Pokhara, located at the base of the Himalayas, has always been a popular destination for thrill seekers. Its breathtaking scenery, network of meandering trekking paths and majestic snowcapped mountains further enhance its appeal.

Beyond its tranquil beauty, this vibrant city also pulses with thrilling energy, offering heart-pounding experiences for those craving more than just a peaceful trek.

Enhancing Pokhara’s reputation as a premier adventure destination is HighGround Adventures, a pioneering force in Nepal’s adventure tourism scene. It has captivated the hearts of more than 150,000 thrill-seekers worldwide, providing a range of activities from the world’s “steepest” zipline to Tower Bungee, SkyScreamer, SkyDiving and ATV Tours—all with a spotless safety record.

“Safety has been our bedrock from day one,” says the company’s leadership, emphasising that it is not just a policy but the foundation of their operations.

Founded by three young entrepreneurs—Abhinav Churiwal, Bharat Golchha, and Sharad Golchha—HighGround Adventures aimed to establish Nepal as a global adventure hotspot. Their vision began to take shape with the launch of ZipFlyer Nepal in 2012.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas in Sarangkot, ZipFlyer Nepal features a 1,850-metre zipline with a 600-metre vertical drop, delivering a thrilling 90-second ride at speeds up to 120 km per hour. National Geographic and Red Bull have lauded it as one of the world’s greatest ziplining experiences, firmly positioning Nepal on the adventure tourism map.

Following this success, HighGround Adventures introduced Nepal’s first Tower Bungee, offering an 80-metre plunge. Building on this momentum, the company expanded its offerings to include the SkyScreamer, a 50-metre tower swing with a 3-second free fall and high-flying swing. And SkyDiving, which provides an unforgettable adventure with stunning views of the Annapurna massif from approximately 14,000 feet.

The ATV adventure, introduced two years ago, features a 10-km trail ride across rugged terrain, appealing particularly to tourists from the UAE and Qatar. “Our clients from the Middle East often admire the diverse landscape here, a stark contrast to their desert environments,” says CEO Dinesh Maharjan, who joined the trio later on the HighGround Adventures’ board.

With the zipline and bungee attractions, HighGround Adventures initially drew around 20,000 visitors between 2014 and 2015 before the Gorkha Earthquake impacted numbers. The count reached its peak in 2019 at almost 25,000, but COVID-19 disrupted it in 2020. However, the enhancement of existing facilities and the introduction of new activities have jacked up the visitor numbers. In the fiscal year 2023-24, the company served about 24,000 thrill-seekers, with international guests accounting for around 60 per cent.

Behind HighGround Adventures’ impressive growth lies its close collaboration with reputable client organisations. “We prioritise our customers’ needs in marketing, public relations and awareness,” Maharjan explains. “We have long-running partnerships with agencies to ensure our guests are directed to the right locations.”

However, it has encountered its fair share of challenges. They are often specific to Nepal’s regulatory landscape, he admits. “Unlike many other countries with streamlined procedures, doing business in Nepal presents its own complexities.”

Compounding the challenge is the fact that each adventure activity venue is located in a different area, with much of the land being privately owned. However, the company’s resilience and innovation continue to shine. “We remain dedicated to creating a positive environment for both residents and visitors,” he says.

By fostering local employment, enhancing community engagement and embracing cutting-edge technology, HighGround Adventures exemplifies the spirit of adventure and dedication that defines Nepal’s ascent as a premier global adventure destination.

The company demonstrates its commitment by maintaining an extensive year-round activity calendar. This includes hosting regular events and training programmes for staff members, ensuring they stay proficient in the latest adventure technologies and techniques.

At present, the company has a total workforce of 52 people, including three staff members in Kathmandu. “More than half of them are local hires,” the company’s top executive says, acknowledging that “reaching this level was challenging initially due to technical issues and safety concerns.”

As it forges ahead, HighGround Adventures promises to elevate the thrill of adventure tourism, blending heart-pounding experiences with an unwavering commitment to safety and community. It is set to usher in a new era of adventure tourism in Nepal, seamlessly blending thrilling experiences with peace of mind.

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