DARJEELING/KOLKATA: The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) will to re-introduce paragliding in the Darjeeling from the second week of April.
The adventure tourism facility, which was first introduced in 2011, had remained stalled since 2017 due to the Gorkhaland agitation.
Dawa Sherpa, chief coordinator of adventure tourism, said: "The department is also considering a hike in Kalimpong to improve facilities for paragliders and to boost adventure tourism in the next season.Only registered adventure companies will be permitted to apply for paragliding operations in Darjeeling and Kalimpong."
Darjeeling offers paragliding from St Paul's to Lebong, with views of the city's architecture and nature. It lasts for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on weather conditions. The best time to go paragliding in Darjeeling is from Oct to March when the weather ismostly sunny, and the best sight of Kanchenjunga is visible.
Sherpa added that they planned to hike the yearly fees to provide training, routine inspections and other activities to paragliding companies. He emphasized the importance of generating sufficient revenue to cover training costs. "The primary objective is to create job opportunities for locals rather than relying on pilots from other states," he said.
Though paragliding is returning to Darjeeling after seven years, Kalimpong has been offering a similar experience over the last few years. The ride in Kalimpong lasts for 10 to 15 minutes, priced at Rs 3,000 with an additional Rs 500 for videography and photography, as well as longer rides of 20 to 30 minutes, which cost Rs 5,500, inclusive of videography and photography.