Fly high in Meghalaya with paragliding that offers tourists an unparalleled view of the green valleys, misty hills and pristine lakes of the state.

Posted on November 2, 2025

Known for its mist-covered hills, green valleys and crystal-clear rivers, Meghalaya is all set to welcome a new wave of adventure tourism. Soon, adrenaline seekers will have the opportunity to soar above its stunning landscape, with the introduction of paragliding in the state. Led by the Meghalaya Paragliding Association (MPA), this exciting development aims to raise the bar of the state’s tourism offerings and provide an exciting way for visitors to experience its natural beauty from the sky.

The journey begins

The idea of ​​paragliding in Meghalaya first emerged in 2009, but a series of obstacles – administrative roadblocks and lack of resources – prevented the project from taking off. Despite these setbacks, the dream never faded. Over the years, the Meghalaya Paragliding Association, made up of pilots and enthusiasts, has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to turn the vision into reality. Thanks to careful planning and determination, paragliding is finally ready to take flight in this beautiful region, providing a whole new adventure for both locals and tourists.

Meghalaya’s ideal paragliding playground

The landscape of Meghalaya, with its towering mountains, lush green valleys and meandering rivers, makes it an ideal paragliding destination. The state’s dramatic terrain provides a unique opportunity for adventurers to fly high and enjoy stunning views from a vantage point that few other places can provide. From peaks to valleys, paragliders will be able to glide over the state’s lush forests, sparkling lakes and rolling hills, immersed in the region’s serene beauty.

MPA is focused on ensuring that your paragliding experience is not only exciting, but also safe. High-quality equipment and experienced pilots will supervise each flight, ensuring the safety of all participants. The association is committed to providing an exhilarating and safe experience, ensuring that the skies of Meghalaya are as welcoming as its terrain.

Competitions and training programs to promote local talent

To celebrate the official launch of paragliding, MPA is organizing a competition in Shillong later this year, where pilots from across India, including from the Indian Army and Air Force, will compete. This competition will showcase the skill and precision required to navigate the winds and challenging terrain of Meghalaya.

In addition to competitive events, the MPA is also dedicated to nurturing local talent. As part of its long-term vision, the association offers training programs targeting local youth who want to learn the art of paragliding. Locations such as Rabling and Maulindip have been identified as prime take-off locations, as their favorable winds and stunning scenery provide an ideal environment for paragliding training.

By training local pilots, MPA is creating a sustainable future for the sport, allowing Meghalaya to not only become a paragliding hub but also provide employment opportunities for its residents. This initiative aims to foster a community of skilled pilots who will help propel the country to national and international prominence in the world of adventure tourism.

Safety protocols are at the forefront

Safety is the top priority of Meghalaya Paragliding Association. Unlike some popular paragliding destinations that have faced challenges with safety standards, MPA is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safety in every aspect of the sport. All equipment will be strictly inspected and maintained to meet international safety standards.

In addition to the high-quality equipment, each pilot and instructor will undergo regular medical examinations, and all trainees will be required to provide a certificate of fitness before beginning their training. MPA also ensures that each flight is supervised by experienced pilots, with rescue parachutes available in case of emergencies. The ground team will be in constant contact with the pilots to ensure each flight is conducted safely.

By adhering to these stringent safety measures, MPA aims to make paragliding in Meghalaya one of the safest and most reliable adventure sports in the country.

Expanding tourism and economic opportunities

Paragliding is not only a new and exciting sport, it is also a major boost to tourism and the economy of Meghalaya. The introduction of paragliding will attract adventure tourists from all over India and abroad, helping to put Meghalaya on the map as an adventure tourism destination. The influx of tourists will increase demand for local services, from accommodation to food and transportation, contributing to economic growth in the region.

Moreover, MPA’s efforts to train local youth in paragliding will create new employment opportunities, not only for pilots but also for instructors, ground crew and support staff. The growth of adventure tourism in Meghalaya will provide a range of career opportunities for locals, helping to make the state’s tourism industry more inclusive and sustainable.

However, the high costs associated with paragliding equipment and infrastructure remain a challenge. MPA is actively seeking government sponsorship and support to help offset these costs, ensuring paragliding remains accessible to a wide range of tourists and residents.

Local enthusiasm fuels the future

The excitement surrounding paragliding is palpable among the local youth of Meghalaya. Many young people eager to learn the sport have traveled to other parts of the country to gain experience. Now that they have the opportunity to learn paragliding in their state, these enthusiastic young people are ready to take to the skies.

MPA’s efforts to introduce paragliding inspired a wave of interest in adventure sports in Meghalaya. With the right training and resources, the state’s youth are expected to become major players in the world of adventure tourism, bringing new energy and talent to the industry.

A bright future in the sky

The future of paragliding in Meghalaya looks promising. With its stunning landscapes, commitment to safety, and growing local enthusiasm, the state is poised to become a major player in India’s adventure tourism sector. MPA’s commitment to high standards, both in safety and training, ensures that Meghalaya will be a premier destination for adventure seekers from all over the world.

As the skies of Meghalaya fill with colorful paragliders, the state is all set to embrace a new chapter in its tourism story – one that flies and soars above the clouds.