Flying high in Godavari

Kathmandu, Jan. 15: As the capital the Kathmandu Valley lacks spots for recreational and other fun activities, open spaces and play grounds, as compared with its peers in other countries.

In recent years, it has started offering a few options for adventure and outdoor activities like cycling, hiking and cable car.

Paragliding at Godavari has become a new option to the adventure seekers, tourists and locals in the valley as it simultaneously offers adventure and the view of the Himalayas, the Kathmandu Valley and beautiful nature.

Kathmandu Paragliding has resumed its adventure sports services at Godavari of Lalitpur district after being shut for almost five years due to technical causes and 2015 earthquake.

Paragliding lovers can enjoy fly from Chapakharka and can go up to 2,100 m to 3,200 m high in the sky.

“We can pick up those who want to come to paragliding from any location in the Kathmandu Valley and take up to the hill in Chapakharka in Godavari.

 Paragliding starts from the hilltop and landing can be done at the top or bottom of the hills in Godavari,” said Narayan Aryal, Managing Director of the company.

The company charges Rs. 8,000 per person for Nepali citizens and Rs. 11,300 for foreigners.

Currently, six gliders are in operation in the area and up to 25 individuals can fly in a day and all six gliders can be operated at a time.

The company has made more than 1000 flights in the last five years with Nepali and Korean pilots. A senior citizen of 85 years and a 4.5 years child had flown from the Godavari top. “We give utmost priority to security of the gliders. There is an insurance provision as per the airlines system,” said Aryal.

Korean Instructor Song said that the paragliding offers majestic view of the Himalayas on the north, Lalitpur, Kathmandu and Bhaktapur cities and green forests below.

"On a fine day, the gliders can be taken up to the Phulchoki hill," he said.

Established in 2007, the company is running as a Korean-Nepali joint-venture business with Nepali investors having 51 per cent stakes.  Rs. 30 million was invested in the business.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 16 January 2019.