If you are visiting Nainital and want to add a dose of adventure to the trip, paragliding is hard to beat. Nainital town itself does not offer this activity, so adventure seekers head to nearby Bhimtal and Naukuchiatal instead. Flying thousands of feet above these lakes, hills and dense forests feels almost like a dream, which is why large numbers of tourists from India and abroad travel here every year just for this experience.
Naukuchiatal: Kumaon's favourite paragliding spot
Sitting at a height of around 1,220 metres above sea level, Naukuchiatal ranks among Uttarakhand's most popular paragliding destinations. The moment you take off, the nine cornered lake spread out below, along with terraced fields, thick forests and the Kumaon valleys, create a stunning view. On a clear day the experience becomes even more special, which is why adventure loving tourists usually choose this spot first.
New to paragliding? There is nothing to worry about
Even if you have never tried paragliding before, there is no need to feel nervous. Tandem paragliding is offered here, meaning an experienced, certified pilot stays with you throughout the flight. The instructor takes full responsibility from take off to landing, and all you have to do is follow their instructions. That means anyone can enjoy this thrill even without any prior experience.
How long does a flight last
Flight duration at Naukuchiatal and Bhimtal depends on the weather and the package chosen. A regular flight lasts between 3 and 9 minutes, while high fly and long fly packages can stretch to 10 to 30 minutes or even 30 to 45 minutes. The longer the flight, the more spectacular the aerial view of Kumaon's beautiful valleys.
How much does a ticket cost
Paragliding charges depend on the operator, the duration of the flight and the package selected. A regular tandem flight typically costs between ₹2,500 and ₹4,000. Longer flights and extras such as video recording cost extra. Several operators also bundle in facilities like jeep safaris with their high fly packages.
What you can see from the sky
During the flight, tourists get a clear view of Naukuchiatal, Bhimtal, dense forests, terraced fields and the scenic Kumaon valleys from above. On a clear day, the distant Himalayan mountain ranges are also visible. Flyers may also spot colourful butterflies and several rare birds during the flight, which makes the whole experience even more memorable.
Best time to go
Barring the monsoon, nearly every other season is considered good for paragliding. The period from October to June is the most favourable. During the monsoon, heavy rain and strong winds mean flights depend entirely on weather conditions. In winter, flying over snow covered hills becomes an especially memorable experience for tourists.
What to wear and what to keep in mind
Comfortable track pants and sturdy shoes are recommended for paragliding, along with warm clothing during the cold season. Carry sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun and gloves to guard against the cold. Follow all safety instructions given by the instructor before the flight without fail. Anyone with a health condition should inform the instructor about it before taking off.
Weight limit and safety arrangements
Paragliding operators generally set a weight limit of 15 to 85 kilograms. Every tourist is fitted with the necessary safety gear before the flight, and take off happens only once weather conditions are fully favourable. Having an experienced pilot along makes this adventure both safe and thrilling, which is why it is always advisable to paraglide only with an authorised operator.
If you are planning a Nainital trip, make sure to include paragliding at Bhimtal or Naukuchiatal in your itinerary. Flying among the clouds, with lakes spread out below, lush forests and Himalayan valleys in view, will make the trip unforgettable. This combination of thrill, natural beauty and calm will make your Uttarakhand trip, and especially your time in Nainital, even more special.
