Paragliding starts in Queen of Hills, after 7 Years

Paragliding is back in Darjeeling opening up to captivating views of Kanchenjunga receiving an overwhelming response from the visitors.

After a hiatus of seven years, the picturesque hill station of Queen of the Hills, nestled in the tranquil Himalayan ranges, is once again abuzz with the exhilarating activity of paragliding. This long-awaited revival has stirred excitement among adventure enthusiasts and locals alike, marking a significant milestone in the tourism sector of the region.

The tourism Department of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has reintroduced paragliding in the Darjeeling Hills making it to new tourism destination. Darjeeling offers paragliding from St Paul’s to Lebong, offering enchanting views of nature and architecture. Depending on wind and weather conditions, the flights lasts from 5 to 10 minutes. Paragliding started in 2011 but operations were delayed due to Gorkhaland agitation in 2017. 

Karma Sherpa, the sole operator of the glides in Darjeeling stated that at present they have two gliders and two pilots with which they operate six glides a day. "The paragliding experience offered in Darjeeling is priced Rs 3,500, including videography and pick up and drop facility of the tourist. We operate services from 5 am to 10 am only as after that the west wind comes and we cannot fly. The tourists have to make an advance payment of Rs 500 to book the slot. However, if the weather conditions are not favorable for flying we refund their payment”, said Karma. 

Only registered adventure companies will be permitted to apply for paragliding operations in Darjeeling. As paragliders take flight once again over the verdant valleys and snow-capped peaks of Queen of the Hills, it signals not just a return to adventure but also a reawakening of the spirit of exploration in this idyllic mountain retreat.