In memory – Nola’s journey with Wyssen Cableways
A story of dedication, pioneering spirit and family heritage
The extraordinary journey of Mr. Nola, a young man from Bhutan who was 23 years old at the time, began in 1982 when he was sent to Wyssen Cableways in Switzerland for technical training. There he learned the art of maintenance and repair as well as the assembly of cable crane systems, especially Wyssen winches and carriages, as part of a Helvetas project in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan.
After successfully completing his training, Mr. Nola returned to his homeland in 1983 and took on the role of instructor at the Logging Training Center in Bumthang. There, he trained numerous young people in the use of cable crane technology – a sustainable method of timber harvesting inspired by Swiss know-how. In the same year, he helped build Bhutan’s very first material ropeway: the Tashila Ropeway.
1984 was not only significant professionally – Mr. Nola also started a new chapter in his personal life. He married his partner for life, Ms. Pema Lhamo. In the same year, their first son, Jamyang, was born, who would later follow in his father’s footsteps.
For many years, Mr. Nola tirelessly trained new generations of cable crane operators, laying the foundation for responsible forestry in Bhutan. In 1990, he decided to give up his secure position as an instructor to start a new chapter: as the first private entrepreneur in the field of cable crane technology in Bhutan, he took the plunge into self-employment – with courage, vision, and a lot of passion.
In 1995, Mr. Jakob Wyssen traveled to Bhutan in person to see the developments on place. Impressed by Nola’s knowledge, commitment, and long-term experience, he officially appointed him as Wyssen’s country representative in Bhutan. Even though no complete systems were sold in the following years, Nola remained tireless in his efforts. His contribution to the development of the country was recognized in 2009 with a high award from the King of Bhutan – a special honor for a special person.
Between 1995 and 1998, Mr. Nola returned to Switzerland three more times to deepen his technical knowledge in refresher courses at Wyssen. Over the decades, his name became inextricably linked with the Wyssen brand – a symbol of quality, reliability, and passion.
In 2023, after an impressive 41 years, Mr. Nola officially retired from professional life. But his work lives on: his son Jamyang took over as the second-generation Wyssen representative, supported by his father’s advice.
2024 was supposed to be a year of retirement and enjoyment. But in November, Mr. Nola was diagnosed with a serious illness. With great strength and the support of his family, he faced this new phase of his life with hope for quality, dignity, and peace.
Unfortunately, the illness got the better of him, and Nola passed away on the morning of June 14, 2025.
A legacy lives on
Mr. Nola’s story is more than just a professional career – it is a testament to vision, dedication, and a deep connection between people, technology, and nature. Through his work, Wyssen became an integral part of Bhutanese forestry, and his legacy will be carried on by the next generation.
We at Wyssen are proud and grateful to have been part of this journey.
Rest in peace, Nola. Your path was unique. Your legacy remains.
Nola's achievements:
Between 1981 and 2024, a total of 21 complete cable crane systems were installed in Bhutan. It all began in 1981 with the installation of the first system. In the years that followed, the number of cableways in operation was continuously expanded.
Of the 21 systems installed, some of which are over 40 years old, 19 are still in operation – a clear testament to the quality of service and expert support provided by Nola on site.
Impressions from Nola's story:
