Paragliding landings resume at Fewa Lake shore

By Santosh Subedi,Kaski, May 23: Paragliding landings in Pokhara will resume at their original site along the shores of Fewa Lake from Thursday, following a temporary relocation to Pame after the opening of Pokhara International Airport.

Previously, paragliders would take off from Sarangkot and land near the banks of Fewa Lake, at Seti or Khapaudi. However, following the launch of the international airport, the take-off site was moved about five kilometres west to Mandredhunga, and the landing area was shifted from Khapaudi to Pame. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) had made the changes citing safety concerns.

According to Anil KC, president of the Nepal Air Sports Association, with CAAN now granting permission, paragliding landings will again take place at Khapaudi on the shores of Fewa Lake. CAAN has also extended the authorised flying hours for paragliding in Pokhara. Previously, flights were only allowed until 3 pm, but from Thursday, operations are permitted until 4:30 pm.

He further stated that paragliding will regain its former popularity as operations return to their original locations. He also mentioned that solo paragliding flights are expected to resume gradually.

Pokhara Mayor Dhanraj Acharya stated that reinstating the original paragliding landing site is expected to attract more tourists, especially in the context of ‘Visit Pokhara 2025’.

Yogendra Kunwar, ATC chief at Pokhara International Airport, said that following the discussions and a safety review with CAAN, landing at the Khapaudi lakeside has been approved. He emphasised the continued prioritisation of safety and added that further studies are being conducted regarding solo flights and designated flying zones.