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 you share airspace with Himalayan griffon vultures, eagles, kites, while floating over villages, monasteries, temples, lakes, and jungles, with 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 thermal 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 are 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 takeoff point 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.