Trip Basics

Dates- Late September/October 2007

A guided trip to Northwest Pakistan visiting incredible flying sites and experiencing the unmatched hospitality of local cultures in the area.

Itinerary: The itinerary presented is open to change based on participants interest and weather conditions. Tandem flights for non fliers will be included. As well horse riding, watching Pakistan's unique no rules polo games, and day trekking will be offered for no extra charge. Due to the small group size and ease of logistics in this area of Pakistan I can individually tailor the trip for different participants interests. For example if an intermediate pilot is only comfortable flying in the morning while an advanced pilot wants to fly midday then afternoon activities will be arranged for the morning flyer while the experienced pilot will be provided transport to launch and left to his own adventure.

Day 1. Meet in Islamabad, optional city tour.
Day 2. Organized transport to Peshawar(2hrs), verify flights for next day. Tour of Old City, Smugglers bazaar.
Day 3. Airline Flight to Chitral(1hr). Check into hotel. Familiarize with local flying area, evening flight from Birmoghlasht (Summer Palace) and/or groundhandling.
Day 4-7. Paraglide Chitral, weather depending and group interest dictate side trips to Chitral Gol National Park, Kalasha Valleys and Garam Chashma (Hot Springs)
Day 8. Drive to Booni(2hrs), Paraglide Plateau or tour village.
Day 9. Early start drive to Utal (3800meter) flying site.
Day 10. Return to Chitral Fly Birmoghlasht
Day 11. Return Flight Peshawar on to Islamabad and flight home or shopping, possible one more night in either city and flight home on 12th day.

Flying conditions and expectations for pilots- These sites go from being safe early morning
1000 meter plus top to bottom flights with incredible views and good landing areas to midday conditions of 6000 meter plus cloud base, strong turbulent thermals and cross country potential that literally only a handful of pilots have explored. That being said I will only be guiding pilots for sled rides when the conditions are safe and the landing area identified beforehand. What an experienced pilot does at an advanced site in the remote Hindukush mountains is obviously personal choice and full responsibility lies with the individual. I am providing encouragement and logistical support for pilots to experience one of the most undeveloped unbelievable sites (in my opinion) the world has to offer. Check out more at paraglidingearth.com

Included in Cost, Flights and Transport in Pakistan. Hotel and Meals. Transport and retrieve to flying sites.

Not Included-
Flight from home country. Travel Insurance, Medical Insurance.

Necessary to Bring,
A sense of Adventure tempered with a safe flying attitude. Flying equipment and warm clothes. Pakistan visa.

Cost- dependant upon lodging chosen

3 comments:

Dave said...

Sounds like a great trip. Your pix are amazing. I've been reading more about Pak - doesn't seem as dangerous as the news makes it. Tell me more.

Brad Sander said...

Well I'm back in Pakistan for the Fall, conditions are much smoother than in May, still high cloudbase. I'm allready planning a trip for next spring so keep it in mind and send me an email if your interested. Political situation may sound turbulant but you just can't tell once your in the North, very relaxed hospitable people here,
Brad

Hamish said...

Hey mate
Great photos of flying in Pakistan. Is September-November a good time to go there? And are there many other free flyers there or is it quite undiscovered?
Thanks
Hamish.
P.S - If you want any info about flying in New Zealand (a great place to fly) let us know!