INTRODUCTION:

Himachal Pradesh hosts many hill stations that are tourist hotspots and famous throughout India. One such beautiful place, set in the Kullu district, is Manali. Manali offers a breath-taking view of the Pir Panjal range and is stacked with valleys, lakes, and resorts. It serves as a paradise for tourists looking to have adventurous fun skiing, trekking, quad-biking, and paragliding.

OVERVIEW:

Manali is every adventure’s own little paradise and world that they dream of since they were kids. Located at 2050 feet above the ground , Manali is crowded with tourists year round , especially visited by honeymooners. The Beas Kund Trek and Bhrigu Lake Trek are some of the most famous destinations that experienced trekkers walk their way through. The best part is viewing the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas. The most amazing adventurous activities are zorbing , horse riding , skiing , trekking , ziplining and rappelling. 

Paragliding is one of the major adventure activities one can take up while staying in Manali. It gives you that bustle of adrenaline pumping down your veins and leaves you wanting more.  Here are five places one can visit for paragliding:

1. Solang Valley – 

One of the most visited, if not the most visited, place for paragliding is the perfect host to the Manali Paragliding Association, which offers a plethora of options for an enthusiast. The options range from short, medium to a full length, varying in duration and the experience of it all. Trained professionals carry out the high-adrenaline activity with ease. The usual flight time is around 20 minutes, but with legs soaring up in the sky, one might argue how long it actually took. This area must be in your bucket list as it has an added advantage of an absolute eye treat because of its lush greenery everywhere. 

2. Bijlee Mahadev –

 If you ever want a dual combination of both fun and spirituality together , there cannot be a better place than this.  Named after the temple of Bijlee Mahadev, this spot is located in the Kullu valley, surrounded by the Parvati range. This is also a trekking spot, but paragliding overlooking the glorious valley and the temple is a sight worth seeing.

3. Fatru – 

Host to one of the more advanced paragliding activities, this spot has a flight time of 30 minutes. When one has finished the short flights, they would prefer this spot to paraglide, which has a gorgeous view from the top. This is generally preferred among people who have a good enough experience with paragliding and not recommended for anyone new into the sport. 

4. Dobhi –

 This spot is set about 8000 feet above mean sea level and is the highest spot in Manali for paragliding. It is merely 23 Km away from the main town and is set to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience of the flight which has a truly magnificent view. 

5. Marhi – 

Located at a height of 3360 meters and a 20 min dive up into the clouds and amidst the sky , this place is every tourist’s most famous destination. It offers mind blowing views of the Dhauladhar Valley and will be something you cherish for a lifetime. 

6. Kangra Valley – 

Adventure enthusiasts aboard! This place attracts millions of people annually like you to soar across the sky like an eagle. It is crowded especially in the months of August to November. People come from all sorts of places to witness the raw scenic beauty of Kangra Valley. The Himalayan pre paragliding event is also conducted during these months for that precious 15-20 minutes of pure heaven. Everyone here is attracted to the Bir Billing stretch which is the landing point. 

Some of the tips to keep in mind while paragliding are – 

1. Make sure to carry all the necessary documents such as AADHAR Card , PAN Card and other government approved documents.
2. Check all your equipment properly
3. Wear comfortable clothes
4. Follow your advisor thoroughly and carefully listen to all the instructions for a smooth ride. 
5. Take your first aid kit in case of any injury. Carry all the necessary equipment and also keep some necessary common medication for any emergency.
6. Be careful to take care of altitude sickness and start taking all the necessary amendments for that. 

The cost of paragliding could be around INR 2500-5000 and could be a little pricey sometimes. But the memories you bring back home are infinite and will forever stay with you. So gear up!