People of Kathmandu no longer have to travel to Pokhara or far-off places for paragliding as the Kathmandu Paragliding has opened up a venue for the adventure sport in Chapakharka in Godavari.
The venue is located at 2100m and is a five-km uphill drive from Panchdhara. Though, the company had conducted flights at Kotdanda two years ago, situated at 1700m, they had to shift it to the present location due to technical problems.
But Chapakharka is better and technically safer than the previous venue, claimed Ganesh Kunwar, the company’s field director. He said the present sight has all it takes to become the most sought after venue for the sport due to its suitable wind pressure, the spectacular view of the Himalayas it offers and the lush green jungles that surrounds the periphery.
In addition, the flight takes off from a greater height (2100m) than any other paragliding venues in Nepal. The famous paragliding destination in Sarangkot, Pokhara, takes off from 1400m. The best part of the flight is that it takes off and lands at the same place, he added.
The flight is conducted by two well experienced pilots from Hungary. Gabor Szalma is one of the two Hungarian pilots hired by the company. He has been flying in Nepal for the last two years and has about six years of experience flying in different European countries.
He said the main attraction at Chapakharka is its height and its landing facilities. Asked about the safety of the flight, he said it was safer than driving in the streets of Kathmandu.
Priced at Rs. 3500 for a Nepali and Rs. 7000 for a foreigner for a 30-minute flight, it can ascend upto 4000m.
The company can conduct about 20 flights everyday, provided the weather conditions are suitable.
