# Pokhara Paragliding > Paragliding in Pokhara is one of the most memorable things you can do in Nepal. Ride up to Sarangkot, the hill above the city, run a few steps with your licensed tandem pilot, and lift off into the air above Phewa Lake, with Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range filling the horizon and eagles circling beside you. After 20–30 minutes, or up to an hour on a cross-country flight, you glide down to land by the lake.No experience is needed. Flights run most of the year, with the best conditions from October to May. Hotel pick-up, transport to the take-off, a licensed pilot, all equipment and insurance for the flight are included; photos and videos can be added. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 1 days - **Difficulty:** Easy - **Activity:** Tandem paragliding - **Max altitude:** About 1,600 m / 5,250 ft (Sarangkot take-off) - **Best season:** Oct–May - **Group size:** 1–20 people - **Accommodation:** None (half-day activity) - **Meals:** None - **Price:** from US$95 per person - **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/pokhara-paragliding - **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=pokhara-paragliding ## Overview **Quick answer:** tandem paragliding in Pokhara takes off from Sarangkot at about 1,600 m. A standard flight lasts 20–30 minutes and a cross-country flight 45–60 minutes. It costs from US$95 per person, and the best season is October to May. Pokhara is often listed among the best places in the world to paraglide. Warm air rising from the valley gives reliable thermals, the take-off at Sarangkot faces the lake, and on a clear morning the view of the Himalaya from the air is breathtaking. You fly in tandem with an experienced, licensed pilot who handles everything; all you need to do is run a few steps at take-off and enjoy the view. Read our [paragliding guide](/blog/paragliding-in-pokhara-guide) for more. ### Paragliding at a glance FactDetailsTake-offSarangkot, about 1,600 mLandingLakeside, Phewa LakeFlight time20–30 minutes (standard), 45–60 minutes (cross-country)Total timeAbout 2–3 hours including transport and briefingExperience neededNoneBest timeOctober–MayCostFrom US$95 per person### Why fly with us? - **Licensed, experienced pilots** from established Pokhara operators. - **Certified equipment**, regularly inspected. - **Flexible timing** to catch the best weather. - **Combine with a trek** before or after your Annapurna trip. ### Is it safe? Tandem paragliding with licensed operators has a good safety record. Pilots only fly when conditions are suitable and will postpone if the wind or weather isn't right. You'll receive a safety briefing at the take-off. There are weight limits, which vary by operator; please tell us your weight when booking. ## Highlights - Tandem flight from Sarangkot with a licensed pilot - Views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range - Gliding over Phewa Lake - No experience needed - Optional photo and video package ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Tandem paragliding from Sarangkot Pick-up from your Lakeside hotel and a 30–40 minute drive to the Sarangkot take-off. Safety briefing, then a 20–30 minute (or 45–60 minute cross-country) flight with views of the Annapurnas, landing beside Phewa Lake. _Altitude: 1,600 m_ ## What is included - Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Pokhara (Lakeside area) - Transport to the Sarangkot take-off - Licensed, experienced tandem pilot - Paraglider, harness, helmet and safety equipment - Flight insurance provided by the operator - All government and local taxes ## Not included - Photos and video (optional, paid to the operator) - Travel insurance - Meals and drinks - Tips for your pilot ## Useful information ### Who can fly? Most people in reasonable health can fly. There are age and weight limits, which vary by operator; please tell us your weight when booking. Paragliding is not recommended during pregnancy or for people with serious heart, back or neck conditions. ### Best time to fly October to May has the most reliable conditions, especially October–November and February–April. Morning flights give the clearest mountain views; midday flights have stronger thermals for longer flights. Flights are limited in the monsoon (June–September). ### What to wear Comfortable clothes, closed shoes or trainers (no sandals), a warm layer (it is cooler in the air) and sunglasses with a strap. ### Weather If the weather isn't suitable, the flight is rescheduled or refunded. ### Travel insurance Please check that your travel insurance covers paragliding. ## Packing list - Comfortable clothes and closed shoes - Warm layer or light jacket - Sunglasses with a strap - Sunscreen - Phone or camera on a secure strap (or buy the video package) ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is a paragliding flight in Pokhara? **20–30 minutes** for a standard flight, **45–60 minutes** for cross-country. ### Where does it take off? From **Sarangkot**, at about 1,600 m above Pokhara. ### How much does paragliding cost? From **US$95 per person** for a standard flight; prices in Pokhara are typically US$80–150 depending on duration and extras. ### Do I need experience? No. You fly in tandem with a licensed pilot. ### Is paragliding in Pokhara safe? With licensed operators who only fly in suitable conditions, it has a good safety record. ### When is the best time? **October–May**, especially October–November and February–April. ### Is there a weight limit? Yes, it varies by operator. Please tell us your weight when booking. ### Can I get photos and videos? Yes, most pilots offer a photo and video package for an extra fee. ### What if the weather is bad? Your flight is rescheduled or refunded. ### Can children fly? Older children can usually fly; age limits vary by operator.