Paragliding in Darjeeling

Darjeeling is known as the "Queen of the hills of the East". It is one of the most preferred hill retreats of British Rulers in India. Charming town, misty mountains, and beautiful tea estates attracts all types of tourists to Darjeeling. Paragliding is the recreational and competitive adventure sport of flying paragliders: lightweight, free-flying, foot-launched glider aircraft with no rigid primary structure. The pilot sits in a harness suspended below a hollow fabric wing whose shape is formed by its suspension lines, the pressure of air entering vents in the front of the wing and the aerodynamic forces of the air flowing over the outside. Despite not using an engine, paraglider flights can last many hours and cover many hundreds of kilometers, though flights of 1-2 hours and covering some tens of kilometers are more the norm. Usually paragliding is done on a clear day so that you get a clear view as you glide in the sky and come back down to the earth satisfied. In Darjeeling, the Paragliding starts near the St. Paul's School at Jalapahar area which is located at a much higher altitude than the Mall. The operator will transport you to the launching area. One can also walk up to the place from the Mall (takes about 30 minute's uphill walk). You will pass above the Chowrasta Mall, and one thing for sure, almost everybody at the Mall will be looking at you taking this amazing flight and wonder if they could also do it. The landing takes place at the Lebong Ground located at the lower levels. From one side of the Mall you can see the Lebong Ground far below. It's a flat land area (a field) and is about 7kms from the town center. All equipment is provided and no experience is necessary. You will have a 10 minute briefing and safety lesson, before embarking on your tandem flight, which will usually last between 10 and 30 minutes depending on weather conditions. With an experienced instructor piloting your flight will launch from Hill top and soar like a bird along the mountains and over the Darjeeling.

All instructors are highly experienced, having performed thousands of tandem flights over many years, and they also have a perfect safety record. Alcohol is not permitted at least six hour prior to the trip. People suffering from epilepsy, weak heart condition or any other serious aliment are discouraged. You should be reasonably fit, weigh between 45kgs - 85 kgs. Paragliding in Darjeeling is done during the summer time (April to June) and also during Durga Puja time (October). This is when the weather is great (not very cold), sky is clear and there is enough tourist flow in Darjeeling. It cannot be done during the winter time because the atmospheric temperature during the flight can be prohibitively cold.