Commercial paragliding launched in Chitwan

Commercial paragliding flights have been launched in Chitwan. The Himalayan Frontiers Paragliding Company Chitwan has started a commercial paragliding flight coinciding the Nepali New Year, 2080 BS. The adventure sport aims to attract domestic and foreign tourists visiting the district, said the company chairperson Bijaya Bahadur Ghale.

A flight starts at Chaukidanda of Bharatpur Metropolitan City-29 at a height of 1,200 metres above sea level, and descends at the banks of the Trishuli river of Devghat Rural Municipality-5. Those tourists visiting the district for a jungle safari in particular are a target for the adventure sport, he said.

Rope cycling and bungee jumping would be added in the area in the future, said the company operator Shalik Dawadi. “We have a plan to construct a resort at Chaukidanda as well,” he said. The company has also acquired permission to operate paragliding flight at Kabilas Danda.

One has to pay Rs 8,000 for paragliding flight, and there is a 25 percent discount at present, he said, adding that around 45 people can fly a day.

Tourists get thrilled by flying above the Nagbeli road and Trishuli river in particular, said Shailendra Raut, General Secretary of the Nepal Paragliding Association.

In terms of topography and weather, the places here are favourable for paragliding, said a paragliding pilot Sanjaya Gauram.

Paragliding begins in Bharatpur to have visiting tourist get a different taste of tourism, said the Bharatpur Metropolitan City Mayor Renu Dahal, adding that efforts are ongoing to promote tourism here.

Informing that ‘Bharatpur Visit Year’ would be observed throughout the year, 2024, she stressed the need for launching various activities to prolong stay of visiting tourists.