Aerial suspense

A professional paragliding pilot can fly for hours and hit dizzying heights. According to Milan, the Nepali national record is more than 7,000 meters above sea level and the pilot had to use an oxygen tank to achieve this.[Photo provided to China Daily]

In fact, I couldn't think of anything else to do. I sat there in my little cradle in the air, taking in the fresh air while Milan steered the craft to rise, glide, and make turns to capture the most panoramic views of Pokhara.

For me paragliding seems less like an extreme sport than many imagine, as it brings with it such a sense of peace. Everything appears small when seen from above, and your worries and troubles just seem to evaporate.

If Milan hadn't dutifully asked me to smile and say something to the camera, I would have just sat there meditating.

"Do you want to try flying it?" asked Milan.

"Can I?", I asked, unsure whether I was too excited or afraid to do so.

After a positive response, I took over the controls. When I tugged on the left line, the glider turned gently left. When I leaned my body toward the left, the glider made a sharper turn. And with Milan giving me instructions, I made it look easy, too.

We landed beside Phewa Lake after a 30-minute flight. After getting out of the safety harness I glanced upward. Nearly a hundred gliders dotted the sky around Sarangkot's summit.

Flying is, without a doubt, the best way to come down a hill.

Xing Yi contributed to the story.

 

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