A zip line or spelled zip-line, wire, or aerial runway consists of a pulley suspended on a cable, usually made of stainless steel, mounted on a slope. It has been described as a means to travel down quickly with the assistance of gravity. This technique is not limited to recreation, although today, it tends to reflect more to adventure.

Attention, Adrenaline Junkies!

If you are searching for a natural rush from exciting adventures, this one has joined the best ranks. At 1.12 miles long, and 1,968-foot vertical drop! One could travel at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour! Pokhara has much to offer, and this zip-line will surely give you that mind-blowing thrill that lifts you up and away.

Location

The ratings for the top ten Zip-line locations in Nepal are found in both Kathmandu and Pokhara. 

Cost

• Per Person Classic: $35 Descending alone and straight forward in a harness
• Superman: $45 In harness laying face down as in “Superman”
• Per Couple: $60 Sitting next to each other in harness headed straight forward

Please check with your travel agent for ups to date costs. Prices shown here are subject to change without notice.

Safety Restrictions:

• Age Range: The youngest allowed on the zip-line is age 12.
• Children between the ages of 12 to 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian of 18 years or older.
• You must weigh between 77 and 275 pounds: no less or no more.
• Securely closed-toe shoes are a must. NO open toe shoes allowed.
• Before the zip-line adventure sport, no alcohol may be consumed.

Is Zip-Lining dangerous?

You should consider this question as it carries a 12% risk of orthopedic issues such as fractures or injuries. In fact, it’s rated as high for injuries as rock climbing. Researchers at Ohio State University found these injuries require hospitalization. However, on a positive note, it can help people overcome the fear of heights.

The danger is somewhat in your control. Following the rules, suggestions for your safety, and listening to your guide will help prevent injuries. I have spent many hours studying the safety of zip-lines. Although you may want to take selfies to save the memories, please don’t. Zip-lining takes both hands. Most areas for zip-lining have tree platforms for taking photographs of their family or friends.

If you are a person who suffers from the fear of heights, perhaps you should find a different sport. Small bouts of anxiety are usual, but you need to trust that you are harnessed correctly as a zip-liner. You need to feel you are gliding through the air with no possibility of falling. Your only job is to enjoy the crisp wind blowing against you and the feeling of being free…a huge adrenaline rush as you soar through the air!

What is a zip-line used for?

Zip-line is a cable suspended above an incline to which a pulley and harness are attached for a rider. The pitch of a zip-line allows the rider to be pulled by gravity along the line.

How fast are zip lines?

According to a survey by Head Rush Technologies, which sells zip-line equipment, 31 to 40 miles per hour was the most frequent top speed achieved by riders. Many others experienced zip-line rides between 21 and 30 miles per hour and 41 and 50 miles per hour.

What do you wear to go zip-lining?

When zip-lining or if you are on a high ropes course, the harness you will be wearing while zip-lining is worn under your legs and about the waist. It secures you tightly to the line above your head. Shorts that are too short stand a chance to ride up when tightening the harness. It may tend to dig into the skin, so for this reason, we advise that long pants or capris are recommended for zip-lining. Longer shorts are doable for men, but if women wear shorts, they can sometimes experience discomfort during the ride if the harness straps dig into the legs. Women will sometimes wear leggings for extra comfort and movability while zip-lining.

Now, your shoes need to be with careful thought. Zip-lining, as you know, has a point where you come down quickly and may need to run several feet on landing. Plus, there is enough walking and/or hiking involved with the zip-lining tour, safeguarding your feet from harm is crucial. Open toe shoes could create injury to your toes or feet, so they require that only closed-toe shoes be worn. This is not debatable.

Can hats be worn while zip-lining?

While you are zip-lining, you will be wearing a helmet. There would be no room for a hat, so it is not needed. It is suggested that you apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses if you wish.

How can you prepare for zip-lining?

Preparing for your adventure is really nothing more than learning the requirements and knowing a few suggestions zip-line tours agree upon. Here are a few helpful hints:

• Zip-lining with a group of friends always heightens an experience, plus you are likely to receive a discount.
• Pay attention to requirements and tips…like wearing sunscreen. Remember, you are higher in altitude, and sun exposure is more significant than walking down the street.
• Be sure to ask your guide questions before you take off. Listen to their advice.
• Expect to be at the zip-line for several hours.
• Follow the suggestions and requirements regarding clothes and shoes.
• If there are restrictions from where you book reservations, be sure to follow them. The limits are likely regarding shoes, clothing, age, and weight

Learn what you may be required to do if taking a recorder, camera or GoPro, wallets, and/or valuables.

• Pay attention to the weather conditions when visiting an area so far from home. If in cooler times of the year, layer your clothing.
• Visit a travel office or bank and take the currency you feel you may need.
• Consider buying travel insurance. It is worth your peace of mind and usually covers your tickets should the flight must be canceled and your medical with emergency benefits for transporting you home which your regular insurance usually does not pay for.

Please remember where you are going and this is not a time to dress up. If possible tie our hair back so it does not fly loose beyond the helmet, leave your jewelry secured at home or hotel safe, be sure to not take any sharp items or keys with you, and glasses need to be secured. Inquire to see if the GoPro or other similar cameras are available to rent. Ask your guide how best to protect your own if you take it.

The photographs below are 2 examples of secure mounts for your GoPro before Zip-Lining

FYI:

Nepal Advisor

10 questions for Safety of Zipline – Nepal

http://blog.nepaladvisor.com/10-questions-for-safety-of-zip-line-nepal/

Visit Nepal Advisor, as this well-written blog will share their knowledge in detail about the safety of zip-line protocol to protect you.

That’s how it is when you go on a zip-line tour, bungee jump, or go paragliding, but these sports are 100 times better! Go ahead and try it and know it will be so much better from the top of the mountain!

Can you zip-line with a heart condition?

If you are an adrenaline junkie striving from one fix to another, please do not attempt extreme sports adventures if you have heart disease, as it could be too much for you.

Last Tip For Now:

Many may wonder, is it proper to tip a tour guide? You may be thinking, after all, you had paid the asking price, right? But realize, when dining out, you pay the menu price too. But, if you feel your service was exceptional, you likely leave a tip based on the service which conveys to the server.  The same applies to a tour guide. When researching this question, the tip varies on many points, but it’s customary to leave $20. For zip-line per person. But if in a group of say, 4, or a family of 4 or more, then $50. Is fine. Too steep? Then follow your own rule, and tip your guide based on what you feel you would be worth, doing exactly as your guide had just done for you. Leave nothing if you feel it is not earned. Personally, I do not like being told I have to tip or how much. It is a personal choice so do what you feel is right!