Paragliding in Pokhara: Cost, Safety, Best Time (2026)

Pokhara is one of the world's most scenic places for tandem paragliding. You launch from Sarangkot and glide over Phewa Lake with the Annapurna range in front of you, in a flight that many travellers call the highlight of their trip. This guide to paragliding in Pokhara explains what the experience is like, the cost, flight length, how to choose a safe operator, the best months and times of day, what to wear, who can fly and how to get the best photos.

A snow peak above the clouds with paragliders in the sky

What paragliding in Pokhara is like

After a short briefing and a ride to the launch site at Sarangkot, you are clipped into a harness in front of an experienced pilot. A few steps forward and the wing lifts you into the air. Most flights last 20–40 minutes, depending on thermals, and you spend the time circling over the valley, enjoying views of the lake, the city and the Annapurna and Machapuchare peaks. The landing is usually on a field beside the lakeside area, and a vehicle takes you back to your hotel. Many companies sell photo and video packages.

Paragliders flying above a lake and hills in Pokhara

Video: Pokhara Paragliding All Details, Price, Tips - Amazing Paragliding Experience (Asif HiMel on YouTube)

Cost

Prices for a standard tandem flight are commonly quoted around USD 70–120 per person, with premium options such as longer flights, acrobatic manoeuvres or video packages costing more. Very cheap offers deserve scrutiny, because safety equipment and experienced pilots cost money. Ask what is included: transport, flight, insurance, photos and a flight certificate. See the daily budget guide for how this fits into a trip.

Safety standards

Choose a company registered with local authorities that employs certified tandem pilots and maintains equipment carefully. Ask about pilot experience, how often wings are replaced and whether the company has liability insurance. Reputable operators will cancel flights in strong wind, rain or unstable weather rather than risk it. Make sure your travel insurance covers paragliding, since many policies treat it as an add-on. Follow your pilot's instructions on launch and landing, and wear a helmet.

Best months and time of day

The main flying seasons are roughly September to November and February to May, when skies are clearest and thermals are reliable. Summer brings monsoon clouds and rain, and winter flights are possible but can be cold and sometimes hazy. Mornings usually offer smooth air and better visibility, while afternoons can produce stronger thermals and longer flights. Weather decides everything, so keep a spare day in your Pokhara plan.

Who can fly?

Most operators accept passengers from about 8 years old to the mid-70s, subject to weight limits that vary by company, and they may ask about health conditions such as heart problems, back injuries or pregnancy. You need basic mobility to run a few steps at launch, although some operators adapt for limited mobility. If you are unsure, ask the company in advance, and consult your doctor if you have a medical condition.

What to wear and bring

Wear comfortable clothes, closed shoes with grip (not sandals), sunglasses with a strap and layers for the early morning. Leave loose items at the hotel and secure your phone in a pocket or let the pilot's camera handle the photography. Bring sunscreen and a hat for the landing, and a light jacket for the cold at the launch point in winter.

Getting great photos and video

Many operators provide a camera on a selfie stick or a helmet camera, and some sell the footage. If you bring your own, use a secure strap and ask your pilot where to hold it. Morning flights give clear light and fewer haze problems. The best moments are often just after launch, over the lake and during the gentle turns when the mountains frame the horizon.

Other things to do nearby

After your flight, relax with a boat ride on Phewa Lake, a visit to the World Peace Pagoda or a spa treatment. For more ideas, see our guide to things to do in Pokhara and adventure sports in Nepal. If you plan a trek afterwards, the Poon Hill and Mardi Himal routes start nearby.

Book

Ask us to arrange flights with the Pokhara City Tour. For general tourism information, see the Nepal Tourism Board.

What happens if the weather is poor?

Reputable operators decide on the day, based on wind, cloud and thermals. If conditions are unsafe, flights are postponed or cancelled, and you may be offered another slot or a refund depending on the company's policy. Ask in advance how they handle cancellations, and avoid booking your flight on your last day. If you are flexible, you are more likely to get a smooth, safe flight in the best conditions.

How tandem paragliding works

On a tandem flight, you do not need any experience. The pilot controls the wing, and your job is to run a few steps at launch, sit back in the harness and enjoy. The pilot positions you in a seat-like harness, clips you to the wing and uses brake handles to steer. At landing, you lift your legs and the pilot guides you onto the grass. Most passengers describe the flight as smooth and calm once airborne.

Tips for first-timers

Eat lightly before the flight, as turbulence can upset the stomach. Go to the toilet before launch, remove loose items from your pockets and listen carefully to the safety briefing. Do not hesitate to tell your pilot if you feel uncomfortable or want to land. Remember that the flight is a shared experience: relax, breathe and enjoy the view.