Jammu Skies Set for Paragliding Adventure ,Tourism Department Prepares New Attraction for Visitors.
The Jammu Tourism Department is preparing to start commercial paragliding near Aitham by early this year. The project aims to give Jammu a new identity in adventure tourism and attract visitors beyond traditional pilgrim travel. Aitham, located about 19 km from Jammu city, has already undergone trial flights. The take-off point offers smooth slopes, steady wind conditions, and scenic views, while the landing area is located on the sand bed of the Sardhan stream. Each trial flight lasts around four minutes.
To make the project safe and professional, 20 local pilots are being trained under expert guidance. They have already completed basic paragliding courses and are now moving towards advanced training at Bilaspur and Bir-Billing in Himachal Pradesh, which is considered one of the best paragliding hubs in Asia. The training is being conducted in collaboration with the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali. Once their training is complete, the pilots will regularly fly to complete mandatory hours for solo and tandem passenger flights.
The project also highlights women empowerment, as Dolly Sharma is the only woman among the trainees. She has been involved in adventure sports for the past five years and sees this opportunity as a big step for women in the region. She said the experience has increased her confidence and proved that women can achieve anything. Officials believe that adventure tourism will not only attract tourists but will also help local youth learn new skills and gain employment.
The tourism department plans to develop the entire area with better infrastructure, including an uphill access track, restaurants, a sunset viewing point, and a yoga platform. Officials said the initiative is part of a larger plan to make Jammu a year-round tourism destination. Experts and trainers have praised the site, saying it has excellent weather, easy access, and beautiful surroundings like Surinsar and Mansar lakes. With safe and certified adventure sites, Jammu hopes to create jobs and match some of the best paragliding locations in the country.
