| |
 Paragliding
is a relatively new adventure sport in Nepal. 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 griffin vultures, eagles, kites,
while floating over villages, monasteries, temples, lakes
and jungles, with a fantastic view 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 monsoonal climate, the tree line in Nepal is
at an incredible 3,900 m 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 paragliders, 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 main area for flying in Nepal is the Annapurna region,
more specifically the Pokhara valley. This lakeside town
is Nepal's second "city", nestled at the foot of the
Annapurna Himal, the views commanded from here, of 3 of
the worlds 8000m peaks, are unsurpassed. At an altitude of
800m ASL the subtropical climate means that, year round,
it is short and T-shirt weather. The micro-climate of the
valley makes it an ideal area for flying, with far more
constant conditions than the Kathmandu valley 150 km east.
There are several sites around Phew Tal (the lake) but the
most accessible is Sarangkot (1500m ASL). A view point
700m above Pokhara, it is unique in that it has a road
running to the top. A short walk brings you to the only
purpose built take off in the country. Cut out of the
slope is a 45m by 45m clearing. With regular cycles
providing easy reverse launches, you could not ask for a
more picturesque site. With the lake 2000 ft below, the
mountains behind, and the unlimited potential for XC and
out and returns, this has quickly become the main site for
the area, and many pilots have based themselves in Pokhara
for the season, flying from this mountain alone.
There are various deals for the paragliding enthusiast as
well as those checking this sport out for the first time.
There is a three-day introductory course for beginners, as
well as tandem flights (where you fly with an instructor)
for the inexperienced or less brave. At 6000 ft, you sit
back in your seat as your qualified pilot takes you on an
unforgettable journey. The take-off point for these
flights is Sarankot (1592 m), 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. |
|
