Enjoy stunning aerial views over lakeside Pokhara during this private paragliding experience. See the foothills of the Annapurna mountain range from above. Glide directly above the water, affording a bird’s eye panorama. Paragliding packages include complimentary photos and videos of your flight, plus front-door pickup and drop-off from your Pokhara hotel.
21th December in Pokhara is nothing short of magical—skies, cool breezes, and the mighty Annapurna range watching over the valley. It’s the perfect time for adventure, and what better way to experience the breathtaking landscape than paragliding from Sarangkot? My journey in December 2021 was filled with excitement, a bit of fear, and some unforgettable memories.
The Ascent to Sarangkot
The day started with an early morning, had breakfast at home drive in van from Lakeside, Pokhara’s vibrant hub, to the famed Sarangkot hill, which stands tall at 1,600 meters. The ride itself was an adventure, with winding roads that offered glimpses of the serene Phewa Lake below. We booked our paragliding experience.
Preparing for Takeoff
Upon reaching the takeoff point, I was greeted by my pilot, a friendly and experienced man who put me at ease instantly. He gave me instructions to follow. The view from Sarangkot was breathtaking—the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre peaks gleamed in the morning light, while the tranquil Phewa Lake below mirrored the clear blue sky. As I got strapped into the harness, the reality of what I was about to do hit me, and my heart began to race.
Taking Flight
With a deep breath and a few quick steps, we were airborne. The initial fear melted away as we soared higher into the sky, carried by the gentle wind , I felt like I am a bird. However, as much as I wanted to enjoy the view, nerves got the best of me, and before I knew it, I was singing a song—perhaps in an attempt to calm my racing heart. My pilot chuckled, offering reassurance as we glided effortlessly through the air.
The Views and a Little Adventure
The views from above were nothing short of spectacular. The sprawling city of Pokhara, the shimmering Phewa Lake, and the small houses dotting the landscape below created a stunning panorama. But just as I was beginning to relax and take it all in, my stomach decided to rebel. The combination of excitement and nerves led to a less glamorous moment. I ended up vomiting just before we began our descent. It was a little embarrassing, but my pilot handled it with utmost professionalism, helping me through the moment.
The Landing and Aftermath
Despite the little mishap, the landing was smooth, and we touched down near the shores of Phewa Lake. The adventure wasn’t quite over, though—the team at Fly had been recording the entire flight, and they handed me the photos and videos they had captured. Watching the footage later, I couldn’t help but laugh at the mix of emotions that played across my face during the flight.
Reflections on the Experience
As I made my way back to Lakeside, memories of the flight replayed in my mind—the thrill of takeoff, the stunning views, the nervous singing. It was an adventure in every sense of the word, and despite the ups and downs, it was an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in Pokhara, especially in the clear, crisp month of September -December and looking for an adventure, I highly recommend paragliding from Sarangkot.
