Gangtok, Jan 17: A three-day Flying Festival and Paragliding Accuracy Championship kicked off in Sikkim’s Pakyong district on January 16, giving a fresh push to adventure tourism in the Himalayan state. Officials said the event has attracted widespread participation and attention, positioning Pakyong as a growing destination for aerial sports.
The championship is being organised by the Rhenock Tourism Development Society in collaboration with the Sikkim Tourism and Civil Aviation Department. A total of 62 paragliders from different parts of India, along with participants from neighbouring Nepal, are competing in the event, reflecting its expanding regional appeal.
Paragliding flights are being conducted from two identified take-off points at Amba and Thumki Dara. According to organisers, the competition will feature at least four rounds and may extend up to twelve rounds, subject to weather conditions during the festival period. The focus of the championship is on precision flying, testing pilots’ control and landing accuracy.
To ensure professional conduct and international standards, the event is being overseen by an experienced panel of judges drawn from Nepal, Mizoram, Assam, West Bengal and Sikkim. Winners will be recognised in both individual and team categories at the conclusion of the championship.
Officials said Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang is scheduled to attend the closing ceremony, an appearance expected to further spotlight Pakyong’s potential as an emerging centre for adventure sports and tourism in the Northeast and eastern Himalayan region.
