"Gone are the days when you needed to make a long trip to Pokhara to experience paragliding in Nepal," say the people at Kathmandu Paragliding Company. As a Pokhara native, this reporter thinks there is something magical about the lakes and the tantalisingly close mountains almost always in clear view. But these guys have a point.

If you're looking for something exciting but can't be bothered to deal with overnight hotel bookings or worry about making it back in time for work on Monday, paragliding at Chapakharka (next to Phulchoki) may be the answer. The more adventurous among you can get there by motorbike on the uphill dirt trail that leads to the flying site, located at 2100 metres above sea level. Once in the air, enjoy the view of the hills covered in rhododendrons, and try to spot your house in the Valley. If it's muggy, get the Hungarian pilots to try some paragliding acrobatics. Finish it off with a picnic at Godavari Botanical Gardens, or splurge in one of the many resorts nearby. By the end of the day, you'll be reciting the slogan of Nepal Tourism Year 2011: "Once is not enough."

Bring sunglasses, protective footwear and a warm jacket, no matter how sunny it's down in the valley. Bookings and info at www.ktmparagliding.com

(Indu Nepal)