The fascinating sport of Paragliding, is one of the most popular aero sports all over the world. A large number of people across the world enjoy this sport, as it is convenient and safe medium of soaring high in the air. Paragliding is the latest aero sport, whose origin goes back to1940s, but it expended rapidly after 1980s. The adventure sport is a blend of skydiving and hand gliding, but a para-glider is different from a hand-glider or a parachute. A para-glider is much lighter, easy to open and it take a short time to glide, as there is no any need to jump from a helicopter or plane. Paragliding is somewhat similar to Para Sailing, the only difference is that Para Sailing is done on the beach while the launch sides for Para Gliding are gentle hill sides. One needs some basic training and strong determination to successfully glide high in the air.
Equipments essential for Paragliding include a glider, that can resist the thermal currents, a harness which binds the Para-glider safely with the pilot. The glider should be designed in such a way that it can be released quickly after landing of the pilot. Other equipments requires are a helmet, a reserve parachute and a barometer to gauge the ascent or descent of the glider. Those who cannot afford the equipment or do not have the time to get the gliding training, they can enjoy the aero sport in a Tandem Glider with an experienced pilot.
To boost Adventure Tourism in Sikkim, the Department of Tourism, Government of Sikkim has introduced commercial paragliding flights. Tourists can take an aerial view of the sights during the flights between Thamidara Village and Reshithang Sports Village in East Sikkim district.
In west sikkim at Chakung one can experience para flight with entire kanchendzonga view with a period of 30 minutes. One needs to be physically fit and should know how to fly a glider. Beginners should be aware about the basics of paragliding, including launching, turning and landing.
Do not try so many stunts, as it is an aero sport, and you may come across unavoidable circumstances. Always remain mentally alert to cope with the adverse conditions as well as hurdle of paragliding.