Climbing in Nepal
Including Bimal Nagar and Nagarjun Forest. On the map.
The vibe
Vertical pursuits here test your endurance against some of the highest rock and ice faces on the planet, far removed from standard bolted crags. Spring and autumn offer the most reliable weather windows for tackling high-altitude walls and technical ridges. Expedition setups range from heavily guided base camps to more self-reliant alpine style attempts depending on your objective.
Bimal Nagar
Gandaki Province
Bijay Chaurasia / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Bimal Nagar is one of Nepal's premier limestone sport climbing destinations, featuring a massive cliff face overlooking the Marsyangdi River. Climbers travel here for multi-pitch and single-pitch bolted routes set against a dramatic gorge backdrop.
Access. Located along the Prithvi Highway between Dumre and Bandipur. Easily reached by local buses traveling between Kathmandu and Pokhara. Base yourself in nearby Bandipur or local homestays.
Notes. Grades span from 5b to 8a with sustained vertical and overhang climbing. Best visited from October to April.
Nagarjun Forest
Bagamati Province
Surendra Poudel / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Nagarjun Forest offers a compact set of bolted sport climbing routes on limestone and conglomerate rock. It serves as a popular training ground for local and visiting climbers looking for accessible single-pitch routes close to the capital.
Access. Located within the Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park, a short drive from central Kathmandu to the Balaju gate, followed by a hike up the forested trails. Permits are required at the park entrance.
Notes. Entry fee applies for the national park. Suitable year-round, but mornings are recommended to avoid midday heat.