KATHMANDU: A yoga retreat in Tarakeshwar Municipality-3 near the Kathmandu Valley has evolved into a hub for adventure tourism with the establishment of ‘Forest Adventure.’
Located just 10 kilometers from the Kathmandu Ring Road along the Kakani Highway in Panchamane, this new destination is gaining popularity among thrill-seekers.
With activities like zipline, rock climbing, and bungee jumping, Forest Adventure has become a convenient option for Kathmandu residents who previously had to travel far for such experiences.
The site offers a combination of natural beauty, clean air, and a green environment, attracting both domestic and international tourists.
Alisha Dhakal, the operator of Banjungal Adventure, shared that the destination has been serving tourists for the past eight months, offering a unique opportunity to experience nature and adventure within a short distance from the capital.
“We launched this initiative to boost interest in nature and adventure tourism among city dwellers,” she said, adding that the number of visitors has been steadily rising.
According to Dhakal, the 30-ropani forest site offers a wide range of attractions including ziplining, a roller coaster, climbing wall, obstacle courses, high rope courses, a kids’ adventure zone, zipline treetop adventure, and a giant swing.
She noted that this is the first time a roller coaster experience has been made available in Nepal. In this setup, an iron wheel moves along a fixed iron rod, allowing tourists to enjoy the thrill of walking on the rod for about a minute.
Tourists can also stay overnight in 11 tents or a traditional Nepali house on the premises, which has been preserved with original elements like millstones, plows, and traditional farming tools. Fridays and Saturdays see particularly high footfall from domestic tourists.
The infrastructure, constructed over a year by Indian firm Oxo Consultancy, is fully engineered and built on Dhakal’s private land.
“We’ve received approval from the Department of Tourism for most of the activities,” said Dhakal, emphasizing that all participants are insured before engaging in adventure games. The total investment for the project stands at Rs. 60 million.
“Forest Adventure is a dedicated adventure tourism destination,” Dhakal said, “and we’re proud to offer a unique, accessible experience that combines excitement with the serenity of nature.”
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