Zipline comes into operation in Gulmi

By Tilachan Pandey,Tamghas, Dec. 27: Chhatrakot Rural Municipality in Gulmi district has introduced the district's first zipline.  The adventure facility spans 1,080 metres from the Devalaya Temple premises to the Devi Bhagawati Temple, the municipality informed at a press meet on Wednesday. 

The zipline was constructed with a joint investment of Rs. 8.67 million from Lumbini Provincial Government and the rural municipality.  Kathmandu-based Sanu Setidevi Construction Pvt. Ltd. constructed the project, according to the Chief Administrative Officer of Chhatrakot, Rudra Hari Puri.

Chairperson of Chhatrakot, Ram Prasad Pandey, expressed confidence that the zipline would boost local tourism and promote the region.

 “Visitors can enjoy views of the Himalayas, hills, and the Tarai, making it a key attraction for domestic tourists. The area’s picnic and religious sites are expected to draw more visitors who are likely to use the zipline," he said. 

The municipality has set competitive pricing for the zipline to attract more users. Students can ride for Rs. 300, residents of Chhatrakot for Rs. 400, outsiders for Rs. 500, and foreign nationals for Rs. 1,500, said Puri.

While the municipality plans to eventually hand over operations to the private sector, it will manage the zipline in the interim. 

The zipline includes accident insurance coverage of up to Rs. 1 million for riders.

The ride duration in the zipline ranges from 55 to 77 seconds. To ensure safety, two experienced technicians from Nagarkot Zipline Pvt. Ltd. provided a 12-day training to five locals, including three from the area and two municipal police officers.