Nepal has become a genuine bucket-list destination for bungee jumpers. Two sites dominate that reputation: The Last Resort and Kushma. Choosing between The Last Resort vs Kushma bungee jumping comes down to height, location, and the overall adventure package each site offers.
Both deliver a serious adrenaline rush, yet the experiences differ in several important ways. This guide breaks down everything you need to know before booking your jump.
A Quick Overview of Both Sites
Before comparing details, here’s the big picture. The Last Resort, located in Sindhupalchowk district near the Tibet border, holds the title of Nepal’s original bungee site. It opened in 1999 and remains the country’s most iconic jump.
Kushma, meanwhile, sits in Parbat district near Pokhara and opened much more recently, on October 31, 2020. Despite being newer, it quickly claimed the title of the world’s second-highest bungee jump, along with the world’s highest canyon swing.
Both sites operate under strict international safety standards, though their settings, heights, and surrounding activities differ considerably.
Height Comparison: Kushma Takes the Crown
Height matters enormously for bungee enthusiasts, and this is where the two sites diverge most clearly. The Last Resort’s jump measures 160 meters, performed from a 166-meter suspension bridge above the Bhote Koshi River.
Kushma, on the other hand, reaches an impressive 228 meters, making it significantly taller. That extra 68 meters translates into a noticeably longer freefall. At The Last Resort, the plunge lasts roughly 4 to 5 seconds. At Kushma, the bungee freefall runs about 4.5 seconds, while the canyon swing extends the sensation even further, lasting 7 to 8.5 seconds.
Consequently, if raw height and freefall duration matter most to you, Kushma clearly wins this category. It currently ranks as the world’s second-highest bungee jump, trailing only Macau Tower in China.
Location and Scenery: Two Very Different Landscapes
Beyond height, the surrounding scenery creates a completely different atmosphere at each site. The Last Resort sits above the Bhote Koshi River gorge, just 12 kilometers from the Tibet border. Dense tropical forest, steep cliffs, and the roaring river below create a dramatic, jungle-like setting.
Kushma, by contrast, overlooks the Kali Gandaki River, one of the world’s deepest gorges, connecting Parbat and Baglung districts. The suspension bridge itself spans between 520 and 567 meters, with some operators claiming it as the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world. Here, the landscape feels more open, with dramatic canyon walls framing the drop.
Both settings offer genuinely spectacular views. However, travelers drawn to dense forest and river rapids may prefer The Last Resort, while those wanting a vast open gorge experience will likely favor Kushma.
Distance and Travel Time From Major Cities
Accessibility often influences the final decision, especially for travelers with limited time. The Last Resort sits roughly 100 kilometers from Kathmandu along the Araniko Highway, taking about 3 to 5 hours by road depending on traffic and conditions.
Kushma sits much farther from Kathmandu, at approximately 262 kilometers, making a direct trip from the capital a longer undertaking. However, Kushma sits conveniently close to Pokhara, just 60 to 65 kilometers away, reachable in roughly 2 to 3 hours by road.
Consequently, your starting point matters considerably here. If you’re based in Kathmandu, The Last Resort offers a far more convenient day-trip option. If you’re already in Pokhara, perhaps combining your visit with Annapurna region trekking, Kushma becomes the more practical choice, especially since it sits close to Nayapul, the starting point for treks like Ghorepani Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp.
Swing Options: Kushma’s Extra Claim to Fame
If bungee jumping alone doesn’t sound thrilling enough, both sites offer giant swing experiences too. The Last Resort includes a giant swing among its adventure activities, alongside canyoning and white-water rafting.
Kushma, however, takes the swing experience to another level. Its canyon swing operates from the same 228-meter height as the bungee jump, officially claimed as the world’s highest canyon swing. Previously, the Nevis Swing in Queenstown, New Zealand held that title at 134 meters, meaning Kushma surpassed it by a considerable margin.
Additionally, Kushma offers a tandem swing option, letting couples or friends jump together. Beyond swinging, The Cliff Nepal, which operates the Kushma site, also runs sky cycling and sky gliding activities from the same bridge, adding even more adrenaline options to a single visit.
Pricing: What Should You Budget?
Pricing at both sites varies by nationality, package, and any add-ons like photos or videos. At The Last Resort, a first jump typically costs a few thousand Nepali rupees for domestic visitors, with discounted rates for a second jump the same day. Foreign visitor pricing generally runs higher, so it’s worth confirming current rates directly with the operator before your visit.
At Kushma, bungee jumping typically costs between NPR 7,000 and 8,500 for Nepali citizens, while foreign visitors generally pay in the range of $70 to $100 USD. Repeat jumps on the same day often come at a reduced rate, sometimes with a fourth jump offered free. Tandem swing packages, meanwhile, typically cost more than a solo swing, given the shared experience.
Because pricing structures change periodically, always confirm current rates directly with each operator before booking, ideally close to your travel date.
Safety Standards at Both Sites
Fortunately, safety standards remain consistently high across both locations. The Last Resort’s bridge was engineered to Swiss 4x safety standards, with a loading capacity of roughly 41,500 kilograms, and remains the only privately owned bridge in Nepal built specifically for bungee jumping.
Kushma, operated by The Cliff Nepal Pvt. Ltd., maintains an excellent safety record since opening in 2020. Both sites employ trained jump masters, conduct thorough safety briefings, and enforce strict weight and age requirements before allowing anyone to jump.
Generally, both locations require a minimum weight around 38 to 45 kilograms and a maximum between 98 and 110 kilograms for solo jumps, though exact limits vary slightly by activity and operator. Minimum age requirements also differ somewhat, so check current requirements directly with your chosen site.
Overnight Stays and Full Adventure Packages
Beyond the jump itself, both sites function as complete adventure destinations rather than single-activity stops. The Last Resort operates as a proper resort, with accommodation, dining, and additional activities like canyoning and rafting built into the overall experience. Most visitors combine their bungee jump with an overnight stay, turning the trip into a fuller adventure getaway.
Kushma similarly offers deluxe and standard tent accommodations through The Cliff Resort, along with dinner and breakfast packages. Because of its proximity to Pokhara, though, many visitors treat Kushma as a day trip rather than an overnight stay, returning to Pokhara’s hotels and restaurants the same evening.
Which Site Suits Which Traveler?
Ultimately, your choice depends on what you’re prioritizing. If height and freefall duration matter most, Kushma’s 228-meter jump and extended swing experience clearly outperform The Last Resort’s 160-meter drop.
If convenience from Kathmandu matters more, The Last Resort’s shorter travel time makes it the easier choice for a quick adventure day trip or weekend getaway from the capital.
Meanwhile, if you’re already exploring the Annapurna region or based in Pokhara, Kushma’s proximity to major trekking routes makes it a natural addition to your itinerary. Its combination of sky cycling, sky gliding, and the world’s highest canyon swing also appeals to travelers chasing multiple adrenaline activities in one location.
Finally, consider seasonal timing. The Last Resort typically pauses operations during the heaviest monsoon rains, roughly mid-June through August, or during maintenance periods. Kushma’s schedule can shift similarly during extreme weather, so checking current operating status before traveling to either site remains essential.
Final Thoughts on The Last Resort vs. Kushma Bungee Jumping
Ultimately, both The Last Resort and Kushma deliver world-class bungee experiences, just with different strengths. The Last Resort offers history, convenience from Kathmandu, and a dramatic jungle gorge setting. Kushma counters with greater height, a longer freefall, and the added thrill of the world’s highest canyon swing.
Whichever you choose, both sites uphold serious safety standards and promise an unforgettable rush. So, whether you’re drawn to Nepal’s original bungee legacy or its record-breaking newcomer, you’re guaranteed one of the most thrilling adventures the country has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is higher, The Last Resort or Kushma bungee jump?
Kushma is significantly higher, at 228 meters, compared to The Last Resort’s 160-meter jump. Kushma currently ranks as the world’s second-highest bungee jump.
Which bungee site is closer to Kathmandu?
The Last Resort is closer to Kathmandu, roughly 100 kilometers away via the Araniko Highway, taking about 3 to 5 hours by road.
Is Kushma bungee jumping suitable for a day trip from Pokhara?
Yes, Kushma sits about 60 to 65 kilometers from Pokhara, reachable in 2 to 3 hours, making it an easy day trip for travelers based there.
Does The Last Resort offer a swing as well as bungee jumping?
Yes, The Last Resort offers a giant swing alongside its bungee jump, plus additional activities like canyoning and white-water rafting.
Which site has the world’s highest swing?
Kushma holds the title for the world’s highest canyon swing, operating from the same 228-meter height as its bungee jump.
Which bungee jump in Nepal opened first?
The Last Resort opened first, in 1999, making it Nepal’s original and longest-running bungee jumping site. Kushma opened later, in October 2020.
