Soar high at the Arunachal Paragliding Festival

By Rajarshee Chakraborty

Photo: Paragliding Association of Arunachal

If Sky’s the limit they set for you, it’s time to challenge that limit. Its time to lift yourself off the edge and FLY, and as you read this and visualise the flight, Pappu Valley in Arunachal Pradesh prepares to welcome you at the 1st Arunachal Paragliding Festival 2018.

Photo: Paragliding Association of Arunachal

Located in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, Pappu Valley is one of the best-kept secrets of Arunachal Pradesh which awaits to be explored this year at the Paragliding festival. Named after the river Pappu that runs through the district, the valley is a perfect location for paragliding. The vast tracts of rice fields that outline the valley provide perfect landing sites to the paragliders.

Perhaps the best thing about paragliding in Pappu Valley is the consistency in flying conditions which a few other flying sites can boast of. The geography of the valley is such that it offers the best opportunities to both newbies and seasoned pilots.

So, if you are looking for a break from the overcrowded paragliding sites of the north, and want to talk to the skies at a new and safe flying site, think no more and head to the Paragliding Festival in Arunachal Pradesh from November 17 to 19.

But, but I can’t fly…

Photo: Paragliding Association of Arunachal

Well, in that case, keep your worries aside! The organisers of the Paragliding Festival, Paragliding Association of Arunachal Pradesh, have made arrangement for Tandem pilots who will fulfil your flying dreams during the festival. What more, a “Spot Landing “ event is also being organized during the event for them who want to awe with their landing skills.

To encourage pilots to explore cross-country possibilities at this flying site the Paragliding Association is also giving away a special prize – A token of appreciation for ‘XC Exploration at Pappu Valley’.

So are you ready to take the plunge? Are you excited to set your adrenaline pumping? Can you hear the Pappu Valley calling?…

How do I reach?

The nearest railway station to Pappu Valley is Naharlagun which is accessible by road, rail and air. From Naharlagun, the valley is located 4,30 hours away.Visitors have the option to board a flight to Guwahati (Assam) and then drive to Naharlagun. To warm up for the skies, one can also take a helicopter ride to Naharlagun and land at the helipad there. A direct train also connects New Delhi to Naharlagun.

Transportation from Naharlagun Helipad / Railway Station to Pappu Valley on 16th November and back on 20th November will be arranged by Paragliding Association of Arunachal (PAA).

What Next??

Reach Pappu Valley on 16 November and get yourself registered there. The fun begins on 17 after the inauguration with solo flying, Tandem flying and the 1st round of Spot Landing followed by cultural events. The paragliding extravaganza continues for the next two days with the final rounds of the Spot Landing competition on November 19.

Things to Know

The Paragliding Association is striving to make the inaugural session of the event a grand success and are making provisions to offer the best hospitality to visitors.

The Association will provide accommodation facilities to visitors at traditional Arunachali homes.

Transportation to and from the valley up to Naharlagun Railway Station and Helipad will also be provided by the PAA.

During the 3 days of the event, breakfast, lunch and dinner will also be provided by the PAA.

Mobile services will be available at the site for BSNL, Vodafone and Airtel networks.

For Participation details, Click here