A suspension bridge stretches across a sheer gorge above the Kaligandaki River. Looking down is enough to make many people uneasy, yet hundreds of visitors make their way to the site every day. The bridge, connecting Balewa in Baglung district with Kushma in Parbat, has become a draw for domestic and international tourists, particularly those seeking adventure.
The main attraction is a bungee jump from a bridge suspended 228 metres above the river. The operator, The Cliff Pvt Ltd, claims it is the world’s second-highest bungee jump. The facility began operating in November 2020, bringing a surge in visitors to Kushma and Balewa.
Alongside bungee jumping, the company has invested in other attractions, including a swing, sky cycling, a resort and a mega-troll ride.
Although the bridge links two districts, more than 90 percent of the infrastructure has been built on the Baglung side. The company has invested more than Rs900 million in the bungee facility and associated structures, said Safal Thapa, a manager at The Cliff.
The expansion of the site has helped attract more visitors. Around 300 domestic and foreign tourists now visit daily, Thapa said.
The facility can accommodate about 50 bungee jumps a day, but the growing number of visitors means some have to wait their turn. Indian and Bangladeshi tourists, along with visitors from various European countries, make up a significant share of those arriving at the site, he said. “Tourists are still coming here to spend their Dashain holidays. Hundreds of people visit every day, keeping the bungee bridge and resort area busy. Many also come to stay overnight at the resort,” Thapa said.
Construction of the bridge began in 2016, and the resort was completed by 2019-20. The suspension bridge is 525 metres long and stands 228 metres above the Kaligandaki River. The company also claims to operate the world’s highest swing.
The attraction appeals to visitors of all ages, from young people to older adults. While some are satisfied after a single jump, others say they want to experience the rush again and again.
Bharat Das, a visitor from southern India returning from a pilgrimage to Muktinath, said he had never seen a bungee jump so high. He spent two days exploring parts of Baglung and Parbat, including the bungee site.
“The jump looks frighteningly high. I was astonished just looking at it and did not dare to jump myself. But watching others leap with such confidence was a thrilling experience,” Das said.
Raju Nagarkoti, who travelled from Boudha in Kathmandu, said the bungee jump near the Kaligandaki River left him exhilarated. He had previously watched photos and videos of people jumping on social media but found the experience different when he tried it himself.
“We came here on our way back from Dhorpatan. I was really scared at first, but once I jumped, it was an incredible feeling. By the time I reached the bottom, the fear had given way to excitement. I want to do it again,” he said.
Nepal Photo Library is a Kathmandu-based news photography agency.
