“Experiencing paragliding in Gudauri with the breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains is probably one of the most thrilling and adventurous rides I have done so far.”
Hey! are you an adventure junkie and seeking thrills and outdoor extreme activities? If yes, then you might consider trying a tandem paragliding once in your life. Thus, if you are up to this challenge, then paragliding in Gudauri, Georgia, is one of the best places to experience this activity featuring magnificent view of Caucasus Mountain. So far, it has been considered by various paragliding professional pilots to be the best spot to experience flying in the air with stable weather condition and breathtaking scenery.
In this article, I will give you a complete guide on how you can experience a tandem paragliding ride in the amazing mountains of the Caucasus.
What is Tandem Paragliding?
Tandem paragliding is an adventure sport that involves flying in the sky with two people, particularly with a professional pilot and a passenger. This activity requires a fabric paragliding canopy, helmets, two chair-like harnesses for the pilot and passenger, back-up parachutes, a radio and a variometer for measuring altitude gain/loss.
Note that in Gudauri, tandem paragliding activity offers a soaring flight with the same location for take-off and landing.
Who can do Tandem Paragliding in Gudauri?
Firstly, tandem paragliding is accompanied by a professional pilot. Subsequently, it is open to anyone, but subject to age and weight requirements. Most of the company requires people over the age of 4 who are in good health and able to run a short distance, which is required for take-off and landing. For younger fliers (16 and below), written parental consent is required before flying. On the other hand, the weight limit ranges are between 100 and 120 Kg.
Is tandem paragliding safe?
Yes, it is completely safe, as you will be traversing in the sky with a professional pilot. Aside from that, this activity is only done in a good and stable weather condition, hence, they are monitoring the weather forecast before advising them to fly.
Important note, especially for first-timers like me: Do your research. Make sure that you are flying with a licensed company with a proven safety record and certified professionals, equipment, and procedures. So, only book with a legit and trusted company.
Duration and Altitude of the flight?
The flying altitude for this experience is about 500 to 800 meters from the ground, with a duration of 10 to 15 minutes, and video is included. The paragliding starts at 10 am to 4 pm, so be sure to be on your meeting place before your schedule.
How to get there and where to book?
Option 1: DIY-Be at the Russian-Gregorian Friendship Monument in Gudauri
Most of the starting point and meeting place for Tandem Paragliding is in the Russian-Gregorian Friendship Monument in Gudauri. So, if you like traveling directly there (DIY) and you have a personal car, then, you have option to meet the company representative there whom you’ve booked. If you have not decided yet, you will see a lot of representatives from the paragliding company offering for a ride. So, choose wisely and do your research. From this location, they will drive you up, going to the paragliding location. It’s only 10 minutes away from this people friendship monument.
Option 2: Include it in your Package Tour when traveling to Gudauri.
If you book for the Gudauri and Kazbegi Excursion, most tour agencies will ask you if you would like to experience tandem paragliding, hence, you have the option to include it in the package. Most of these tour agencies have partnered with experienced and trusted paragliding companies, so you can be sure that it is legit. The pickup location is still at the Russian-Gregorian Friendship Monument in Gudauri. For me, this is the best option, as your tour agency will arrange everything for you with no hustle on your side.
Option 3: You can book directly with a Paragliding Company that you have chosen. Normally they will pick you up from the hotel where you are staying, either in Tbilisi or near Gudauri.
There are several companies offering tandem paragliding in Gudauri. Some of the famous and experience companies are SkyAtlantida, Fly Caucasus, Paragliding Georgia, etc. You can search on Google and read reviews before reserving.
When is the best time to experience paragliding in Gudauri?
Although this activity is available all year-round. Be informed that paragliding in Gudauri is only done in a good and stable weather condition. So, most of the company are monitoring the weather forecast and advise their client once it is okay to fly. Based on your chosen date in traveling to Gudauri Georgia, it is best to ask and check if the weather permits for Paragliding.
Generally, the most stable weather of the year when you can experience paragliding is from spring to fall, from the months of April to early November. In winter, the weather is unpredictable, so sometimes a paragliding experience might be impossible.
If you want to experience paragliding with a snow cap in the mountains, then spring is the best time, around April. But if you want to see Greenery Mountain’s view, visit from June to August. And for a little bit of a chilly and yellow reddish mountain vibe, visit in the autumn.
In my case, I tried this paragliding during my visit in Autumn season, particularly at the end of September. I was hoping to try it next time with snow view in the mountains.
My Paragliding Experience
As an adventure seeker as myself, I did not miss this chance to include this activity. Ever since I was planning my tour in Georgia, I have been looking forward to flying like a bird and adore in the breathtaking views of Caucasus Mountain from above. Hence, I really push to include it in my package tour when going to Gudauri and Kazbegi. Fortunately, the weather is perfect during my schedule . Thanks to my tour agency, Euro Travel and Tours, for keeping me updated on the weather forecast and revising my itinerary based on Gudauri weather conditions.
After wandering around the Russian-Georgian Friendship Monument, it was time for me to head to the paragliding location point. First, I paid the paragliding company (SkyAtlantida) whom my tour guide recommended. After that, we travel to the top side of the mountain, where the takeoff begins. It was a thrilling and amazing experience that I will never forget. The view from the top is magnificent. I had to commend my pilot, who is very skilled, experienced, and professional. In our batch, I believe my flight was the highest altitude it reaches with very perfect weather. It almost took 15 minutes, and I really enjoyed every moment. I am glad that I also brought my insta 360 camera during that time, hence, I was able to capture every angle of the Caucasus Mountain.
Is Paragliding in Gudauri Worth it?
Undoubtedly “Yes”. To those who love extreme activities, it is one of the best experiences you could ever try once in your life. The view of the Caucasus Mountains is spectacular, and the over-all experience is worthy of every penny. It was everything I expected it to be. And believe me, it’s not scary at all, its more of thrill and excitement. You will feel and see what the birds are sighting from above. It is really an amazing moment.
What to wear?
Wear comfortable clothes. During winter, don’t forget to bring a jacket, wear a pants, and footwear like thick shoes or winter boots, which are required from October until April.
Tips when planning to experience paragliding in Gudauri Georgia!
Here are some tips you should consider when planning for tandem paragliding!
- In the case of DIY, choose a legit and trusted company that has a proven safety record and certified professionals, equipment’s and procedures. Do your own research.
- Fly only with a professional pilot!
- Be updated with the weather forecast, fly only with good weather conditions.
- For convenience, I suggest including this activity when you book a tour in Gudauri and Kazbegi.
- Be at the Russian-Gregorian Friendship Monument in Gudauri 15 minutes before your schedule.
- Be a responsible traveler and keep Gudauri Mountain clean.
Budget for experiencing this extreme activity!
The cost for tandem paragliding experience in Gudauri is 350 Georgian Lari. It is worth the view and the experience. I am certainly sure that you will not regret experiencing paragliding in the Caucasus Mountain.
Essential things to bring!
- Money in Cash to be paid for paragliding (Georgian Lari)
- Comfortable shoes depends on the season you will visit
- Sunscreen for summer season
- Bottle of water
- Sun glass
- Light Snacks during your travel
- Jacket applicable for summer or winter depends on season
- hand gloves for winter season, note that, temperature at the top is very cold on this season.
Tip: “Be at the moment”. Enjoy this once in a lifetime paragliding experience. Feel the breeze of the air and wander in the Caucasus Mountain from birds eye view.
So, have you tried tandem paragliding before in Guduari? Please share your thoughts, I would like to know your experience.
SHORT VIDEO FOR MY PARAGLIDING EXPERIENCE IN GUDAURI
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