Tandem over
Billing
Photo:
Jody MacDonald
After a very successful trial
run in 2009, in 2010 we are offering tandem safaris for
non-pilots (or pilots who want to take it easy).
This is a unique adventure holiday - nothing like it has
ever been put on anywhere in the world. The combination of
the Dhauladhar’s topography and reliable autumn weather,
our decades of paragliding experience in the region and
knowledge of its aerology, and our team of international
tandem pilots and local staff enables us to offer you the
chance to take part in a vol-bivouac trip in the Himalayas,
which is for many the ultimate paragliding experience and
one which takes many years of dedicated training to
accomplish solo.
Photo: Jody MacDonald
You will be flown along the Dhauladhar range at heights of
betweeen 2000 and 5000 metres, climbing in thermals with
Himalayan Griffin Vultures, Golden Eagles and Lammergeiers,
and covering great distances over the world’s wildest
terrain with the ease of these magnificent raptors.
Our routes take us over snowcapped mountains, hidden
villages, remote temples and shepherd camps, giving us a
unique glimpse of this fascinating region.
Take off at
Billing
Photo:
Jody MacDonald
We have two itineraries. Both have one free day, on the
very unlikely chance that we lose a flying day to weather:
The Dharamsala Run
Day 1 arrive at Taragarh, the palace hotel of the
Kashmir royal family, where we will meet you and give
you an introductory talk over dinner.
Day 2 make our way from Taragarh to Billing, our take off
(approximately one hour’s drive). After a briefing we will
fly you to Dharamsala, a three hour flight 45km to the
east, following the main ridge of the Dhauladhar range. We
will then transfer to White Haven, the luxurious former
home of Raj-era adventurer Robert Shaw.
Day 3 We take a jeep to above Mcleod Ganj, from where it is
a leisurely one hour walk up to the Magic View take off. We
fly you back to Taragarh, a 35km, two and a half hour
flight to the east.
Day 4 Day spent at leisure. You can relax at Taragarh,
explore the surrounding area, or go for another tandem
flight (for which a surcharge will be payable).
Day 5 depart Taragarh.
Skycamp
For the last three years we have, with the help of Colonel
JP Singh's experienced team, been running a skycamp at
Phooladhar for our pilot clients and it has proved a great
success. For our tandem safaris Colonel JP’s wife Pratibha
has kindly agreed to oversee the camp and add some
Rajasthani Rajput flair.
Day 1 arrive at Taragarh, the palace hotel of the
Kashmir royal family, where we will meet you and give
you an introductory talk over dinner.
Day 2 make our way from Taragarh to Billing, our take off
(approximately one hour’s drive). After a briefing we will
fly you to our camp at Phooladhar (known as “360” for its
panoramic views of the Himalaya), a one hour flight 15km to
the east (this flight can be extended with a trip into the
big mountains, weather conditions and client's inclination
permitting).
Day 3 fly to Taragarh, top landing along the way at Billing
for lunch, provided by Colonel JP’s team.
Day 4 Day spent at leisure. You can relax at Taragarh,
explore the surrounding area or go for another tandem
flight (for which a surcharge will be payable).
Day 5 depart Taragarh.
The landing
and take off site at Phooladhar
Photo:
Jody MacDonald
The camp at
Phooladhar
Photo:
Jody MacDonald