Sozma Qala, Afghanistan Located 350 km northwest of Kabul, Sozma Qala offers a unique paragliding experience along a scenic ridge. The best time to visit is from April to May when temperatures are pleasant and roads are more accessible. The launch site features a gentle hilltop that quickly transitions into a steep slope, providing several good take-off points. The landing area is spacious and easy to spot, with no significant obstacles. However, be cautious of the local Koochee shepherd dogs, which can be aggressive. Avoid landing near sheep or goat herds. Additionally, Afghanistan is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. Look for red/white or blue/white painted stones; the white side indicates a mine-free area. Always verify the safety of your chosen area with local sources. Accommodation: The nearest hotel is in Sari Pul, the provincial capital. Do not expect a bustling city. Travel: From Kabul, you can drive over the 3300m Salang Pass, continue to Mazar-e-Sharif, and then to Sari Pul. From Sari Pul, it's about a 2-hour drive with a 4x4 vehicle to Sozma Qala. Head towards Gaodor, and at a junction with several tank wrecks, turn right towards the east and follow the path. For more information on the flying site, accommodations, and images, visit www.paragliding365.com. Additional Resources: - Information from the German Foreign Office: www.auswaertiges-amt.de/www/de/laenderinfos/laender/laender_ausgabe_html?type_id=14&land_id=1 - Afghan Embassy for visa applications: www.afghanische-botschaft.de/ - General information about Afghanistan: de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghanistan
View spotYakawlang, Afghanistan Coordinates approximate. Contact: Clement Bourse via engelje27@yahoo.com Accommodation: Available locally Travel: Approximately 5 hours from Kabul with a 4x4 vehicle. The Band-i-Amir lakes, visible in the photo, are among the major attractions in Afghanistan. Additionally, Bamiyan is nearby, and the remnants of the Buddha statues are certainly worth a visit. Asia » Afghanistan Yakawlang Flying Site Documented on behalf of Soilidarité by Clement Bourse. A colleague flies there [approximately 5 hours from Kabul]. The pictures speak for themselves. For more information about the flying site, including details, images, and accommodations, visit: www.paragliding365.com
View spotThe launch site at an elevation of 977 meters offers a promising takeoff point for paragliders. The altitude provides a good starting height for extended flights and potential thermal activity. Ensure to check the wind conditions and local regulations before planning your flight. For more detailed information, you might want to visit local paragliding clubs or forums where pilots share their experiences and tips about this specific location.
View spotTake off: There is a bench approximately 600 feet above the valley floor offering multiple launch locations. It takes about 30 minutes of steep walking from the village of Ptukh up muddy, moraine terrain to reach this bench. Be cautious of sharp rocks, vegetation, and livestock at the launch site. The best flying conditions are early to mid-morning, as it can get turbulent by mid-day or afternoon during summer. Flying potential in the Wakhan is extensive. There are Hike-and-Fly opportunities above Sarhad E Broghil, as well as across the valley at Selkemj and Purtwurs. Going there: The Wakhan Corridor is one of the more remote places to fly in the world. To get there, fly into Dushanbe, Tajikistan. From there, hire transport to Khorog. Obtain an Afghan visa and cross the border into Ishkashim. Hire transport to travel up the Wakhan, which is a two-day drive on bumpy 4WD roads to reach Ptukh and Sarhad. Comments: Austrian maps are available for purchase online for parts of the Wakhan. Look for the 'Koh-E Pamir Topographische karte' by searching on Google. Weather hazards: Expect strong valley breezes most days from mid-day onwards in spring and summer. Dust devils are common in the late afternoon. Flight regulation: Avoid flying near the Tajik/Afghan border as it is dangerous and you may be shot at. An opium smuggler in a powered paraglider was shot down by border patrol a few years ago. Keep your mountain cross-country flights a safe distance from the border and notify local Afghan border police in advance of your plans to fly. Corruption is common, so be prepared to offer bribes. People to contact: Adab Shah is a local fixer in Ishkashim, Afghanistan. He can assist with Wakhan permits, transportation, translation, and security advice. Contact him at agarkan@gmail.com. For additional information, you can also reach out to Dylan Taylor at taylorfoto@gmail.com. More details and photos are available on his website: [Taylor Alpine](http://www.tayloralpine.com).
View spot