Explore more curated experiences in Kathmandu

View all Kathmandu tours

Kathmandu: Tandem Paragliding with Valley Views

Top rated
4.8
Activity provider: In Nepal Hikes Treks and Tours Pvt. Ltd.
Kathmandu: Tandem Paragliding with Valley Views
Kathmandu: Tandem Paragliding with Valley Views 2
Kathmandu: Tandem Paragliding with Valley Views 3
+2
more

Experience the thrill of flight as you soar high above the Kathmandu Valley on an unforgettable tandem paragliding adventure. Accompanied by a certified and experienced pilot, you'll launch from a scenic hilltop and glide effortlessly through the sky, enjoying a unique bird's-eye perspective of Nepal's vibrant capital and its surrounding landscapes.

Highlights

  • Soar above the Kathmandu Valley on a tandem paragliding adventure
  • Enjoy stunning aerial views of hills, villages, and the Himalayas
  • Feel the thrill of flying like a bird with a licensed pilot
  • Get a hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off within Thamel, Kathmandu
  • Capture your flight with photos and videos

Choose from 1 available option

Kathmandu: Tandem Paragliding with Valley Views

Experience the thrill of flight as you soar high above the Kathmandu Valley on an unforgettable tandem paragliding adven...
4 hours
English
$110
Free cancellation

Full description

As you float through the air, take in breathtaking panoramic views of lush green hills, terraced farmlands, traditional villages, ancient temples, and dense forests that characterize the Kathmandu Valley. On clear days, the horizon is adorned with magnificent Himalayan peaks, creating a spectacular backdrop for your flight. The contrast between the bustling city below and the serene mountain scenery above makes this experience truly special.

Unlike many adventure activities, tandem paragliding requires no prior experience. Your pilot handles all technical aspects of the flight, allowing you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the incredible scenery. Depending on weather conditions, you may even encounter thermal currents that enable longer flights and provide an exhilarating sensation of soaring like a bird.

Whether you're an adventure enthusiast seeking an adrenaline rush or a traveler looking for a unique way to experience Nepal's natural beauty, paragliding in Kathmandu offers the perfect combination of excitement, freedom, and unforgettable views. From takeoff to landing, every moment delivers a sense of wonder that will remain one of the highlights of your visit to Nepal.

Tour Itinerary

Itineraries are customisable as per your request

The schedule below is a suggested plan and can be adjusted to suit your preferences.

7:00 AM1 hours

Thamel

You will be picked up from you hotel here in Thamel and driven to the take-off point.

8:00 AM30 minutes

Paragliding Flight from Chandragiri

Once your safety briefing is done and all necessary preparations are done, you will take off from Chandragiri and land at Chitlang valley. The flight is around 25 minutes, but depends on the thermal winds also.

10:00 AM1 hours

Thamel

Detailed Itinerary

Kathmandu: Tandem Paragliding with Valley Views Itinerary (Kathmandu)

Discover the thrill of free flight with a tandem paragliding adventure above the Kathmandu Valley. Launch from the scenic hills of Chandragiri and soar alongside a professional pilot while enjoying breathtaking aerial views of Kathmandu's ancient settlements, terraced hillsides, lush forests, and distant Himalayan peaks. This experience combines adventure, natural beauty, and a unique perspective of Nepal's capital, making it one of the most exciting activities in Kathmandu.

Duration: Approximately 3–4 hours

Flight Duration: 20–30 minutes (depending on weather conditions and thermal activity)

Pickup & Departure Details

Your adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu. A comfortable private vehicle will transfer you to the paragliding launch site at Chandragiri.

Pickup Location: Hotels within Thamel, Kathmandu

Vehicle Type: Private car, jeep, or van depending on group size

Travel Time: Approximately 45–60 minutes

During the drive, you'll pass through local neighborhoods and gradually ascend toward the forested hills surrounding the valley, enjoying beautiful views along the way.

Upon arrival, you'll meet your pilot and receive a comprehensive safety briefing before preparing for takeoff.

Paragliding Flight from Chandragiri

Chandragiri Hill is one of the most scenic viewpoints around Kathmandu and serves as an excellent location for tandem paragliding. Rising above the valley floor, it offers favorable flying conditions and spectacular panoramic scenery.

After a detailed safety briefing and equipment check, you'll take a few steps forward with your pilot before gently lifting into the air. As the paraglider catches the wind, you'll experience the incredible sensation of soaring effortlessly above the landscape.

During the flight, enjoy unparalleled views of:

Kathmandu Valley

Traditional Newari settlements

Terraced agricultural fields

Dense pine and rhododendron forests

Historic temples and monasteries

Distant Himalayan peaks

Depending on weather conditions, your pilot may utilize thermal currents to extend the flight and provide a more dynamic flying experience.

Thamel

Following your flight, return to Thamel, Kathmandu's vibrant tourist district and cultural hub. Known for its lively atmosphere, colorful streets, and diverse mix of shops, restaurants, and cafés, Thamel is a favorite gathering place for travelers from around the world.

Spend time exploring:

Traditional handicraft stores

Pashmina and souvenir shops

Local cafés and bakeries

Trekking and mountaineering gear stores

Cultural and artistic boutiques

Thamel also offers excellent opportunities to relax after your flight while soaking in Kathmandu's energetic atmosphere.

Lunch Break

Lunch is usually taken after returning from the flight and is not included in your booking package.

Travelers can choose from a wide range of dining options in Thamel, including:

Traditional Nepali cuisine

Indian dishes

Tibetan specialties

Asian fusion restaurants

International and continental menus

Vegetarian, vegan, and non-vegetarian options are widely available.

Optional Add-ons

Enhance your Kathmandu adventure with additional experiences available upon request:

Chandragiri Cable Car Ride

Professional in-flight photos and videos

Guided Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) Visit

Kathmandu Durbar Square Exploration

Private transportation upgrades

Traditional Nepali lunch or dinner experience

Additional charges are applied for optional activities.

Return Journey

After completing the activity, you'll be transferred back to your hotel.

Travel Time: Approximately 45–60 minutes

Drop-off Location: Your hotel or preferred location within Thamel, Kathmandu

The tour typically concludes by late morning, leaving plenty of time for further exploration of Kathmandu.

Insider Tips

Morning flights generally offer calmer air and clearer mountain visibility, while afternoon flights can provide longer airtime due to stronger thermals. The temperature while on the flight might get colder, so prepare your self with warm clothes, caps, and gloves (especially in the winters).

Includes

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off within Thamel, Kathmandu
  • Tandem paragliding flight with licensed pilot
  • Photos and videos of the flight
  • Safety briefing and all necessary equipment
  • Government taxes and service charges

Excludes

  • Meals and beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for pilot/driver (optional)

Important information

Meeting point

Thamel, Kathmandu

Know before you go

  • Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity starts

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Secure payment
Complete your booking safely with Razorpay. Full refund if you cancel 24h prior. Read more
Duration 4 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English, Hindi
Wheelchair accessible

You might also like...

Main Tour Price
Starting from $110
$110
Tour Type
Adventure Tour
Need a custom booking or have a larger group?Contact Support via WhatsApp
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Secure payment
Complete your booking safely with Razorpay. Full refund if you cancel 24h prior. Read more

Traveler Reviews

4.8/5
based on 8 reviews
Guide
4.8/5
Value for money
4.7/5
All reviews are from verified AsiaByLocals travelers
5
E
Emma R. United Kingdom
July 14, 2025

Genuinely one of the highlights of our whole Nepal trip. The pickup from our Thamel hotel was right on time and the drive up gave us a chance to calm the nerves. Once we launched, all the fear melted away. My pilot was chatty and reassuring, and the terraced fields below looked unreal. The included video is something I keep rewatching.

5
L
Lukas B. Germany
August 29, 2025

Flew on a crisp morning and could actually make out snowcapped peaks in the distance, which I hadn't expected. The pilot took over all the technical work so I just soaked it in. Being strapped in tandem felt completely secure the entire time. Well worth the 110 dollars considering the photos and transport are all part of the deal.

4
S
Sophie M. Australia
September 22, 2025

An amazing experience overall and I'd do it again. My only small gripe is that the actual airborne time is shorter than the four hour listing suggests, so manage your expectations, most of that window is the drive and briefing. The flight itself was smooth and the views over the villages were stunning. Bring a warm layer, it's chilly up on the hill.

5
D
Daniel O. Ireland
October 11, 2025

October was the perfect month for this. Clear skies, gentle wind, and a pilot who clearly knew every thermal on that hillside. We circled slowly over forests and old temples and I never felt queasy once. The safety briefing beforehand was thorough without being intimidating. Easily the best value adventure we did in Kathmandu.

5
P
Priya N. Singapore
November 30, 2025

I was terrified of heights and almost cancelled, but the pilot was so calm and encouraging that I ended up laughing the whole flight. Floating above the valley with the city buzzing far below is a feeling I can't describe. Hotel drop-off afterwards was seamless. If you're on the fence, just do it, you won't regret it.

4
T
Thomas V. Netherlands
January 19, 2026

Great flight and a friendly, professional pilot. Do note this is weather dependent, our original slot got pushed a day because of wind, which is fair enough for safety but worth planning around. When we did fly, conditions were perfect and the aerial photos came out brilliantly. The launch run is quick, wear proper shoes with grip.

5
I
Isabelle C. France
March 8, 2026

Spring flying over the Kathmandu Valley was magical. The contrast between the busy streets we'd just left and the total serenity in the air really stayed with me. My pilot pointed out landmarks and villages as we glided. Everything from the Thamel pickup to the free video felt organised and generous. A must-do in Nepal.

5
M
Marcus H. Canada
May 27, 2026

Booked this on a whim and it became the story I keep telling back home. No experience needed, the pilot handled it all, and the equipment felt well maintained. Soaring over the green hills with the Himalayas hazy on the horizon was surreal. Having the photos and videos included meant I could actually be present instead of fumbling with my phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

None at all. This is a tandem flight, meaning you're securely strapped in alongside a certified pilot who handles the launch, steering, and landing. Your only job is to relax, enjoy the ride, and take in the views of the Kathmandu Valley below.
You'll launch from a scenic hilltop near Chandragiri, on the rim of the Kathmandu Valley. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Thamel, Kathmandu, so you don't need to arrange your own transport. The drive out to the launch site is part of the experience and lets you settle in before your flight.
The tour is listed at 4 hours in total, which covers your Thamel pickup, the drive to and from the launch hill, the safety briefing, and the flight itself. The airborne portion is a fraction of that time, so plan for a relaxed half-morning or half-afternoon rather than a full flight duration. The rest is travel and preparation.
The single option, Tandem Paragliding with Valley Views at $110, includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Thamel, the tandem flight with a licensed pilot, photos and videos of your flight, the safety briefing, all necessary equipment, and government taxes and service charges. There are no hidden entry tickets to buy on top.
Yes. Photos and videos are included in the price at no extra cost. Your pilot carries a camera during the flight, so you can simply enjoy the experience without juggling your own phone in the air. It's one of the nicest perks of this particular tour.
Mornings generally offer the calmest, clearest air over the valley, while the autumn months (October and November) and spring (March to May) bring the best odds of seeing the Himalayan peaks on the horizon. During the summer monsoon, cloud can obscure the mountains. Book a clear-weather window if snowcapped views are your priority.
On clear days, yes, the horizon is often crowned with magnificent Himalayan peaks. Even when the high mountains are hazy, you'll always have sweeping views of lush green hills, terraced farmland, traditional villages, ancient temples, and forest below. Mountain visibility depends entirely on the weather that day.
Your flight is operated by a certified and experienced pilot using all necessary, properly maintained equipment, and every flight begins with a thorough safety briefing. Pilots only fly in suitable wind and weather conditions, and flights are postponed rather than risked in poor weather. Tandem paragliding is one of the more accessible adventure activities for exactly this reason.
Wear comfortable clothing and closed, sturdy shoes with good grip, as the launch and landing areas can be uneven and grassy. Bring a light layer, since it's cooler airborne and up on the hill than in central Kathmandu, plus sunglasses and sunscreen. Leave loose items behind or secure them, as anything not fastened can be lost in flight.
Because a pilot handles everything, the flight itself is gentle and requires no fitness or skill, making it enjoyable for many older travelers and older children. There are usually weight limits and age minimums set by the operator for safety, so let us know the ages and any mobility concerns when booking so we can confirm eligibility for your group.
Each paraglider is a one-on-one tandem with your own pilot, so the flight itself is entirely personal to you. If you're travelling as a couple, family, or group, you'll each fly with your own pilot, and the ground transport from Thamel may be shared depending on the day's bookings.
Paragliding depends on safe wind and visibility, so if conditions aren't suitable, flights are rescheduled or refunded rather than flown in risky weather. We'll always prioritise your safety over the schedule. Keep a little flexibility in your Kathmandu itinerary in case your slot needs to move to a clearer window.
Absolutely. Since this tour occupies roughly half a day, many travelers pair it with cultural experiences on the other days of their trip. A relaxed evening Nepali cooking class in Thamel works beautifully after a morning flight, or you could dedicate another day to the full-day UNESCO sites tour with lunch.
The flight itself is very low-effort, but the launch involves a short run or a few brisk steps downhill alongside your pilot as the wing lifts, and landing means being on your feet on uneven ground. If you have knee, back, or mobility issues, mention them at booking so your pilot can prepare. Otherwise, basic mobility is all that's needed.
Many guests bookend their thrill-seeking with something slower-paced. The valley is packed with heritage, and a guided visit to Swayambhunath and the UNESCO monuments gives ground-level context to the temples and villages you'll spot from the air during your flight.
Simply book online and provide your Thamel hotel name, group size, and preferred date. We'll confirm your pickup time and flight slot with the operator. Because flying depends on weather, we recommend booking early in your Kathmandu stay so there's room to reschedule if a clearer day is needed.
Starting from$110