Rafting, paragliding suspended in Kullu

In view of continuous heavy rain, the Kullu Tourism Department has suspended all paragliding and rafting operations from July 15 until further notice. Executive District Tourism Development Officer Chiranji Lal announced the decision after a Technical Committee of Aerosports meeting held on July 14 under the chairmanship of the Director of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports. Continuous fog, heavy rainfall and swollen rivers during the monsoon prompted the committee to recommend halting of these activities.

This suspension decision is in keeping with the Tourism Department’s longstanding seasonal ban in Kullu, enforced annually between July 15 and September 15. Rafting, kayaking, river crossings, zip lining, rappelling, paragliding, hot-air ballooning and other aero sports will remain halted during the two-month period. Low-risk pursuits such as trekking, rock climbing, zorbing, rolling balls, bungee jumping, all-terrain vehicle rides and mountain biking will continue.

To mitigate risks, a technical committee conducts periodic inspections of adventure equipment, evaluates guide qualifications and enforces licensing mandates, including mandatory operator insurance.