Paragliding in Himachal Pradesh

Have you ever seen a bird flying high, and wondered what it would be like to look down from the sky? You may not be able to fly with natural wings, but the closest you can get to feeling like a bird is with paragliding. To make the experience better, try paragliding in Himachal and mesmerise yourself with a 360-degree view of the surrounding peaks while the cool, refreshing wind blows on your face. Paragliding adventures in Himachal provide the opportunity to feel extreme thrill while appreciating the beauty of the mighty Himalayas at the same time.

What makes Himachal paragliding stand out is the presence of high mountains in the region. Being at a good height, the launching points in the region allow a paraglider to stay in the air for a long time. Be it vistas of lush valleys, gurgling rivers or the never-ending expanse of snow-covered peaks, you can see it all in a way you never did before.

About Paragliding

Paragliding is a competitive and recreational adventure sport, in which the participant sits in a harness, suspended from a fabricated wing. The wing comprises interconnected and naturally inflated cells that allow the paraglider to float in the sky while descending from a considerable height. Despite the absence of any kind of motor, a flight can last for hours and cover exceptionally long distances. However, most of the flights are operated for one or two hours, covering some scores of kilometres. Experienced and skilled participants can even gain height during the activity. Like any other extreme sport, it involves an element of risk, and there are a few precautions that can prevent accidents or injuries.

The chances of accidents greatly depend on the weather conditions of the flight area and the skill level of pilots. In most of the places suitable where the sport is hosted, there are flying schools that offer training programmes for beginners. Basic techniques like launching, handling and turning are taught by expert instructors at such places. When going for paragliding in Himachal, you should take-off only when the weather is favourable because it can change quickly in the mountains. The sport can prove fatal if the precautions are not taken seriously. If you want to feel the thrill of flying, but do not have any experience, there is no need to worry because you can still fly in tandem.

Best Locations for Paragliding in Himachal Pradesh

Covering an area of approximately 55000 sq km, Himachal Pradesh is a state in North India, bordering Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Haryana. Owing to its rugged terrain, the state is a major hub of adventure tourism in North India. Being nestled in the Himalayas, paragliding adventures in Himachal take people over some of the most spectacular landscapes on earth. Some of the places, where the activity is organised, are discussed below:

Bir Billing is a great place for adventure sports and perhaps the most famous paragliding destination in India. The amazing landscape and great spots for launching and landing make it ideal for the sport. You can enjoy the enchanting view of the surrounding valleys while descending from the launching sites.

McLeodganj in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh rose to fame when His Holiness, the Dalai Lama took refuge here, and ever since it has been known as Little Lhasa. It is a famous tourist destination and another good place for an amazing Himachal paragliding experience. So, fly over the Dhauladhar Range, which dominates the local landscape, and cherish the memories for years to come.