Something about cable car rides leaves you exhilarated and pumps up your adrenaline to unimaginable levels as well. Also called as aerial tramways or gondolas, cable cars offer you the unique opportunity to experience spectacular sights and sceneries that would otherwise need long hikes through treacherous terrains to be seen. Moreover, when it comes to exciting (and sometimes scaring) their riders, these cable car rides surely take the cake!
CabrioBahn, Switzerland
If traveling up and down a steep mountain on a cable car is not exhilarating enough, try the CabrioBahn aka Cabrio Cable Car in Switzerland. Probably the first cable car ride in the entire world to let its riders enjoy a convertible style ride, the CabrioBahn features an open air upper deck that has room for about 30 riders to stand (the lower deck can seat 60 passengers)and enjoy stupendous views of Mount Stanserhorn and the surrounding regions. Visitors would feel more than excited when chilly wind caresses their bodies. The ride starts at Kalti, which is located at a height of 2332 feet, and ends at the summit station located at a height of 6069 feet.
Tianmen Shan Cable Car, China
Considered to be the longest cable car ride on the planet, the Tianmen Shan Cable Car ride in the Zhangjiajie Resort in China traverses a total of over 7455 meters between the resort’s downtown area and the summit of Tianmen Shan (translating to ‘Heaven’s Gate Mountain’).If that is not enough, the ride starts to climb at an angle of 35 degrees at one junction, really very steep when compared to the maximum climbing angle of 45 degrees.
Passengers are treated to spectacular views of sub-tropical forests, karst caves and sky high peaks as they ascend the mountain. And if that’s not exciting enough, the terrifying image of acrobats wire-walking nearby would most definitely be!
Aiguille du Midicable Cable Car, France
Located in the town of Chamonix in France, the Aiguille du Midicable holds the distinction of being the steepest cable car ride in the entire world. Passengers may board the car at Chamonix and reach the towering Alps in just 20 minutes later. And if you consider the incredible height of 2800 meters covered during this time, you can imagine the angle at which the car would climb.
Passengers are treated to wonderful views of some of the tallest peaks in the European continent as they ascent the summit. A separate lift takes passengers up another 1042 feet to offer a bird’s eye view of the entire region, including the world famous Mont Blanc.
Genting Skyway Cable Car, Malaysia
Here’s another cable car ride with another world class distinction. Touted to be the fastest cable car ride in the world, the Genting Skyway Cable Car ride in Malaysia ferries its passengers to the top of the hill in just over 11 minutes (with a speed of 6 meters per second). Children below 90cm can ride free here.
The thrill of the ride doesn’t stop at the hilltop though. The hilltop houses a wholesome family entertainment resort, complete with a theme park with popular rides like the ‘turbo drop’, ‘express roller’ and ‘sky venture’ etc., and a casino.
Masada Cableway, Israel
The world’s lowest aerial cable car ride would take passengers across the Judean Desert and above an ancient fortress, offering splendid views of the neighboring Dead Sea in between. The ride actually starts at an unbelievable height of 257 meters below sea level, and stops at a height of just 33 meters above sea level. Passengers are also treated to dramatic sunrises and sunsets over the sweeping desert.
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, South Africa
Situated in Cape Town, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is considered to be one of the main tourist attractions in South Africa, and ferries passengers to the summit of the Table Mountain. Running from 1929, the ride has undergone several renovations and upgrades since then. And the most recent (and stellar) upgrade happens to be the stunning circular cabins that actually rotate while ascending the mountain, enabling passengers to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding regions.
Ba Na Cable Car, Vietnam
Considered to be the highest and longest non-stop cable car ride in the entire world, the Ba Na Cable Car ride in the Ba Na- Suoi Mo province travels a total of over 5 kilometers non-stop between the base of the Ba Na Mountain and the summit of the Vong Nguyet Mountain nearby.
The ride also holds the distinction of being the cable car ride with the greatest difference in vertical distance between the start and stop terminals (a staggering difference of more than 4230 feet). The cable car ride is located near the Danang City and offers its riders stupendous views of the surrounding landscape as it traverses between the two mountains.