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As the summer sun warms the picturesque mountain state of
Himachal, scores of paragliding enthusiasts throng to
the state and take to the sky in their colourful gliders, exploiting the
thermal currents that rise up from the hot valleys below.
The
climatic and physiographic conditions in Himachal are ideal for
paragliding. Due to the varying altitude, the low-lying valleys get
intensely heated during summer; as a result, hot air begins to rise from
the valley floor in vertical columns. These thermal currents are a delight
to paragliding enthusiasts.
Sailing The Skies
Paragliding is the closest one can get to flying free like a bird. There
are several ways to get airborne, but the most common method is called the
"Hill Launch" where a pilot inflates the canopy by launching
from a ridge top or a cliff edge. The inflated canopy lifts the pilot off
the ground, and once airborne, it is essentially a matter of controlling
the glider and finding a thermal, which will lift the glider higher and
higher.
Once one has got enough lift, one will glide down gently searching for
another thermal and the best way to find one is to look for the big
swirling birds, after all paragliders try to imitate what comes to them
naturally. Once airborne, a great deal of manoeuverability can be achieved
with the paraglider. The glider can be steered by pulling suspension
lines, which, cause gliding motion, thus enabling the pilot fly at any
course at will.
Necessary Equipments
The essential equipment consists of a glider, which when inflated offers
resistance to the thermal currents and retards the rate of descent, a
harness that attaches the paraglider firmly and safely to the pilot. It is
so designed that it can be released quickly to avoid injury, by dragging
the pilot over the ground after landing.
A helmet and a reserve parachute are for the pilot's safety and a
variometer to gauge the ascent or descent of the glider. For those who
cannot afford the equipment cost or do not have the time to learn flying,
there is an alternative. One can sit alongwith an experienced pilot in a
Tandem Glider (two-seater) and while the pilot manoeuvers the glider, one
can sit back and enjoy the thrill of nonpowered flying. Similar to any
other adventure sport, there is a risk factor involved in paragliding, but
in recent years, improved equipment and techniques have created an amazing
safety record for the sport.
Paragliding Sites
Himachal has numerous launch sites for professional as
well as amateur fliers. Billing in Kangra
valley is already a world-renowned site and has hosted several
national and international events since 1984. Commanding a panoramic view
of the Kangra valley and the
Dhauladhar range Billing is described as one of the best launching sites
in the world, which offers opportunity for high altitude and cross country
gliding.
Solang in the Kullu
valley is another popular site especially among beginners.
Kothi-Parcham near Manali
and Bijli Mahadev-Bhunter are also being promoted. Overlooking the
Parvati valley and
Kullu valley on
either sides, Bijli Mahadev is an excellent site for hill launching and
has ideal conditions for thermal soaring. The ridge is approached from
Kullu and the
Bhunter airstrip offers a perfect landing site.
Another site, which is gaining popularity, is the Bandla Ridge, which
towers over the town of Bilaspur at about 2,600 ft above the valley floor.
Here the strong current and the steady valley breeze are ideal for ridge
and thermal soaring. A road approaches Bandla from Bilaspur and the
sprawling Luhne ground of the town offers a clear landing site. A unique
sports complex is under construction here, which once completed, will
provide facilities for ground water and aerosports.
Other locations include several sites in the cold desert district of
Lahaul and
Spiti, Arhaul-Anu near Rohru in the
scenic Pabbar valley and Garhalla Talab in Chopal (
Shimla District).
All these new sites have immense flying possibilities and are being
provided with adequate infrastructure.
Paragliding is now gaining popularity in India. Himachal
with its snow-capped peaks lush green valleys, pleasant climate and easy
accessibility is all valleys, pleasant climate and easy accessibility is
all set to become the paragliding state of India.
An Opportunity For Sports Enthusiasts
Himachal Tourism sponsors training programmes and events at various times
of the year, in different places. There is an Adventure Sports Hostel at
Dharamsala and an Aero Sports Complex at Bir. For details of training
facilities, contact sports associations, or the Divisional Tourism
Development Officers of Himachal Tourism.
COURSES
Courses are conducted for the adventure lovers who are more energetic and
keen to master the flying techniques. Participants who complete the course
will be able to enjoy the soaring experience in the sky on their own.
Elementary Courses: 3 Days, Intermediate Course: 10 Days
Basic Courses: 5 Days, Advance Course: 10 Days
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Manali And Surrounding Area: February To June & September To
November
Kangra Valley (Bir Or Billing): April To June & September To
November
Leh & Zanskar: July And August.
CLOTHING
It is advisable to bring along rough trousers-ankle support shoes and
warm clothing in term of shirts, jackets, since the weather tends to be
chilly when one is air borne. Gloves are also recommended.