Sunrise Paragliding: Soar with Nepal’s Oldest Paragliding Company
Sunrise Paragliding is a pioneer in Nepal’s paragliding industry, offering tandem flights, pilot training, and cross-country adventures with over 25 years of flying experience. Based in Pokhara, with its launch site in Sarangkot, this company provides unmatched views of the Annapurna range, Phewa Lake, and the surrounding valleys.
About Sunrise Paragliding
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Founded: 1996
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Founders: Adam Charles Hill (UK) & Biru Bomjan (Nepal)
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Headquarters: Lakeside, Pokhara, Nepal
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Notability: Nepal’s first paragliding company
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Website: sunrise-paragliding.com
Sunrise Paragliding was the first licensed commercial operator in Nepal, playing a vital role in shaping the country’s air adventure tourism. It is well-known for its exceptionally experienced pilots, excellent safety standards, and deep-rooted passion for flight.
Flight Options at Sunrise Paragliding
1. Tandem Flights (Most Popular)
Fly with a certified pilot and enjoy the thrill of free flight without any prior experience.
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Takeoff Location: Sarangkot (1600m above sea level)
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Flight Duration: 30–45 minutes
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Landing Zone: Pame, near the northern end of Phewa Lake
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Views of: Annapurna I, Machapuchare (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and the entire Pokhara Valley
Photo & Video services (GoPro) are available with most packages.
2. Cross-Country Flights
For those who want more than just the scenic view, Sunrise Paragliding offers cross-country flights, where pilots ride thermal currents to soar over forests, villages, and valleys.
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Flight Time: Up to 60 minutes
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Experience Level: For adventurous passengers (still tandem)
3. Pilot Training Courses (Beginner to Advanced)
Sunrise is an international paragliding school that trains aspiring pilots to APPI (Association of Paragliding Pilots and Instructors) standards.
Courses Offered:
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Introductory Courses (P1/P2): Basics of paragliding, ground handling, and first solo flight
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Advanced Courses (P3/P4): Soaring, thermaling, and cross-country skills
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SIV (Simulation d’Incident en Vol): Emergency maneuver training over water with boat rescue team
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XC Clinic: For seasoned pilots looking to improve navigation and long-distance flight techniques
Students come from all over the world, and training is conducted in English.
The Team
Sunrise Paragliding’s strength lies in its veteran pilots, many of whom have decades of experience and have flown competitively worldwide.
Notable Team Members:
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Rajesh Bomjan: Nepal’s first certified pilot with over 25 years of experience.
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Trisha Shrestha Bomjan: Nepal’s first female tandem pilot.
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Ajay Kumar: Champion-level pilot with more than 28 years of flying experience.
The entire team is APPI licensed, friendly, and known for making passengers feel at ease during their first flights.
Safety First
Sunrise Paragliding places a strong emphasis on international safety standards, which include:
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Pre-flight briefings
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Weather condition monitoring
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Reserve parachutes on every flight
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Regular equipment maintenance and upgrades
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Certified emergency training for pilots
The company also carries public liability insurance for all its operations.
Pricing
Prices vary depending on the type of flight and services included, but here’s a general range:
| Flight Type | Price (USD) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Tandem | $75–$90 | 30–45 mins, gear, transport, basic photo |
| Cross-Country | $100–$120 | Longer duration, higher altitudes |
| GoPro Photo/Video | $10–$15 extra | Flight footage on memory card or cloud transfer |
Group discounts and training packages are available upon request.
Best Time to Fly
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Ideal Months: September to November and March to May
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Best Hours: Early mornings (7–10 AM) for smooth air and clear visibility
Pokhara’s climate and geography offer some of the best flying conditions in the world—stable thermals, low turbulence, and stunning mountain backdrops.
Location & Contact
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Office Address: Baidam Road, Lakeside, Pokhara 33700, Nepal
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Phone: +977 98171 98617 / +977 61 453174
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Email: info@sunrise-paragliding.com
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Website: sunrise-paragliding.com
Final Thoughts
With over two decades of experience, Sunrise Paragliding stands out as a legacy paragliding brand in Nepal. Whether you want to float above Pokhara’s scenic beauty or train to become a certified pilot, Sunrise offers a safe, exciting, and professionally run experience that will leave you breathless—in the best way.