PARAGLIDING IN KHAJJIAR

Paragliding in Khajjiar is certainly the most sought after adventure activity in Himachal. The quaint village tucked in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh acts as a perfect weekend getaway from Delhi. It is also a completely hassle free destination to live your dream of flying without the rumbling noise of motors deafening your ears.

Khajjiar is an offbeat travel destination where you can plan a weekend trip, relax, unwind, savor the moments, behold the majestic Kailash, and come back with a refreshed mind.

Paragliding In Khajjiar – An Exhilarating Experience

Khajjiar Paragliding in the valley is particularly curated for adrenaline junkies. Experience the unmatchable thrill of walking the precipice and taking a leap from a scary Khajjiar paragliding height above the ground. Savor the long cherished dream of flying with both arms stretched outwards, basking in the moment, occasionally dashing into a pine tree, and escaping with minor bruises. The thrill of paragliding at Khajjiar – also known as Switzerland of India, is unmatchable.

in the valley is particularly curated for adrenaline junkies. Experience the unmatchable thrill of walking the precipice and taking a leap from a scary Khajjiar paragliding height above the ground. Savor the long cherished dream of flying with both arms stretched outwards, basking in the moment, occasionally dashing into a pine tree, and escaping with minor bruises. The thrill of paragliding at Khajjiar – also known as Switzerland of India, is unmatchable.

Best Time For Khajjiar Paragliding

Khajjiar is a 1-hour ride from Dalhousie and is frequented by travelers from across the world throughout the year. March – June, September, and November – December are the best months to plan a paragliding trip to Khajjiar.

Khajjiar is located at an altitude of almost 2000 meters above the ground and often experiences snowfall during winters. Make no mistake and carry sufficient winter clothes. Thermal innerwear, full sleeves thick jacket, and woolen monkey cap must be carried along.

Khajjiar Paragliding Cost

A weekend trip for paragliding in Khajjiar is a 1 night and 2 days experience. A paragliding trip will cost you anything between INR 3000 and INR 4000.

Most organizers keep the first day for sightseeing & some light activities and the second day for paragliding. The reason is a simple one. Most tourists start on Friday and are able to reach Khajjiar on Saturday morning, sometime past 8 or 9 o’clock. Paragliding in Khajjiar, however, is best experienced early morning, before the sun comes up bright & hot.

How To Take The Flight For Paragliding?

After you make it to the top, an enchanting view of mount Kailash (yes, that’s the holy abode of Lord Shiva) enthralls you with its majestic presence. The pilot, who also operates the parachute, stands right behind you to guide you through the basics and initial procedure. He also accompanies you during your entire flight.

• Once you reach the site, the helping crew will help you put on the gears and the equipment.

• Your pilot will then guide you on how to operate the equipment and important things to keep in mind.

• Stand 10 steps away from the cliff from where you are supposed to take off with the pilot. Start taking steps towards the cliff as soon as he asks you to run. Two other people will help you by holding the parachute from both the sides until it lifts you in the air. By that time you’d have already crossed the precipice to find yourself suspended amidst clouds, flying with birds!

Getting there is always easy. But making it safely to the ground is a challenge. After maneuvering your way through the valley, you are ready to make a descend to the open area next to the pine trees and looming mountain peaks. Since the pilot is there with you, there is not much to worry. In most cases, it is a safe landing and the experience, in the end, is worthwhile.

Safety Checks For Paragliding

There are people to help you out with the para-glider and then there’s a pilot to run you through the initial checks and basic precautions. The most prominent security checks include:

• Putting on the safety belt.

• The jacket must be tightly buttoned/zipped up.

• Shoelaces must be tied properly.

• Hair must be neatly tied up.

• While your operator will provide you all the necessary equipments, it is a good idea to wear comfortable running shoes and well-fitted clothes.

How To Reach Khajjiar

By air: Gaggal Airport in Dharamsala, the nearest airstrip, is located at a distance of 122 km from Khajjiar. The airport is well connected with other major airports in India. From airport, cover the remaining distance by a cab.

Time taken: Delhi to Dharamshala by flight: 1.5 hours; Dharamshala to Khajjiar by cab: 4 hours

By train: Pathankot, at a distance of 118 km, is the nearest railhead to Khajjiar and is located at a distance of 480 km from New Delhi. Take a taxi to reach Khajjiar from the railway station.

Time taken: Delhi to Pathankot by train: 8.25 hours; Pathankot to Khajjiar by cab: 3.3 hours

By road: Direct buses ply from Delhi to Dalhousie. This is an overnight journey. Upon reaching Dalhousie, you can take a cab to reach Khajjiar. On the contrary, Khajjiar can be easily reached from Chandigarh, located 325 km away, after taking a direct bus from Chandigarh to Khajjiar/Dalhousie.

Time taken: Delhi to Dalhousie by bus: 7.25 hours; Dalhousie to Khajjiar by cab: 45 minutes

However, taking a direct cab from Chandigarh or Delhi to Khajjiar is the most preferred way of reaching this hill station. It is fairly economical, quite comfortable, and decently quick. The difference between the time of travel in a personal vehicle and a bus could be as high as an hour & a half and depends majorly on the halts that the bus takes.