Pokhara Paragliding Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

I had done my fair share of scary things, but paragliding in Pokhara — at the time — was on a whole new level.

Standing at the edge of the hill, harnessed and staring down at the valley below, my stomach was doing somersaults, half excitement, half panic. And then… I ran, and suddenly I was flying.

Flying above the lakes, forests, and the snow-capped Annapurna range was surreal. Everything below looked tiny, peaceful, and impossibly beautiful.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to glide through the clouds in Nepal, here’s what you need to know, plus my personal experience.

What is paragliding?

First thing first — let’s understand what it is essentially.

Paragliding is a form of free flight where you’re strapped into a harness beneath a large fabric wing and launch from a hill.

It’s not to be confused with parasailing or skydiving. Although all three involve flying with a parachute-like canopy, parasailing relies on a motorboat to pull you into the air, and skydiving involves jumping out of a plane.

Paragliding, on the other hand, is foot-launched by running down a slope.

For first-timers, flights are usually tandem, meaning you’re attached to a trained pilot who does the flying while you enjoy the view.

Why Pokhara is perfect for paragliding

Pokhara isn’t just another city in Nepal. It’s the adventure capital, and paragliding is one of the top activities here. The main reasons people flock here for paragliding:

• Scenic flights: Take off from Sarangkot and soar over Phewa Lake with the Annapurna mountains in the background.
• Beginner-friendly: Professional instructors make tandem flights safe for first-timers.
• Great weather windows: Clear skies from September–November and February–April offer the best visibility.

This is why paragliding in Pokhara consistently ranks as one of the top adventure experiences in Nepal.

How to get to Pokhara

By plane

Pokhara has a small regional airport with regular flights from Kathmandu and several other cities in Nepal. Several reputable domestic airlines operate this route.

The flight takes approximately 30 minutes and can usually be booked online even at the last minute.

By car

You can book a car with a driver at one of the many travel agencies in the Thamel area of Kathmandu. Prices depend on the season, the type of car, and whether it has air conditioning.

By bus

There are both tourist buses and local buses running between Kathmandu and Pokhara every day. Tourist buses are the more comfortable option and are widely used by travelers.

Staying true to our backpacker status, my travel partner and I decided to take a local bus for the roughly 200-kilometre journey.

Local buses depart from Gongabu Bus Park frequently throughout the day, starting in the morning and continuing into the late afternoon.

With a local bus, you shouldn’t expect luxury. The buses are very basic. There are no reclining seats or air conditioning.

If you’re lucky, there might be a small fan above the window, but most passengers simply slide the window open for ventilation.

Local buses may not be the best option if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage or large suitcases. Space inside the bus is limited, and bags are often moved to the roof to make room for more passengers.

The journey typically takes around 6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Along the way, the bus will stop several times for toilet breaks and quick snack purchases.

The roads are bumpy and winding with plenty of switchbacks. Drivers are known for driving fast and rather dangerously, so depending on your anxiety threshold, this can either be a thrilling or a terrifying ride.

On the plus side, the ride offers wonderful views of rolling hills, green rivers, and glimpses of everyday rural life in Nepal.

Best time to go paragliding in Pokhara

Paragliding is a weather-dependent sport. It’s not safe to fly when there are strong winds, lightnings, rain showers, or storms.

The best months to go

You can go paragliding in Pokhara in most seasons except during the monsoon months of July and August.

During this period, rain can make flying impossible on some days, and it’s difficult to predict when those days will be in advance. If paragliding is high on your list, it’s best to avoid these wet months altogether.

The main paragliding season in Nepal runs from September to early June, with November and December often considered the best months. During this time, the weather is more stable, which makes for ideal flying conditions.

The best time of day to fly

In Sarangkot, flights are typically operated three times a day: around 10 a.m., 12 noon, and 2 p.m.

If you prefer a calm and smooth flight, try to book the morning session, before strong thermals develop.

By midday, once the sun has warmed the ground, thermals begin to form. This can make the air more turbulent—though some people find it makes the flight more exciting.

How much does paragliding in Nepal cost?

Paragliding costs may vary depending on the season, but most companies offer similar prices, with only minor differences, if any.

Tandem paragliding

Tandem flights typically cost around NPR 9,000 (USD 70) for a 30-minute flight, or NPR 12,000 (USD 90) for a one-hour cross-country flight. Prices usually include transportation to and from your hotel and basic insurance.

Photography and videography services are generally charged separately, for an additional NPR 2,000 (USD 15) or so.

Solo paragliding

If you’re a certified pilot, you can fly solo, but only after obtaining a clearance from the aviation office of Pokhara. Solo flights should cost around NPR 8,000 (USD 70).

Paragliding course

If you want to become a pilot, Pokhara has paragliding schools offering a 15-day course (beginner, progression, and thermaling) for around NPR 230,000 (~USD 2,000), granting an international licence.

Each module can also be taken separately if you’re short on time.

How to book a paragliding tour in Pokhara

Booking a paragliding flight in Pokhara is easy. You can arrange it through your hotel reception, or simply walk around Pokhara’s lakeside area and compare companies in person.

Some operators use Nepalese pilots while others employ foreign pilots, if that matters to you. It’s also worth asking what the price includes and whether the company provides insurance coverage.

However, it’s difficult to judge a company’s reputation based on brochures alone. I recommend doing a bit of research online before you arrive.

Below are a few of the top-rated paragliding companies in Pokhara based on Google reviews:

• Open Sky Paragliding
• Team 5 Nepal Paragliding
• Sunrise Paragliding
• Paragliding in Pokhara

I personally prefer booking through platforms like Klook, GetYourGuide, or Viator.

That way, I can read verified reviews right on the platform, and if anything goes wrong, refunds are usually more organized and reliable than booking directly with a local company.

What to expect when paragliding in Pokhara

The take-off point is in a place called Sarangkot, which stands at an altitude of 1,592 meters (5,223 feet) and the landing is by the Phewa Lake.

From Pokhara, you’ll take a 20-minute jeep ride to the Sarangkot take-off point. This is usually included in the paragliding package.

If the weather is clear, you should be able to see three of the world’s highest mountains: Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna, all towering over 8,000 meters.

While the crew sets up the equipment, take a moment to enjoy the view.

About 15 minutes before the flight, your pilot will strap you into the harness and explain the process.

You don’t need to know much—mostly just what to do with your legs during takeoff and landing. Your pilot will handle the rest.

The briefing’s main purpose is to give you an idea what to expect and prevent unnecessary panic.

In order to launch, the wind needs to be just right, so you may need to wait a minute or so — much like a surfer waiting to catch a wave.

Once the wind is favorable, your pilot will tell you to start running down the slope. Note that you might need to repeat this a few times if the wind isn’t cooperating.

When the wind catches, you’ll be off the ground in no time, joining the many other paragliders in the sky. It might surprise you how not scary the takeoff feels, despite how it looks.

A tandem flight typically lasts about 30 minutes, offering panoramic views of Phewa Lake, the Pokhara valley, and surrounding villages.

Keep an eye out for the snow-capped mountains, and if you’re lucky, you might spot eagles soaring nearby.

We flew in March, and the sky was unfortunately too hazy to see the mountains. Still, it was an incredible experience. Up there, the air is quiet, calm, and almost meditative.

Depending on your comfort level, the pilot may offer to do an acrobatic stunt (turning the parachute sideways so you’re flying horizontally, or making a few somersaults in the sky). This is entirely optional and you can decline if it’s too intense.

Can you take photos during the flight?

Most companies offer photography or videography services for an additional fee. Some companies allow you to bring your own camera, but it’s at your own risk.

If you do bring a device, make sure it’s securely strapped to your body. Dropping it not only destroys your device but could also be dangerous if it falls from height onto someone below.

Is it safe to paraglide in Nepal?

Safety is naturally a big concern with any extreme sport.

Paragliding in Nepal is generally considered safe when you fly tandem with a licensed pilot. Tandem pilots must undergo extensive training and certification through the Nepal Airsports Association before they are allowed to carry passengers.

In recent years, additional safety measures have been introduced, including separating trainee pilots from tandem flights and managing flight schedules to reduce congestion in the air. These rules have helped make the experience safer for visitors.

Still, paragliding is an adventure activity, so it’s important to fly with a reputable operator and have travel insurance that covers adventure sports.

How scary is paragliding, really?

For someone with a fear of heights, I was actually not as scared as I thought I’d be. Everything had been clearly briefed to me beforehand, including the safety measures and what to do during takeoff and landing, so I knew what to expect.

On top of that, my pilot’s relaxed, easygoing nature helped put me at ease. Just looking at him made me want to break into the Bob Marley song: Don’t worry, be happy.

Most passengers are nervous about the takeoff because you’re essentially running toward the edge of a cliff. However, you might be surprised to find that it’s not scary at all.

Once your feet leave the ground, the parachute immediately supports your weight. So there’s none of that free-fall sensation that makes your heart drop to your stomach.

It felt nothing like the time I jumped solo out of a moving airplane or that terrifying dive I once made from a 60-foot-high bridge.

The flight itself is so smooth and relaxing that you can easily chat with the pilot while you’re in the air. Mine checked on me regularly and kept me informed throughout the flight, which helps calm nervous passengers.

If you’re feeling brave, you can also ask your pilot to do some acrobatic maneuvers in the air. This is usually included in the flight, though you should definitely let them know if you’d rather skip it.

I was perfectly fine throughout the flight. My friend, however, felt a little nauseous, so she skipped the acrobatics and asked to land early.

Is paragliding suitable for everyone?

For the most part, yes. Most paragliding flights in Pokhara are tandem flights, meaning you’re strapped to a certified instructor who controls everything. You don’t need prior experience.

The only physical effort required is a short jog during takeoff. Once you’re in the air, you’re simply sitting in the harness while your pilot does the flying.

That said, there are a few limitations. Most operators have weight ranges (typically below 100 kg / 220 lbs).

Paragliding may not be suitable if you’re pregnant, have serious heart conditions, asthma, epilepsy, osteoporosis, or injuries that make running difficult. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to check with the operator before booking.

What to wear for paragliding in Nepal

Since paragliding isn’t a strenuous activity for the passenger, there’s no strict dress code.

Ideally, wear something comfortable that doesn’t restrict movement.

Avoid anything flowy or with hooks that could catch on the glider lines. Your shoes should be closed and secure. No flip-flops or anything that might slip off your feet during takeoff or landing.

It can be pretty chilly up there especially in the colder months. I’d recommend wearing long pants, a long-sleeved top, and a windbreaker. Since it was not so cold when I went, I was fine with a tank top and jeans.

You’ll also be more exposed to the sun at higher altitude, so don’t forget to apply strong sunscreen (at least SPF50) before your flight.

Some operators might provide lockers where you can leave your belongings, but it’s best not to bring valuables if you can avoid it.

Where to stay in Pokhara, Nepal

Most paragliding companies pick you up from hotels around Lakeside Pokhara, which is the main tourist area near Phewa Lake.

This is where I’d recommend staying. It’s walkable, full of cafés and restaurants, and close to the lake.

Here are a few recommended options:

Budget

• Gaurishankar Backpackers Hostel – Dormitories and private rooms, only 500 meters from Phewa Lake.
• Hotel Forest Lake Backpackers Hostel – A clean and modern hostel with a terrace or balcony in some rooms.

Mid-range

• Hotel Middle Path & Spa – Clean, air-conditioned rooms with views of the mountains and a restaurant that serves Nepali, Indian, and Chinese cuisines.
• Hotel ABC – A boutique hotel with a garden, coffee shop, and an outdoor fireplace.

Luxury

• Temple Tree Resort & Spa – Rooms in double-story cottages with traditional Western Himalayan architecture, wooden pillars, hand-cut stone walls, and private balconies.
• Hotel Barahi Pokhara – Features a swimming pool, spa, restaurant, and cultural dance performances every evening.

Final thoughts

Paragliding in Pokhara is a must-do for any adventure seeker.

Sure, you can paraglide in other parts of the world, but few places let you soar above a shimmering lake with the Himalayan peaks as your backdrop. That’s surely hard to beat.

If it’s your first time, tandem paragliding is perfect. You don’t have to worry about a thing. Just sit back, trust your instructor, and let the views do the rest.

For adrenaline junkies craving more, tandem flights might not give the same thrill as bungee jumping or skydiving.

But Pokhara offers plenty of options: solo paragliding, acro-paragliding, cross-country flights, or even training to get your own international paragliding license.

There’s definitely room for both cautious first-timers and fearless thrill-seekers here.

---

If you’re craving more epic adventures, check out my bucket list of bold experiences around the world.

You may also like:

Static-Line Skydiving in Malaysia (I Jumped Out of An Airplane Solo!)