Shimla Flying Festival Takes Off as a Global Paragliding Hub

The Shimla Flying Festival & Hospitality Expo 2025 is set to return in its third edition, hosted in Junga, Shimla, starting October 25. This year, it gains international stature by serving as a Pre-World Cup and Pre-Asian League Paragliding Championship, a first for such a combined event in the country. Pilots from over seven nations are expected to participate, marking a significant milestone in India's adventure tourism calendar.

Festival organizer, Arun Rawat, announced these details at a press briefing, highlighting that the event will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Rawat emphasized the festival's role in establishing Himachal Pradesh as a key destination for adventure tourism and international paragliding, particularly with the participation of China's top-ranked pilot.

Running alongside the paragliding championship, the Hospitality Expo 2025 will showcase over 60 groups from across the state, emphasizing organic foods, wellness, and traditional crafts. This event underscores the region's potential for rural entrepreneurship and MSME promotion, further boosted by appearances from notable personalities such as former WWE star The Great Khali, aimed at inspiring youth engagement in sports.