PARA GLIDING
Tandem flying involves one well trained and experienced pilot flying with a passenger that doesn’t need to have any previous training or experience. Both have separate harnesses that are attached to each other and the wing. Paragliding harnesses are built for comfort and safety. Once launched the passenger just sits back, relaxes and takes in the epic scenery. Even taking pictures is not a problem.
To fly in the Himalayas is an unforgettable experience. The scenery and the flying conditions make the flight to a memory for your life. Try tandem flights with our experienced pilot from Europe. Himalayan Eagles Paragliding has pioneer and introduced paragliding in Kalimpong, Darjeeling district.
Paragliding in Darjeeling
This is the closest you can get to flying like a bird. And imagine you are flying with the Himalayan Mountains in the backdrop. As you look below, you will see the rows of local houses like tiny dots on the mountain landscapes, and if look along the horizon, you will get marvelous views of Kanchenjunga snow peaks and even Everest, and all that from the sky. Sounds interesting? Then take a paragliding flight in Darjeeling.
Darjeeling has joined the coveted network of places in India that offer paragliding including Gangtok in Sikkim, Himachal, Uttaranchal, Maharastra etc.
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. On a clear day, the operators launch the paragliding trips several times throughout the day.
You can do it on your own if you have the experience and technical capability to do so. Otherwise a guide will join you. This is called tandem paragliding where you and the guide will be harnessed on separate safety harnesses but the guide will control the flight. At the time of launching, all you have to do is to run for few steps and as the guide calls out, jump into the sky from a flat area of a cliff. And then, you are in paradise!!
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 minutes uphill walk).
The entire flight takes about 15 minutes (although may extend to maximum of 30 minutes depending on wind & weather conditions. 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. Wave your hands and fly on.
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. The guide, who sits just behind you all through the flight, will ensure that the landing is smooth. After landing, the operator will transport you back to the town center.
Best time for paragliding in Darjeeling
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.
Learning to paraglide
In Darjeeling, the operators also offer lessons for paragliding so that you can paraglide on your own rather than with a guide and are an independent bird.
It's not difficult to learn paragliding. Anybody who is physically fit can do it. Introductory, novice and intermediate courses are offered by expert guides that span from 3 to 5 days.
Best time for paragliding in Darjeeling
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.
We offer two types of flights:
Regular flight: Start at Delho (near Science City) and landing at Dr. Graham homes ground Distance about 1 km. Duration of this flight is about 15 min.
Cross Country: Start at Delho (near Science City) and landing at Relli Distance about 10 km. Duration of this flight is about 30 min.
The passenger: The passenger doesn't need to have any privies experience or training. The passenger should wear steady shoes like sneakers or trekking shoes.
The flight: Before the flight the pilot give short information about the flight to the passenger. The passengers also sign a liability form and do the payment before takeoff. After that the pilot secures the passenger in a passenger harness and secures himself in a pilot harness. The start is easy, after a few steps by the pilot and the passenger the glider is airborne.
The duration of the flight is normally 15 minutes or 30 min down to Relli. The duration depends on the sun and the wind. At the landing the pilot and passenger takes a few steps when they softly touch down at the landing field.
The Pilot: The pilot is from Sweden; he is certified and has been flying since year 2002.
Flying times: We only fly when the conditions are suitable for flying. Marsh to June we normally fly only at 10 Am – 12Am. After noon the wind is normally to strong.
Weather: We only fly when the weather conditions are suitable for flying. If the flight got canceled because of bad weather the booking fee will be return from the agent.
