Sarangkot’s paragliding been relocated, what happens next?

POKHARA: With the opening of Pokhara International Airport (PIA), paragliding flights from Sarangkot have been relocated to Mandredhunga.

There were previously paragliding flights from Sarangkot to Pokhara. Mandredhunga, Toripani, and Tamagi were also notable. Three popular locations have now been closed.

The majority of tourists who visit Pokhara come to partake in paragliding. However, paragliding has no future in Pokhara. At the moment, a location for paragliding flights has been designated at Mandredhunga, 5 kilometers from Sarangkot, but only for a limited time. The Civil Aviation Authority stated that such a decision was made for the safety of the passengers on board.

‘After compromising safety, we will be blacklisted,’ says Pokhara authority head Vikram Gautam. It is the responsibility of the pilot to protect life and property once in the air. ‘The regulator not only threatens, but also punishes.’ Previously, the flight was available at any time, but now it is only available for about 4 hours from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.

Paragliding, balloons, and other similar activities are prohibited within 18.52 kilometers of Pokhara International Airport’s center.

Gautam stated that a test flight will be conducted from Mandredhunga for one month, and if there is a problem, the aircraft will be removed from there as well. ‘We have given you a month. We will put it to the test by flying at this time “He stated. “There are some restrictions. There will be no problem if it is completed; otherwise, there will be a situation to consider.’

There are more than 60 paragliding companies in Pokhara and more than 300 pilots. Now paragliding is becoming a brand of Pokhara.

-Prakash Dhakal