Pokhara's Phewa-Sarangkot cable car operating from Feb 18

The cable car constructed to connect Sarangkot hill, a tourist spot from the shores of Phewa lake, an important tourist destination in Pokhara, will be operational from February 18.

Tirtha Raj Tripathi, the operator and director of Annapurna Cable Car Pvt. Ltd said that a new 'brand' of tourism has been added in Pokhara which attracts a lot of domestic and foreign tourists.

He said, “Although there was a plan for business operation since the English New Year, it had been delayed due to technical problems. We are now launching the service with its soft launch from February 18.” The company has stated that Sarangkot can be reached in about nine minutes from the shores of Phewa lake as soon as the cable car comes into operation. It now takes about 35 to 45 minutes from Phewa lake to reach Sarangkot by car. The lower station of the cable car is 824 meters above sea level while the upper station is at 1,465 meters.

The cable car station will become a new destination and choice of tourists in Pokhara, which is a hub of natural beauty. It is believed that the new destination will help in prolonging the stay of tourists and attracting more tourists to the city which is famous for its beauty. After the operation of the cable cars, tourists will have the opportunity to reach Sarangkot hill from the bank of the beautiful Phewa lake while seeing the lake and mountains. Sarangkot is famous for its scenic views of mountains, lakes, sunrise, and sunset.

Director Tripathi informed that Rs 2 billion has been invested in the cable car so far. The project has been delayed and the cost has risen due to the ongoing blockade to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The equipment and technology connected to the cable car are highly modern. A Japanese company has designed and developed the technology. The cable car has the investment of reputed businessmen from Pokhara and Kathmandu.

The company has fixed a fare of Rs 700 for Nepalis, Rs 800 for tourists from SAARC countries, and USD 9 for other countries' nationals, said Dinesh Poudel, general manager of the project. There is a 50 percent discount for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. 25 percent has been invested in the project by locals and 75 percent by various entrepreneurs.