The adventure sport of paragliding has for many years been one of Pokhara’s major attractions. But now, paragliding has also been introduced in the Kathmandu valley in places such as Deurali Bhanjyang and Godawari, where it has been gaining in popularity among domestic and foreign tourists alike.

Shankharapura Paragliding, a company that runs the sport in Kathmandu, has been successful in breaking Pokhara’s monopoly on paragliding and creating a new market, thereby proving that commercial paragliding is viable in the national capital.

Established in 2013, Shankharapura Paragliding has already catered to hundreds of adventurers. The number of tourists enjoying paragliding in Kathmandu has almost doubled in the past couple of years—from about 400 annual fliers a few years ago to about 800 now. Not long ago, starting a paragliding business in the Kathmandu Valley seemed a waste of money. But the success story of Shankharapura Paragliding has proven that notion wrong.   

Shankharapura Paragliding offers solo and tandem flights for its customers. “We have invested about 500 million in infrastructure, land acquisition and other expenses,” says Sharan Adhikari, its head of operations.

Every day, Shankharapura paragliding offers 16 flights, which last anywhere between 20 to 40 minutes. The take-off point is Deurali in Shankarpura village, at a distance of 5 km from Nagarkot and 25 km from Thamel. Deurali is situated at an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level. The landing takes place at Patap, which is a 30-minute ride in an off-road vehicle from the take-off point.   

The flight offers majestic aerial views of the mountains, hills, rivers, the lush green countryside, as well as the city’s bustling traffic, giving flyers an ‘unforgettable experience’.

The flight offers majestic aerial views of the mountains, hills, rivers and the lush green countryside

Shankharapura’s economy has been transformed too. The increase in the number of visitors means locals have more business opportunities. Hotels, homestays and eateries in the area are doing brisk business. Further, the company has trained and employed four local youths as pilots.  

“We have good relations with the locals, who have been supportive since the very beginning,” says Adhikari. “We aren’t very happy with government bodies though. There is a lack of assistance and support from the government, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the National Association of Travel Agents (NATA), the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) in promoting paragliding in Kathmandu.”

Kalyan K.C., a BBS student from Maharajgunj, says that Shankharapura Paragliding has helped him fulfill his long-cherished dream of enjoying paragliding.  

Imran Bashir, a Pakistani student, was thrilled to enjoy paragliding in Kathmandu. “Initially, I had planned to do it in Pokhara as I was not aware of paragliding in Kathmandu. My tour agent informed me about Shankharapura Paragliding, so I was able to experience the thrill here,” says Bashir.  

Despite attaining a measure of success, the company is not fully satisfied, as it has not been able to make expected profits. Currently, it offers a package of Rs. 10,000 to foreigners, which includes two-way transport, photography/videography services and a lunch, besides the flight costs. Nepalis get the same package for half the price, and students get another 20 percent discount. Also, on the occasion of the Valentine’s Day, the company providing a 20 percent discount.