Pokhara’s paragliding industry, which had lost momentum after flight routes were altered following the launch of the international airport in the Lake city, is now showing signs of revival. In a move welcomed by adventure tourism operators, authorities have permitted paragliders to resume landings at Khapaudi—a scenic lakeside site long favoured before the shift for safety concerns.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and the Nepal Air Sports Association (NAA) jointly decided to permit landings at the original site, while also extending flight hours by one and a half hours. This means flights can now operate from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Entrepreneurs believe these changes will help restore Pokhara’s reputation as a world-class paragliding hub and bring much-needed momentum to the tourism sector.
NAA Chairperson Anil KC said the move marks a turning point for Pokhara’s struggling paragliding operators. “After the airport became operational, our sky lost its charm. Over 150 parapilots were displaced. But this decision has rekindled hope,” KC said. He also revealed plans to launch solo paragliding and host an international paragliding competition in the near future.
Previously, flights from Sarangkot and Toripani were rerouted to Mandredhunga with landings in Pame for safety reasons. The new landing site at Khapaudi is expected to increase the number of flights and enhance the adventure tourism experience in Pokhara.
Pokhara Mayor Dhanraj Acharya welcomed the move, saying it will contribute significantly to the ongoing Pokhara Visit Year 2025 campaign. “This is a positive step. Meeting the demands of tourism entrepreneurs, although delayed, will help revive Pokhara’s tourism momentum,” he said.
Yogendra Kunwar, Chief of Air Traffic Control at Pokhara International Airport, confirmed that CAAN has permitted landings at Khapaudi to support sustainable tourism. “Safety is our top priority. All operators must strictly adhere to safety protocols,” he said.
Gopi Bahadur Bhattarai, Coordinator of Pokhara Visit Year 2025, stressed the need to enhance connectivity with India and China to maximize tourism potential. “Paragliding is central to Pokhara’s adventure tourism. It must not be displaced under any circumstances,” he said, urging coordination between all levels of government and private stakeholders.
In a move to reinforce safety, the Nepal Air Sports Association conducted a technical training session for pilots on May 21, 2025. NAA General Secretary Balram Acharya said the training focused on airspace regulations, discipline, and safety protocols, including the use of GPS and modern navigation tools. National player Bimal Adhikari, Chief Coach Yogesh Bahadur Bhattarai, and Technical Vice President Bijay Gautam led the session.
NAA Senior Vice President Khemraj Acharya expressed optimism that enhanced safety measures, improved regulations, and strategic planning will help re-establish Pokhara as a premier global destination for adventure tourists by 2025 and beyond.
He noted that around Rs 1 billion has been invested in Pokhara’s paragliding sector, which includes 59 commercial companies, 400 tandem pilots, and about 250 currently active tourism entrepreneurs. The industry had previously handled 500 to 1,500 flights daily, but relocation had severely curtailed operations, affecting livelihoods.
With restored landing rights at Khapaudi and renewed focus on safety and experience, Pokhara’s paragliding is poised to soar once again. -- RSS
