If you prefer looking at the world from above, then you might appreciate paragliding! It provides an adrenaline boost in addition to the breathtaking landscape you can see while floating above the terrain. Although paragliding can be done everywhere in the world, the most desirable spots provide great vistas, excellent instruction, and accessibility for newbies. In this article, Students Fare lists the best paragliding destinations in the world!
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What is Paragliding vs Parasailing?
Paragliding and parasailing can easily be mixed up because both activities involve flying in the air attached to a specially designed parachute. In parasailing, the parachute and flier are connected to a line tethered to the towing vehicle. The boat or land vehicle accelerates across the water, lifting the flier high into the air with little or no control over the parachute. In paragliding, the flier is attached to the parachute and flies freely through the air. There is mandatory training to explain how to launch, turn, and land a paraglider using the special hand brakes.
Where Is The Best Paragliding In The World?
Pokhara, Nepal
The scores of vibrant paragliders drifting behind Pokhara, one of Nepal’s most well-known tourist sites, will quickly catch the attention of visitors. Sarangkot Hill, to the north of Phewa Lake, is regarded as one of the world’s top paragliding locations due to its steady thermals and breathtaking scenery. The impressive Himalayan Annapurna range lies on one side, and Phewa Lake, terraced green farmland, and settlements are on the other.
One of the best seasons to travel is in the middle of winter when the sky is the clearest. In Pokhara, paragliding is possible all year long, however between June and September, when heavy downpours are present, many flights are cancelled.
Iceland
Iceland is a small country covered with impressive waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, as well as lava fields; viewing them from above gives your tour of the country from a new perspective! Most paragliding companies are located in Reykjavik, providing travelers both quick local excursions and lengthier day trips that travel farther afield.
The latter run throughout the sunnier, warmer months, often from April to October, but this varies by operator and location. If the urge to go paragliding strikes when you’re distant from the capital, some excursions occasionally depart from the tiny town of Vik upon that south coast.
First, Switzerland
Numerous locations in the mountainous country of Switzerland provide paragliding opportunities, but First is among the greatest. The breathtaking vistas of Mount Jungfrau (13,500 ft / 4,100 m) alone are enough to tempt travelers from around the world. Due to the thorough training required of Swiss paragliding pilots, novices should feel at ease undertaking a tandem ride with their instructor.
The best time to embark on a journey to paraglide Switzerland is during the summer months (April to October) when the air is hot on the ground, and cool in the air! If you’re seeking a trly unique paragliding experience, then winter is the optimal time to experience the winter wonderland from above.
Umbria, Italy
The town of Castelluccio in Umbria is one of the best spots in Italy to experience paragliding because of the updrafts produced by the junction of the lowlands and mountains. The landscape is breathtaking, traversed by the Tiber River’s broad valley, and includes a portion of the Apennines. This, together with strong thermals and sparse crowds, is what makes Umbria paragliding vacations so unique. In the summer and spring (particularly May and June), the hills and valleys surrounding the hamlet are covered in vibrant wildflowers, which are especially wonderful to view from above!
Kerio Valley, Kenya
Kenya’s Kerio Valley, a section of the Great Rift Valley that cuts across multiple nations in East Africa, will steal your breath away more than anywhere else on our list! Although paragliding hasn’t really taken off in Kenya, the Eastern Rift Valley’s eroded rocks in Kerio Valley make for stunning flying landscapes. It’s the ideal paragliding location because of the clear, blue skies and the lack of flying airplanes. For skilled gliders who want to stay in the air for as long as possible, the 62-mile continuous ridgeline is perfect. Between December and March, the Kerio Valley offers the ideal paragliding conditions.
Book Your Paragliding Adventure!
Whether you’re planning a summer vacation or spring break, paragliding is the perfect activity to put on the itinerary! The beautiful views from above the heads of other tourists will infuse your vacation with both adventure and thrill. Call Students Fare and we’ll help you fulfil your dream of paragliding through these beautiful locations and many, many more! We’ll also get you the best rates on flights, hotels, and travel insurance — which should be purchased for all oversea adventures.
