Women pilots shine as paragliding event puts Bageshwar on India’s adventure tourism map
Women pilots shine as paragliding event puts Bageshwar on India’s adventure tourism map
Prem Prakash Upadhyay “Natural”
Bageshwar, Feb 12
Nestled in the serene hills of Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region, Kapkot in Bageshwar district is rapidly emerging as a promising hub for adventure tourism. The successful hosting of the National Paragliding Accuracy Competition at the scenic Jalekh site has not only painted the skies with vibrant colours of para gliders but has also marked the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s tourism journey.
Over five days, 78 skilled pilots from across India — representing Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Haryana, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and the Border Security Force — competed in the prestigious event. Spectators gathered in large numbers to witness breathtaking aerial manoeuvres and precise landings as colorful paragliders soared gracefully against the majestic Himalayan backdrop, creating a festive and electrifying atmosphere.
Adventure sports experts and participating pilots praised the Jalekh site for its excellent take-off and landing conditions. The take-off point, located at approximately 1,600 meters above sea level, and the landing zone at around 1,100 meters, provide an ideal elevation difference for accuracy competitions and professional training.
Tourism officials noted that Jalekh’s consistent wind conditions, favorable geography, and panoramic Himalayan views make it suitable not only for national events but also for future international competitions. Following the success of the event, the district administration has initiated discussions to upgrade infrastructure in line with international safety standards.
One of the highlights of the competition was the outstanding performance of four women pilots from Kumaon — Priyanka Dhami, Sheetal Thakur, Mahima Bisht, and Tanuja Kandpal. Their confident flights and precise landings drew admiration from both spectators and fellow competitors, symbolizing the growing participation of women in adventure sports.
“The participation of these women pilots is a proud moment for the district. Their achievement will inspire more young women to step into adventure sports and strengthen Kapkot’s identity as a leading paragliding destination,” said District Adventure Tourism Officer Balwant Singh Kapkoti.
Beyond the thrill of sport, the event delivered tangible economic benefits. Local hotels, homestays, restaurants, transport operators, and small businesses reported a surge in activity during the competition. Visitors explored nearby attractions, enjoyed regional cuisine, and purchased local products.
According to the Tourism Department, the event generated an estimated ₹45–50 lakh in direct and indirect business turnover, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
Officials emphasized that adventure tourism can become a sustainable livelihood option for local youth. Plans are being considered to establish a state-level paragliding training institute in Kapkot, aimed at providing professional training, promoting safety awareness, and creating employment opportunities in guiding, hospitality, equipment management, and related sectors.
Tourism experts believe that hosting high-profile sporting events plays a crucial role in placing lesser-known destinations on the national tourism map. With growing enthusiasm among youth and strong institutional support, Kapkot is steadily positioning itself as a new adventure tourism hotspot in Kumaon.
As the colourful wings over Jalekh gently descended after a successful competition, they left behind more than just memories — they signalled the take-off of a promising future for Bageshwar’s tourism industry and Uttarakhand’s adventure sports landscape.
