Today I am gonna share my first Paragliding experience with you! This post was some long overdue. I did it when I visited Pokhara last year. There are many paragliding companies around in Pokhara. Our team chooses a company for paragliding in Pokhara. I do not recommend any company but you have to choose the high rating company, you have to see the safety measures of the company, the experience of the instructor, etc for better and safe paragliding experience.
My instructor has been doing paragliding in Nepal for more than 5 years and has done more than 1 thousand flights. Due to his experience, I was able to stay airborne for more than 30 minutes while the normal flight is less than 30 minutes.
Always wanted to Fly, free like a bird. But I guess it is not possible in this birth at least. I hope to be born as a bird in the next one, though! I indeed wanted to paraglide, this was LONG planned. Finally, got my WINGS! Luckily the weather was favorable in the first chance. You need proper weather for the same as its all the trick of the wind to make us fly high.
Short ride to the spot
Good things never come easy, but literally it was not true in this case. To jump off the mountain you need to climb up to the spot first. But in Pokhara, one can reach Sarankot easily by local vehicles or the vehicle of the Paragliding company. So from the Lakeside, Our team reached the spot by our paragliding company. I was too excited and at the same time a bit company nervous.
About after 30-45 minutes, finally reached the launch spot. There were other paragliders launching off.
Preparing for the flight
At the jump zone, they got an indemnity form signed, in case you meet an accident you are responsible for the same. This was important as paragliding is an extreme sport and it may risk your life or chances of getting injured.
After that got a short briefing and explanation and got geared up and strapped to the parachute and the instructor. I was all set to fly in a few minutes.
At the Edge
Standing at the edge of the mountain and looking down the world was an experience hard to explain in words.
Though taking off was much easier than I thought! Just a few steps running down the hill and in the air!
The Flight
And so after a short run, we started flying, with the force of the wind. Admiring the mountains around us and the villages beneath. It was a magnificent view and a very exciting experience to be so high up in the sky with the birds. The world felt tiny and the sky was the limit. Thrilling!!!
During the flight had a chit chat with the pilot about the mountain range, villages, Pokhara valley e.t.c. He taught me some techniques too and let me drive. It was a short paragliding learning session for me up in the air
Furthermore, the parachute steered into a downward spiral. It felt like being on a rollercoaster, but better! It was so much fun! we took Many photographs in the air, recorded video with the help of go-pro.
Safe Landing
Then we started to descend, slowly. The way to land for paragliding is similar to take off. We fly over Pokhara valley and finally landed safely with both feet on the ground at the bank of Phewa lake. It was the best experience in my lifetime. I flew like a bird. My instructor helped me to take many organic photos. It was the best adventure moment with best Paragliding experience
What views can we see while Paragliding in Pokhara?
The flight from the hill-top reaches an altitude of 2,500 to 3,400 meters. The height is enough for offering awesome views of Annapurna, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. Below, you can see the tiny Pokhara Valley with Phewa Lake as a center. The vegetation and greenery just add up to the right mood.
Paragliding takes off spot in Pokhara:
Paragliding takes off in Pokhara at Sarangkot. Sarangkot is a hill top-station that is 25 minutes jeep drive from Lakeside. The spot is 1600m above sea level- an ideal height for take-off.
Is paragliding in Pokhara safe?
Yes, I must say Paragliding in Pokhara is safe. The equipment used and safety measure taken is one of the finest in Nepal. So, you have to worry less. Well, it’s an adventure and I can’t keep a bet that nothing can go wrong. Isn’t the chance of an accident that adds real fun to adventure sports? But the chances are least in Pokhara. And, make sure your company makes reasonable insurance before going.
PRICE FOR PARAGLIDING IN POKHARA
Paragliding in Pokhara cost around Rs 5000 per person for 30 minutes flight (for Nepalese). For foreigners, it’s slightly high. Travel companies take around $90 US per 30 minutes and $140 US per 60 minutes for a Tandem flight. For solo flight (only if you are trained) it’s about $70. The packages also include a drive to Sarankot from Lakeside.
Best season for PARAGLIDING IN POKHARA:
The best seasons for Paragliding experience in Pokhara are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). Winter would also be ideal but avoid monsoon rains.
BEST TIME OF DAY for PARAGLIDING IN POKHARA
Flights from Sarankot are operated 3 times a day: 10:00 a.m., at 12:00 noon, and at 14:00 p.m. Among the three, the morning flight is pretty calm as the necessary thermal hasn’t formed yet, but the view is mesmerizing. After 12:00, when the sun has warmed and the flights are more turbulent.
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