One of the most popular destinations to do paragliding, paragliding should definitely be on your list of things to do in Himachal. Popular during the summers, you have two options for paragliding – a lower altitude glide that is brief and sweet and a higher altitude glide that is more adventurous and not for the faint hearted. For the latter, you need to take a gondola ride (cable car) and deboard at a point, trek for a few minutes from there and get ready for the fall.

Once there, you will be couched like a kangaroo and just rely on a sheet of plastic that will be the only thing your life will be clinging on to for the following few minutes. However, it’s safe and is done by trained professionals. Before the fall, your instructor will ask you to not think twice and keep running till the edge of the cliff and leave, where you will freefall for a few seconds to suddenly soar into elevation after your parachute opens. Exciting? Wait till you get there, questioning your decisions.

Location Bir and Solang Valley

For: Groups of friends and solo travelers

Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult

Approximate Cost: Rs. 3,000 during peak season and Rs. 1,500 during off season. You can combine this with other activities for combo deals.

Why you should do it: To get closest to flying and feel the cold Himalayan winds gushing through your face. To scream your heart out and feel accomplished after you land.

Tips: Do not carry your cellphones, wallets or anything that could fall off when paragliding. Check for safety measures and ask for helmets before flight.