Paragliding In Himachal: Few Things To Know For Your Safety

When the wind brushes past your face and you soar high above the earth, gazing at the panoramic landscapes beneath, paragliding feels nothing short of freedom personified. This soft adventure sport has attracted countless thrill-seekers worldwide, offering an unparalleled experience of flying like a bird. However, with every adventure comes the inherent responsibility to ensure safety, both for oneself and others. This is where safety cover plays a critical role. 

Where to go Paragliding in Himachal?  

1. Bir Billing  

• Location: Near Kangra Valley  

• Highlights: Known as the paragliding capital of India, Bir Billing is one of the  best paragliding sites in the world. It offers both beginners and experienced 

paragliders an exhilarating experience with views of the Dhauladhar mountain  range and lush green landscapes.  

• Best Time to Visit: March to June, and September to November  

2. Manali  

• Location: Kullu Valley  

• Highlights: Manali offers several paragliding spots, including Solang Valley,  Marhi, and Fatru. The views of the snow-capped peaks and the Beas River from above are breathtaking.  

• Best Time to Visit: May to October  

3. Solang Valley  

• Location: Near Manali  

• Highlights: Solang Valley is a favorite for adventure sports enthusiasts. It’s an ideal spot for paragliding with beautiful views of glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and green meadows.  

• Best Time to Visit: May to September  

4. Kullu  

• Location: Near Manali  

• Highlights: The Bijli Mahadev and Parvati Valley are popular paragliding sites in  Kullu. The panoramic views of the Kullu Valley and the surrounding mountains make it a memorable experience.  

• Best Time to Visit: March to June, and September to November  

5. Dharamshala  

• Location: Kangra District  

• Highlights: Dharamshala offers paragliding with views of the Dhauladhar range and the Kangra Valley. The combination of serene landscapes and the Tibetan culture adds to the charm.  

• Best Time to Visit: March to June, and September to November  

6. Kangra Valley  

• Location: Near Dharamshala 

• Highlights: Kangra Valley is another excellent location for paragliding, offering serene landscapes and breathtaking views of the valley.  

• Best Time to Visit: October to June  

7. Shivpuri  

• Location: Near Rishikesh (though in Uttarakhand, it is often coupled with  Himachal in itineraries)  

• Highlights: Though primarily known for river rafting, Shivpuri also offers paragliding opportunities with views of the Ganges River and the surrounding mountains.  

• Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November  

8. Barot  

• Location: Mandi District  

• Highlights: A lesser-known but beautiful spot for paragliding. Barot offers stunning views of the Uhl River and the surrounding mountains. 

• Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to November  

Paragliding is often categorized as a soft adventure sport, as it doesn’t involve the intense physical demands of activities like rock climbing or white-water rafting.  Instead, it’s about embracing the elements of wind and air, gliding through the skies with minimal equipment. Despite its ‘sof’ label, paragliding is not without its risks. Unexpected weather changes, equipment malfunctions, or even pilot errors can lead to unforeseen situations. While proper training and equipment checks significantly reduce these risks, having safety coverage adds an extra layer of security that can make a crucial difference. 

Your Safety Matters! 

It’s a common misconception that only extreme adventure sports require insurance. Many people overlook the importance of securing coverage for soft adventure activities like paragliding. This oversight can stem from a lack of awareness or an underestimation of the risks involved. However, any sport that takes you off the ground, even for a few minutes, introduces variables that could be beyond your control. 

Here are some links to some of the incidents in the news:  

• Kullu, Himachal Pradesh Incident: Two people, including a tourist and an instructor, died in a paragliding accident when their paraglider crashed into a hill in Kullu.​(Hindustan Times)  

• Lucknow Man in Himachal Pradesh: A man from Lucknow lost his life in a paragliding accident in Himachal Pradesh in October 2023. (India Today) 

 • Mehsana, Gujarat Incident: In December 2022, a South Korean man died during a paragliding activity in Gujarat’s Mehsana district.​(India Today)  

• Kullu, Himachal Pradesh Tourist Death: Another incident in Kullu involved a tourist from Ambala and their instructor, who both died when their paraglider crashed in 2023.​(Hindustan Times)  

At ASC360, we believe that participating in adventure sports should be about enjoyment and excitement, not worry. Our paragliding insurance is designed to provide peace of mind, ensuring that, in the event of an accident or injury, you  are not left dealing with unexpected medical expenses or logistical nightmares. By raising awareness about the importance of adventure sports insurance, ASC360  aims to encourage every individual to make informed decisions before embarking on their next adventure. 

About ASC360  

ASC stands for more than just insurance; we stand for safety and security in the great outdoors. We understand the passion that drives people to seek out the thrill of paragliding. That's why our policies are tailored to the specific needs of adventure enthusiasts. From covering medical expenses to providing financial support in case of emergency evacuations, our insurance is designed to let you focus on the joy of the experience without the lingering worry of what-ifs.  

To Conclude: 

Adventure sports like paragliding offer a unique and exhilarating way to connect with nature and break free from the routine of everyday life. However, the thrill should never come at the expense of safety. By prioritizing safety, Paragliders can ensure that they are protected against the unforeseen, making their adventure not just thrilling, but also secure. At ASC360, we are dedicated to making outdoor experiences safe for everyone. So, before you take to the skies, make sure you have ASC by your side, your partner in safety and adventure.