The World’s 100 Best Cable Cars & Mountain Railways

A historic mountain train line running about 20 kilometres from Flåm on the fjord up to Myrdal. Riders see steep valleys, waterfalls and long stretches of tunnel, with a stop at Kjosfossen waterfall.

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Aerial cable car line climbing from Engelberg to the Titlis summit station, with a rotating cabin on the final stage. Riders see glaciers, snow-covered peaks and Lake Trübsee, and at the top find a suspension bridge, an ice cave and viewing terraces.

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Cogwheel railway and gondola line from Grindelwald Terminal or Lauterbrunnen to Jungfraujoch station. Riders pass Eigergletscher, a tunnel stretch and snow-capped peaks, then reach the summit with the Ice Palace, Sphinx observatory and viewing terraces.

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Cable car from Barinitas base station up to Pico Espejo, with five stations along the route. Riders see the city of Mérida, Sierra Nevada peaks and páramo landscape, and find restaurants, a zip line and walking paths at the stations.

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A mountain railway combining a historic funicular from Stans with the open-top CabriO cable car up the Stanserhorn. Riders see lakes and Alpine mountains from the cabin roof, and the summit has a restaurant, a shop and hiking paths.

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Two-stage cable car from Chamonix town up to the Aiguille du Midi summit at 3,842 metres, with an intermediate station at Plan de l'Aiguille. Riders see Mont Blanc, the Vallée Blanche and the glaciers, and at the top find viewing terraces, a glass box over the drop and a cafe.

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Rack railway climbing from Zermatt to Gornergrat in the Monte Rosa massif. Riders watch the Matterhorn, Gorner Glacier and surrounding peaks from the windows, and find a restaurant, shops and a viewpoint at the 3,089 m summit.

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Two-stage cable car running from Urca up to Morro da Urca and on to Sugarloaf Mountain. Riders see the city, the sea, the river and Christ the Redeemer, and find restaurants, shops and exhibits at the top.

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Cable car line running from the Sun World Fansipan Legend station near Sa Pa up toward the Fansipan summit. Riders look down on rice terraces and valleys, pass through clouds, and find temples and statues at the top.

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Short gondola line running up Mount Noja from a lower station near Geoje Natural Recreation Forest to the upper Yunseul Station. Riders see the sea, islands and villages on the way, and the top has an observatory, a cafe and a viewpoint.

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Cable car over the sea from Sunset Town in An Thoi to Hon Thom island, about 8 km long. Riders see the islands, sea and fishing villages below, then find a water park and beach at the top.

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A cable car line running from Mokpo North Port to Gohado Island, with a stop at Yudalsan Mountain. Riders see downtown Mokpo, Mokpo Bridge and the sea, and the Gohado Observatory at the top offers views over the water.

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A two-stage rotating cable car climbs from Courmayeur to Punta Helbronner at 3,466 metres, with a stop at the Pavillon. Riders face Mont Blanc, its glaciers and surrounding peaks, and the top has terraces, a bistro and a Feltrinelli bookshop.

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A cable car from Passo Pordoi up to the Sass Pordoi terrace at 2,950 metres. Riders see the Marmolada, Sassolungo and Sella massif, and find a 360-degree panorama, a refuge and hiking trails at the top.

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Cable car and gondola route from Zermatt via Trockener Steg to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, a station near 3,883 metres. Riders see the Matterhorn, four-thousand-metre peaks and glaciers, and find a 360-degree platform, an ice palace and a restaurant at the top.

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A combined cogwheel train and gondola line running from Eibsee and Garmisch-Partenkirchen up to the Zugspitze summit. Riders pass forest, a mountain stream and a single support tower, then find panoramic views, a summit cross and a chapel at the top.

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Rotating cable car running from the lower station at the foot of Table Mountain to its summit above Cape Town. Riders see the city, coastline and surrounding mountains on the way, and the top holds walking trails, viewpoints, restaurants and shops.

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Three-cable gondola running from Grindelwald Terminal up to Eigergletscher station on the Eiger Glacier. Riders get wide mountain views from the panoramic cabins, and at the top find the glacier ski area and the rail link to Jungfraujoch.

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A cable car that crosses the sea from Samcheonpo to Choyangdo island and climbs Gaksan Mountain before returning to the starting station. Riders see the Namhae sea, islands and the Samcheonpo Bridge on the way, and at the top find the Gaksan Observatory.

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Cable car line running from Jounieh Bay on the coast up to Harissa on the mountain. Riders see the city, the Mediterranean and the surrounding mountains on the way, and at the top find the Our Lady of Lebanon statue and a terrace restaurant.

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Steep cable car that runs from the fjord at Loen up to the summit of Mount Hoven, about five minutes each way. Riders see the Nordfjord, surrounding mountains and glaciers on the climb, and the top offers viewing platforms, walking trails, a restaurant, a café and a shop.

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A steep funicular runs from Handeck up to Lake Gelmer, a reservoir above the Grimsel region. Riders watch the mountain slopes, glacier views and green water, then find a dam and a circular lake path at the top.

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A vintage narrow-gauge mountain train that climbs from a cable car station at Lake Fabrèges to the Artouste reservoir, about 10 km in roughly 55 minutes. Riders see cliffs, the Soussouéou valley and marmots along the route, then walk to the lake and dam at the top.

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Cable car line running from the Dub lower station near Kotor up to the Kuk top station on Mount Lovćen, taking about 10 minutes each way. Riders see the Bay of Kotor, the Old Town and moored cruise ships on the way, then find cafés, viewpoints and rides at the top.

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A cable car and cogwheel railway up Mount Pilatus from Kriens, with a change of cabins at Fräkmüntegg. Riders see Lake Lucerne, the Alps and meadows on the way, and find viewing platforms, hiking trails and restaurants at the summit.

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Gondola cable car climbing from the Gulmarg boarding station up to the Kongdoori Valley, with a second phase beyond. Riders see pine forests and snow-capped Himalayan peaks, and find snow activities and food stalls at the top.

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Set of three rides in Katoomba: the Scenic Railway runs down a steep incline into the Jamison Valley, the Scenic Cableway gondola climbs back up, and the Scenic Skyway crosses the valley. Riders see the Three Sisters, cliffs, waterfalls and rainforest, and the site has a rainforest boardwalk with dinosaur figures, a cafe and a gift shop.

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Steep cable car running up Gunung Machinchang from the base station to the top station, about 15 minutes. Riders see rainforest, islands and the Andaman Sea, and the top has the SkyBridge and Eagle's Nest.

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Cogwheel mountain railway climbing from Brienz to the Rothorn summit, with a stop at Planalp. Riders see Lake Brienz, meadows and forest on the way, and find a viewpoint, a restaurant and Jungfrau views at the top.

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A cable car climbing from Bursa city toward Uludağ mountain, with the upper section often closed. Riders see the city, forests and mountains on the way, and find restaurants, shops and picnic areas at the stops.

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Cable car up the Teide volcano in Tenerife, from the Teide National Park station to the upper station near the summit, about eight minutes. Riders see the caldera and island views, and the top has viewpoints, a cafe and a gift shop.

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Funicular and cable car line running from Innsbruck's city centre up the Nordkette mountains to the Top of Innsbruck station. Riders see the city, the Inn River and the Karwendel range from the cabins and at the summit, where hiking paths and cafés wait.

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Cable car from the Col du Pillon pass, climbing from 1,500 to 3,000 meters. Riders see mountain and valley views on the way, and at the top find the Peak Walk suspension bridge, a glacier walk, restaurants and a toboggan run.

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Three-stage cable car and gondola line from Stechelberg via Mürren and Birg up to Piz Gloria at the Schilthorn summit. Riders see the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, and find a revolving restaurant, James Bond exhibition and Thrill Walk at the top.

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Three-stage gondola and chairlift line from Medeu valley up to Talgar Pass, about 3,200 metres. Riders see green valleys, peaks and glaciers on the way, and find cafés, restaurants and a prayer room at the stations and summit.

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Gondola line linking Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, crossing a deep valley on the longest unsupported span. Riders see snow-capped peaks, forest and the valley below, and at the top find a suspension bridge, a restaurant and hiking trails.

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A cable car from Passo Falzarego up to the Lagazuoi refuge at about 2,700 metres in the Dolomites. Riders see open views of the Tofane, Cinque Torri and Marmolada, and at the top find a terrace, a mountain hut and trails to the summit.

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A cable car line runs from a base station near Banff town up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Riders see the town, Bow River and Rocky Mountain peaks, and the top has a boardwalk, restaurants and exhibits.

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A chairlift climbs Cerro Campanario above Bariloche, a ride of about eight minutes. Riders see the city, surrounding lakes and forested mountains, and at the top find several viewpoints, two cafés and restrooms.

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Gondola line from the Grindelwald valley station up to First, with stops at Bort and Schreckfeld on the way. Riders see green slopes, livestock and the Eiger North Face, then find the Cliff Walk, activities and restaurants at the top.

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Free gondola linking the town of Telluride with Mountain Village, with a stop at San Sophia Station along the way. Riders see the San Juan peaks, aspen forests and views over the town, and find hiking trails and restaurants at the stations.

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Mountain cog railway climbing from Manitou Springs to the summit of Pikes Peak. Riders see mountains, valleys, lakes and wildlife on the way, then find a visitor center, cafe and gift shop at the top.

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Cable car line running from the Ordu city center up to the Boztepe hill above the city. Riders look down over hazelnut orchards and the coastline, and at the top find viewing terraces, cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops.

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A cable car running about 20 minutes up from the valley station near Galala City to a mountain station at roughly 600 metres. Riders see mountains, the Red Sea and the valley below, and at the top find a café, a promenade and lookout points.

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A steam and diesel cog railway climbing Mount Washington from the base station to the summit, about 45 minutes each way. Riders watch forest thin into wind-bent krummholz and alpine meadow, then find a visitor center, museum, cafe and gift shop at the top.

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Cable car running from Dragon Plaza to Dragon Castle at the summit of Balwangsan in Pyeongchang. Riders pass over forested ridges and reach the Skywalk and Millennium Yew Forest at the top.

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A funicular from Schwyz up to the car-free village of Stoos, with a 110% gradient and cabins that stay upright. Riders see the Muotathal valley and Lake Lucerne on the way up, and the top offers hiking trails and a chairlift to Fronalpstock.

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A cable car running from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, taking about 25 minutes. Riders see mountains, the sea, Hong Kong International Airport and the bridge to Macau, then reach Ngong Ping Village, Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.

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Gondola line running from the Awana transport hub near Genting Premium Outlets up to the Genting Highlands resort. Riders watch rainforest, misty mountains and valleys below, then reach a theme park, casino and hotels at the top.

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Narrow gauge rack railway running from Diakopto up to Kalavryta through the Vouraikos Gorge. Riders see gorge walls, streams, waterfalls and tunnels on the climb, then find Kalavryta town at the top.

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Gondola line between Smithfield and Kuranda, near Cairns, across the rainforest canopy. Riders pass above treetops and stop at Red Peak and Barron Falls boardwalks, then reach Kuranda village.

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Cable car running from the Tahtalı base near Beldibi up to Mount Tahtalı summit at 2,365 metres, taking ten to fifteen minutes. Riders see the Mediterranean coast and Taurus range on the way, then find a summit terminal with cafe, restaurant, shops and paragliding.

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Urban cable car, the Green Line runs from the city centre down into Zona Sur, through Irpavi and Alto Obrajes. Riders see modern buildings and canyon rock formations on the way, and the line meets the yellow and blue lines at San Jorge.

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Three-stage cable car running from Malga Ciapela to Punta Rocca, the Marmolada summit at about 3,265 metres. Riders pass Antermoja and Serauta, where a Great War museum and café sit, then reach a 360-degree observation deck at the top.

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A gondola line running from the Kandersteg valley station up to the Oeschinensee area. Riders see the surrounding mountains and waterfalls on the way, and at the top find a turquoise alpine lake with a lakeside restaurant and rowboat hire.

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Aerial gondola line linking Mount Faber with Sentosa Island, with a second line between Imbiah Lookout and Sentosa stations. Riders see the harbour, coastline, city skyline, Sentosa beaches and ships, and the Faber Point area.

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Four-station aerial line running about 4 kilometres from Taipei Zoo Station up to Maokong Station. Riders see Taipei 101 and the city skyline, forest and mountains on the way, with tea shops and a viewing platform at the top.

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Two-line cable car in the Namak Abrood tourist town, Mazandaran, climbing from the town to Madoban peak. Riders look over Hyrcanian forest, the Caspian Sea and the city, and find restaurants, cafes and a suspension bridge at the top.

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Cable car line climbing from the Bâlea Cascadă base station to Bâlea Lac, about 3,700 metres in roughly 12 minutes. Riders see the Bâlea waterfall, the Transfăgărășan road's switchbacks and the Făgăraș Mountains, and find the lake at the top.

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Two-seater chairlift from the valley station near Immenstadt to the mountain station, with a mid-station between. Riders pass flower meadows and grazing cows, with views over the Iller valley, Alpsee and Kempten, then reach hiking trails and a toboggan run at top.

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A cable car running from downtown Zhangjiajie directly to the summit of Tianmen Mountain, about 7.5 km and 30 minutes. Riders see the 99-Bend road, karst cliffs and forests on the way, and find Tianmen Cave and a glass walkway at the top.

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Two-seater open or enclosed bucket cable car running from Laveno-Mombello town up to Sasso del Ferro, about 10 to 20 minutes each way. Riders see Lake Maggiore, the Borromean Islands and Lake Varese on the way, and find a restaurant, bar and panoramic terrace at the top.

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Cable car line that climbs from the valley station to the Weißsee glacier area in the Hohe Tauern, with a mid station between the two sections. Riders see lakes, waterfalls and peaks on the way, and the top has rocky terrain and hiking trails.

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Cable car and gondola line climbing from the Kaprun valley to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, changing cars at three stations. Riders see mountain peaks and pistes on the way, and find snow, viewing platforms, restaurants and a snow arena at the summit.

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Rotating aerial tramway climbing from the Palm Springs desert floor to the pine forests of the San Jacinto Mountains. Riders see the valley below from a cabin that turns slowly, then find trails, a restaurant and a visitor center at the top.

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A gondola climbs from the Squamish base to a summit lodge in about ten minutes, with views of Howe Sound and surrounding peaks along the way. At the top, there are trails, a suspension bridge, viewpoints and restaurants.

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Gondola from St. Anton am Arlberg town centre up to Galzig peak, taking about nine minutes. Riders see the surrounding peaks from the cabin, and the upper station has a restaurant, playground and transfer to the Valluga cable car.

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Historic cable car line running from Powell and Market near Union Square to Fisherman's Wharf, with a second route to Ghirardelli Square. Riders pass Chinatown and Nob Hill and see downtown and bay views, while the Taylor and Bay Streets turnaround draws crowds.

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Ropeway linking Ita Thao pier with the Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village, a 7 to 10 minute ride. Riders see the lake, mountains and Puli Basin, and the top station has village entrance, shops and food.

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Scenic mountain railway with zigzag switchbacks, running from Alausí down to Sibambe station along the Devil's Nose cliff. Riders see canyons, rivers and Andean countryside, and at Sibambe find traditional dances and a restaurant.

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Cable car line running from the Tongyeong port area up to the upper station on Mount Mireuk. Riders see the islands and sea of Hallyeohaesang National Park, and the top has a three-floor building with an observation deck, skywalk and snack bar.

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Two-seat chairlift running 457 metres over Cataract Gorge from the Rotunda hill end to the carpark and cafe end. Riders look down on the gorge cliffs, river and suspension bridge, then find peacocks, wallabies and a cafe at the far end.

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Gondola and chairlift line from the Ölüdeniz seaside to the summit of Babadağ, rising through stations at 1200, 1700 and 1800 metres. Riders see Ölüdeniz lagoon, Fethiye bays and paragliders, and at the top find restaurants, a coffee shop and a paragliding launch.

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Aerial chairlift running about 2.5 km from Nawanshehr Township to Mera Rehmat Khan near Bagh stream. Riders see Abbottabad city and green mountains, then find tea stalls and a play area at the far end.

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A heritage scenic railway running from Cairns, through the Barron Gorge, up to the village of Kuranda on the Atherton Tableland. Riders see gorges, tunnels and waterfalls, with a stop at Barron Falls, and find the Kuranda village shops, markets and koala and butterfly attractions at the top.

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Rack railway running from Llanberis station up Snowdon, taking about an hour each way. Riders see the waterfall and mountain views on the climb, and the summit station has a cafe, gift shop and toilets.

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Gondola lift running up the mountain above Fort William, taking about 10 to 20 minutes to reach the top station. Riders see views over Ben Nevis, the Great Glen and the Highlands, and find walking trails, a summit cafe and viewpoints at the top.

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A funicular runs up Cerro San Cristóbal from the Pío Nono station in Bellavista to the hilltop. Riders see the city below through trees and cables, and the top has a church, shops and food kiosks.

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A steep two-cabin cable car running from the clifftop above Achadas da Cruz down to the coastal village on Madeira's northwest coast. Riders see the cliff face and ocean on the way down, and find a bar and toilets at the top station.

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Four-stage gondola line running from Kobi to Gudauri over the Jvari Pass, with transfers at each station. Riders see Caucasus Mountain peaks and Kazbek on the way, and the top station has a cafe and snow patches even in summer.

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Gondola line running from Kurintar in Chitwan to Manakamana Temple in Gorkha, over the Trishuli River and surrounding hills. Riders see the river and hills below, with Himalayan views when clear, and reach the temple on Kafakdada Hill.

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A gondola line from the centre of Ortisei up to the Alpe di Siusi plateau, with an optional open-air chairlift on the far side. The cabin ride passes forests, alpine meadows and mountains around Ortisei, and at the top there are meadows, hiking trails, a restaurant and café.

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A cable car running up from the lakeside at Tsomgo Lake to an upper station near 14,500 feet. Riders see the lake, army camps, snowy Himalayan ranges and Mt Kanchenjunga on clear days, and find benches, snacks and a short walk at the top.

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A three-kilometre cable car that starts on a mesa at Divisadero and crosses to the other side of the canyon. Riders see the canyon depths and photograph the views, and the far side has craft stalls, a glass-floored area and a restaurant.

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Aerial tram climbing from Teton Village to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain in about 12 minutes. Riders see the Teton Range and Jackson Hole valley, then reach a skywalk and a waffle cafe at the top.

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A mono-cable ropeway linking lower Dharamshala near the bus stand with McLeod Ganj, about 1.8 km and roughly 10 to 12 minutes. Riders see the Dhauladhar mountains, pine forests and the valley, and the upper station sits close to the Dalai Lama Temple.

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Cogwheel railway climbing from Vitznau on Lake Lucerne to the Rigi Kulm summit. Riders see the lake and surrounding mountains widen as the train climbs, and at the top find viewpoints, restaurants and hiking trails.

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A lake-crossing cable car running from the Samaksan entrance at Lake Uiam up to the Mt. Samak summit. Riders see Lake Uiam, Soyang Dam, Bungeoseom Island and downtown Chuncheon, and find a skywalk, a glass bridge and a cafe at the top.

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Aerial cableway with two-seater cabins that climbs from the valley to the top above Hartbeespoort Dam. Riders see the dam and surrounding mountains on the way, then find restaurants, a bar, walkways and signage at the top.

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Cable car line running from Barra Sul up to the Unipraias park and on to Laranjeiras beach. Riders see the Balneário Camboriú coastline and forest on the way, and find viewpoints, trails and rides at the top.

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Aerial ropeway from the base in Rajgir up Ratnagiri hill to the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, with cabin and single-seat chair options. Riders see green hills, valleys and forest on the climb, and the top has the marble stupa, temples and wide views.

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A steep funicular railway that climbs Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, carrying riders up a short incline of about 10 minutes. Riders see the city and valley from the cars, and at the top find an observation deck, a gift shop, a cafe and a museum.

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Cable car running up the hillside from Matlock Bath to the hilltop above the town. Riders look over the Derwent Valley on the way up, and at the top find cavern tours, play areas, a café and restaurant.

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Open-seat cable car ride from Tsaghkadzor town up the slopes of Mount Teghenis. Riders pass forests and the valley, and find cafés and quad bike and horse rides at the top station.

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A two-section chairlift climbs Volcán Osorno from the Mountain Center car park to an upper station. Riders see Lake Llanquihue and nearby volcanoes, and the top has a restaurant, walking trails and views of the glacier.

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Two-seater chairlift running up Nuolja mountain from the Abisko base station to the Sky Station café. Riders see the lake and surrounding mountains on the way, and the top holds a café with a terrace.

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Gondola line running from Sedi Bagar near Pokhara Lakeside up to Sarangkot hill. Riders see Phewa Lake, Pokhara valley and the Annapurna range on the ride, and find the Sarangkot viewpoint and a Ganesh statue at the top.

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A cable car linking the Visitors Station near Ajloun Castle with Ishtafina Station. Riders see green hills, forests and valleys below, then find shops, cafés and parrot photo activities at the stations.

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Gondola cabins climb from Whistler Village to Whistler Mountain's Roundhouse and Mountain Station, with a connection to Blackcomb via the Peak 2 Peak gondola. Riders see mountain views and wildlife on the way, and find the Roundhouse Lodge, hiking trails and the suspension bridge at the top.

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Cable car running from Derbent station up to Kuzuyayla Nature Park in Kartepe, about 20 minutes one way. Riders pass over forest and fog, with Lake Sapanca visible in clear weather, and reach a plateau with a restaurant, cafés and picnic areas.

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