Nagarkot Zipline: A Thrilling Experience

Nagarkot Hill in Bhaktapur district is on the list of domestic and foreign tourists visiting the Kathmandu Valley. As you stand atop the hill, the crisp mountain air rushes past, making you suddenly realise that you have left behind the chaotic city life, polluted air, and incessant ranting of people and vehicles. If you turn to the north, mighty Himalayas form a crescent as a half rim of a bowl. It's like a landscape painting on a canvas where wave-like hills crisscross the view while the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas silently gaze at you without any object, barring the rapport between you two. If you turn to the southwest, you see the endlessly stretched Kathmandu Valley.

Nagarkot is not just an adventure; it's a feeling and a dream. To decorate your feelings and marvel at new experiences and thrills, Nepal's longest zipline is ready to welcome you. With an incredible stretch of 1.95 km, Nagarkot Zipline is prepared to offer adventure seekers a unique, thrilling experience worldwide.

With nearly Rs. 500 million in investment, Nagarkot Zipline Pvt. Ltd. has constructed this record-breaking adventure, marking a significant milestone in Nepal's adventure tourism industry. The new adventure product has been launched, targeting adventure seekers of the Kathmandu Valley and visiting tourists. It's also a world-class adventure experience in the historic Changu Narayan region, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The zipline spans the scenic landscapes of Changunarayan Municipality's Ward No. 6 and 7. Unlike any other zipline in Nepal, this one offers breathtaking speed and an immersive encounter with nature. Riders can choose between different styles, including the 'Classic' and the adrenaline-pumping 'Superman,' where participants soar headfirst like a superhero slicing through the sky. The 'Rider' can carry a camera in one hand in front of their face while the other is fixed to a buckle near the waist to create a 'Superman'-like' 'position and feeling.

As you glide above the lush green pine forest and deep gorge of Muhanpokhari, don't forget to turn your head to the side to have a breathtaking view of the coniferous forest with tall pines in the north and terraced farms, villages, and the Kathmandu Valley in the south.

For Nepali citizens, this unforgettable experience costs Rs. 5,500 per person, while international visitors can enjoy the thrill for US$ 50. They will be able to film their zip flying and obtain video. The company is also gearing up to introduce a 'Couple Superman Zipline,' allowing two people to zip together simultaneously for an even more thrilling experience.

Behind this groundbreaking project stands Kedar Thapa, a pioneering figure in Nepal's adventure tourism industry who launched a zipline in Dhulikhel of Kavre in 2019. His journey into this field wasn't conventional; it was fuelled by curiosity, hard work, and an unwavering dream.

Thapa's fascination with adventure tourism began years ago when he witnessed the construction of The Last Resort's bungee jumping site in Bhote Koshi. As a young boy, he watched with fascination as foreign workers constructed Nepal's first bungee jumping facility. Instead of being a passive observer, he joined their team, assisting however he could. Through this experience, a fire was ignited within him, eventually making him a trailblazer in Nepal's adventure tourism sector.

Determined to carve his path, Thapa spent years studying international adventure tourism trends. During his travels to Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, he was particularly inspired by the ziplining experiences offered there. "Considering Nepal's rich topography and tourism potential, I envisioned bringing a world-class ziplining experience to my homeland," he shared. His first success came with the Dhulikhel Zipline, a shorter but immensely popular attraction. Encouraged by the overwhelming response, he set his sights on an even grander project—the Nagarkot Zipline.

With Nepal's tourism sector steadily recovering from the setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic, adventure tourism has emerged as a promising avenue for growth. Attractions like the Nagarkot Zipline enhance Nepal's appeal as a premier destination for thrill-seekers, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the local economy.

The demand for adventure sports such as bungee jumping, sky cycling, and ziplines has surged recently. While most of these attractions primarily cater to domestic tourists, Thapa and his team are confident that the 'Superman' zipline will also draw international visitors. The goal is to position Nagarkot as a world-class adventure tourism hub, attracting thrill-seekers from across the globe.

Thapa said that safety remains a top priority, as thrilling as ziplining may be. "We adhere to stringent international safety standards, ensuring a secure experience for every participant. Each rider is secured with three safety harnesses, and the zipline system is regularly inspected to maintain the highest safety levels," he maintained.

In the rare event of a mid-ride stoppage, dedicated rescue teams stationed at both the launch and landing sites are ready to assist immediately. Additionally, every participant is insured for Rs. 1 million, offering peace of mind while enjoying the adventure. One of the remarkable elements of this zipline ride is the friendly behaviour and smiling faces of the technicians.

For Thapa, Nagarkot Zipline is not just a project; it's a vision for the future. Thapa and Prem Bahadur Basnet are already planning expansions, with more adventure tourism products in the pipeline. Both are partners of Prem Durbar Hotel. With Nepal's natural landscapes providing the perfect canvas for thrilling experiences, the growth potential is boundless, said Thapa.

The journey that started with a young boy watching bungee jumping construction in Bhote Koshi has now led to Nepal's longest zipline in Nagarkot. It is a testament to the power of dreams, perseverance, and the belief that Nepal can lead adventure tourism.

Meanwhile, Prem Durbar Hotel has been brought into operation at the venue to provide a complete package of thrill and comfort for the tourists. This hotel is designed to complement the zipline experience.

Basnet, who once worked in the Gulf, returned to Nepal with a vision—combining agro-tourism with adventure. The hotel provides deluxe and standard accommodations and features organic vegetable farms, poultry farms, and goat farms, offering visitors a unique blend of adventure and agritourism. Guests can also enjoy campfire nights and picnic facilities, making their stay an unforgettable escape from the ordinary.

The hotel is also offering catering and picnic management. As it has enough space, Prem Durbar serves too many picnic groups each season. Tourists can also enjoy hiking from the hotel or zipline station to Nagarkot, Changunarayan, or walking to and from Bojini Dam, about a kilometre away. Green pine trees and the blue water of the dam mesmerise the visitors. There is also a picnic spot near the dam.

(The author is a journalist at The Rising Nepal.)