Paragliding among snow covered mountains in India: Kashmir set to attract adventure tourists

The Tourism department of Jammu and Kashmir is gearing for commercial paragliding, set to launch by early 2026, to attract adventure tourists. The union territory is preparing to add the thrilling new experience to its tourism offerings to make the region a hub for adventurers and complementing its traditional pilgrimage and heritage-based appeal.

The paragliding site at Aitham, located approximately 19 km from Jammu city, has undergone successful trial flights. The take-off point lies at an elevated terrain, while the landing zone is situated on the sandy banks of the Sardhan stream. Initial test flights have clocked an approximate duration of four minutes.

“This is the only site that is recommended for paragliding, and we want to operationalise it in the next five to six months before the end of the current financial year,” said Aijaz Qaiser, Joint Director, Jammu Tourism, during the closing ceremony of a six-day refresher course for trainee pilots, PTI reported.

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A total of 20 paragliding pilots, including a woman in the group, are undergoing advanced training to prepare for professional solo and tandem flights. These pilots have already completed their P1, P2, and P3 certifications from the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports in Manali and recently completed an SIV (Simulation d’Incident en Vol) course in Himachal Pradesh. They are now headed to Bir-Billing to complete their P4 certification.

“We have collaborated with the AB Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali, and have one instructor from there with a two-member technical team from Himachal Pradesh that supervised the training schedule,” Qaiser said.

Once their training is completed, the pilots will begin regular flights to log mandatory flying hours. The area where paragliding would be conducted is a 190 square kilometre area with ideal take-off slopes, consistent wind conditions, and panoramic views. “We are in the process of taking over this land to raise necessary infrastructure, including an uphill track, multi-cuisine restaurants, a sunset point and a yoga platform,” Qaiser added.

The initiative is part of a tourism development strategy aimed at making Jammu a year-round adventure destination. Apart from paragliding, the department is working on river rafting and water sports projects across the region.

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The response from the adventure sports community has been enthusiastic. Kabir, one of the trainee pilots, noted that certified adventure sites are in growing demand among younger travellers and weekend visitors across India. Jammu, with its mix of natural beauty and accessibility, is well-placed to tap into this market while generating local employment.

With training, infrastructure, and regulatory clearances aligning, Jammu’s skies are poised to welcome adventure seekers and with them, a new era for the region’s tourism sector.