Canyoning in Nepal

Canyoning is an adventurous activity that involves navigating through canyons using a range of techniques such as walking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, abseiling, and swimming. It encompasses various means of progressing through creek or stream-filled canyons, including hiking, scrambling, wading, boulder hopping, rock climbing, abseiling, and rappelling, all performed with safety measures.

The term "canyoneering" is often used for non-technical canyon descents, but "canyoning" and "canyoneering" typically refer to technical descents, which involve rappels, rope work, technical climbing, jumps, and swims. Canyoning is a comprehensive adventure sport that demands technical skills in stream navigation, rope work, and proper gear use, as well as preparedness for risk mitigation. It is frequently undertaken in remote and rugged environments, necessitating navigational and wilderness travel expertise. Safety depends on judgment, competent instruction, experience, and an accurate assessment of one's abilities and knowledge of canyon conditions.

Canyons are formed by cutting into bedrock, resulting in narrow gorges with numerous drops, sculpted walls, and occasional waterfalls. These canyons are typically carved into limestone, sandstone, granite, or basalt, though other rock types exist. The emphasis in canyoning is usually on aesthetics and enjoyment rather than sheer difficulty. Canyoning routes can vary widely in terms of ease or difficulty and are accessible to people of all ages and skill levels.

Canyoning equipment includes climbing gear, static ropes, helmets, wetsuits, and specialized shoes, packs, and rope bags. While canyoners have traditionally adapted climbing, hiking, and river running equipment, the increasing popularity of canyoning has led to the development of more specialized gear.

In Nepal, canyoning is emerging as a thrilling tourism activity, offering opportunities in various popular rivers, such as: