending on your budget. Pokhara is approximately 200 km away from Kathmandu. There are daily flights to Pokhara airport from Kathmandu. You can also board a bus and get to Pokhara in about 7 hours.
Budget places to stay in Pokhara are Fishtail Lodge and Temple Tree Resort & Spa among others.
14. Bhote Koshi, Nepal
Ever dreamt of climbing harrowing cliffs like James Bond in the For Your Eyes Only? Out of all the adventure sports in Nepal, rock climbing is one of the oldest ones which has been around way back in the early ‘50s. With its growing popularity among the local adventurists and tourists, Nepal is a great destination to be a rock climber’s favorite!
Nagarjun, Hattiban, Shivapuri and Budhanilkantha are the popular rock climbing sites around the Kathmandu valley. Outside the valley, you can experience the thrill of rock climbing at Bimal Nagar, Dhading and Thamel.
If you're an outdoor sports enthusiast then you must have heard of canyoning. The adventure sport has been catching wind as of late as an exciting thrill ride for sports enthusiasts from around the world including Nepal. It has elements from abseils (rappels) and ropework to technical climbing, and technical jumps and/or swims and is usually performed in remote, rugged areas which just adds more to the element of adventure.
If you're looking for a new sport to try, why not experience the rush of rappeling down the cold and slippery crevices of a waterfall. Some of the most popular places for canyoning in Nepal include Marshyangdi, Bhotekoshi, Kakani, and Sunkoshi.
Whether you are a beginner looking to try your hand at kayaking or an experienced paddler raring for bigger challenges, Nepal is your ultimate destination! With its stunning landscapes and numerous rivers, Nepal offers the best kayaking options on the planet. It should come as no surprise then that the country is known as a mecca for paddlers.
Experience the thrill of taking on the rapids at Bhote Koshi, Trishuli, Karnali, Kali Gandaki, Mardi Khola, Thuli Bheri, Tama Koshi, Balephi Khola and other rivers, camp on a beach, and socialize with paddlers from around the world. If you are eager to learn kayaking, you can also sign up for a kayak clinic at one of several kayak schools in Nepal.
Nepal has one of the highest bungee jump locations at Bhote Koshi. It's insane and 168 meters high. There's a bridge just over the Bhote koshi river. The first thing that you must know about this jump is it's very scary as 168 meters height is not a joke. Once you are tied up in the rope then you will have to have enough courage to take a jump.
A huge part of the adventure experience in Nepal is bungee jumping! Home to the second-highest natural bungee destination in the world, Nepal offers some of the most thrilling bungee experiences. Some of the best bungee locations in Nepal are Bhote Koshi, a 160 m drop above the Bhote Koshi River, and Pokhara. Are you ready to take a leap of faith and fearlessly diving into the white water river of Bhote Koshi?
Gather enough courage to jump off the world’s highest giant Canyon swing and relish the experience of this gravity defying-adventure in Nepal! If you're a thrill-seeker, then bungee jumping in the Himalayas is something you don't want to miss!
Surprise the adrenaline junkie inside you with an exhilarating excitement of bungee jumping in Nepal. The high hilly ranges in Nepal has made it the ultimate destination for bungee jumping. Learn how to unfold your wings after you jump from the top and repulse to hit the ground. Experience the ultimate thrill of bungee jumping at Sindupalchowk, Pokhara and at the world’s second highest bungee jump, Kusma.
Need some adrenaline rush? Raft down the roaring Bhote Koshi River or through pristine forests and narrow gorges along the Karnali River. And they are not the only options Nepal has to offer for white water rafting. With numerous rafting adventures ranging from Class I to Class V, and from steep mountain rivers to big-volume rapids, Nepal is one of the best destinations in the world for rafting.
Along with Bhote Koshi and Karnali, Trishuli, Kali Gandaki, Marshyangdi, Seti, and Sun Koshi are some of the popular rafting destinations in Nepal. Charging down these rapids will not only set your pulses racing but also take your breath away with some amazing views along the journey!
15. Wulingyuan, China
This famous section of the Wuling Mountains in southeastern China is home to some 3,000 pillars of sandstone, which tower 200 metres above the ground. Like the stone forest above, the region has been eroded by water, resulting in one of the planet’s most spectacular landscapes. To get a better viewpoint, visitors can take the world’s tallest outdoor elevator to the world’s longest glass bridge.
16. Cinta Costera, Panama
Cinta Costera, a recently completed green area, is a walkway that allows pedestrians and cyclists to get from the center to the coast, between artists booths, couples, and squares with live music. Adventure tourism includes flying over the jungle, swimming with turtles or hiking with sublime views of the cloud forests.
Indulge in the thrilling observation of wildlife, which appears everywhere from resplendent quetzals on the highland trail, howler monkeys or whales that emerge from the water, macaws, toucans, lazy, squirrel monkeys. More experienced amateurs should visit the highlands or venture into Darien to catch a glimpse of the legendary harpy eagle.
17. High Tatras, Slovakia
Ever dreamt of sleeping in the clouds? Spending the night at Teryho Chata among the Tatras will get you as close to that as possible, at 2,015 m high! The experience in itself is amazing, which makes the 5-hour trek through the High Tatras totally worth it! You’ll go back home with many fabulous stories to share!
The Tatra Mountains are a must. Wonderful scenery. Like the Alps, but not so huge, not so steep, and not so expensive. You don’t even need a car! You stay at Starý Smokovec or at Štrbské Pleso, and from there you take the train that runs below the mountains. Choose your hike, and the train will go by it.
18. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil
Located in northern Brazil, this is an immense field of coastal sand dunes, which - in the rainy season - fill up with vibrant lagoons. To survive the change of seasons, some fish burrow into the sand and form a protective cocoon to wait out the dry season underground.
19. Sơn Đoòng Cave, Vietnam
By volume, this is undoubtedly the world’s largest cave - easily large enough to fly a Boeing 747 in. Located in Vietnam (near the border with Laos), it measures some 200 metres in height and 150 in width. Here, stalactites may be 10 times as tall as a typical two-story house, and you can find cave pearls as big as baseballs.
20. Dallol, Ethiopia
Located amidst the volcanic turmoil of where the African, Arabian and Somali plates are separating, Dallol is a hydrothermal wasteland in Ethiopia. Simultaneously one of the hottest, saltiest and most acidic places on Earth, it’s hard to find a place more extreme. The geological activity has created bizarre salt formations resembling terraces, domes and pillars.
21. The Traumpfad from Munich to Venice
The way from Germany’s Beer Capital to Venice, which is an extraordinary architectural masterpiece in itself, covers 520 kilometres in distance and more than 20 kilometres in elevation. The route can be done in 30 stages, offers lots of variations and is suitable for most walkers with a head for heights and a reasonable amount of money in their pockets.
Experience Europe’s most famous squares and cultural sights, then get up into Alpine terrain, all the while following the footsteps of the Romans.
22. Tepuis, Venezuela
Found in Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana, these are huge sandstone mesas which form most of the Guiana Highlands. Rising abruptly up to a kilometre over the surrounding jungles and savannahs, there are hundreds of them found in the region. The most famous tepui is perhaps Auyán-tepui, because the 807-metre Angel Falls drops off it.
One the table-like tops of these mesas, there are bizarre rock formations and huge sinkholes which house many species found nowhere else.
If you are fed up with beach holidays and you want something a little more exciting, you should add these destinations to your bucket list.
what an epic list. I've only been to two of the destinations on this list so looks like i need to plan another trip soon
ReplyDeleteSuper amazing list! I've been to a couple of these places, I still need to go to NZ and Panama. Soon i hope.
ReplyDeletewhat an amazing list of destinations! I want to go to some many places here
ReplyDeleteWow half of the places here, I've never even heard of. Saving this for the future! I want to go to Antartica first for the animals.
ReplyDeleteI'm all for adventure so these will have to be on my radar for sure!
ReplyDeleteEverything you mentioned are really nice places to visit and everyone (including me)will surely like it once they see these destinations
ReplyDeleteWow those places looks incredible. There’s so much to do and see there! Looks like a brilliant places to take the whole family
ReplyDeleteSome interesting choices on your list. Whilst Antarctica has always fascinated me, I would never have thought to travel there myself. I might have to rethink that!
ReplyDeleteAntarctica is a dream to me. It is so far away and so expesive but it is the thing to remember the whole life!
ReplyDeleteWe are always looking for an adventure! I'll have to put these on our list!
ReplyDelete