April 16: Commercial paragliding flights have been launched in Chitwan. The Himalayan Frontiers Paragliding Company Chitwan has started commercial paragliding flights coinciding with the Nepali New Year, 2080 BS. The adventure sport aims to attract domestic and foreign tourists visiting the district, said the company’s chairperson Bijaya Bahadur Ghale.    
The flight starts at Chaukidanda of Bharatpur Metropolitan City-29 at a height of 1,200 metres above the sea level, and descends on the banks of the Trishuli river at Devghat Rural Municipality-5. The tourists visiting the district for jungle safari in particular are the target for the adventure sport, said Ghale.    
Rope cycling and bungee jumping would be added in the area in the future, said the company’s operator Shalik Dawadi.

"We have a plan to construct a resort at Chaukidanda as well," he said. The company has also acquired permission to operate paragliding flight at Kabilas Danda.    
One has to pay Rs 8,000 for paragliding flight, and there is a 25 percent discount at present, said Dawadi, adding that around 45 people can fly in a day.    
Tourists get thrilled by flying above the serpentine road and Trishuli river in particular, said Shailendra Raut, general secretary of the Nepal Paragliding Association.    
In terms of topography and weather, the places here are favourable for paragliding, said a paragliding pilot Sanjaya Gautam.  --  RSS