Manali/Shimla, July 21 — As as soon as Gimnar leapt off the lofty, wind-kissed peaks of Mt Shinkun today, he made a first big leap into an extreme adventure in the High Himalaya of Himachal Pradesh. (Click bottom link to watch video)
These lofty peaks long enchanted mountaineers—but now, they’re emerging as a dream destination for paragliding pilots too. It is a brave new game in the skies that PG Pilot savours and Adventure-seekers dream of.
In a pathbreaking feat, ABV Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS), Manali, has etched its name in the skies.
If all goes as ABVIMAS has planned, the lofty peaks will soon become a new launchpads for the extreme adventure seekers to scan the surreal skies.
They executed the first-ever free solo paragliding flight from the 6,080-meter-high Mt. Shinkun East Peak.
“This isn’t just a technical milestone—it’s a huge leap for aerosports in India, and a proud moment for Himachal,” said Avinash Negi, Director of ABVIMAS.
“With this flight, we’ve shown the world what’s possible in the high Himalayas.”
The historic flight was part of ABVIMAS's Advanced Mountaineering Course, which began on June 30, 2025.
As many as 58 participants from across the country—including students, technocrats, and an Assistant Superintendent of Police from Punjab participated in the course.
After intensive rock-climbing training in Manali, the batch moved to Jispa in Lahaul for advanced snowcraft and icecraft sessions. “Lahaul’s dry, stable conditions make it ideal for technical mountain training and high-altitude flying,” Negi explained.
The course culminated in the ascent of Mt. Shinkun East, with base camp set up at Shinkula Pass (4,200 meters).
The final push began at 1:00 AM, and by 8:35 AM, 52 trainees (including 7 women) along with 13 instructors had successfully summited.
Then came the moment that made history—instructor Gimnar leapt off the summit, soaring solo for 15 minutes before landing safely at base camp, leaving the team below spellbound.
“Our instructors are pushing boundaries—both on the rock and in the air,” said Negi.
“We’re showcasing the Himalayas not just for trekking or climbing, but as a world-class arena for paragliding too.”
The team will return to ABVIMAS Manali by July 23, bringing with them a new benchmark in mountain training and Himalayan adventure.
Himachal’s high peaks have spoken—and they’re calling to the skies.
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