The district of Parbat, rapidly emerging as one of Nepal’s top adventure tourism destinations, has achieved a new milestone with the successful test of the country’s highest and longest highline across the Kaligandaki Gorge.
Record-Breaking Highline Between Kusma and Baglung
The highline connects Kusma Bazaar in Parbat and Balewa in neighboring Baglung district, spanning a length of 408 meters at an altitude of 228 meters. It links The Cliff’s world-famous bungee bridge and The Harness Pvt. Ltd.’s “Superman-style” zipline, marking the first-ever high-altitude and long-distance highline test in Nepal.
According to Raju Karki, Chairperson of The Cliff, this test demonstrates the immense potential of Parbat as an international adventure hub. “This is the first time a highline of such height has been attempted. It opens new doors for the development of adventure tourism in the region,” he said.
Led by Nepali Adventurer Based in Germany
The initiative was led by Shankar Koirala, originally from Hile, Dhankuta, who currently resides in Germany. With 15 years of highlining experience across Europe, Koirala brought his long-cherished vision to life by organizing Nepal’s first extreme highline attempt.
“This project has been in the making for years,” Koirala shared. “Bringing highlining to it’s majestic cliffs was both a dream and a challenge. After years of preparation, it’s finally a reality.” The program, conducted from October 15 to October 18, involved collaboration between The Cliff and the Nepal Slackline Community, blending local expertise with international technical support.
Adventure and Safety Combined
Koirala explained that highlining is a thrilling sport requiring immense mental focus and physical control, performed with safety harnesses and leash systems on lines stretched hundreds of meters above the ground. “While it looks terrifying, strict safety protocols were followed throughout the test,” he noted. “Maintaining balance demands deep concentration, steady breathing, and precise movements.”
The crew included three Nepali and three foreign members, including European instructors and adventure athletes from New Zealand and Germany, highlighting growing international collaboration in Nepal’s adventure tourism sector.
New Era for Adventure Tourism in Nepal
With the monsoon season over, domestic and international tourist arrivals have surged in Parbat. Hundreds of spectators gathered to witness the highline test, drawn by the excitement of it’s newest adventure attraction.
Beyond the highline, Parbat has become a hotspot for ziplining, bungee jumping, sky cycling, swinging, rock climbing, rafting, and mega troll experiences, all centered around The Cliff, one of Nepal’s most recognized adventure hubs. Chairperson Karki expressed optimism that the success of this project will elevate Nepal’s adventure tourism to new heights, attracting thrill-seekers from around the world.
