Kapkot Takes Flight: National Paragliding Championship Puts Bageshwar on India’s Adventure Tourism Map
National-Level Paragliding Event Brings Kapkot into the Spotlight as a New Adventure Tourism Hub
In Line with CM Pushkar Singh Dhami’s Vision, Remote Hill Regions Gain Momentum in Adventure Tourism
Bageshwar: In line with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s vision to promote adventure tourism across Uttarakhand, the remote mountainous region of Kapkot in Bageshwar district is rapidly emerging as a promising destination on India’s adventure tourism map.
The five-day National Accuracy Paragliding Championship, which commenced on February 5, has brought Kapkot into the national spotlight, transforming this quiet rural belt into a vibrant hub for adventure sports enthusiasts from across the country.
Throughout the event, the skies above Kapkot were adorned with colorful paragliders taking off from the Jalekh hills, creating a festive and electrifying atmosphere. A total of 92 pilots registered for the championship, of whom 78 actively participated, showcasing exceptional skill and sportsmanship. The presence of thousands of local spectators and tourists reflected the growing enthusiasm for adventure sports in the region.
The championship was formally inaugurated by District Magistrate Akanksha Konde and local MLA Suresh Gadiya. Describing the event as a historic milestone for Bageshwar, the District Magistrate stated that such initiatives not only promote tourism but also strengthen the local economy and create new livelihood and employment opportunities for the youth.
From the opening day to the grand finale, the competition witnessed high levels of excitement and competitiveness. Experts noted that Kapkot’s unique geographical terrain is ideally suited for paragliding, trekking, and other adventure activities. The event also featured technical training sessions and safety workshops for participants, enhancing professionalism and ensuring high safety standards.
At the closing ceremony, District Magistrate Akanksha Konde herself experienced the thrill of paragliding by taking a flight from Jalekh. She remarked:
“Kapkot–Bageshwar has now emerged as a new destination for adventure tourism in Uttarakhand. Continuous efforts will be made to give it national and international recognition in the coming years.”
In the championship results, Manish Upreti secured first place and received a prize of ₹1,00,000, Manish Bhandari won second place with ₹50,000, while Pankaj Kumar claimed third place with a prize of ₹30,000. Female pilots were also honored with special incentive awards for their participation and performance.
The success of this national-level event sends a clear message: Kapkot, once considered a quiet and remote rural region, is fast transforming into one of Uttarakhand’s emerging adventure tourism destinations. Its natural beauty, favorable geography, and proactive administrative support are paving the way for Kapkot to become a major hub for adventure sports in the future.
Kapkot has truly taken a new flight—of tourism, recognition, and limitless possibilities.
