Paragliding

Paragliding is about having an experience , anyone with normal health without any prior training can participate in it, in fact the paraglider is flown by an experienced pilot who accompanies the participant, this type of flights are called tandem flights. The pilot and the participant are attached to the glider by two separate flight harness both separated by a T-Bar. Immediately after takeoff the harness transforms into a comfortable sitting position, like a comfortable chair, where you sit back and enjoy the flight.

Just about two years ago the Tourism department of Jammu and Kashmir introduced Paragliding at Astanmarg near Srinagar, and slowly it is becoming quite popular with the tourists. When I was there recently I decided to check it out. In one word the experience is adventurous, including the ride and the hike to the mountain from where it starts. Astanmarg is a beautiful small hamlet on the outskirts of Srinagar barely connected it to any pukka road close by. Three years back it was picked up as a spot to start the first paragliding experience camp in Jammu and Kashmir and since then it is slowly becoming a recognisable name, at least amongst the adventure sport enthusiasts.