Nepal Paragliding Premier League has officially begun in Dharan with the support of the Nepal Airsports Association and the Nepal Tourism Board, aiming to promote adventure tourism and establish eastern Nepal as a major destination for aerial sports.
The competition started on Friday at the paragliding take-off site in Chhoti Morang of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City–14 and will continue until May 11 (Baisakh 28). The event has brought together 32 athletes from Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
The first edition of the international premier league was jointly inaugurated by Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki, Officiating Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board Hikmat Singh Ayer, and former Deputy Mayor of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City Manju Bhandari during a special ceremony held at the competition venue.
Government Eyes Dharan as Adventure Sports Hub
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Karki highlighted the immense potential of Koshi Province for adventure tourism. He said sports such as paragliding and mountaineering could play a vital role in promoting adventure-based tourism in the province and creating new economic opportunities.
He stated that the government aims to develop Dharan and the surrounding areas into a major hub for paragliding and hang-gliding activities in Nepal. According to him, preparations are underway to organize more than 10 international sporting events, including paragliding competitions, from the upcoming fiscal year by linking them with the Tourism Year and Visit Year campaigns.
Welcoming the participating pilots from India, especially from neighboring Sikkim, Chief Minister Karki also expressed confidence that the linguistic and cultural similarities between Nepal and India would further strengthen the long-standing ties between the two countries.
Nepal Tourism Board Pledges International Promotion
Officiating CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, Hikmat Singh Ayer, said such adventure sports activities would significantly contribute to tourism promotion in Koshi Province and Nepal as a whole. He emphasized that paragliding in eastern Nepal offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness panoramic views of some of the world’s highest mountains, including Mt. Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse.
He expressed confidence that the breathtaking Himalayan scenery visible during flights would attract both domestic and international tourists. Air also pledged that the Nepal Tourism Board would continue supporting the promotion of paragliding by helping organize international-standard competitions and events in the future.
Chhoti Morang Identified as Ideal Flying Destination
Former Deputy Mayor of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City Manju Bhandari said Chhoti Morang had been identified as a suitable destination for paragliding after detailed technical studies. She noted that the then municipal executive had officially designated the site as a take-off and landing point for paragliding activities.
Organizers said competitions are being held in five categories, including international open, men’s and women’s divisions, as well as national men’s and women’s events. The league has also attracted several renowned athletes, including medal-winning participants from the 18th Asian Games, adding further prestige to the competition.
Boosting Nepal’s Adventure Tourism Industry
The international paragliding premier league is expected to play an important role in diversifying Nepal’s tourism offerings beyond trekking and mountaineering. Tourism stakeholders believe events like this can help attract adventure enthusiasts, create local employment opportunities, and promote lesser-known destinations in eastern Nepal. With favorable geography, panoramic Himalayan views, and growing infrastructure, Dharan is increasingly emerging as a promising destination for aerial adventure sports in Nepal.
