Pokhara’s Sky is about to go Wild Now

Kathmandu – Paragliding is almost synonymous with the Pokhara tourism industry. The scenery of paragliding in the sky, which resembles colourful butterflies with the mountainous backdrop, entices everyone’s heart. As a matter of fact, many people still visit Pokhara with the primary aim of paragliding. The paragliding industry, as well, had flourished bountifully, that is, before paragliding over Phewa Lake was prohibited.

However, Pokhara’s paragliding industry is set for a significant revival following recent decisions by Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority to extend flight hours and restore original landing sites. This move comes after a period of decline triggered by operational changes linked to the opening of Pokhara International Airport, which had imposed restrictions on paragliding flights over Phewa Lake and forced relocation of flight and landing sites.

Previously, paragliding flights operated from Sarangkot, soaring over the scenic Phewa Lake and landing at Khapaudi, a location well-loved by tourists and pilots alike. However, with the commencement of the new airport, flights were shifted to more distant locations such as Mandredhunga and later Toripani, while landings were moved from Khapaudi to Pame. These changes, primarily driven by safety and airspace regulations, significantly reduced the number of tourists participating in paragliding. The industry faced a steep decline in both the volume of flights and the number of active paragliding pilots, many of whom found themselves displaced.

The restoration of original landing sites and an increase in allowable flight hours from 11 AM to 4:30 PM have rekindled hope among tourism operators and pilots. Returning to the traditional flight routes not only revives the natural beauty and excitement of paragliding over Phewa Lake but also restores the cultural experience that has long attracted adventure tourists to Pokhara. This development aligns well with the ongoing promotional campaign, “Pokhara Visit Year 2025,” aimed at boosting local tourism.

Moreover, the reintroduction of solo paragliding flights, which had been suspended for over two years due to safety concerns, is expected to enhance visitor experiences and add vibrancy to the local adventure tourism sector. Such activities have cultural significance as well, as paragliding has become an integral part of Pokhara’s identity, drawing visitors worldwide and showcasing the region’s natural beauty and adventurous spirit.

Economically, the revival is likely to provide a substantial boost. The paragliding sector previously supported thousands of direct and indirect jobs, including pilots, guides, equipment suppliers, and hospitality services. Reviving the industry will help restore these livelihoods and contribute to Pokhara’s overall economic growth. With improved safety measures such as radio communication and GPS technology, the authorities and tourism stakeholders aim to ensure a secure environment that will attract more tourists while preserving the region’s cultural heritage.

In conclusion, the reopening of paragliding flights over Phewa Lake marks a positive turning point for Pokhara’s tourism industry. It promises not only to enhance the cultural and adventure tourism landscape but also to contribute significantly to the local economy, helping Pokhara reclaim its status as a top global paragliding destination.