Paragliding in Nepal: The Ultimate Guide to Flying Over the Himalayas

Soaring above the Himalayas with 8,000-metre peaks filling the northern horizon is a paragliding experience found almost nowhere else on Earth. Nepal has grown from a handful of tandem flights in the late 1990s into one of the world’s top paragliding destinations, anchored by the legendary launches above Pokhara and now spreading to ridges around Kathmandu, Bandipur, and beyond. This guide covers everything you need to plan a flight: the country’s flying sites, the organisations that keep it safe, the best seasons, and the practical tips that make the difference between a cancelled slot and the flight of a lifetime.

Paragliding in Nepal – Country Overview

Nepal is compact but remarkably vertical, rising from subtropical valleys at around 800 m to the roof of the world at over 8,000 m. That topography is what makes the flying so special: tall ridges act as natural launch ramps, deep valleys funnel reliable thermals, and the backdrop is simply unmatched. Pokhara, in Gandaki Province, is widely regarded as the paragliding capital of South Asia and regularly ranks among the top five tandem flying sites on the planet.

The sport is formally regulated rather than wild. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) is the national regulator, and the Nepal Airsports Association (NAA) acts as the official regulatory body for paragliding, authorised by CAAN to manage pilot licensing, daily flight-slot allocation, equipment verification, and safety compliance. The NAA aligns its standards with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), and the Nepal Tourism Board supports paragliding as a flagship adventure-tourism product.

By the numbers, Nepal today offers 13 CAAN/NAA-regulated flight sites stretching from the lowlands to the high Himalayas (up to roughly 3,250 m at Korchon). Around 50–65 paragliding companies are affiliated with the NAA, with more than 50 actively operating, the vast majority clustered in Pokhara. The country has roughly 400 licensed pilots, of whom about 240 are currently active; Pokhara alone registers around 416 pilots (265 active). Nepal also draws an estimated 1,000 foreign solo pilots to Pokhara each year, and peak-season daily flight volumes exceed 250 launches. The sport’s competitive credibility is anchored by the annual Nepal Open Paragliding Championship – its 21st edition (an FAI Category-2 accuracy event) was held in Pokhara in March 2026 with pilots from seven countries.

Major Flying Sites

Sarangkot and the Pokhara Ridge (Kaski, Gandaki)

Sarangkot is the crown jewel. The classic launch sits at about 1,592 m, with a roughly 600 m vertical drop to the valley floor and a gentle landing field along the shore of Phewa Lake (today operated from the Pame/Khapaundi landing zone). Flights deliver the full Himalayan lineup – Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and the sacred fishtail peak Machapuchhre – with terraced villages and the blue lake far below. It suits all levels, from first-time tandem passengers to cross-country pilots.

Flyable wind: flights launch into the prevailing upslope and westerly valley breeze; thermals build through late morning, so takeoffs are smoothest after the sun has heated the slopes. Best season: September–November and March–May, with operations possible most of the year outside the monsoon. Note: after Pokhara International Airport opened, commercial launches shifted slightly along the same ridge to Toripani and Mandredhunga, while solo flights have resumed from the original Sarangkot strip landing at Khapaundi – the views are identical.

Bandipur (Tanahun, Gandaki)

This beautifully preserved Newari hill town, perched on a ridge between Kathmandu and Pokhara, began offering paragliding in 2011. The launch is around 1,030 m, rated intermediate, and flies best from October to March. It is noticeably less crowded than Pokhara and serves panoramic views of the Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri ranges – a serene, heritage-rich alternative.

Godavari (Lalitpur, Kathmandu Valley)

For travellers short on time, the Kathmandu Valley offers tandem flying from Godavari, which started in 2013 from the Chapakhhar hills. The launch sits at about 1,500–2,030 m, rated intermediate, with a season of October to April. It is only about 45 minutes from Thamel, making it an easy half-day adventure with broad views across the Kathmandu Valley and out to the distant Himalaya.

Chandragiri Hills (Kathmandu)

A newer option, paragliding from Chandragiri began in October 2023 and is a game-changer for Kathmandu-based visitors. The launch is around 2,300–2,550 m, a 20-minute drive west of the Bhaleshwar Mahadev Temple. Flights last 20–30 minutes and glide over the Kathmandu Valley, forested ridges, and the man-made Indrasarovar Lake, landing near Chitlang village – Himalayan panoramas without leaving the capital region.

Sirkot (Syangja, Gandaki)

West of Pokhara near Waling, Sirkot launches at about 1,500 m and is rated beginner-friendly, flying best from October to April. Its stable thermals and quieter airspace make it popular with pilots building hours, and on a good day it is possible to trace a long, technical line all the way toward Pokhara.

Site Directory by Region

Pilot and Site Data

• 13 CAAN/NAA-regulated flight sites across Nepal, from 720 m to over 3,200 m.
• 50–65 paragliding companies affiliated with the NAA; 50+ actively operating, concentrated in Pokhara.
• ~400 licensed pilots nationally, about 240 currently active; Pokhara registers ~416 pilots (265 active).
• ~1,000 foreign solo pilots visit Pokhara each year specifically to fly.
• 250+ tandem and solo launches per day at peak.
• The 21st Nepal Open Paragliding Championship (FAI Category-2 accuracy event) was held in Pokhara in March 2026.

Best Time to Fly

Nepal’s paragliding calendar is shaped by the monsoon. The two prime windows are:

• September–November (post-monsoon): the best all-round period – clearest air, stable thermals, and excellent visibility of the high peaks.
• March–May (pre-monsoon / spring): the strongest and smoothest thermals, blooming landscapes, and the main competitive season.

December–February is flyable but cold at launch, so dress warmly and expect shorter daylight. June–August (monsoon) brings low cloud, rain, and unstable air that makes flying unsafe, and most operators close. Within any given day, the productive window runs roughly 9 a.m. to 2–3 p.m., when thermals are active but not yet gusty.

Practical Tips for Flying in Nepal

1. Fly with a licensed operator. Book only NAA/CAAN-registered companies and don’t hesitate to ask your pilot to show their CAAN license before takeoff – it is the single clearest sign of a properly regulated flight.
2. Pick your time of day. Morning slots (9–11 a.m.) offer the calmest, clearest air and the sharpest mountain views; late-morning and early-afternoon flights deliver stronger thermals and longer airtime.
3. Time your trip. Aim for September–November or March–May. Avoid the June–August monsoon, when flights are routinely cancelled.
4. Pack and prepare. Wear layers (it is colder up high), closed-toe shoes, and sunglasses. Note typical weight limits of about 90–110 kg and minimum ages around 12–16, which vary by operator.
5. Insure and stay flexible. Take out travel/air-sports insurance, and book with a flexible cancellation policy – paragliding is weather-dependent, and safe operators will delay or cancel rather than fly in marginal conditions.

Whether you are a first-timer strapping into a tandem harness above Phewa Lake or a seasoned pilot chasing cross-country lines off the Annapurna ridge, Nepal delivers a backdrop no other country can match. Before you go, make sure your kit is travel-ready – our YOWFLY lightweight paragliding stuff bag packs your wing in seconds and weighs just 400 g, perfect for hopping between sites.

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