An NAA team, exploring new destinations in the Western part of Nepal, successfully held test flights from Bayelkada for two days.

NAA President Yogesh Bhattarai said of the five districts acquiring permits for paragliding, Surkhet has the potential to be developed as a popular paragliding destination. Other four districts are Kaski, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Syangja and Tanahu. “Since Pokhara and Surkhet have similar weather conditions and geological structure, Surkhet has a huge potential. For this, we will seek locals’ help,” Bhattarai said, adding all the stakeholders should now be serious as paragliding will boost other businesses like home stay and hospitality industry.

Ghanshyam Gautam, a senior paragliding pilot, said appropriate air pressure and overall environment make the district an ideal destination for the adventure sport.

Pilots Anil KC, Sunil Bahadur Bhattarai, Saroj Bahadur Bhattarai, Anish Bhattarai, Ranjit Thapa, Surya Dhakal, Amit Thapa and Dhiraj Gurung had held the test flights from Bayalkada.

President of Surkhert Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Paragliding Padam Bahadur Shahi said the sport can play a crucial role in developing the district as a tourist destination.

He said more than 100 individuals have tried paragliding within one month of its launch in the district. “We will require support from all the stakeholders for developing Surkhet as a paragliding,” he said.