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Summary
Bimalnagar rock climbing site is located away from Kathmandu about 140km southwest in Nepal. It takes about 5hrs drive to reach Bimalganar on the way to Pokhara. It has more than 30 climbing routes from grade 5a to 8a+ including 4-multi-pitch on the natural rock. Some of the climbing routes are with a height of 55m. The routes are bolted for sport climbing with bolted anchors at the top of each route.
Description
Morning shade, with some afternoon sun. Amazing view of the Annapurnas, as well as the river below the cliffs. As for crowds, the only crowds were children watching in awe as we climbed. The area is a bit of a ghost town, left over from its glory days of attracting tourists to a large nearby cave (which is supposed to also be pretty cool).
The rock is sharp, pocketed, mostly low-angle limestone, with a few overhanging routes mixed in. Rock quality seemed pretty good, with several single and multi pitch sport options. All bolted responsibly, with great cement belay areas and stairs. About 10 routes just above the stairs, and a separate section off to the left with a few more (maybe the gems of the area?).
Small town, limited lodging/food options. Cold beer available in the winter or when electricity is working.
More beta is available from Hardcore Nepal Trekking Company (Thamel, Kathmandu), or Adrenaline Rush Whitewater Rafting Company (Lakeside, Pokhara).
Approach
If you are traveling by road between Kathmandu and Pokhara, and want to check this out on the way, it is 59km southeast of Pokhara, or about 140km northwest of Kathmandu. This sounds vague, but there's only one road, so if your bus driver knows where to stop, it's easy to find. The access point is directly across the road from "Helen and Rocky Land," a hotel/restaurant that we do not recommend. Walk 1 minute up the steps to the obvious cliff.
A five-hour bus drive from Kathmandu will take you to this site which is located in the Kathmandu-Pokhara route.
History
The rock was set up in 2006 by mountain guides Prem Gurung and friends in memory of Iman Grung, a mountaineer, instructor and adventurer who lost his life after being buried in an avalanche at Kang Garu in the Nar Phu valley in the Annapurna region. Since then, the rock has been a boon to anyone who is involved in mountaineering or adventure sport.
Its popularity rose in the 2010s after various mountaineering organisations started to train people there while a few also held competitions there.
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