In a landmark achievement for global adventure sports, Chinese climber Zhang Jing successfully paraglided from the summit of Mt. Ama Dablam on Tuesday, becoming the first person to complete such a flight using a standard paraglider wing. The daring descent marks a major milestone in the evolution of high-altitude aerial sports in Nepal.
A Historic Flight from 6,856 Meters
According to Sano Babu Sunuwar, Managing Director of Babu Adventure Paragliding Pvt. Ltd. and international paragliding pioneer, Zhang launched his paraglider from the 6,856-meter (22,493-foot) peak at approximately 1:30 p.m. He reached base camp safely after a 30-minute flight.
“This is the first-ever successful paragliding flight from the summit of Ama Dablam using a standard wing,” said Sunuwar. “Zhang acquired all required permits from the government, ensuring that the mission complied fully with aviation and mountaineering regulations.”
Strong Logistical and Climbing Support
The expedition was supported by Seven Summit Treks (SST), one of Nepal’s leading high-altitude expedition operators. SST Director Pasang Phurba Sherpa praised the achievement, noting that Zhang’s success “opens a new avenue for adventure sports on Ama Dablam,” a peak already renowned among mountaineers for its technical beauty and climbing challenges. Zhang’s climbing guide on the mission was Dawa Rinji Sherpa, an experienced high-altitude climber from SST.
Permits Granted for High-Altitude Aerial Descent
The 32-year-old athlete received official authorization for the flight from:
- The Department of Tourism,
- The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), and
- The National Park authority.
The permission allowed Zhang to perform a tandem flight from above 22,000 feet, a regulatory requirement for such extreme aerial activities.
Following in the Footsteps of Early Pioneers
While a paragliding descent was previously attempted in 2009 by British climber Stuart Holmes, Sunuwar clarified that Holmes used a Gin Glider, which does not fall under the standard paraglider category. “Zhang is the first to use a normal paraglider from the Ama Dablam summit,” Sunuwar emphasized, underscoring the uniqueness and difficulty of the feat.
A New Chapter for Extreme Adventure Sports
According to SST and Babu Adventure representatives, the accomplishment marks a groundbreaking moment in adventure tourism, merging mountaineering with aerial sports in one of Nepal’s most iconic locations.
“This mission has opened a new era for adventure sports enthusiasts,” said Pasang Phurba, noting that such achievements further cement Nepal’s reputation as a global hub for high-altitude extreme adventures.
Zhang Jing: A Rising Icon of Extreme Adventure
Zhang is widely known in China’s adventure sports community for his expertise in paragliding, skydiving, and other adrenaline-fueled pursuits. Beyond being an athlete, he plays an influential role in promoting extreme sports:
- Beijing National Fitness & Ice and Snow Sports Promotion Ambassador,
- Founder of AG Extreme Circle China Extreme Club,
- Team member of RedbullX, among others.
His ability to combine high-altitude climbing with high-risk aerial maneuvers sets him apart as one of the most versatile young adventurers in Asia.
A Promising Future for Himalayan Aerial Adventure
Zhang’s successful flight is expected to inspire a new wave of interest in Himalayan aerial sports, encouraging collaborations between climbers, aviators, and adventure tourism operators. With infrastructure, expertise, and regulatory frameworks steadily evolving, Nepal is increasingly becoming a pioneering destination for extreme adventure innovation.
The historic Ama Dablam flight not only pushes the boundaries of what is possible in mountaineering but also showcases the Himalayas as a global arena for bold and transformative adventure achievements.
