Flying Festival & Paragliding Accuracy Championship 2026 Begins in Pakyong, Boosting Sikkim’s Adventure Tourism
Sikkim’s push to position itself as a key destination for adventure and experiential tourism received a fresh boost on Friday with the start of the three-day Flying Festival and Paragliding Accuracy Championship 2026 in Pakyong district. The event, being held at the scenic take-off points of Thumki Dara and Amba Dara, brings together professional paragliders, tourism stakeholders, and local communities with the shared goal of promoting sustainable adventure tourism in the eastern Himalayas.
The championship was formally flagged off by senior state functionaries in the presence of officials from multiple departments, tourism bodies, and local representatives. Organisers said the festival reflects Sikkim’s broader strategy to diversify its tourism offerings beyond conventional sightseeing by leveraging its natural terrain for regulated, high-safety adventure sports.
Promoting Pakyong and Rhenock as Adventure Tourism Hubs
The event is being organised by a local tourism development society in collaboration with the state’s Tourism and Civil Aviation Department. Officials said the choice of Pakyong district and the Rhenock region was deliberate, as the area offers favourable wind conditions, open slopes, and panoramic views that are ideal for paragliding.
Addressing participants at the inaugural ceremony, senior representatives emphasised that community-based tourism is central to the state’s tourism vision. By hosting national and regional sporting events in lesser-known locations, the government aims to create livelihood opportunities for local youth, homestay operators, guides, and small businesses.
Tourism officials noted that adventure tourism, when properly regulated, has the potential to generate year-round economic activity, particularly in hill regions where seasonal tourism often limits income stability.
Strong Participation from Across India and Neighbouring Regions
This year’s championship has attracted 62 paragliders from different parts of India and neighbouring regions, including the Himalayan belt, the Northeast, and Nepal. Participants represent states such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Goa, and Mizoram, reflecting the growing popularity of competitive paragliding across diverse geographies.
Organisers said the mix of experienced pilots and emerging talent has added competitive depth to the championship. The presence of international participants has also enhanced the event’s profile, offering opportunities for cross-border exchange of technical skills and best practices in adventure sports.
Competition Format and Safety Protocols
Flights are being conducted from two designated take-off sites—Amba Dara and Thumki Dara—selected for their altitude, wind consistency, and safety parameters. The competition follows an accuracy-based format, where pilots aim to land as close as possible to a 20-centimetre electronic target, a standard used in professional paragliding events.
Each participant is guaranteed a minimum of four competitive rounds, with the possibility of extending up to twelve rounds, subject to weather conditions. Officials confirmed that weather assessments are being carried out regularly to ensure safe flying windows.
Safety arrangements remain a central focus of the event. Organisers have deployed trained rescue teams, established radio communication systems for pilots and ground staff, and positioned ambulance services on standby throughout the competition. These measures, officials said, are designed to meet established safety norms and reassure both participants and spectators.
Judging, Awards, and Focus on Inclusion
The championship is being officiated by a panel of judges from different regions, including Nepal, the Northeast, West Bengal, and Sikkim, to ensure transparency and adherence to accepted competition standards. Winners will be recognised in both individual and team categories, based on cumulative accuracy scores.
In a move aimed at encouraging wider participation, organisers announced that all female pilots taking part in the championship will receive special recognition and consolation awards. Tourism officials said such steps are necessary to address the gender gap in adventure sports and to promote inclusivity in emerging tourism sectors.
State Leadership Support and Future Outlook
The closing ceremony, scheduled for January 18, is expected to be attended by the Chief Minister of Sikkim. Officials believe the Chief Minister’s presence will underline the state government’s commitment to developing adventure tourism in a structured and sustainable manner.
Over the past few years, Sikkim has increasingly invested in aviation-linked and adventure-based tourism, supported by improved connectivity and stricter regulatory frameworks. Events like the Flying Festival are seen as pilot initiatives that can help assess infrastructure readiness, safety compliance, and market response before scaling up similar activities across other districts.
Conclusion
As the Flying Festival and Paragliding Accuracy Championship 2026 unfolds in Pakyong, it highlights Sikkim’s evolving tourism strategy—one that balances thrill-based experiences with community participation and safety oversight. If successful, the event could pave the way for Pakyong and Rhenock to emerge as regular fixtures on India’s adventure tourism map, contributing to local livelihoods while reinforcing the state’s image as a responsible and high-quality tourism destination.
