By Bhotraj Rai
Udayapur, Dec. 29: The Katari Municipality in Udayapur, which is the main gateway to Sholukhumbu, Okhaldhunga and Khotang districts, collectively known as the Upper Sagarmatha Region, has decided to operate paragliding for the promotion of tourism. A successful test flight was conducted only four days ago.

According to Gyanendra Shrestha, Mayor of the Municipality, tourism is also being promoted through paragliding in Katari town which has a huge potential for tourism.
The first test flight was conducted from a height of 750 metres and it landed 250 metres below in the wetland area in Ward No. 5. The successful test has made the people of the municipality excited. “Our test was successful. Now we plan to conduct it commercially after the approval of the concerned authorities,” said Mayor Shrestha.

Mayor Shrestha, who experienced paragliding during the test, was able to observe Katari area from above. He said that the Katari market area has a beautiful view and that the surrounding rivers, road network, wetland area, green forest and villages are equally beautiful.
Deputy Mayor Bhim Kumari Raut said that paragliding was an adventure and taking a flight was a new experience.

According to paragliding pilot Dil Kumar Sunuwar, the adventurous sport has a huge potential in the Katari area. There is a suitable environment and geography for paragliding here, he added.
The instructors of the Babu Adventure International School, Syangja are operating the paragliding.

Along with paragliding, tests have been started to operate the jeep line. According to Surya Tamang, chairman of Gadhi Tourism Development Committee, tests have been started to operate the jeep line along with paragliding.
While the Belaka Municipality in Udayapur has started running paragliding after a successful test, the Rautamai Municipality is considering to do the same in the near future.