Can we imagine sharing the same air space with the Himalayan griffin vultures, eagles and kites as we soar over the rivers, lakes and villages? The mountains loom over us to our north and below us the landscape dotted with paddy fields and hamlets. Probably that's why Nepal is amongst the hotspots for paragliding in the world. 

 Paragliding is a relatively new adventure sport in Nepal, and little information is available in tourist guidebooks though paragliding is available in tourist guidebooks. Paragliding in this Himalayan country can be a truly wonderful and fulfilling experience for the adventure seekers. Nepal forms a rectangle on the southern slopes of the Himalaya and is without exception, the most stunning country imaginable 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 main area for paragliding is the Pokhara valley, commanding views of 3 of the worlds 8000m peaks with friendly and constant conditions for your paragliding holiday. The local microclimate, controlled by the numerous lakes in the valley, is unique, which makes it even better for the glider.

 A Paraglider is a foot-launched, ram-air, aerofoil canopy which flies with the energy of wind, gravity and pilot's power to steer. It descends due to gravity and ascends due to air pressure. With the help of air pressure, pilot decides when and where to fly, soar, dive and eventually land it safely. Adventure seekers seek depths and space where ever they can find. In Nepal, we have breathtaking depth of 700 meter or higher for the unparalleled Shangri-La that lies beneath the Himalayan range offering a scenic ecstasy of the valleys and lush green jungles combined with an infinitive visibility of the crisp clear Himalayas all around us, all ready to add another dimension in our flight adrenal. Gliding is a weather dependent sport and the flying season in Nepal commences from November through February, the best months being November and December. Superb weather and excellent mountain visibility can be expected during those months. Annapurna region, also known as the arms of Pokhara valley, is the best location for paragliding in Nepal.
Sites around the Phewa Lake are popular, one such is the Sarangkot hill which provides a breathtaking view point of 700m above the Pokhara heaven!

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 Mahabharata range, south of these giants. Most flights are out of Pokhara, the beautiful lakeside town at the foot of the Annapurna Himal. Tandem flying involves a pilot flying with a passenger. Both have separate harnesses that are attached to each other and the wing. Paragliding harnesses are built for comfort and safety, they feel more like an armchair. Once launched the passenger just sits back, relaxes and takes in the epic scenery. Even taking pictures is not a problem. Due to the portable nature and easy launch characteristics of a paraglider (they fit into a rucksack) We can take them anywhere and fly them from most mountains in Nepal.
We take a 20 min jeep ride from Pokhara to Sarangkot the viewpoint 2000ft above Lakeside. From here we can see 3 of the highest mountains in the world. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manasuli, all over 8000 m. Three types of tandem flight are found with nothing to carry, and with a Nepali paragliding instructor or if you decide to do it on your own, add the ownership/rent cost of paraglide, transportation cost and any tourism fees as charged by Nepal Tourism Board

Phewa Tal View
In the morning and late afternoon, the 15min flights give us a taste of unpowered flight, taking usover Pokhara lake and then landing by a Lakeside bar. Price: $50

Cloud buster
The midday flight gives us the thrill of high flight as we thermal up above Sarangkot in the company of eagles and vultures, 30min - 1 hour. We land by the lake. Price: $75

Cross-country
This offers us the chance to experience flying from one valley to another. Using thermals, clouds and birds to guide us, it takes us on an unforgettable journey north of Pokhara towards the big mountains. 

 We can fly as long as we can aiming to return to Pokhara on the very afternoon. Price: $120.