Thrill of Paragliding

An optimistic attitude towards life usually increases happiness and satisfaction. I have always been enthusiastic about going on adventures, so when I first started, I felt quite happy and fulfilled. Adventure is something I am quite fond of. By adventures, I mean all the exciting travel, exploring, daring, risky, and exhilarating activities Nepal has to offer. Adding to my bucket list of adventures, I have many things listed, and paragliding was top on the list. I got to put a checkmark on the first thing on my bucket list as I conquered this intriguing desire of mine in the most beautiful and popular tourist destination, Pokhara. The thrilling experience of paragliding in Pokhara was the best moment of my life so far.

The day we had chosen for paragliding wasn’t very pleasant in the beginning, but as the weather in Pokhara is ever-changing and unpredictable, I was lucky enough that the weather favoured me as the day went by. Clouds did cover the sky, and the day became gloomier. The weather wasn’t very clear, but this could not stop my greed, passion, and love for adventures. And as I was getting ready to fly into the sky, the weather slowly started to brighten up.

Sarangkot is the place where the actual journey begins. This place was full of national and international tourists wanting to paraglide. There were about 100 people that day eagerly waiting to take off into the sky. As I waited for my turn, I saw several others flying away in the sky with much delight and excitement. This only developed my anticipation to fly as soon as possible.

Soon after, I was called in to prepare to fly. A young man was introduced to me as my pilot, who was in charge of helping me fly. He was a sweet and straightforward person. He quickly briefed me about how we would fly, the dos and don’ts, and other essentials. Their priority is safety, so they provided me with a helmet, and a bag to put my belongings in and properly secured me.

After that, he asked me if I was ready to fly. I replied, "Forever ready," and then we took off. That was the most fascinating moment, as I could feel my legs leaving the ground and soaring up into the sky. As we rose higher, a gust of wind tensed up the situation for me, giving a hint of misgiving—what if we lost control and crashed somewhere? But contrary to my fear, everything was under control, and I could enjoy the view without any fuss.

When we reached about 1700m above sea level in the sky, words could not express the thrill and pleasure I felt. As I looked around, I could see the large range of green hills so near and distinct. I saw an eagle flying in the sky, and when it passed right by my side, I could see its body and features up close. The serene environment and picturesque landscape of Pokhara looked so enchanting and sublime from above. I increasingly fell in love with the city and nature. Everything from that point of view was so lovely and vibrant that I felt free like a bird flying in the sky and as though I was on top of the world.

Paragliding made it off my bucket list, and now I have so many others on my list waiting for them to happen. I am truly hopeful and positive that I will successfully check out all of them one day.

St. Mary’s School