By Santosh Raut
Solukhumbu, Jan. 25: A test flight of paragliding in Solukhumbu district has been successful. The test flight was held at Kharche in Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-1 on Thursday.
According to one local Pasang Kaji Sherpa, the flight that started from Kharche at an altitude of 2,600 metres landed on the side of the same ward 30 minutes later.
Paragliding pilot Pemba Wangchu Sherpa said that he was happy to be able to paraglide in the sky of his own village.
Sherpa, who has been operating paraglide in various parts of Nepal, said that there was potential of paragliding in Kharikhola, Waku and Vapsa areas of Solukhumbu district.
The locals, who have seen only aeroplanes and choppers flying in the sky, were surprised to see paragliding in their own sky for the first time.
Local Pasangkaji Sherpa, who is also a tourist guide, said that paragliding would help in the promotion of tourism as domestic and foreign tourists can also enjoy paragliding.
Ramesh Tamang, a local hotelier, is confident that paragliding will help develop Kharikhola as a popular tourist destination.
Ward Chairman Nigmadorji Sherpa said that preparations are being made for commercial paragliding for the promotion of internal and external tourism.
Ward chairman Sherpa said that paragliding would be suitable for tourists in the area which is close to the road to Lukla and Namche in Everest region. He said that now that the operation was being prepared for a commercial purpose, and it would help in the promotion of tourism in the area.