The northeastern state of Sikkim is one of the most beautiful regions in India. It is packed with breathtaking sites, abundant natural beauty, and stunning wildlife. Out of the many incredible offerings of Sikkim, including culture, hospitality, cuisine, etc, this state also provides many adventure sports like rafting, trekking, ice skiing, snow boarding, and paragliding. Out of all the sports, this blog will discuss paragliding in Sikkim and its surrounding areas. It will also briefly explore why a traveller should try paragliding in Sikkim over anything else.
Paragliding in Sikkim: Why You Should Try?
Paragliding in Sikkim is an exhilarating adventure activity that every thrill-seeker must experience. Nothing comes close to the joy and amazement of a paragliding experience in Sikkim. Once suspended in air with the help of a paraglide parachute, you will witness a bird’s eye view of beautiful valleys, forests, and rivers of Sikkim. Experience flying like a bird above the spellbinding landscapes on your Sikkim tour and satisfy your adventurous soul.
Here are more reasons to go paragliding in Sikkim:
- Sikkim and its neighbouring area boasts diverse launching ridges and sites that facilitate a smooth take off and landing experience.
- Sikkim has trained paragliding instructors and professional pilots that undertake the responsibility of training and ensuring flight safety of the participants. It does not matter whether you are a pro or trying paragliding for the first time, your flight and safety are secured.
- Paragliding is a one-of-a-kind adventure activity that lets you fly high and feel the rush of adrenaline while feeling weightless. Feel the fresh and crispy wind as you manoeuvre over villages, lakes, and green pastures of Sikkim.
Type of Paragliding Flights Available in Sikkim
Medium Fly
By choosing the “Medium Fly” option, you will be paragliding at a height of 1300 to 1400 metres (medium altitude). This option is ideal for those who are trying paragliding for the first time or are scared of heights. The Medium Fly option is an excellent way to challenge yourself and overcome your fears. The duration of this paragliding session is just 5 to 10 minutes.
High Fly/Flight
The second option is more suitable for advanced paragliders/participants. As the name suggests, with High Flight, participants fly at an altitude of 2200 metres. Paragliding on such a height offers a remarkable view of Kanchenjunga mountain ranges, Gangtok town, Tashi Viewpoint, and snowy peaks. A High Fly paragliding session lasts from 15 to 20 minutes.
Best Places in Sikkim for Paragliding
1. Bulbuley Dara
Anyone travelling to Sikkim for a thrilling paragliding must keep Bulbuley Dara in mind for an unforgettable experience. Bulbuley Dara is a certified paragliding take off site in Sikkim and is located further up from Resithang Village. It is a High Fly point that lies on an elevation of 2200 metres. From here, one can witness the spectacular views of the beautiful Gangtok city.
Price: The price of paragliding at Bulbuley Dara is from INR 4500 to INR 7000.
2. Baliman Dara
An excellent paragliding site suitable for Medium Flying is Baliman Dara, also located in the Resithang region of Sikkim. It lies at an altitude of 1400 meters above sea level. The landing of paragliding will be at Resithang Sports Village’s Stadium. This site provides exquisite views of the township and nearby natural sites. A paragliding session of medium flight is for five to 10 minutes.
Price: The price of paragliding at Baliman Dara is INR 2500 per person.
3. Chakung Durpin Dara
Chakung Durpin Dara is a tourist attraction and paragliding site in Sikkim. It is located 82 km away from the capital city Gangtok. Sitting at a height of 1,700m above the sea level, one can easily enjoy a medium and high flight paragliding. Before you land at Jorethang River Beach (the landing point), you will witness incredible and mesmerising views of lush greenery from the top.
Price: The price of paragliding at Durpin Dara is INR 2500 to INR 3000
4. St Pauls
If you have chosen from Sikkim tour packages with Darjeeling and want to do paragliding, St Pauls is a suitable choice. Located near Darjeeling, this spot provides excellent paragliding opportunities. During the flight, delight yourself with a riveting view of mountainous terrain and lush greenery. The exact location is 9 to 10 km in the north of Darjeeling.
Price: The price of paragliding at St Pauls is INR 3000 per person.
5. Kalimpong
Another paragliding site in the vicinity of Sikkim state is Kalimpong. Paragliding here means getting enthralled with sights of the beautiful emerald tea estate. You will find both Medium Flight and High Flight points in Kalimpong that lasts from 5 to 20 minutes. Almost all takeoffs happen from Dello Hills but the landing points are different. The Medium Flight landing point is in Home’s Garden whereas the High Flight landing point is in Relli River Ground.
Price: The price of paragliding in Kalimpong starts at INR 3,700 per person.
When is the Best Time for Paragliding in Sikkim?
There are two seasons spring and autumn suitable for paragliding in Sikkim. The spring/summer season is from March and June. During this time, the average temperature in Sikkim and the surrounding areas is between 15°C to 20°C. The autumn season is from September to November and the temperature is between 14°C to 19°C during the day. The stable temperature and wind conditions makes it ideal for paragliders to glide smoothly over hills and plateaus, without facing any major challenges.
Tips for Paragliding in Sikkim
- Make sure you are in the best of health and physically fit for paragliding.
- Wear comfortable clothes with shoes. Ensure that your clothes aren’t too tight or too loose.
- Do not consume alcohol or conduct paragliding under any influence.
- In case you have extreme fears of height, choose a small or medium flight and inform your guide beforehand.
- Double check your safety harness and belts before take off.
- If you are a beginner, it’s advisable to choose Tandem Paragliding. With Tandem paragliding, an instructor controls the paraglide while you enjoy the scenic views.
FAQs about paragliding in Sikkim
What is the best time to go paragliding in Sikkim?
The best time for paragliding in Sikkim is during the spring and autumn seasons. Spring, from March to June, and autumn, from September to November, offer stable temperatures between 14°C to 20°C, ideal wind conditions, and clear skies for a smooth flying experience.
How long does a paragliding flight in Sikkim last?
The duration of paragliding flights in Sikkim depends on the type of flight you choose. For Medium Fly, the flight lasts between 5 to 10 minutes, while the High Fly option lasts between 15 to 20 minutes. The time spent in the air provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy the incredible landscapes of Sikkim.
What are the different paragliding flight options available in Sikkim?
Sikkim offers two main types of paragliding flights:
- Medium Fly: A 5-10 minute flight at an altitude of 1300-1400 meters, perfect for beginners.
- High Fly: A more advanced option with a 15-20 minute flight at an altitude of 2200 meters, offering stunning views of the Kanchenjunga mountain ranges and Gangtok.
Where can I go paragliding in Sikkim?
There are several renowned paragliding sites in Sikkim, including:
- Bulbuley Dara: A High Fly site at 2200 meters offering views of Gangtok.
- Baliman Dara: A Medium Fly site at 1400 meters located near Resithang Village.
- Chakung Durpin Dara: A site with both Medium and High Fly options, 82 km from Gangtok.
- St Pauls & Kalimpong: Located near Darjeeling and offering both Medium and High Flight experiences.
