Would You Brave These Insanely Long Ropeways Around the World? There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when you leave the ground behind. As the world below grows smaller, and the sky above seems closer than ever, you realize you’re part of something extraordinary. Ropeways—also known as cable cars—aren’t just a way to travel. They’re floating windows into the soul of a place, offering an aerial perspective of landscapes most of us only dream about. And when it comes to the longest ropeways in the world, each journey is an unforgettable blend of thrill, wonder, and panoramic beauty.
I’ve always been fascinated by how humans have found ways to connect remote places—through mountains, across rivers, over vast urban sprawls. Some of these ropeways are engineering marvels, while others are spiritual journeys suspended in the sky. Here are some of the most stunning long-distance ropeways I’ve come across in my travels and research.
Tianmen Mountain Cableway, China
Let’s start in Zhangjiajie, China—a landscape that looks like it leaped straight out of a fantasy novel. Here, the Tianmen Mountain Cableway stretches an astonishing 7.5 kilometers from the city center up to the summit of Tianmen Mountain. It’s one of the longest passenger cableways in the world and definitely among the most dramatic.
As the gondola climbs, the views grow wilder and more surreal. You glide over forests, rivers, and sheer cliffs, until you reach the top where the “Heaven’s Gate” awaits—a natural rock arch that feels almost mythic. The entire ride lasts around 30 minutes, and not a second of it is boring. I remember holding my breath as we turned corners above steep ridges, watching the clouds roll beneath us. If you ever find yourself in southern China, this is one ride you don’t want to miss.
Mi Teleférico, Bolivia
Next up is something completely different—a cable car that’s part of daily life. In La Paz, Bolivia, the Mi Teleférico system is the longest urban cable car network in the world, covering over 30 kilometers. It links the high-altitude city of El Alto with La Paz in the valley below, and it’s both practical and breathtaking.
What’s remarkable about Mi Teleférico is how it redefines commuting. Instead of traffic jams, you get crisp Andean air and bird’s-eye views of colorful buildings climbing up steep hills. It’s affordable, fast, and efficient—and a refreshing reminder that public transport can be beautiful. I rode nearly every line in a day, just to experience the diverse faces of the city from above.
Wings of Tatev, Armenia
Now imagine gliding silently over a dramatic gorge, on your way to a 9th-century monastery perched at the edge of a cliff. That’s the experience offered by Wings of Tatev, a 5.7 km cableway in southern Armenia. Recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest non-stop reversible aerial tramway, this journey is a spiritual one in more ways than one.
The ropeway connects the village of Halidzor to the remote Tatev Monastery, and the views are nothing short of divine—rolling hills, deep canyons, and timeless countryside. It’s the kind of place that makes you stop, breathe, and feel small in the best possible way.
Auli Ropeway, India
High up in the Indian Himalayas lies Auli, a ski destination that feels like a hidden gem. The ropeway here connects the town of Joshimath to Auli over a 4-kilometer stretch and offers heart-stirring views of peaks like Nanda Devi and Trishul.
What I loved most about the Auli ropeway wasn’t just the snow-draped scenery, but the sense of serenity. It’s quieter than other mountain resorts, and the cable car feels more intimate. You’re not just watching nature—you’re immersed in it. In the silence of high altitude, the gentle hum of the cable feels almost like a heartbeat.
These ropeways are more than just feats of engineering—they’re elevated experiences, journeys that stir the soul and expand your perspective. Whether it’s gliding through misty Chinese mountains, crossing canyons in Armenia, or commuting above Bolivian rooftops, each ride is a reminder that travel isn’t always about the destination. Sometimes, it’s about seeing the world from a few thousand feet above.
Have you ever taken a ropeway ride that left you speechless? I’d love to hear about it! Drop your favorites in the comments below.
