Adventure · Nepal
Paragliding in Nepal
Tandem paragliding from Sarangkot over Phewa Lake is Nepal's signature flight — here is the cost, season and what to expect.
The best paragliding in Nepal is the tandem flight from Sarangkot above Pokhara, costing about USD 70 to 90 for roughly 30 minutes in the clear-sky season from October to April. You need no experience — a licensed pilot flies while you simply sit and enjoy the Annapurna panorama over Phewa Lake.
Overview and where to do it
Pokhara is the heart of paragliding in Nepal and one of the finest tandem sites on the planet. The launch is on the Sarangkot ridge, the same hill famous for its sunrise views — see our Sarangkot sunrise guide for the spot. From there you lift off above terraced hills and glide over the deep blue of Phewa Lake, with the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre peaks filling the horizon. Landings are gentle, on a field by the lakeside, which is part of why the site suits first-timers so well.
While Pokhara dominates, a smaller scene exists near Kathmandu, but for scenery, reliability and choice of operators, Pokhara is the clear choice.
What to expect
A tandem flight is simple. You are buckled into a harness in front of the pilot, given a quick briefing, and then jog a few steps downhill until the wing fills and lifts you off the ridge. Once airborne it is calm and quiet. You can ask the pilot to circle in a thermal for height, fly straight for sightseeing, or, if your stomach is up to it, add spins and wing-overs for an acrobatic finish. Many pilots carry a camera on a pole to film you in the air. The whole experience, from pick-up to landing, takes a couple of hours; the flight itself is around 30 minutes.
Cost and season
Expect to pay around USD 70 to 90 for a standard 30-minute tandem flight, with longer cross-country and acrobatic options costing more. Photo and video packages are usually extra. The season runs roughly October to April, with autumn (October and November) the prime window for clear skies and steady thermals. Spring is also good. Flights wind down in the summer monsoon when cloud and rain dominate.
Safety and operators
Choose an established, licensed company rather than the cheapest tout. Reputable operators fly commercially rated pilots, inspect their wings regularly, and ground flights in unstable weather. Confirm the pilot's experience and that insurance is included. The combination of professional operators and forgiving terrain makes Pokhara one of the safer places to try the sport, but it remains an air sport with inherent risk.
Tips
- Book a morning flight for the smoothest air and clearest mountain views.
- Wear closed shoes and layers — it is cooler aloft than on the ground.
- Skip a heavy breakfast if you are prone to motion sickness, and tell your pilot.
- For another aerial thrill, pair it with an ultralight flight in Pokhara, then browse the full menu of adventure activities in Nepal.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best paragliding in Nepal?+
Pokhara is the best and most popular spot, with launches from Sarangkot ridge over Phewa Lake and the Annapurna range as a backdrop. It is regarded as one of the world's top tandem paragliding destinations thanks to reliable thermals and easy landings by the lake.
How much does paragliding in Nepal cost?+
A standard tandem flight in Pokhara costs roughly USD 70 to 90 for about 30 minutes. Longer cross-country flights and acrobatic flights cost more, and photos or video from a wing-mounted camera are usually an extra charge.
Do you need experience to paraglide in Nepal?+
No. Tandem flights are designed for complete beginners. A licensed pilot handles take-off, flying and landing while you sit in a harness in front, so you need no training, just a short uphill jog at launch.
When is the best season for paragliding in Pokhara?+
October to April is the prime season, with the clearest skies and most stable air, peaking in autumn (October and November). Flights pause or reduce during the summer monsoon when clouds and rain build over the hills.
Is paragliding in Nepal safe?+
With a reputable, licensed operator it is well run. Pilots are commercially rated, wings are inspected and flights are grounded in poor weather. As with any air sport there is inherent risk, so choose an established company over the cheapest deal.
