Why Kakani Canyoning Is the Adventure You Didn’t Know You Needed

When I arrived at the gorge, I was thinking “Kakani canyoning will be a nice little dip” and then I realised it was so much more. No Wi-Fi, no worries, the waterfalls provide enough refreshment and chaos for everyone.

First impressions

I walked into the canyon near Kakani (about 35 km from Kathmandu) and the scene hit me: two canyons, one 185 m deep, the other 145 m. My heart pumped because I knew this was not your average “go for a walk by the river” adventure. It was wild, loud, wet and I loved it.

Why it’s catching on fast

Canyoning in Nepal is on the rise. Around 10,000 people tried canyoning in Nepal each year before the pandemic. It’s no longer just for extreme athletes. At Kakani, the canyoning spot is at 1,325 m altitude, which makes it beginner-friendly yet thrilling. Also, guides are getting real training: for example, 25 trainees recently completed a canyoning guide course near Kakani. All of this adds up to more people saying yes to this kind of adventure.

My adventure, step by step

• I put on a wetsuit and helmet, thinking “okay, I look legit now”.

• Then we rappelled down a rock face covered in moss and felt the cold water splash in my face. That slap of nature? Priceless.

• We jumped into a deep pool. I gulped once, screamed once, then laughed.

• At one point I sat on a rock, legs dangling in icy water, and thought: “Why haven’t I done this before?”

• By the end I was soaking wet, muddy, exhilarated — and planning my next jump.

The safety talk

Yes, it’s wild. But yes, it can be done safely. The fact that guide training is happening and that the sport is being more formalised is a good sign. Still, you should pick a reliable operator and follow instructions. The general adventure tourism scene in Nepal has had safety concerns. So doing your homework matters.

Why you should care

If you’re tired of the same old “walk in hills” or “sit in a cafe with a view” kind of trips, this is your chance. It gives you:

• Real adrenaline (not just “ooh look at that view”)

• Nature in its raw form: water, rocks, forest, fun

• A story you’re excited to tell

Final word

So yes, kakani canyoning was the adventure I didn’t know I needed. It made me feel alive, small, bold, and joyful all at once. If you’re reading this and thinking “maybe next time”, make the time. Because when you’re hanging off a rope above a roaring stream and then landing in a pool and laughing at yourself for being terrified five minutes ago. You’ll know you picked the right “maybe”.