Flying Festival and Paragliding Accuracy Championship 2026 Takes Off in Pakyong

Three-day event showcases adventure tourism potential of Rhenock with national and international participation

KalimNews, Pakyong, January 16, 2026: The three-day Flying Festival and Paragliding Accuracy Championship 2026 was formally flagged off at Thumki Dara and Amba Dara in Pakyong on Friday, marking a significant step towards promoting adventure and community-based tourism in the Rhenock region of Sikkim. The event was inaugurated by Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Mr Bishnu Kumar Khatiwada, and Chairman of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Mr Sonam Norgay Lachungpa, in the presence of Chief Patron, Jan Kalyan Prakosta, Mr Prabhakar Golay.

The inaugural ceremony witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Chairman of the Sikkim Housing and Development Board, Mr Karma Tashi Bhutia; Officer on Special Duty to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Mr DB Chettri; OSD, Sikkim State Lottery Directorate, Mr Santosh Pradhan; OSD, Information Technology Department, Mr Bum Tshering Yonzon; Confidential Assistant to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Mr Urgen Lepcha; and Mr Mahendra Subba. Officials from various government departments, along with members of the general public, also attended the programme, reflecting strong local participation and support.

The event is being organised by the Rhenock Tourism Development Society in collaboration with the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, under the initiative of the Chief Minister, with the objective of positioning Rhenock as an emerging destination for adventure tourism and community-led economic development. By highlighting paragliding and allied activities, the festival aims to create new livelihood opportunities while showcasing the region’s natural topography and tourism potential.

Scheduled from January 16 to January 18, the Paragliding Accuracy Championship has drawn 62 paragliders from across India and neighbouring regions. Participants are representing Nepal, Mizoram, Assam, Meghalaya, the Bodoland Territorial Council, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, Ladakh, Goa and Arunachal Pradesh, underlining the event’s growing national and regional significance.

The championship is being conducted using advanced technical equipment, including radio communication systems and navigation devices, along with comprehensive safety arrangements such as dedicated rescue teams and ambulance services to ensure the highest safety standards. Flights are taking off from two designated launch sites at Amba Dara and Thumki Dara, and performance is being assessed using a 20-centimetre electronic target device. The competition comprises a minimum of four rounds and can extend up to twelve rounds, subject to prevailing weather conditions.

Judging responsibilities have been entrusted to experienced officials from Nepal, Mizoram, Assam, Darjeeling and Sikkim. Winners will be recognised in both individual and team categories, while consolation prizes have been instituted for all female participants to encourage greater participation of women in adventure sports and outdoor activities.

It is noteworthy that the final event will be held on January 18, 2026, and will be graced by the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, adding further significance to the festival. The Flying Festival and Paragliding Accuracy Championship 2026 is expected to enhance Pakyong and Rhenock’s visibility on the adventure tourism map while fostering sustainable tourism development in the region.

With Inputs from IPR and DIO Pakyong