Paragliding in Nepal:

A Paraglider is a foot-launched, ram-air, aerofoil canopy which flies with the energy of wind, gravity and pilot's power to steer. It descends due to gravity and ascends due to air pressure. With the help of air pressure, pilot decides when and where to fly, soar, dive and eventually land it safely. Adventure seekers seek depths and space where ever they can find. In Nepal, you have breathtaking depth of 700 meter or higher for the unparalleled Shangri-La that lies beneath the Himalayan range offering a scenic ecstasy of the valleys and lush green jungles combined with an infinitive visibility of the crisp clear Himalayas all around you, all ready to add another dimension in your flight adrenal. 

Best Time ?

November, December and January are the best three months for Paragliding in Nepal. Superb weather and excellent mountain visibility can be expected during those months. Best location for para gliding is the Annapurna region, also known as the arms of Pokhara valley. Locations around the Phewa Lake are also popular, one such is the Sarangkot hill which provides breath-taking views above the Pokhara city.

With nothing to carry, and with a Nepali paragliding instructor, you can take the following popular courses or if you decide to do it on your own, just add the ownership/rent cost of paraglide, transportation cost and any tourism fees as charged by Nepal Tourism Ministry.

 

How much will it cost ?

(a) Fewa Lake View: View the lake and mountains from Fewa Lake in Pokhara. Cost is from US$ 50 to US$ 75 per person.

(b) Pokhara and beyond : Fly to the north of Pokhara and go from a valley to another and to another, and finally return back to Pokhara for US$ 100 to US$ 150 rate.

 

Bungee Jumps

Heard of the highest mountain on earth? Now hear of the longest free-fall on earth! It's here in Nepal!! Drop into one of the world's wildest and beautiful rivers for a 500ft (150m) depth of free fall. Bungee Takes place on a 166m-wide steel suspension bridge over the Bhoti Kosi River which is about 3 hours drive from Kathmandu. Most jumpers go on for an River Rafting adventure on the Bhote Kosi river the next day for over 80 challenging rapids.

Elephant Polo

Come December every year, Nepal brings a flock of polo enthusiastics. The Headquarter of World Elephant Polo Association is located at Chitwan, Nepal. World's Elephant Polo Association (WEPA) was born in Nepal, at Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge in the Royal Chitwan National Park which is located south west of Nepal.

The game is much like the horse polo. Usually there are nine elephants on the field (each team has four elephants, and one for the empire), each player sits behind an experienced elephant driver, players communicate with the driver to steer the elephant. This game originated from Nepal, is now played in many countries.

Useful Resource

• ElephantPolo.Com : Rules - Elephant Polo Rules from the Association
• CorkScrew-Ballon.com : Polo- Report on 2001 Series in Nepal
• Tickle-and-Ivories.com : Photos - Photo Gallery of Elephant tournaments in Nepal
• ElephantVoices.Org - Information on Elephants including their voices

Horseback Riding

Horse riding is another popular choice for touring in various hill regions of Nepal and Tibet especially in places where there are no other modes of transportation. Popular horse riding programs are of 8 to 13 days, and routes include

• Panauti to Nagarko
• Panauti - Nagarkot - Dhulikhel - Panauti
• Tour of Pokhara City
• Pokhara to Ghorepani
• Dakshinkali - Nagarkot
• Mustang Valley

Horseback riding can also be mixed with trekking. Some folks may prefer to trek for a few days and then horse-ride the rest of the journey. Not all travel companies offers horseback riding services, so ask with your travel agent for this service. Horseback riding in higher mountains is not a recommended sports.