Wings of wonder: Pangi valley takes flight with paragliding

The sky above Pangi valley saw a new chapter in its tourism journey as paragliding officially took off in the serene Sural region with a successful trial flight at Baleen Ground on Monday. The launch marks a turning point in adventure tourism for this remote and stunningly beautiful tribal valley in Chamba district.

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The trial flight, carried out by experienced pilots of the Khajjiar Paragliding Association, followed a site inspection by a team from the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS), Manali. The team was led by Joint Director Dr Rohit Sharma. Sharma said the topography, climate, and natural beauty of Sural are highly suitable for paragliding. He said efforts will be made to start regular paragliding activities here in the near future.

Pangi’s Resident Commissioner Raman Gharsangi and Tehsildar Shanta Kumar were also present to witness the milestone event.

“This is a historic day for Pangi,” said Resident Commissioner Gharsangi. “We have been working towards this for a long time. The feedback from the pilots confirms that the Sural site is ideally suited for paragliding. We’re hopeful that final approval will come soon, paving the way not just for paragliding but other adventure activities as well.”

The push for identifying and developing a paragliding site in Pangi began last year, when teams from the Khajjiar Paragliding Association, along with members of the Pangi Tourism Team, conducted surveys in Sural, Kumar, Hudan and Chasak. Sural stood out for its ideal wind conditions, natural take-off and landing zones, and scenic alpine landscape.

Dr Haresh Sharma, a founding member of the Pangi Tourism Team who played a pivotal role in the exploration, described the trial as a “memorable moment” for the region. “Experts have told us that Sural is among the most unique paragliding spots in Himachal Pradesh. This initiative will help put Pangi on the tourism map.”

With its snow-capped peaks, emerald meadows and pristine streams, the Sural valley offers a breathtaking panorama for paragliders and adventure seekers alike. The initiative is expected to boost footfall in the region while providing self-employment opportunities for local youth through tourism and allied services. “This is just the beginning,” added Dr Sharma.

“Along with paragliding, tourists can also explore wildlife trails, trekking routes and camping experiences. We invite adventure lovers from across the country to discover the raw beauty of Pangi.”

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.