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Iβve done more than 20 tandem flights, in over a dozen towns around the world. But my flight in Pokhara, Nepal, will be one of the most memorable. It was my first time to fly with a lady pilot! Sorry to all my man-pilot friends (you know I love you), but Iβve never felt safer and most serene than when I flew with her.
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Nepal is overflowing with paragliding pilots and companies. I carefully did my research and chose OPEN SKY PARAGLIDING. The response to messages was immediate. I visited their office because I had a special request: to fly with a girl pilot named Sharmila, also the owner of the company. Why? Because being a company-owner myself, I wanted to pick her brains, while up in the sky.
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Paragliding in Pokhara has a centralized booking system and youβre not allowed to pick your pilot because their round robin system assigns who you fly with. But I explained my intentions and told them I was willing to wait for when itβs her turn to fly. They were kind enough to accommodate my request. They sent me updates from time to time, until the day finally came.
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I liked that their service was personalized. I had a different pick-up location than the rest, and they sent updates until they arrived.
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The site was packed with people. But it was a colorful mess, that made my heart beat faster, making me more alive than ever. I loved every single minute up there, just watching one wing fly after the other. Seeing how skilled the pilots were, I did not feel fear at all.
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Anyone who wants to fly must expect some waiting time. Part of flying is waiting for skies to clear or for good winds. We had a bit of waiting time, but my pilot kept me entertained and she answered all my questions about their operations.
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Even if Iβm a pilot myself, I appreciate that she still did her safety orientation with me. Donβt sit, just run. Her confidence was infectious. We gracefully took off into the wind β smooth and easy! Amazing.
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As I sat deeper into my harness, I was embraced by Godβs amazing display of creation. I had no words. All that could come out of my mouth was βWOWβ.
We flew over the vast valley and green hills dotted by colorful houses. On one side were famous mountain ranges, on another side were breathtaking terraces. I looked down and saw the cable cars going up and down the ridge, while children and dogs were walking along the winding white streets. I looked beyond and saw the mesmerizing Phewa lake. I peered to my right and saw a waterfall. I peered to my left and saw the stillness of the Sarangkot village.
I looked up and saw the glorious blue OPEN SKY!
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Approaching the lake for landing, I felt a little sad that the flight had to end. I envied the birds flying by us. I was briefed on what to do upon touchdown. We slowly descended and the view was as hypnotic as when we took off. My feet slowly touched ground. My pilot did it so effortlessly!
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Big thanks to Dee who took my special booking, to Shree who sat with me post-flight and explained more about paragliding processes in Nepal, and to all the pilots and crew who made the day fun and safe.
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Sharmila taught me about courage, hardwork, and consistency. She inspired me to keep flying.
If you have the luxury of time in Nepal, and youβre willing to wait, you can request her to fly you. Choosing the best and safest pilot is what makes a paragliding experience worth remembering.
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Is paragliding worth your time and money? Try it and let the OPEN SKY answer...
Β Β Β Read moreA Spectacular Paragliding Adventure with Open Sky Paragliding in Pokhara
My family and I recently (November 7, 2023) had the pleasure of experiencing paragliding with Open Sky Paragliding in Pokhara, Nepal, and it was nothing short of amazing. From the moment we contacted them, the service provided by Ms. Sharmila, the owner, was exceptional.
Open Sky Paragliding went above and beyond by arranging a hassle-free pick-up and drop-off for us, ensuring a smooth transition to and from the paragliding site.
What truly stood out was the personalized attention given to each member of my family. Ms. Sharmila, with her genuine warmth and expertise, took the time to understand our needs. She assigned a skilled and experienced lady pilot for my wife, ensuring her comfort and safety. Moreover, for our 8-year-old son, a specially chosen and experienced pilot was provided, putting our parental concerns at ease.
The staff's friendliness and professionalism were noteworthy throughout our entire experience. From the moment we arrived at the site, we were greeted with smiles and enthusiasm. The entire team exuded a passion for paragliding, making us feel not only welcomed but also confident in the adventure that awaited us.
The flight experience was nothing short of awe-inspiring, providing breathtaking views of the stunning Pokhara landscape. The pilots demonstrated skill and expertise, ensuring a safe yet exhilarating journey. It was an unforgettable experience that left us in awe of the beauty that Nepal has to offer.
Our paragliding adventure with Open Sky Paragliding was an absolute delight. Ms. Sharmila and her team's commitment to customer satisfaction, paired with their warm hospitality, made this experience truly exceptional. If you find yourself in Pokhara and yearning for an unforgettable adventure, I wholeheartedly recommend Open Sky Paragliding. They turned a simple activity into a cherished memory for our family.
Salah Uddin...
Β Β Β Read moreToday, I had the most incredible paragliding experience with Open Sky and pilot Shree Krishna, and I cannot recommend them highly enough! The entire experience was flawless, from the moment I arrived at the launch site to the moment I landed back on solid ground and did few acrobatics which gave me goosebumps . The team at Open Sky was incredibly welcoming, friendly, and professional, and they made me feel at ease throughout the entire process.
As for the flight itself, there are simply no words to describe the sheer joy and exhilaration I felt as I soared high above the beautiful landscape below. The views were absolutely breathtaking, and I felt like I was flying through a dream. Shree Krishna was an exceptional pilot, and his knowledge, experience, and confidence in the air made me feel safe and secure throughout the entire flight. He was also very friendly and personable, and we had a great time chatting during the flight.
The equipment used by Open Sky was top-notch, and I could tell that they take great pride in ensuring that their gear is always in perfect condition. The entire process, from check-in to landing, was well-organized and ran like clockwork. Overall, I can honestly say that this was one of the most incredible experiences of my life, and I owe it all to the amazing team at Open Sky and the exceptional skills of pilot Shree Krishna. If you're looking for an unforgettable paragliding adventure, look no further...
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