Himalayan Odyssey
A Paragliding Expedition across the world’s most renowned mountain range - the Himalayas
For decades, mountaineers have tested their wits and strength against the tallest Himalayan peaks. This spring, three friends will ditch the crampons and ice axes to relieve their summit fever in a new way: flying under the aid of thermal-powered paragliding wings.
This will be the first team attempt at such an adventure, and the pilots plan to fly 1300 kms over the remote landscapes of India, Nepal, and Sikkim.
Throughout the 6-week adventure, by means of video and photography the team will capture the magnificent moments of the legends, myths, and lifestyle of the people in this majestic “abode of the Gods” called the Himalayas. These digital moments will also include the gripping ups (and inevitable downs!) of their free-flight journey.
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Objectives
Bivouac flight adventure (fly it)
Looking like no more than a fancy bed sheet with strings attached, a paraglider wing allows a pilot to travel and fly like birds-of-prey. To keep our loads light and life simple, we’ll pack only the bare essentials: bed rolls, snacks, and cooking/rescue gear.
The day’s agenda will be set by thermals—warm pockets of air that release from the sun-heated ground. When the timing feels right, we’ll launch at over 2000 m and ride the thermals from one valley to the next. Late afternoons, we’ll scout good landing spots and set up camp for the night.
Exploring Himalayan life style (experience it)
With 24 seasons flying in the Himalayas between them and knowledge of local language, culture and religion the team is prepared to interact in an amazing way with the people they will meet along the route. Dropping in from the sky to explore secret holy places such as the source Ganges, visiting a local doctor who loves to paraglide and meeting Buddhist monks above the reach of civilization are just a sample of what's to come.In the air the team will be guided by majestic birds of prey such as eagles, hawks and giant vultures. For paragliders the Himalayas are unique because of the density of birds, but this perception hides an alarming fact. Those Asian vultures are in drastic decline and are facing extinction. The team tell the story of this crisis and show what can be done to save them by visiting Vulture sanctuary's along the route.
Movie realisation and online tracking (sharing it)
This expedition offers a unique opportunity to engage imagery and video footage for all marketing and online usage with unique shots and footage that is almost impossible to get to by foot, horse, car, plane, film crew etc. It offers promotion of products in photo, film and word on national and international media‘s and won’t be only for paragliding enthusiasts, but also covering wildlife, environmental and culture aspects of life in the Himalayan region. All equipment is of professional HD quality. With a route plan available on the web site, the pilots will update information regularly from their high altitude campsites enabling others to keep track too.
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