SATV 16 April, Kathmandu: Nepal’s first Baikuntha-Kailash zipline, built with investment from the local government, has officially come into operation.
The adventure zipline, constructed with municipal funding, was launched on Monday, the first day of the Nepali New Year, following successful testing.
Chairperson of Kailash Rural Municipality, Lok Bahadur Moktan, inaugurated the zipline and shared that it was built using the municipality’s own budget. While such projects do not fall strictly under the jurisdiction of local governments according to the Local Government Operation Act, Moktan had proposed that such development projects promoting tourism and environment should be within the sole authority of local governments.
Moktan, also a member of the Executive Committee of the National Association of Rural Municipalities, said the zipline construction was initiated after receiving positive response from the federal government. He added that the municipality is also working on improving roads and other infrastructures to reach Baikuntha.
Municipal Vice Chairperson Raj Kumar Malla said that the zipline holds special importance in promoting tourist destinations and attracting visitors. He expressed confidence that the zipline would help introduce Kailash and Baikuntha to a broader audience. Despite limited income sources, the municipality launched the zipline using its own funds to promote tourism, he added.
Rajendra Ghising, Ward Chairperson of Ward No. 2 of the municipality, said that locals were very happy to see the zipline operating in their own area. He said that people no longer need to travel elsewhere for such experiences and it will also attract incoming tourists.
The zipline runs from the station at Baikuntha Hill in Ward No. 2 of Kailash Rural Municipality to Kailash Hill. Both Baikuntha and Kailash Hill -- after which the municipality is named -- carry historical and religious significance.
Located near the border of Dhading district, Baikuntha has recently drawn interest from both the rural municipality and the provincial government for tourism infrastructure development.
In the first phase, the zipline will be operated by the municipality and once homestays begin operating in the Kailash-Baikuntha area, a management procedure will be established and the operation will be handed over to local residents. The municipality also plans to build a ticket counter, restrooms and a security post to make the area more organised.
Local resident Ghanshyam Ghising was the first to ride the zipline. The 1,200-metre-long zipline connects the two hills - Kailash and Baikuntha. The initial ride fee has been set at Rs. 1,500.
The construction, which includes two stations, a braking system (harness), and cables, was completed following a contract signed with Sandhya Construction Services in January/February 2024, at a total cost of Rs. 8,856,761. The deadline for completion was the second of March 2025.
Kailash Rural Municipality is committed to developing tourism and the environment. Following the launch of the zipline, it has become a destination for zipline enthusiasts from Rorang, Benighat and Gajuri Rural Municipalities in Dhading district, as well as Thaha Municipality, Raksirang and Manahari Rural Municipalities in Makwanpur.
As it borders Dhading, the zipline location is accessible from Benighat, Thaha and Manahari markets -- about 33 kilometres by road.
Meanwhile, a large number of domestic tourists gathered in Baikuntha on the first day of the Nepali New Year 2082. Tourists from Makwanpur, Dhading and Chitwan districts thronged the area.
Located in Kailash-2, the Kailash-Baikuntha area was bustling with tourists drawn by its stunning natural scenery. With panoramic hilltop views, cool climate and tranquil atmosphere, visitors experience a sense of awe and serenity upon arriving here.
Alongside the zipline, a dozen tourism parks have already been constructed in Baikuntha. With its natural beauty, pleasant climate and religious as well as touristic landmarks, Baikuntha in Makwanpur is emerging as a new travel destination.
From Baikuntha, one can view most of Kailash Rural Municipality’s wards, including the historic Bishnu Kunda, caves, and the traditional cultural heritage of the Tamang community, making it a significant site for tourism. The Bagmati Provincial Government, along with the rural municipality, has invested in its tourism development.
