Himachal’s Sural valley to soar with paragliding soon

Sural valley, tucked away in the majestic tribal belt of Pangi, may soon become Himachal’s next big adventure hotspot! If all goes as planned, paragliding could be officially introduced in the valley, giving thrill-seekers a chance to glide above some of the most stunning alpine landscapes in India.

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On June 23, a team from Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS), Manali, will visit the proposed paragliding site at Baleen to explore its physical and technical feasibility for the aero sports.

If approved, the skies above Sural valley will welcome paragliders soaring over lush meadows, snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear streams. This project also aims to bring the spotlight to Pangi’s untapped tourism potential, said Chamba District Tourism Development Officer Rajeev Mishra.

He said the team may also issue permits to the local operators to conduct paragliding activities and will also grant licences to the pilots if the proposed site is find suitable.

The launch of paragliding could also unlock doors for self-employment and local entrepreneurship, especially for youth from Kumar, Sural and Hudan villages, helping them turn their homeland into a hub of adventure and opportunity.

Last year, Pangi Tourism Team, a private organisation, had identified Sural as a promising site for adventure sports and proposed to the authorities to develop it for paragliding.

Dr Haresh Sharma, founder member of the Pangi Tourism Team, meanwhile, said if deemed fit the introduction of paragliding in Sural will definitely uplift the tourism sector and the local economy in Pangi, where people rely on agriculture and allied sector for livelihood.

Pangi valley, located in the Pir Panjal Himalayas, is known for its remote beauty, dramatic landscapes, and challenging terrain. Often cut off during winters due to heavy snowfall, the valley has remained untouched by mass tourism—making it a haven for serious adventurers.

So far, trekking has been the primary attraction for visitors, with trails passing through alpine meadows, glacial rivers, and ancient villages. The introduction of paragliding would add a fresh dimension to tourism here and bring national attention to this lesser-known valley.

Meanwhile, Mishra said that the ABVIMAS team will also visit Chamba on June 24 for inspection and trials of river rafting in the Ravi in Chamba. “One operator is already conducting rafting activities and two more have applied for licenses,” he said.

Later, on June 25, the team will visit Khajjiar for renewal of licenses of pilots for tandem paragliding and inspection of equipment.