Paragliding in Nepal is all about exploring its stunning scenery and meeting friendly locals. This air-based adventure sport offers a unique way to experience the beauty of Nepal’s mountains, valleys, and countryside.

There are many great spots for paragliding in Nepal, from Pokhara to Bandipur – soar through the skies and take in the stunning views of Nepal on a paragliding adventure! Tandem operators and schools of paragliding can help you get started on this exciting air-based adventure sport.

7 Places To Experience Paragliding In Nepal

From the beautiful, pristine views of Lakeside in Pokhara to the sharp cliff faces of Chapakharka Hill, Nepal is a paradise for those who love to take to the skies through paragliding. Whether you are an experienced pilot seeking out thrill-ridden adventures or a beginner wanting tranquil climbs, there is plenty on offer.

Gorkha and Surya Chaur are excellent spots if you’re after something breathtaking but under control. If it’s the speed you’re after, Hetauda and Bandipur provide some of the steepest descents in all of Nepal. There are choices tailored specifically for those new to paragliding such as Lakuri Bhanjyang, ensuring that everyone can do something different and enjoy these majestic views from the sky – no matter their skill level.

The weather here is perfect for paragliding, with stable thermals and consistent winds present throughout the year. Soaring through the skies in Nepal is an unforgettable experience, allowing you to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world from above.

Pokhara 

As one of the best-known tourist destinations in Nepal, Pokhara is known for its majestic views of the Himalayas and serene lakeside atmosphere. The area has some of the most popular paragliding spots such as Sarangkot Hill and Suryachaur Hills which provide breathtaking views of the Annapurna Range.

The city also serves as a great base for paragliders from all over the world who come here to experience soaring high above snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys. If you’re looking for paragliding operators or schools in Nepal, make sure to visit Pokhara – sometimes referred to as the capital of paragliding in Nepal. Here, you can find a range of certified instructors and paragliding companies offering tandem flights, lessons, and tours.

Gorkha

Gorkha is a small town located near Kathmandu with stunning views of Himalayan peaks. Gorkha is known as being one of the oldest cities in Nepal with its rich history and culture. It’s also home to some of the best paragliding in the region. With its stunning views of terraced hillsides and snow-capped mountains, there’s no better way to enjoy these gorgeous landscapes than from up above!

It’s best suited for experienced pilots who want to enjoy some cross-country flying or acro flying (aerobatics). The launch site here is not suitable for beginners so it’s important that you know your limits when flying at Gorkha. There are no tandem operators or training schools here so you’ll need to be an experienced pilot if you want to fly here safely. 

Surya Chaur

Located just outside Pokhara, Surya Chaur provides some of the most spectacular paragliding opportunities in Nepal. Here, you can take off from Kaskikot Hill at an elevation of 1000 meters above sea level and soar over picturesque villages nestled among terraced fields with sweeping views of the Annapurna mountain range in the background.

Tandem operators offer flights from this launch spot but make sure you bring your own gear if you plan on flying alone! Despite being remote, there are plenty of accommodation options nearby so you can spend several days exploring this beautiful area before heading back home. 

Lakuri Bhanjyang

Lakuri Bhanjyang is one of the most popular flying sites near Kathmandu Valley thanks to its easy access from Kathmandu city center via public transport or private car/taxi services. The launch site sits at an elevation of 1600 meters above sea level offering stunning views across Kathmandu Valley below during flight time which usually lasts around 30 minutes depending on weather conditions. As with other sites mentioned previously, you can find several reputable tandem operators based just below the Lakuri Bhanjyang launch site who offer both single or multiple-day experiences tailored specifically for each individual flyer’s needs!  

Lakuri Bhanjyang is an off-the-beaten-track site for paragliding in Nepal that offers spectacular views over the Himalayas and Kathmandu Valley. It’s quite a challenging spot but with strong thermals, it can be an exhilarating experience if conditions are right!

Chapakharka Hill

Chapakharka is a beautiful take-off site located in Kathmandu, Nepal. The site sits at an elevation of 2100 meters above sea level. This area is cooler than average, with green hills and a wide variety of vegetation and birds. It also has good air quality, making it ideal for flying. Chapakharka is only 13 km away from Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu.

The Hill is perfect for beginner pilots who want an introduction to paragliding without having too much pressure or risk involved! There are several schools dotted around the hill offering training courses or tandem flights depending on what suits your needs best! With shorter flights than other sites around Kathmandu Valley, this spot of paragliding in Nepal offers a great way to get started with paragliding without having too much stress involved! 

Bandipur

Bandipur is another great spot offering some amazing panoramic views over local villages and rivers during flight time which usually lasts around 20 minutes depending on weather conditions – but again thermals can extend this significantly on good days! The town itself lies at an elevation of 1040 meters meaning takeoff is quite easy compared to other more challenging sites listed previously making it the perfect choice for beginners getting into paragliding too!  

There are plenty of schools offering tandems or courses here so don’t forget your camera as you will definitely want some pictures after such an amazing experience! 

Hetauda

Last but not least we have Hetauda which lies close to Kathmandu Valley offering some incredible views across terraced fields surrounded by rolling hills leading up towards Mt Himchuli (7588m) nearby the Himalayan range making it a truly amazing sight when seen from the sky during flight time – usually lasting around 15 minutes dependant on weather conditions again but thermals can extend this significantly too if lucky enough find them.  

Hetauda may be a small town but it’s certainly got big thrills when it comes to paragliding! This spot offers great thermals which make it perfect for experienced pilots looking for some cross-country flying. Make sure you have all the necessary equipment before setting off – there are no facilities or training schools available at Hetauda!

Operators and Schools of Paragliding in Nepal

Searching for the perfect paragliding spot in Nepal can be overwhelming, given all of the incredible opportunities available. Fortunately, deciding who you book your adventure with doesn’t have to be! With a vast selection of paragliding operators or schools in Nepal, everyone from beginner to expert flyers can find the perfect choice for them. These experts know what it’s like to soar through majestic mountain passes and colorful villages, making their experience and advice invaluable when looking for an unforgettable experience. With amazing views and plenty of reliable operators, you’re guaranteed to have a safe, exciting journey regardless of which one you decide on!

Across Himalaya

Location: Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: +977-1- 4441223
Web: www.acrosshimalaya.com

Great Nepal

Location: Shantinagar, New Baneshwor 
Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: +977-1-4620989
Web: www.greatnepaltreks.com

Sunrise Paragliding

Location: Baidam Rd, Pokhara 33700, Nepal
Phone: +977-9-817198617
Web: sunrise-paragliding.com

FAQs About Paragliding in Nepal

How much does paragliding in Nepal cost?

It depends on the paragliding operator you choose, but most offer packages that cost about (NPR) 8000 per person. These packages typically include transfers to and from the launch site, tandem paragliding with an experienced pilot, safety equipment, and a certificate at the end of the flight.

What are the best spots for paragliding in Nepal?

If you’re looking for beautiful views and an adrenaline rush, try paragliding in Nepal! Pokhara, Gorkha, Surya Chaur, Lakuri Bhanjyang, Chapakharka Hill, Bandipur, and Hetauda are great spots for beginners and experienced flyers alike. The difference in topography between each location makes it the perfect place to visit for paragliders of all skill levels.

What is the best time for paragliding in Nepal?

Sarangkot is widely considered the best place in the world for paragliding, and Pokhara provides perfect conditions for flying all year round except during the rainy season. The best times of year to fly are March, April, May, September, October, and November when you can get stunning views of Phewa Lake and the Annapurna Ranges above 8,000 meters.

Is paragliding good for health?

Paragliding offers many health benefits in addition to helping you build a strong core. Paragliding engages your deep core muscles, which strengthens your body and reduces the risk of injury during exercises and activities.

How long is paragliding in Pokhara?

The paragliding flights in Pokhara typically last between 20-30 minutes. This includes the time it takes to take off and land.

Is paragliding safer than flying?

When it comes to hang-gliding and paragliding, the thrill of taking off and soaring through the sky is unique and exhilarating, but if the proper safety protocols aren’t followed the risk of an accident increases drastically. With an aircraft, there is still an element of danger associated with flying high among clouds and birds, but some extra safeguards such as seatbelts make this risk lower than in other air sports. While these more extreme activities can be thrilling, it’s important to assess the risks involved before choosing which one is right for you.