Posted on September 27, 2009

Men weren’t meant to ride…

with clouds between their knees… - from Superman (It’s Not Easy), Five for Fighting.

One of the most truly amazing, sublime experiences. On our last day in Pokhara, I decided to find out what it would feel like to be Superman.

I went with Sarangkot Paragliding since Blue Sky Paragliding didn’t have any spots available for that day. They are the new, little-guy on the block but I’m really glad I went with them (laid-back , and friendly service). My trusted pilot was Peter Volf who is also a professional photography and fellow web-guy.

Sarangkot Paragliding office

Me and my pilot Peter Volf

Taking off was easy and the whole feeling of being lifted off the ground reminded me of being on those carousel swing rides at an amusement park when I was a kid. Surprisingly, I wasn’t really nervous at all but really anxious to fly. Peter, my calm, confident, reassuring Czech was great.

A paraglider just after take off

We soared around the mountain-side and over Nepali villages. As the saying goes, people and especially children playing looked like ants running around the ground. You really do feel like a bird as you search and chase for thermals to carry you up higher and higher into the sky.

Flying via Tandem Paragliding

My senses were overwhelmed.

Soaring over Nepali villages

I didn’t get to see much of the Himalayan mountains but I felt closer to them than ever before. The day was a scorcher on the ground but up in the air it was heaven. I even saw a hawk fly beneath my feet.

Air traffic

It was so quiet and peaceful – it felt like an entirely a whole new world up there. It was only a half-hour flight but it felt like an eternity.

Incoming brown guy

Landing was a piece of cake (well sort of, the picture looks worse than it really was).

Hard landing

As I hit the ground, the hard and sad reality of being confined to land quickly returned. It was such a surreal experience.

I definitely recommend tandem paragliding in Nepal. As my pilot would agree, Nepal is probably one of the most inexpensive places to do it and without a doubt has the most spectacular sceneries in the world to see from the air.

(and of course, I have a video clip)