Andorra inaugurates the second longest Tibetan bridge in the world
United Nations tibetan bridge It is a minimalist structure, also called a suspended walkway, which hangs on two ends and where the person who crosses it seems to be floating on the air. That, yes, is not suitable for everyone who suffers or may suffer a vertigo attack. From this week the second longest bridge of these characteristics in the world shines in the Andorran Pyrenees, specifically in Canillo. On Thursday it was opened to the public for free but from Saturday it will be forced to go through the box office.
The so-called Tibetan bridges hang from two ends. These types of techniques are used to overcome geographical barriers, initially in Tibet, hence its name that, in any other way, were impossible to overcome. Over time, Tibetan bridges were integrated into adventure parks and grew to defy gravity alongside zip lines.
The andorra tibetan bridge not seek the challenge with gravity but simply enjoy a ride to 1,875 meters of altitude to cross on foot the 603 meters of the structure; twice as much if the usual route is followed, round trip, from the starting point to the other end of the metal structure, with security measures and which, logically, will remain closed to the public when the force of the wind creates a danger.
On the first day of the world premiere, they walked 800 people and the Comú (city council) of Canillo, promoter of the idea, considers that between now and November, when the Andorran meadows change their color from green to white, they will have 75,000 visitors. The calculations stipulate that on the best days of August some 165 people can cross the bridge every hour, although the platform is prepared to receive 600 visitors simultaneously.
After the trial period of these first days, the ticket will cost 12 euros. (www.ponttibetacanillo.com). You cannot go directly by car but take a bus (included in the price) that will depart from the Palau de Gel de Andorra, also in Canillo, to go up to the access track to the construction through the mountain road, very traveled by cyclists, which leads to Ordino. The path from the road to the bridge is another 900 meters of walking. This summer, too, the famous viewpoint of Roc de Quer, close to the new bridge, until now with free access, will now be paid, at a rate of 5 euros per person.
The Canillo Tibetan Bridge With its 603 meters it thus becomes the second longest in the world, only surpassed by the Sky Bridge of the Czech Republic, of 721 meters. The third is the Gandaki Golden Footbridge in Nepal, at 561 meters, followed by the Arouca Bridge, at 516 meters, in Portugal.
The work has involved an investment of €4.6 million. “Outside the ski season, we look for outdoor leisure alternatives to balance the winter balance. Thus, the Pont Tibetà will serve to extend the tourist offer and thus seek alternatives so that Canillo is much more attractive to tourists due to its contact with nature”, explains this newspaper Francis Campcommon (mayor) of Canillo.
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“Besides,” he adds camps– climate change will probably mean that the winter season will have to be shortened more and more, which forces us to bet on other tourist attractions”.
Neither cars, nor any vehicle, bikes includedwill be able to pass over the bridge, although there will be a small rest area so that those who do not dare with gravity can rest while contemplating the challenge of family and friends. It is only one meter wide to give the impression that while walking it is flying over him river valley, with the water, and not exactly to the neck, 158 meters below. In this way, the Pont Tibetà will become one of the main tourist attractions in the small Pyrenean country starting this weekend.