High Altitude Paragliding School Launched in Lamjung

Lamjung has recently witnessed the inauguration of a new high altitude paragliding school, a significant addition to its adventure tourism offerings. The "High Altitude" paragliding school, established by Babu Adventure Paragliding Company, is situated in Dordi Rural Municipality-8 Thonti, Lamjung.

Strategic Location and Unique Offering

• Altitude and Expertise: Perched at an impressive altitude of 3,900 meters, the school specializes in teaching paragliding skills specifically for the high Himalayas.
• Official Approvals: Sanobabu Sunuwar, the owner of Babu Adventure Paragliding Company, confirmed that the school operates with the approval of the Civil Aviation Authority and in collaboration with the local authorities.

Local Support and Employment Opportunities

• Infrastructure Support: Yuvraj Adhikari, the chairman of the rural municipality, highlighted the municipality's support in providing the necessary infrastructure for the paragliding school.
• Boost to Local Economy and Employment: The school is expected to be a boon for the local economy, creating job opportunities and promoting tourism in areas like Bhedigoth.

Promising Prospects for Paragliding in Nepal

• A Decade of Experience: Babu Adventure Paragliding Company brings nine years of experience in operating a paragliding school in Bhirkot Municipality-5 Swarek Maidan, Syangja.
• International Interest: The school has garnered attention from various companies, including a visit and subsequent support promise from Red Bull's 'Adventure' team.

Impact on Nepal's Adventure Tourism

• Unique High Altitude Experience: According to Krishna Bhattarai, outgoing president of Nepal Air Sports Association (NA), Nepal's high-altitude paragliding offers a unique experience that is rare elsewhere in the world.
• Potential for Growth: Bhattarai sees immense potential in high-altitude paragliding in Nepal, not only for attracting foreign tourists but also for generating skilled manpower and earning foreign currency.

Courses Offered:

• Paragliding Beginners Course: This course introduces the basics of paragliding, covering fundamental skills and safety measures for new pilots.

• Paragliding Refresh Course: Designed for pilots who want to update their skills after a break, focusing on refreshing knowledge and techniques.

• Paragliding Thermalling Course: Focuses on thermalling techniques, teaching pilots how to utilize thermal currents for prolonged flights.

• Paragliding High Altitude Flight Course: Specialized training for flying at high altitudes, emphasizing altitude acclimatization and specific flight skills.

• Paragliding SIV (Simulated Incident in Flight) Course: Advanced course that simulates various in-flight incidents, training pilots in handling and recovery techniques.

• Paragliding XC (Cross Country) Course: For pilots interested in long-distance flights, focusing on navigation, weather assessment, and endurance.

• Technical Rope Rescue Course: Covers rescue and emergency procedures using ropes, crucial for handling difficult terrain and emergencies.

• First Aid Course: Essential medical training for handling common injuries and emergencies during paragliding activities.

• Paragliding Advance XC Course: An advanced level cross-country course for experienced pilots, focusing on complex navigation and advanced flying strategies.

• Paragliding Advance Exam: A comprehensive examination for advanced pilots to assess their skills and knowledge in various aspects of paragliding.

• Paragliding Acro Course: Focuses on acrobatic and advanced flying maneuvers, suitable for experienced pilots looking to enhance their aerial skills.

• Paragliding Tandem Course (T1): Training for pilots to fly with a passenger, covering tandem flight techniques and passenger management.

• Paragliding Tandem Course (T2): An advanced tandem course, building on T1, with more complex skills and techniques for tandem flights.

The establishment of the High Altitude paragliding school in Lamjung marks a significant step in enhancing Nepal's adventure tourism sector. With its unique high-altitude training, support from local authorities, and international interest, the school is poised to become a key player in promoting adventure sports and contributing to the local and national economy.