Kalu Gurung

Chairman

Annapurna Cable Car 

How did the dream of Annapurna Cable Car come about? What inspired you to bring this project to life?

The dream of Annapurna Cable Car began with the idea of enhancing access to Sarangkot, a well-known tourism spot in Nepal, famous for its breathtaking sunrise and sunset views. My partner, a Japanese tourism entrepreneur, envisioned creating a way for visitors to reach the peak more conveniently and enjoyably. He imagined a cable car that would connect the heart of the city directly to Sarangkot's peak. Together, with a talented team, we worked to make this vision a reality. Now, after its successful completion and operation, we're excited to invite citizens to invest in this project. We're ready for our IPO and currently awaiting approval.

What are the key elements that make this project sustainable and appealing to visitors?

We've designed Annapurna Cable Car to offer a unique blend of tourism and spiritual experiences. At the peak, visitors can enjoy not only the scenic beauty but also a religious journey. We've completed the Shiva Mandir, and we're in the final stages of constructing the Panchamukhi Ganesh Mandir the first of its kind in Nepal. Standing at 48 feet, this unique and striking Ganesh Murti will be a major attraction. Recently, we've begun the construction of a monastery and a massive statue of Guru Rimpoche at the peak, which will undoubtedly attract the Tibetan and Buddhist communities. This addition will further enhance the spiritual significance of the location and draw more visitors from these communities, adding to the cultural and religious appeal of the Annapurna Cable Car experience. It's a scenic viewpoint and also features several spiritual touchpoints on the same peak. This combination makes Annapurna Cable Car a truly one-of-a-kind project in Gandaki Pradesh.

How did you go about selecting the technology for Annapurna Cable Car?

Since Annapurna Cable Car is a long-term project intended to serve generations, our top priority was choosing the best technology and most reliable brands. We sourced our equipment from Doppelmayr, the world's leading cable car manufacturer based in Europe, known for their quality and durability. The construction was led by Nippon Cable, a renowned Japanese construction company. This combination of European technology and Japanese expertise provided a strong foundation for the project, ensuring its safety, quality, and longevity.

How can people benefit financially by investing in the IPO of this project?

Annapurna Cable Car presents a unique investment opportunity. Unlike many other cable car projects, we own all the land associated with the project, including the land in the Right of Way (ROW). This means there are no lease agreements or restrictions, allowing for unlimited years of returns. We are already generating operating profits, and with the steady growth in tourism, we expect a continued increase in visitor numbers, ensuring long-term stability.

Furthermore, the commercial value of the land has already appreciated, which will continue to rise, adding another layer of long-term financial benefit. However, our decision to go public is driven by a desire to create new ventures, expand our group, and invite the public to invest. We aim to build a large community of investors, enabling us to embark on more viable and impactful projects in the future.

What should the government do to further flourish tourism in Pokhara?

To truly flourish, tourism in Pokhara requires a few key steps from the government. First and foremost, the international airport needs to be fully operational to support increased traffic. Additionally, the highway connecting Kathmandu to Pokhara should be completed as soon as possible to improve accessibility. The government should also take responsibility for building and managing essential infrastructure to meet the basic needs of tourists. While private investors like us have already made significant investments in enhancing luxury accommodations and attractions, the government's role in ensuring foundational infrastructure is crucial. With Nepal's incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and heritage, we already have a strong foundation. What's needed now is the government's continued support in creating an environment where both international and domestic tourists can easily access and enjoy all that Pokhara has to offer.