Swing Time
Bhote Kosi River, Nepal

If you have any fear of heights whatsoever, skip this adventure and just keep moving—there’s nothing for you here. If, however, jumping off a bridge that’s 150m (500 ft.) above a raging river and swinging back and forth across a rocky canyon at speeds approaching 161kmph (100 mph) sounds like a good idea, then have we got an adventure for you! Where the Bhote Kosi river comes surging down from the snow-capped mountains of Tibet, The Last Resort (a travel destination for daredevils and spa lovers alike) has built a 163m-long (544-ft.) steel suspension bridge over a gorge, then added a swing set that’s definitely not for kids.

The Last Resort is located about 3 hours’ drive from Kathmandu, and is perched above a lush river gorge near the Tibetan border. The site was chosen for its stunning natural beauty as well as for its potential as an action-sports center: Bungee jumping, canyoneering, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and mountain biking excursions are all available at the resort. There are also plenty of chances to unwind; massage therapists, sauna treatments, and other relaxing pursuits are available here.

This is the world’s highest swing, and safety is an important goal. Those who dare are strapped into a full body harness and attached to a pair of ropes, each of which is capable of holding 2 tons of weight. Then, you simply walk out onto the jump platform, take one step forward, and let gravity do its stuff. After falling over 90 terror-inducing meters (300 ft.), the swing does something amazing—it smoothly lifts you up, so there’s no jerking sensation. Instead, you’re treated to a high-speed view of the canyon while suspended on a pendulum hundreds of feet above the river.

After several long, graceful swings, you will come to rest at a recovery rope near the bottom. All that’s left to do now is pull yourself to the recovery platform, unstrap yourself from the harness, and sit quietly until the sound of your heart hammering gradually subsides.

The Last Resort ( 977/1/443-9501; www.thelastresort.com.np).
When to Go: Sept–Dec.