Most people travel to Nepal to trek through its mountains, and gaze at its famous views. It is a fascinating place to be, with a rich history and culture. But what do you do there other than trekking and climbing? How about a Nepal scuba diving trip?
Nepal is a surprisingly good scuba destination. While there is no coast to be found, there are plenty of mountain lakes. They are clear, clean and full of life. You don’t need an ocean to dive – you just need water. Diving in Nepal can be challenging. Mountain lakes can be chilly, and altitude affects pressure and depth gauges. But it is possible, and definitely worth it.
The lakeside town of Pokhara is the centre of the small Nepali dive industry. It’s also home to many other adventure sports operators, including skydiving and paragliding – you could dive into the water, and then take a turn diving from the sky! It is Nepal’s busy second city, and the starting point for treks to Anapurna.
Pokhara is home to many small lakes, caves and ponds. You’ll find dive sites all around the area, many in stunning locations, well away from tourist crowds. Underwater, you’ll find a fascinating, rocky world, schools of fish, freshwater crabs and water snakes. Don’t go expecting to see teeming fish as you would on a reef dive.
Diving in Nepal is as much about exploring the underwater environment as the fish. A Nepal scuba diving trip might sound like an unlikely activity. But it can be done, and offers a unique thrill: getting under the skin of those mysterious looking, calm mountain lakes.
