Paragliding
is a relatively new adventure sport in Nepal, and little
information is available in tourist guidebooks. Paragliding is
available in tourist guidebooks. Paragliding in this Himalayan
country can be a truly wonderful and fulfilling experience for the
adventure seekers. You can experience unparalleled scenic grandeur
as your share airspace with Himalayan griffin vultures, eagles,
kites, while floating over villages, monasteries, temples, lakes,
and jungles, with a fantastic views of the majestic Himalayas.
Gliding is a weather dependent sport and the
flying season in Nepal commences from November through February,
the best months being November and December. By virtue of its
latitude and monsoon climate, the tree line in Nepal is at an
incredible 3900m above sea level. With conditions milder than
summer alpine, these are excellent and constant atmospherics. The
topography and climate of Nepal also make it an ideal destination
for all levels of pilots - subtropical conditions provide plenty
of thermals and combined with the long valleys common in Nepal,
they produce perfect "cloud streets" ideal for Para gliders,
inviting them to fly along this "sky highway. The local
microclimate, controlled by the numerous lakes in the valley, is
unique, which makes it even better for the glider.
The Himalayas is made up of a series of lesser
mountains increasing in size, before the Greater Himalayas, with
its majestic snow - clad peaks, dominate the sky. The range that
is now offered for paragliding is the Mahabharat range, south of
these giants. Most flights are out of Pokhara, the beautiful
lakeside town at the foot of the Annapurna Himal.
The take off points for these flights is
Sarangkot (1592m),
which offers prime views of Phewa Tal and the mountains at
sunrise and sunset (provided the skies are clear); the
landing is by the lake. No previous experience is required as
qualified pilots provide a short briefing before launching.