Introduction

Riding the warm thermal currents in the air is perhaps the closest man has ever come to sailing the skies as free as a bird. Almost at will, you dip and wheel high over the hills and valleys. There is a billowy canopy above, and past that is a clear sky. Below the landscape unfolds quietly, gently, calmly – and within the body, the muscles are taut, expectant. The eyes and the ears take on a task they are ill equipped for – to see like a bird and to listen to the wind. Para-gliding is available with trained tandem-riders around Patnitop. There are different take-off points. One is at a place called Dawariyai which lies on the Patnitop-Sanasar road. This spot is also called ‘Billu di powri’ after the four-hundred steps that have been hacked out of a bank solid rock to touch the high point where the winds are gathered under the canopy. The ride as it were, strapped with the handler, can last around fifteen minutes. From another spot, Natha Top, the ride – depending on wind conditions – can vary between fifteen minutes to an hour and the landing point is near the little town of Kudh. Sanasar, also offers para-gliding.

Apart from this, Patnitop has several walking trails through woods and grasslands. A popular trail which has side trails, is the ‘Jungle Gali’. Paths also go to Kudh and Batote. A day-hike leads to Shiva Garh – which is approximately eleven kilometers from Patnitop and at an altitude of 3,500 meters, which is about 1,500 meters more than the mean altitude of Patnitop. These trails may also be done on pony-back.

Natha Top and Madha Top, both of which are close to Patnitop have short, gentle ski slopes but limited facilities; the snow in the former remains till about mid-March, and in the latter, till around early April.

Special Attributes

Excellent para-gliding facilities with different take-off points

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Comfortable but conservative.

Connectivity

Taxis, pony back and walking

Enjoyed by

Sport, nature lovers and general interest

Exposure

Yes. Especially in winter. Sunscreen lotion and other appropriate precautions are suggested.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Restaurants, shops and parking at different places close to the adventure activity sites

Things Not Allowed

None as such

Tip

If para-gliding, ask the service provider to shoot a video film

Type of site

Hilltop and woodland