Paragliding can be an electrifying experience for first-timers, while for those who have tried it before, the urge to explore new heights typically proves to be an obsession. Whilst there are some superb paragliding sites all across the world – including an excellent centre here in the UK in Mid Wales - the Pokhara valley in Nepal is paragliding’s equivalent of climbing Everest. Quite simply, it’s the ultimate in paragliding.
Pokhara is a charming lakeside town situated at the foothills of the Annapurna Himal and from here you have stunning views of three of the highest peaks in the Himalayan Range. Views aside, what makes this place so enticing is this valley’s micro-climate which makes for ideal paragliding conditions. Quite unusually, the weather here will let you wear shorts and t-shirts all year round – not something you’d normally associate with the Himalayas.
Sarangkot is one of the most accessible sites in the Pokhara valley. The view point is about 700 meters above Pokhara, and there's a road running all the way to the summit. The only purpose built take-off in the country is just a short walk away from this point. And there's a clearing cut out on the slope which will give you enough space for a comfortable take-off without worrying that you could meet your maker whilst careering into a Himalayan pine tree.
Once you're up on the glider, you will get the most breathtaking views of the mountains and also the lake that lies more than 2,000 feet below. It’s perhaps the best paragliding view in the world.
The Pokhara valley has a host of other great paragliding sites too, like Sirkot, Tansen, Dhikie Danda, Bandipur, and Galem. Most of these are at a height of over 2700 meters, and are in the midst of jungle-covered mountainsides. These parts of Nepal are unsurpassed in their natural beauty – majestic waterfalls, green dense jungles, and an abundance of wildlife.
Here at Active You we feel that the Pokhara valley in Nepal offers the very best paragliding in the world. If you need further information, go to Paragliding Nepal for details about courses and trips. For flights to Nepal, try Cheapflights which is one of Active You’s key partners. Sign up for Cheapflights newsletter and cheap offers here. Be safe!
