KATHMANDU, June 16: Three years after it was grounded, Kathmandu Paragliding Company has resumed operations.
The first paragliding company in the Kathmandu Valley had shut operations citing a decline in the flow of tourists in adventure activities after the 2015 earthquakes. The company resumed operation three weeks ago.
Paragliders of the company take off from Chanpkharka (2,100 meters) located on the outer rim of Kathmandu Valley.
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According to company officials, one can have panoramic view of mountain ranges and a stunning view of the Kathmandu Valley while on the sky. The landing point is at the Godavari.
Kathmandu Paragliding was established in 2007 with an investment of Rs 30 million. Now, the company has formed a joint venture with South Korea-based Paralove Paragliding, Narayan Aryal, owner of Kathmandu Paragliding told Republica. The Korean company owns 49 percent of shares in Kathmandu Paragliding.
According to the company, adventure enthusiasts can enjoy solo and tandem flights. It also plans to provide paragliding pilot training.
The company currently employs six pilots, including four foreigners.
According to Aryal, the company has been operating 10 to 15 flights a day since it resumed service three weeks ago. “Paragliding flights depend on weather conditions. We have operated as much as 20 flights a day,” added Aryal.
Wagle believes that the paragliding service will offer tourists a whole new way to experience Kathmandu Valley. “The valley may not be as popular as Pokhara for adventurous activities. But we are offering a thrilling experience of paragliding to adventure enthusiasts,” Aryal said, adding that the service will also boost tourism in Kathmandu Valley.
Although paragliding has become popular among Nepalis as well, the company is seeing more foreign tourists these days. According to Aryal, most of their clients are Chinese tourists.
Paragliding package of the company begins from Rs 8,000, including photos and videos, for Nepalis and Rs 11,000, including photos and videos, for foreigners.
