Pokhara Tandem Paragliding Day Tour

Pokhara · 1 Day

Pokhara Tandem Paragliding Day Tour

· Easy · Max altitude 1,592m (5,223 ft) at Sarangkot take-off · Max group 1-12 people

Duration

1 Day

Max Altitude

1,592m (5,223 ft)

at Sarangkot take-off

Grade

Easy

Lodging

N/A - day tour

Overview

Pokhara is one of the world's top five tandem paragliding sites - the combination of the 1,000m vertical drop between Sarangkot (1,592m) and Phewa Lake (820m), the consistent thermal lift off the lake, and the Annapurna massif as the backdrop make it as good as it gets for commercial paragliding. The Pokhara tandem season runs September to May with November-March as peak; in monsoon (June-August) the air is too unstable and most operators close.

A tandem flight runs 15-60 minutes depending on the package you choose. The pilot handles all the technical work; you sit in a comfortable bucket harness in front and enjoy the view. Three packages are standard: 15-minute Sky Diving (acrobatic option, costs more), 30-minute Cloud Buster (the most popular - includes some thermal climbing), and 60-minute Cross Country (the long ridge tour with Annapurna at full size).

Highlights

  • Tandem paragliding over Phewa Lake with Annapurna and Machhapuchhre as the backdrop
  • 1,000m vertical descent from Sarangkot to the lakeshore landing
  • Choice of 3 flight packages - 15, 30 or 60 minutes
  • Optional acrobatic flying with wing-overs and spirals (Sky Diving package)
  • Bird's-eye view of the World Peace Stupa, Pokhara city and the lake islands
  • All licensed pilots with international competition experience
  • Video and stills of your flight included
  • Hotel-to-launch jeep transfer included
  • No experience required - pilot handles everything
  • Same-day booking possible if weather is good

Itinerary

Day 1

Sarangkot Tandem Paraglide

⏱ 3 hours door to door ▲ 1,592m at launch 🍽 None included

**07:30 or 11:00** Hotel pickup in Pokhara. **08:15 or 11:45** Arrive at Sarangkot launch ramp. **08:30 or 12:00** Pilot briefing and harness check. Sign waiver. **08:45 or 12:15** Take-off from Sarangkot ramp. **Flight:** 15, 30 or 60 minutes depending on your package, over Phewa Lake with Annapurna and Machhapuchhre views. **Landing:** Sit-down landing at Khapaudi or Pame lakeshore. **Post-flight:** Jeep transfer back to hotel. Video and photos delivered via USB or download link within 2 hours.

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What's included

Included

  • Hotel pickup in Pokhara and transfer to Sarangkot launch (45 min)
  • Jeep transfer from landing site back to your hotel
  • Tandem flight with licensed pilot
  • All paragliding equipment (wing, harness, helmet)
  • Video and still photos of your flight (delivered same day)
  • Landing site refreshment

Not included

  • Travel insurance (recommended)
  • Personal expenses
  • Lunch and other meals
  • Tips for the pilot (optional)

Trek guide

Flight Packages

Package Duration Altitude gain Suits
Sky Diving (acrobatic) 10-15 min Direct descent Adrenaline-seekers, fit passengers, no motion-sickness
Cloud Buster 25-30 min Thermal climbing 200-500m above launch Most passengers - the "default" choice
Cross Country 55-60 min Ridge run along Sarangkot Photographers, experienced air-sport guests

Take-off and Landing

  • Take-off: Sarangkot launch ramp at 1,592m. Two-step running start with the pilot - you do almost nothing
  • Flight zone: Phewa Lake basin, with the Annapurna massif north
  • Landing: Khapaudi or Pame on the lake shoreline (depending on wind direction). Sit-down landing with the pilot taking the impact

Weather and Timing

Pokhara paragliding requires:
- Wind under 18 knots
- Cloud base above 1,800m
- No precipitation
- Visibility >5 km

Best daily windows:
- 07:00-09:00 - morning thermal start, calmer air, best for first-timers
- 11:00-13:00 - thermal peak, biggest lift, best for cross-country
- Avoid 14:00 onwards in summer (thermal overload) and 16:00 onwards in winter (light fades)

Best Season

  • November-March: Stable air, clear skies, peak performance
  • September-October: Post-monsoon clarity, slightly warmer
  • April-May: Pre-monsoon, occasional thermal turbulence
  • Closed June-August (monsoon)

Safety

  • Pilot is in charge throughout - passenger does no active flying
  • All wings are equipped with reserve parachutes
  • Pilots carry radio for weather and traffic updates
  • Mid-air incidents are rare; less than 1 per 10,000 commercial tandem flights

Health

  • Suitable for ages 6-80
  • Not recommended for: pregnancy, severe heart conditions, recent surgery, fractures
  • Motion sickness sufferers should choose the 15-min package and skip acrobatics
  • Weight limit roughly 110 kg (combined pilot+passenger limit on the wing)

Packing list

Clothing: Comfortable trousers (not skirts/dresses), closed shoes, light jacket if morning flight, sunglasses with strap

Accessories: Phone in zipped pocket or left at hotel (loose objects can fall during flight). GoPro mountable to harness on request.

Documents: Passport for identification

Medical: Take motion-sickness medication 1 hour before if you are sensitive

Frequently asked questions

Is paragliding safe?
Commercial tandem paragliding has a very strong safety record. Pilots are licensed, equipment certified and inspected annually.

Do I need experience?
No - the pilot does everything. You sit in the harness and enjoy the view.

Will I be sick?
Most passengers feel fine. If you are prone to motion sickness, choose the 15-minute package and avoid acrobatics. Take ginger pills or anti-nausea medication 1 hour before.

What if weather closes the flight?
We reschedule for the next available day, or refund if you have to leave Pokhara.

Can children fly?
Yes - ages 6 and up with parent permission. Weight minimum is 25 kg.

What is the weight limit?
Roughly 110 kg combined pilot + passenger. Passengers over 100 kg should mention this at booking - we will assign a heavy-payload pilot.

How does pricing vary?
15-min Sky Diving from US$110, 30-min Cloud Buster around US$120, 60-min Cross Country around US$185.

Are video and photos extra?
No - standard videos and stills are included. A second GoPro on your helmet (separate angle) can be added for around US$30.

Can I fly twice in a day?
Yes - some passengers do a morning short flight and an afternoon long flight. We book both slots together.

What about the acrobatic flying?
The pilot performs wing-overs, spirals and possibly a stall on request. Not for the motion-sick. Tell the pilot before take-off what you do and do not want.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

  • Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
  • Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
  • 100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
  • Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $110

per person

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