Though various area in Sikkim are being tested for their compatibility support the sport, at Baliman Dara, Ranka, 8 kms away from capital Gangtok, commercial paragliding has established itself as a stable business. The visitors can take a 10-minute long flight and ultimately land in Reshithang Playground. Being closer to the capital, for adventure enthusiasts, it has become a go-to location.
Presently 4 companies have hired 35 pilots who fly 5 trips each everyday while this sport itself has given employment to around 150 people. About 50-100 pilots fly everyday out of which 35 have taken up flying with tourists while the rest involve in solo flying and representing the state/nation in national/international tournaments. Every year the number of tourists has only increased and this sport has not seen a downward curve, claim officials of Sikkim Paragliding Association.
Moreover, Sikkim shall host the International Accuracy Championship, which will allow the pilots to show their skills in the international circuit. Sikkim has also produced the first female para-pilot in the nation. Presently there are only 3 female pilots in the nation of which all are from Sikkim and have won medals in the international level.
Being synonymous to adventure tourism in the state, paragliding has indeed become a career option for both females and males but the lack of pre-requisites for the sport has always hindered its development. The landing at Reshithang Playground not satisfying the sport standards while even during take-off, the grounds being relatively smaller creates problems.
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