Pokhara. The paragliding business, which has been hit by relocation due to Pokhara International Airport, has gradually started operating lately.
Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and Nepal Air Sports Association (NA) in collaboration with Nepal Air Sports Association (NA) have decided to postpone the paragliding time for one and a half hours.
Entrepreneurs and parapilots are hoping that pokhara can be established as a world-class paragliding destination with the decision to extend the landing time in the old place. After the operation of Pokhara International Airport, paragliding flights from Sarangkot and Toripani were shifted to Mandredhunga due to security reasons.
For this reason, the paragliding business became stable and added challenges to the businessmen. It has now been decided to take off the Bahakot flight (take-off) of Sargadkot Toripani and land at Khapaudi(End of Lake), said Anil KC, chairman of the checkpoint.
“Earlier, paragliding was challenging and problematic for us. With the operation of the international airport, the sky of Pokhara had disappeared. It was difficult to sustain the business and more than 150 parapilots had to be displaced. Now this decision has given hope,” he said.
According to him, the paragliding service will be operated from 11 am to 4:30 pm.
Stating that it will give more time to tourists and pilots to enjoy the panoramic view of Phewa Lake and Annapurna Glacier, KC said, “This extension will play an important role in increasing the number of flights and making the tourist experience more exciting.” ‘
Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City Dhanraj Acharya expressed the belief that the decision would further support the adventure activities of Pokhara.
“A positive effort has been made, it will again add momentum to the tourism of Pokhara and the demands of the entrepreneurs have been addressed even if it is late,” he said. Pokhar will be developed as a tourist destination. ‘
Chairman KC also informed that plans have been made to conduct solo paragliding and organize international paragliding competition in the coming days. Yogendra Kunwar, chief of air traffic control at Pokhara International Airport, said the permission has been granted to land at old sites in collaboration with CAAN for sustainable tourism.
“Safety is the first priority. All companies and pilots should provide a safe experience to the tourists by following strict safety standards,” he said. Pokhara Visit Year Coordinator Gopi Bahadur Bhattarai stressed the need to increase tourism activities and ensure connectivity connecting Pokhara with China and India to make the Tourism Year a success.
“Paragliding, which is the beauty of Pokhara, should not be allowed to be displaced under any circumstances,” he said.
Bhattarai stressed the need to bring more programmes for its expansion and promotion. He said this would be possible with the coordination, support and active support of the federal, provincial and local governments and the active support of tourism entrepreneurs.
On May 21, 2025, NA conducted technical training for pilots, giving priority to safety by making paragliding more secure. General Secretary of the border, Balram Acharya, informed that more training has been given on the border, discipline and security protocol of the aviation sector.
According to him, technical vice-president Bijaya Gautam, national player Bimal Adhikari and chief coach Yogesh Bahadur Bhattarai briefed about the measures to ensure safe and orderly flights using GPS and modern methods.
The use of GPS and modern technology has made paragliding more safe and systematic. Senior vice-president khem raj Acharya said paragliding in Pokhara is expected to take a new height due to the time, landing site and security initiatives.
“The combination of natural beauty, improved regulations and ambitious tourism plan will make Pokhara an essential destination for adventure tourists for 2025 and beyond,” he said.
According to Acharya, there is an investment of about One billion in the paragliding business and there are 59 commercial companies. There are 400 tandem pilots. Stating that around 150 entrepreneurs have been displaced, he said 250 are currently working.
Earlier, at least 500 to 1,500 flights were successful in operating daily, but the transfer has limited the number of flights.
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