Escape to Kangra: A Paragliding Holiday in the Kangra Valley

The Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh lies in the lap of the Western Himalayas. Surrounded by towering mountains and lush landscape, it provides the perfect sanctuary for escaping city life. Think paragliding in India, and the first destination that comes to mind is this! Hence, Ease India Travel has specially curated a trip to the Kangra Valley for you to truly experience the natural beauty this region is known for. If you’re wondering what this trip would entail, here’s a low-down on what you can expect.

The first leg of your journey takes you to Gunehar, one of the oldest Himalayan villages. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at a dhaba along the route where you can experience the local cuisine in its purest form! Once you arrive in Gunehar, it’s time to check you into your rooms at Hotel 4 Rooms, a 70-year old traditional-style home converted into a hotel tat is rustic with mud walls but luxurious with western toilets and even bath tubs!

Next on the agenda is a tour of the famous Tibetan Colony in Bir, where refugee Tibetans took settlement. You can try their food – the uniqutous momos and the unique Laphing – and buy some excellent handwoven woollen socks, caps etc. You can also visit the main monastery.

After you return to Gunehar, you can take a walk around the cool, luscious stream at Gunehar. End the day once again with a special supper at 4tables Café along with an introductory talk about the village, local area and an insight into paragliding in the region.

Start the next day with a hearty breakfast at 4Tables Café, followed by the much-awaited trip to Billing, the paragliding take-off point! If you’ve been waiting to experience the thrill of paragliding, this is where all the action happens! Post paragliding, lunch awaits at a restaurant in the Tibetan Colony.

Apart from adventure activities, the Kangra region is also known for some of the most exquisite monasteries in the country. It would be a sin to visit Himachal and not visit the monasteries.

Rajgundha, a small yet colourful village in Himachal Pradesh known for its vibrant country-side and cheerful people, is the first thing on our list for day 3. Post breakfast, trek to Rajgundha with your fellow travellers and a trek guide. With low-lying areas and not too many steep hillsides, the trek is rather mild and does not involve heavy climbing. After a walk of about 5-6 hours, halt for some packed lunch on the way and spend the night in tents, old-school style!

Your penultimate day on this trip starts with a walk back to Naya Gram followed by a car ride back to Gunehar. After some peaceful lounging in the evening, we head for dinner to 4Tables Café. Alternatively, if your adventurous heart is still not satisfied, let us know and we will gladly arrange for another paragliding session for you!

After a power breakfast the next morning, we begin our final journey back home with an optional stop at the ancient Baijnath temple on the way to Pathankot from Gunehar.

Himachal Pradesh is all about soaking in the region’s pristine nature, exploring small villages, savouring the local food and indulging in thrilling adventures. And this trip to the Kangra valley allows you to do exactly that and much more!

Intrigued? Just click on the link below or write to us for more details! Just know that like ALL our holidays, this one is also completely customised. So, if hiking is not your cup of tea, we would be happy to alter the itinerary for you!

Chandrika November 21, 2018