Dhulikhel Zipline is an adventure tourism company that offers a unique and thrilling experience for visitors in Nepal. Located in the scenic town of Dhulikhel, just 35 kilometers from Kathmandu, the company provides a range of zipline activities that allow guests to soar through the air enjoying stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. Founded in 2019, Dhulikhel Zipline is dedicated to bringing new and exciting adventure activities to Nepal in order to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience that combines the natural beauty of the region with the thrill of adventure.
Bhupesh Shrestha, the young and enthusiastic founder of Dhulikhel Zipline is on a mission to redefine adventure and tourism in the country. We spoke to the young entrepreneur and found out more about his plans.
How did you come up with the concept of starting zipline in Nepal?
The idea of starting a zipline in Nepal was inspired by the popularity of ziplines in other countries. Nepal is known for its natural beauty and has always been a hub for tourism. However, there was a dearth of adventure activities that catered to thrill-seekers. Dhulikhel zipline’s aim was to fill that gap and bring a new adventure sport to Nepal. Dhulikhel Zipline is the first company in Nepal that offers the superman zipline experience, which involves ziplining face first and feeling like a superhero flying through the air.
What hurdles did you face while starting the company?
Starting a zipline in Nepal presented several hurdles for the company. Since ziplines were not widely available in the country, the company had to bring in experts from abroad for the construction and training of crew members. Indian engineers and technicians were hired to design and construct the zipline.
How would you describe the zipline experience?
The zipline experience is thrilling and exhilarating. Participants are secured in a harness and hang on to the wire using carabiners and slings with a pulley. They are then launched from a high platform and glide through the air at high speeds. During the ride, one can experience an adrenaline rush and a mix of emotions, including excitement, fear and joy. The wind rushing past, the sound of the cable, and the view of the surroundings add to the excitement of the experience. Overall, ziplining is an excellent way to test your courage and push your limits while enjoying the beautiful scenery around you.
What does Dhulikhel zipline offer its customers?
Dhulikhel zipline currently offers three kinds of zipline experiences: classic zipline, couple zipline, and superman zipline. The classic zipline is the most popular and is suitable for all ages. The couple zipline is designed for couples who want to experience the thrill together, while the superman zipline is the newest addition and allows participants to fly through the air in a superhero-like position.
Thoughts on starting something new in Nepal?
Starting something new in Nepal can be challenging due to certain factors: limited resources, infrastructure, and access to funding. However, there is potential for innovation and growth in many sectors. Unfortunately, many businesses tend to follow or copy existing ideas rather than come up with new ones, which can limit the growth and success of the industry.
What is the future for adventure sports in the entertainment industry?
The future of adventure sports in the entertainment industry looks promising. New companies are entering the market, and new adventure sports are being introduced. However, the Covid pandemic has had a devastating impact on the tourism industry, causing many tourism-related sectors to shut down. Despite this setback, domestic tourism has flourished, giving hope to the industry. The Nepali government is also taking required initiatives to promote adventure tourism by improving infrastructure, introducing new policies, and collaborating with private companies which shows optimism in the growth and revival of the industry.
Does the company intend to expand?
Dhulikhel zipline suffered setbacks due to the Covid pandemic, which impacted the company's expansion plans. However, the company has plans in the pipeline to expand its offerings and reach more customers.
What would you say drives the company and what is the secret of your success?
The company is driven by its mission to provide people with a taste of adventure in a natural setting. Dhulikhel Zipline's success can be attributed to the focus on providing a high-quality adventure experience. We prioritize safety measures and regularly maintain and upgrade equipment to ensure that customers have a fun and safe experience. Additionally, being located just a short distance from Kathmandu makes it easily accessible to tourists and locals alike.
