Tucked below the Dochula Pass on the Thimphu-Punakha highway, the Lamperi Recreational Park is one of Bhutan’s popular natural retreats. Today, it added a new dimension, a zip line, giving visitors the chance to glide through its forested landscape. Developed through a public-private partnership, the zip line is the latest addition to Bhutan’s growing portfolio of nature-based adventure experiences.
Suspended above the trees of one of Bhutan’s ecologically rich parks, the new zip line at Lamperi offers something the park has never had before – a rush of adrenaline framed by forest, mountain mist, and the quiet of Dochula Conservation area.
The 280-metre cable stretches from an elevated platform down through the park’s forested terrain, with each ride lasting approximately 30 seconds.
The Green Bhutan Corporation Limited developed the recreational facility in partnership with Nola Zipline, a private firm.
Karma Jigme Temphel, the CEO of Green Bhutan Corporation Limited said, “A lot of people visit the Lamperi Park and we wanted to try a zip line here. We want the visitors to experience something unique and adventurous.”
The facility was developed with safety as a central design principle. It has a weight limit of 35 to 100 kilogrammes and is open to visitors aged six and above.
Jamyang Tobgay, who is the accountable manager of Nola Zipline said, “We have prioritised safety since the construction began. We carried out detailed calculations. For instance, we assessed how much force will act on the system when a person weighing 100 kilograms rides the zip line while ensuring that lighter riders pass through safely without getting stuck midway.”
Besides, before each ride, trained staff walk every rider through safety procedures and conduct a thorough harness check. Safety equipment and emergency response procedures are also in place to ensure a secure experience.
The project was completed within three months at a cost of Nu 3 M. It is among the three operational zip line attractions in the country.
Lamperi Recreational Park is among Bhutan’s first botanical parks and a popular stopover known for its rich biodiversity, walking trails, and educational nature programs. Now, with a zip line cutting through, the park is not just a place to observe nature, it is becoming a place to feel it.
Deki Lhazom
