Butwal Looks to the Skies as Paragliding Opens a New Tourism Opportunity

Kathmandu, September 23, 2026

Lumbini Eagle Air Adventure Pvt. Ltd., with technical support from Babu Adventure Paragliding of Syangja, has successfully conducted Butwal’s first paragliding test flight from Nuwakot Danda in Tinau Rural Municipality-3, Palpa, to the Belbas Badelpokhari area of Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City-13. The flight marks an important step after nearly a decade of feasibility studies and is aimed at introducing a new adventure tourism experience that could connect visitors to Butwal, Palpa and the wider Lumbini region.

First Test Flight Successfully Completed

The paraglider took off from Nuwakot Danda in Palpa and successfully landed in the Belbas Badelpokhari area of Butwal.

The successful flight means the project has now moved beyond the feasibility-study stage and completed an important practical test toward future commercial operations.

Nearly A Decade Of Preparation

The possibility of operating paragliding in the area has been studied for nearly a decade.

Lumbini Eagle Air Adventure is leading the project from the private sector, while Babu Adventure Paragliding has provided technical support for the test flight.

Necessary Approvals Taken

The required approvals for the test flight were obtained from the federal Tourism Ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.

Coordination was also carried out with Gautam Buddha International Airport, as aviation safety and airspace management are important considerations for paragliding operations in the region.

Commercial Flights Have Not Started Yet

The successful test does not mean regular commercial flights have already begun.

The company is preparing to start commercial paragliding after completing the remaining technical, safety and administrative procedures. A confirmed date for regular passenger flights has not yet been announced.

New Adventure Tourism Opportunity

If commercial operations begin, paragliding could become a new adventure attraction for Butwal and surrounding areas.

Visitors would be able to experience aerial views of Butwal, the Tinau area, surrounding hills and nearby natural landscapes, adding a different experience to the region’s existing tourism offerings.

Connecting Lumbini Tourists With Butwal And Palpa

The project could also help connect tourists visiting Lumbini with natural and adventure destinations around Butwal and Palpa.

Tourism stakeholders expect activities such as paragliding to encourage visitors to explore more destinations in the region and potentially extend their stay.

Around Rs. 1.5 Crore Investment Expected

The preliminary feasibility study estimates that around Rs. 1.5 Crore will be required to operate the project.

If commercial flights begin, the project is expected to provide direct employment to at least 10 people and indirect opportunities to around 100 people.

Local Businesses Could Benefit

The economic impact could extend beyond the paragliding company itself. Hotels, restaurants, transportation services, guides, photographers, videographers and other tourism-related businesses could benefit if the activity attracts more visitors.

This could help create a wider tourism network linking adventure activities with accommodation, food, transportation and local experiences.

What Comes Next?

The successful test flight is an important milestone, but the next step will be completing the remaining requirements for commercial operation.

Once those procedures are completed and regular flights begin, paragliding could become a new addition to Butwal’s tourism map and help expand adventure tourism in Lumbini Province.