Pokhara Tour 2009
Low/Beginner Airtime Pilots (1.7MB)
Bir Billing Tour 2009
Experienced XC Pilots (2.2MB)
Pokhara – Nepal Himalayan Paragliding Adventure Tour 2009
Following on from successful Himalayan tours in ’07 and ’08, Phil Hystek from Paragliding Queensland, and Craig Papworth from “Paraworth Paragliding Adventures” team up again to bring you a tour of unparalleled experiences and personal rewards.
At the moment, we have scheduled two Nepal “Himalayan Adventure” tours
Tour #1 October 22–31 2009
Tour #2 November 4-13 2009
Tour itinerary
#1 tour will commence in Kathmandu (KTM) at 8am on October 22nd while Tour #2 will commence at 8am on November 4th. The exact tour start location will be announced later.
We will travel by private minibus to the historic and very interesting town of Bandipur, about five hours drive from KTM.
Bandipur offers excellent thermic and ridge soaring. We will arrive in Bandipur with enough time to settle into the amazing accommodation and then walk the easy 15 min’s to the gently sloping launch situated on a ridge above the town. The afternoon ridge soaring will be a truly delightful way of easing into the Nepalese flying groove.
We’ll spend the night in Bandipur
followed by more flying the next day.
Late the next day, we’ll load up for the three hour drive to Pokhara (POK) arriving early in the evening of Oct 23rd.
On arrival at POK we will settle into our hotel (close to the town landing field)for the next 7 days.
Pokhara is alive with both Paraglider pilots and trekers alike. The town buzzes with anticipation of great flights and epic adventures.
Our daily plan starts with breakfast of your choice at one of the many excellent “Nepalese” restaurants as we watch the sun gradually rise over the majestic 7,000m peaks of the Anapurna range.
Then it’s “fly time” with a taxi ride up to launch. Sarangkot (the launch at Pokhara) is usually flyable from any time after 8am so if you want to get up to launch earlier for a sleddie, then just let us know. Most pilots will be happy to wait for the thermic activity to become established before taking to the air at around 11am.
There are a variety of launches available depending on conditions and pilot ability and all are relatively easy, non technical launch sites.
The landing field is a very easy glide from launch and with three “lake side” landing fields to choose from, the endings to your flights should be a stress free event.
A straight glide out to the landing field will have you at least 1000’ over the lake with enough time to really enjoy the view, (or try some of those manoeuvres you have always wanted to but didn’t have the height)
If you do bomb out, then we have arranged for up to three rides up the hill to be supplied per day.
“Out and return” XC flying is totally possible with nice flights down the Sarangkot ridge being the norm and then flight further a field to places like the “green wall” being definitely doable by those with the skill and an adventurous spirit. If you don’t make it to your destination, or back to the lake landing field again, a taxi ride back to Pokhara is only minutes away. There’s one thing you will never be far from in Nepal and that’s a taxi. They’ll probably be there before you finish packing up (usually with the help of the ever present and very skilled glider packers)
For those pilots looking to push the boundaries a little more, or just jump a few rungs on the learning ladder, we have arranged for both SIV and Acro courses to be available. Prices on these optional extras will be dependant on numbers so contact us for more details.
A short flying expedition to surrounding sites is planned for pilots with sufficient skill.
The tour concludes in Pokhara on either October 31 for the first tour or November 13 for tour #2.
You are free to stay on for more flying or do some other adventure activity such as white water rafting, kayaking, trekking, MTB riding etc. However if your time is limited and you need to return to Australia, we recommend a connecting flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu which is relatively cheap and offers an amazing view of the Himalayas (make sure you get a seat on the left side of the aircraft). Tickets for this flight can be purchased while in Pokhara.
The other option is one of the many daily busses from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
For some flying footage in Pokhara, check out this Youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YyLWl85xXo&feature=related
Tour details:
What we supply:
Launching, Landing, Thermalling and XC tuition dependant on pilot need and skill.
Land transport from Kathmandu to Bandipur. (minibus)
One nights accommodation in Bandipur. (Twin Share)
Land transport from Bandipur to Pokhara. (minibus)
Seven nights accommodation (twin share) in Pokhara.
Up to three taxi rides to Sarangkot (Pokhara) launch per day.
Eight breakfasts.
Possibility of tandem flights for non flying partners.
Your responsibility:
Visas
Return air ticket Australia- Kathmandu - Australia
Lunchs and dinners.
Nepal flying permit. (available on arrival at Pokhara)
SIV or Acro if desired.
Flying Expedition (if desired) dependant on pilot ability.
Ancillary expenses ie shopping, internet, etc.
Travel Pokhara-Kathmandu (at conclusion of tour).
Full Cost:
$1410 AUD for pilots and $850 AUD for non-flying partners.
To ensure your spot on the tour of your choice, a 50% deposit should be forwarded ASAP. The interest in both the Pokhara-Nepal tours is overwhelming and numbers are strictly limited. Wouldn’t it be terrible to have to wait until next year???.
Please fill out this XL booking form or PDF booking form, as well as the Terms and Conditions doc or PDF Terms & Conditions and forward them to info@pgqld.com.au asap.
We look forward to sharing the amazing Himalayan sky with you later this year.
Regards
Phil Hystek and Craig Papworth
