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.