Uttarakhand
Paragliding at Naukuchiatal
Uttarakhand's lake-district flying — tandem flights over the nine-cornered lake.
- Season
- Mar – Jun, Sep – Dec
- Launch altitude
- ~1,300 m
- From Delhi
- ~7 hr / 320 km
- Tandem from
- ₹2,000
Uttarakhand's lake flying site
Naukuchiatal — the 'nine-cornered lake' — sits in the Kumaon hills near Nainital. Its paragliding launch overlooks the lake basin, giving flights a water-and-pine scenery profile unusual for Indian sites.
Tandem operations are the main offering; this is a tourist flying site, not a training centre. Season windows are split by the monsoon and winter cold.
Season and planning
Flights are typically 8–15 minutes over the lake basin — scenic and gentle. The bigger commitment is the drive: ~7 hours from Delhi makes this a weekend trip at minimum.
- March–June — pre-monsoon window, warming air
- September–December — post-monsoon clarity, the best months
- July–August monsoon closed; January–February too cold and launch sites can frost
- Combine with Nainital or Bhimtal stays — 30–60 min between lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Naukuchiatal from Delhi?
Roughly 320 km — about 7 hours by road. Most visitors overnight in Naukuchiatal, Bhimtal or Nainital rather than day-tripping.
When is Naukuchiatal paragliding open?
March–June and September–December. Monsoon closes July–August; January–February is cold and operations are limited.
Is Naukuchiatal paragliding safe?
With a certified operator, yes — but verify credentials; tourist sites attract variable providers. Ask for pilot rating and check equipment before paying.
Plan this trip
Tell us your dates — we'll help you pick the right window.