What is a Zipline Flight?
A zipline flight is one of the fastest-growing types of adventure tourism. It’s one of the most favorite activities among extreme enthusiasts worldwide, and Armenia is not an exception.
A zipline is a high-speed descent on a taut steel cable, usually stretching from one cliff to another. Ziplines are typically built over canyons, waters, forests and other locations with beautiful aerial views. One can reach a speed ranging from 40 to 100 km/h when flying on a zipline.
History of Ziplining
The first ziplines were built in the Alps, New Zealand, China, and Vietnam, where they were used to quickly and efficiently transport people or goods across canyons. Previously the bridges were replaced by special setups made of taut cables, stainless steel rollers, special blocks and different fastenings and ropes. In some mountainous regions, locals still use such cable systems to transport goods from one point to another.
With the development of modern technologies the need for such systems for transporting goods has disappeared. Instead, they started to be used in the entertainment industry.
Who Can Use a Zipline?
Anyone who meets the following requirements can enjoy ziplining:
- Weight: minimum 30 kg, maximum 130 kg
- Height: 130 cm or taller
- Age: individuals over 18 can fly alone, while children under 12 can fly only with a parent or a guardian present.
In addition, there are restrictions related to the individual’s health condition.
Pregnant women and individuals under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not allowed to fly on a zipline.
People are strongly advised not to fly on a zipline if they have:
- Chronic cardiovascular diseases or lumbar hernias
- Frequent attacks of epilepsy or dizziness
Popular Ziplines in Armenia
Yerevan Zipline Airlines
The Yerevan Zipline flight takes place over the Hrazdan Gorge, offering unforgettable views of the city. It offers two lines. The first line is approximately 870 m long. It starts at a height of 123 m and descends to 87-90 m under the bridge. The second line is shorter. It is 650 m long and 60 m high. One can reach a speed of 120-140 km/h on this type of line. Notably, the Yerevan Zipline Airlines is the only one in the world that offers a flight under a bridge, which takes a little over 1 minute.
Zip Line Tsaghkadzor
Zip Line Tsaghkadzor is located near the Kecharis Monastery complex. It offers a three-stage experience:
- Flight from the starting point – 480 m
- Walking ascent – 150 m
- Return flight to the starting point – 630 m
At its highest point, the zipline reaches a height of 130 m. The entire flight takes about 15-20 minutes.
ZipLine Yenokavan
Yell Extreme Park is located in the village of Yenokavan in the Tavush region. It offers 5 different flight lines ranging from 135 to 750 m in length and 200-300 m in height. Before the flight safety training is held for the participants. It takes 5-10 minutes to walk from one line to another. The total duration of using all the lines is on average 1.5 hours.
Zipline Kapan
The total length of this zipline, consisting of two parts, is 1750 m, the length from one point to the other is 1080 m. This zipline is longer than the one in the Yenokavan (750 m) and the one in Yerevan (almost 870 m). This zipline differs from others in its length and location above the city. It provides the participants an exceptional experience to fly over buildings. The zipline project is the first major investment project in Kapan in 2020.
Tatev Zipline
All the charm and supernatural power of the Syunik Highlands can be enjoyed from the height of the Tatev Zipline. It is located in the Vorotan Gorge near the Devil’s Bridge. This zipline consists of four lines with a total length of 2500 m and a height of 127 m.
