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.