Three years ago, the inclusion of paragliding in the 9th National Games held in Pokhara brought a surge of enthusiasm to the city’s tourism sector. The event showcased Pokhara’s potential as a hub for adventure sports, particularly paragliding. However, that excitement was short-lived due to a tragic incident that followed soon after.
During the cross-country paragliding segment of the National Games, pilot Nissim Thapa lost his life in a fatal accident. A permanent resident of Gorkha and residing in Pokhara’s Lakeside area, Thapa was flying for the Tribhuvan Army Club. Just three minutes after taking off from the Blue Sky Takeoff Zone in Sarangkot, he crashed to the ground. In his memory, a half-body statue has been erected at the Pokhara Stadium.
Civil Aviation Authority Imposed a Ban on Solo Flights
Following the incident, citing safety concerns, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) suspended all solo paragliding flights across the country. The ban remained in effect for several years, significantly impacting Pokhara’s adventure tourism sector and paragliding businesses that cater to both domestic and international thrill-seekers. Now, after a prolonged halt, CAAN has officially allowed the resumption of solo paragliding flights.
Official Clearance Granted by Civil Aviation Authority
On Ashar 18 (early July), CAAN issued a formal letter to the Nepal Air Sports Association (NAA) in Kaski, authorizing the restart of solo paragliding under strict safety regulations. In the letter addressed to NAA, Gyandendra Bhul, head of CAAN’s Recreational Aviation Division, stated: “Since a new operational guideline titled ‘Solo Paragliding Flight Procedure 2081’ has been approved, we request the implementation of this framework to ensure safe and regulated operations of solo paragliding flights.”
The letter clearly outlines the conditions under which solo flights can be conducted, emphasizing that all operations must take place within the designated paragliding zone overseen by NAA, under its direct monitoring and supervision.
Stringent Safety Guidelines for Reopening
Under the newly approved procedure, all solo flights must occur within the official flying zone and under the supervision of both the organizing institution and CAAN. In exceptional cases, if solo flights must be conducted outside the designated zone, special permission must be obtained from CAAN in accordance with the 2069 Recreational Aviation Regulations. This cautious reopening marks a new chapter for paragliding in Nepal, with a heightened focus on safety and oversight, aimed at avoiding any repeat of past tragedies.
Industry Leaders Welcome the Decision
Anil KC, President of Nepal Air Sports Association, welcomed the decision, expressing confidence that it would rejuvenate Pokhara’s adventure tourism industry. “We had been advocating for the resumption of solo flights for a long time,” said KC. “The extension of the landing zone up to End of the Lake was completed about one and a half months ago. Now that solo flights have officially resumed, we are very pleased.” KC emphasized that this move will not only benefit local businesses but also attract more international paragliding pilots to Nepal.
Solo Paragliding – A Cornerstone of Nepal’s Air Sports
Nepal’s paragliding journey started with solo flights, and it continues to be a major draw for foreign pilots. Historical data suggests that nearly 1,000 international tourists visit Pokhara each year specifically for solo paragliding.
The reopening of solo flights is expected to further strengthen Nepal’s position as a global paragliding destination, offering scenic mountain backdrops, thermals, and reliable wind conditions that appeal to both professional and recreational flyers.
Industry Overview: 65 Companies and Hundreds of Pilots
Nepal’s paragliding sector is broad and well-established. As of now, 65 paragliding companies are affiliated with the Nepal Air Sports Association. Among them, 57 companies have successfully renewed their licenses, and 53 are actively operating.
There are approximately 400 licensed paragliding pilots in the country, of whom about 15 are women. However, due to growing foreign opportunities, many Nepali pilots have sought employment abroad, leading to a decrease in active domestic pilots. KC estimates that only around 240 pilots are currently working within Nepal.
Looking Ahead: Adventure Tourism on the Rise
With the resumption of solo paragliding flights, Pokhara stands to regain its reputation as a premier destination for adventure sports. The combination of regulatory improvements, safety oversight, and natural beauty positions the city for a revival in tourism, especially among thrill-seekers and international paragliding enthusiasts.
The tourism industry stakeholders hope that the tragedy of the past will serve as a lesson, pushing the sector towards higher safety standards while capitalizing on Nepal’s unique offerings in the skies. As flights take off once more over the lakes and hills of Pokhara, the sky is once again open for the dreams of adventure, and for a tourism sector eager to soar.
