The 'Tysyacha' takeoff is located at an elevation of 2270 meters, with a height difference of 1000 meters above the valley. The coordinates are UTM 43T 0467215, 4725955. This is the main takeoff point in the Chui Valley, which is the northernmost valley of Kyrgyzstan and home to the capital, Bishkek. The takeoff area is a large, flat, grassy field with no obstacles, making it ideal for winds from the North-West, North, and North-East. From here, you can embark on extensive cross-country (XC) flights with various options: mountain flights along the ridge, extreme mountain and glacier flights towards the south, or relaxing flatland flights to the north. The best flying conditions are in May and June, while July tends to have rough air and thick inversions. Conditions improve again in August, with soft flights possible until the end of September. Thermals in the Chui Valley start in April and last until the end of September. The Chui Valley offers the potential for significant XC flights along the Kyrgyz Range mountains, covering distances of over 100 kilometers and crossing multiple valleys and ridges. The main takeoff points in the region include Tysyacha (2270m), Chon-Tash (1500m), and Jylamish (1270m). The upper valley south of Bishkek, separated from the Chui Valley by a chain of hills, provides excellent thermalling conditions due to its unique geography. It spans 10 km in width and 30 km in length. Taking off from Tysyacha gives paraglider pilots more than 1000 meters above the valley, allowing for interesting XC flights. Jylamish is another excellent takeoff point for flatland flights, situated on a hill almost within the valley. "Tysyacha" means "1000" in Russian. This is the most flyable location near Bishkek, situated on a plateau directly above Chon-Tash. It is an excellent place to learn thermal flying, with many permanent thermals. The plateau runs from east to west, and the best winds are from the north or west. On an average day, you can climb about 500 to 600 meters above the start. If conditions are favorable, you can fly cross-country routes over the upper valley or higher into the mountains, reaching the glacier. The site is accessible by a dirt road that appears during the summer, passable only by four-wheel drive vehicles. For more information, visit [Fly Kyrgyzstan](http://www.fly.kg/index.php/en/).
View spotAt an elevation of 3215 meters, this site offers a southeast orientation, making it suitable for cross-country (XC) flights. The area is quite remote, providing a wild and natural landscape. The high ceiling allows for extended flights in the southeast direction, offering a unique experience for those looking to explore less frequented areas.
View spotThe site is situated at an altitude of 2280 meters with a height difference of 500 meters. There are no recorded flight logs, which might indicate that it is not a frequently visited location for paragliding. However, the presence of ski infrastructure, including lifts, suggests that it could be a potential spot for winter glides. For more information, you can visit [Fly Kyrgyzstan](http://www.fly.kg/index.php/en/).
View spotLocated at an elevation of approximately 1700 meters, this paragliding site offers a vertical descent of around 700 meters. The site currently has no recorded flight logs, which might indicate it is less frequented or newly established. For more details, you can visit the official website at [Fly KG](http://www.fly.kg/index.php/en/).
View spotLocated in Asia, specifically in Kyrgyzstan, the Sokuluk flying area is an excellent choice for paragliding enthusiasts. This site features a variety of hills offering multiple launch points in different directions, making it an ideal training ground for paragliding schools. The grassy, tree-free hills have an elevation difference of approximately 380 meters, allowing for launches in all directions. The expansive grassy launch sites and large landing areas make it perfect for beginners. The simple launch sites are also suitable for top landing. The wind typically blows from the northeast to northwest (Kazakh lowlands) and is completely laminar, making it ideal for practicing take-offs. The area is family-friendly, with both launch and landing sites suitable for picnicking. Access to the site is by car, with a four-wheel drive being necessary. For more information about the flying area, including detailed site descriptions, images, and accommodation options, visit www.paragliding365.com.
View spotSuluu Tor, which translates to "beautiful height" in German, is a walk and fly area near Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. It offers a pleasant ascent over gentle grassy slopes and allows for multiple launch and landing spots. In winter, you can use a drag lift to ascend approximately 400 meters. For more information about the flying area, including details, images, and accommodations, visit www.paragliding365.com. The best place to park your car is at the base station of the drag lift. From there, head south along the lift route to the saddle, which takes about 2 hours. The south launch is at approximately 2,650 meters. If you wish to go higher, you can continue southeast or southwest for about an hour to find numerous beautiful launch sites at altitudes ranging from 2,800 to 3,000 meters. Soaring conditions are favorable along several terrain edges with NW to NE winds. In winter, the drag lift can take you up the first 400 meters. To get there, drive from the center of Bishkek on Alametinskaya Street heading south. Just before the village of Koi Tash, turn east towards Norus. Before reaching Norus, turn off the asphalt road onto a dirt road leading to the Suluu Tor ski area, heading south. The total driving distance from Bishkek city center to the starting point is 37 km, which takes about 45 minutes.
View spotAt an elevation of 2009 meters, there is a launch site that is occasionally used for small flights. It appears to be less relevant compared to other sites in the area. There is some ambiguity about whether locals refer to this site as "500." Nearby, there is another launch site known as Chon-Tash 500. Region: Kyrgyzstan The site record for this location is 2.5 km.
View spotKir Tash, located in the Suusamyr Valley of Kyrgyzstan, is a walk-and-fly paragliding site known for its thermal activity due to the southern orientation of its slopes. The name "Kir Tash" translates to "dirty rock," a name given by local shepherds. This site offers various launch possibilities from a flat grass slope at approximately 2950 meters altitude, making it an excellent starting point for extended cross-country flights along the northern mountain range, which reaches up to about 3700 meters. It's advisable to start your flight early in the day, as overdevelopment and thunderstorms typically begin around 14:00. For more details, visit www.paragliding365.com. The best starting point is a spot in the expansive plain marked by an old blue-painted wagon and a yurt (coordinates available at the landing site). The local shepherds are very hospitable and may invite you for a cup of kumis (fermented mare's milk). The yurt owner, Kadr, grazes his herd here from May to September. To reach the launch site, follow the terrain edges of the foothills towards the northeast (east of the rock ridge/spur). The area is vast, and you can start from numerous grassy slopes after a 2-3 hour hike. Accommodation in the Suusamyr Valley is easy, with plenty of camping spots available. There are also a few restaurants along the main road offering local cuisine. In the villages of Suusamyr and Parisch, you can find basic supplies like bread, eggs, bottled water, and beer. If you plan to stay longer, it's wise to stock up on provisions. To get to Kir Tash from Bishkek, drive west towards Kara-Balta, then head south on a well-maintained road towards Osh. After crossing a 3100-meter pass with a tunnel, descend into the valley, passing the Suusamyr launch site. Before reaching the valley floor, turn southeast towards the village of Suusamyr and continue on a gravel road. After about 3 km, turn left onto a dirt road running north along the base of the hills, leading directly to the described yurt.
View spotLocated in the Sokuluk region of Kyrgyzstan, this paragliding site offers a unique experience with its varied takeoff points and favorable wind conditions. The main takeoff, known as 'Jylamish,' is situated at an elevation of 1300 meters, providing a 200-meter elevation above the valley. The coordinates for Jylamish are UTM 43T 446722, 4734169. This site is particularly suitable for training, with multiple takeoff options that allow for easy transitions to flatland flying. Pilots often fly eastward from Jylamish towards the Chon-Tash takeoff, which is 25 kilometers away. The predominant west wind aids in this eastward flight. The Chui Valley, the northernmost valley in Kyrgyzstan, is home to the capital city, Bishkek. Thermals in this region start in April and last until the end of September, making it an excellent location for extended cross-country (XC) flights. Pilots can embark on extensive XC flights along the Kyrgyz Range mountains, covering distances of over 100 kilometers and crossing multiple valleys and ridges. Key takeoff points in the area include Tysyacha (2270 meters), Chon-Tash (1500 meters), and Jylamish (1270 meters). The upper valley south of Bishkek, separated from the Chui Valley by a chain of hills, offers excellent thermalling conditions due to its unique geography. This upper valley spans 10 kilometers in width and 30 kilometers in length. Taking off from Tysyacha provides pilots with more than 1000 meters of elevation above the valley, enabling fascinating XC flights. Jylamish is also a great spot for flatland flying, as it is situated on a hill almost within the valley itself. For more information, visit [Fly Kyrgyzstan](http://www.fly.kg/index.php/en/).
View spotThe flying area consists of several mountain peaks near the village of Parisch in the Suusamyr Valley, a high-altitude valley (2200m) in northern Kyrgyzstan. This broad, almost treeless valley is surrounded by mountains up to 4,000m high, offering numerous opportunities for walk and fly. Among the surrounding mountains, Korumdo stands out as you can drive the first 200 meters up a moderately sloping grassy hill with an off-road vehicle to shorten the ascent. The local shepherds call this mountain group Korumdo, which translates to 'many stones,' though this may not be the official name. For more information about the flying area, including details, images, and accommodations, visit www.paragliding365.com. After takeoff, depending on wind conditions, you can enjoy a cross-country flight along the mountain range either eastward or westward. The surrounding mountains and the valley floor are treeless, allowing for easy landing anywhere. The main challenge, as with the entire Suusamyr Valley, lies in the frequent overdevelopments and rapidly changing weather conditions. Additionally, the thermals in the Suusamyr Valley can often be quite turbulent. Starting Point: The best approach is to turn north shortly before the village of Parisch (about 25 houses along the Bishkek-Osh road) and drive directly towards the mountain group on a dirt road. You can leave your car at the foot of the mountain or drive about 200 meters up the grassy slope (only possible with an off-road vehicle). The ascent on foot involves increasingly steep grassy slopes to one of the two peaks of the mountain group. The hike from the valley floor to the summit takes about two hours. Accommodation: You can camp anywhere in the valley floor. One option near the flying area is the flying camp of www.fly.kg, the Kyrgyz paragliding association. It is located about 2 km west of Parisch near the main road (blue container south of the road). Nearby, there is a small restaurant and several yurts. For a more secluded experience, you can find a very romantic and isolated campsite about 10 km east near the village of Suusamyr. Shortly after entering the village of Suusamyr (after about 15 houses), turn onto a dirt road heading southwest and continue straight for about 3 km until you reach the river. The campsite is located near a dilapidated bridge. Bring mosquito repellent! Access: To reach the flying area, drive west from Bishkek towards Kara-Balta and then towards Osh. After crossing the Alatoo Pass (3200m, with a tunnel), you will enter the Suusamyr Valley. Follow the road towards Osh until you reach the village of Parisch, about 15 km after the tunnel. Other: In the Suusamyr Valley, you can only buy limited groceries (e.g., eggs, bread, beer, mineral water). If you plan to stay longer and cook for yourself, bring enough food. There are several restaurants along the main road where you can enjoy Kyrgyz dishes.
View spotTakeoff S01 in Suusamyr Valley, Kyrgyzstan, is situated at an elevation of 2800 meters, with a height of 500 meters above the valley floor. The coordinates are UTM: 43T 0391917 4678777. This takeoff is close to the SUUS lodge and is accessible only with powerful 4WD vehicles. The takeoff area is a large, flat top covered with short grass, providing ample space for up to 100 wings to take off simultaneously. The slope tilts progressively towards the valley, ensuring an ideal takeoff without any obstacles such as trees or rocks. In front of the takeoff, you will find a home thermal that can lift you up to 1500 meters above the takeoff, making it an excellent starting point for XC flights. The winds are predictable and smooth, adding to the safety of the takeoff. Pilots can glide down to the SUUS lodge and land either in the backyard or on the grassy playground in front of the lodge, which is just 4 km away. Another home thermal over the lodge can make the landing a bit tricky. The SUUS lodge, owned by FlyKG club, is located at the 158th kilometer of the Bishke-Osh highway. The lodge offers excellent accommodation, including a large main hall with a TV and music set, a relaxation corner, a ping-pong table, a kitchen, and a small sauna. In summer, authentic Kyrgyz yurts are installed for guests, who can choose between economy or luxe rooms. There is also a café, shop, and gas station near the lodge. The Suusamyr Valley offers fantastic flights over its smooth flatlands and breathtaking snowy peaks. The valley is a high mountain area surrounded by the beautiful snowy peaks of the Tien Shan mountains, making it a unique place for epic high XC flights. The valley's unique geographical location, hard continental climate, and stunning landscape create a magical thermal atmosphere with high skies, with cloud bases reaching up to 5000 meters. The valley stretches over 100 km from East to West, along the main wind direction, and is about 40 km wide at its broadest point. It has a triangular shape with the long side along the Kyrgyz range from West to East, featuring peaks as high as 4500 meters. The main takeoffs, including T01 'Tunnel' and S01 'SISKA', are located on the south face of the Kyrgyz Range Mountains, both offering grass surfaces and predictable home thermals. Dalibor Carbol and Karel Vrbenski embarked on an epic vol biv flight from Suusamyr to Issyk-Kul, crossing several ridges, sleeping on mountain tops, and flying over the magical landscapes of Suusamyr. Their journey lasted five days, and Dalibor made a movie about the flights, which was sold across Europe. Many other pilots have achieved their best flights and set personal height gain records in Suusamyr, thanks to the very high cloud base. For more information, visit [FlyKG](http://www.fly.kg/index.php/en/).
View spotIn the Suusamyr Valley of Kyrgyzstan, there's a beautiful launch site located on an east-west mountain range, east of Suusamyr Village. To reach the launch site, you need to hike up 450 meters. The best route starts from the road running south: 42°10'40.83"N 74°03'15.47"E. Simply head straight up the grassy slopes. Once you reach the ridge, keep to the left. You'll approach the north-facing slope from behind, which offers several launch options. The lower option is a picturesque saddle, while about 20 minutes further up, you can launch from one of the peaks. For more information about this flying site, including detailed site descriptions, images, and accommodation options, visit [Paragliding365](http://www.paragliding365.com).
View spotArslanbob, Kyrgyzstan, offers a promising paragliding launch site at an elevation of 2396 meters. This location has been explored by a British pilot who completed three cross-country flights, all of which were enjoyable. The site appears to be suitable for walk-and-fly adventures, with the best takeoff point being within a two-hour walk from the town of Arslanbob. The site record stands at 23.5 km, indicating its potential for decent cross-country flights. Optimal flying conditions are typically found early in the morning. While it's not entirely clear if local pilots frequently use this launch, it certainly holds promise for visiting paragliders looking for new experiences. For a visual glimpse of the site, you can check out this video: [Vimeo Link](http://vimeo.com/32270971).
View spotLocated approximately 40 km southeast of Bishkek, Norus is a paragliding site in Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia. The launch area is situated at an altitude of around 2900-3000 meters, with the nicest launch point said to be at 2900 meters. The site is oriented towards the north. In winter, you can use a ski lift to cover the first 200 meters of elevation and start from the ski slope. During summer, you will need to hike up the entire distance over moderately steep grassy slopes. The launch options are available towards the east, north, and west. The entire mountain range consists of grassy slopes, making it easy to launch from almost anywhere. For more information about the flying site, including details, pictures, and accommodations, visit [Paragliding365](http://www.paragliding365.com).
View spotAt an altitude of 4010 meters, this paragliding site offers an exhilarating experience with its eastward orientation. The landscape surrounding the area is breathtaking, making the 2-hour walk from the base camp to the take-off point well worth the effort. The take-off area is rocky, and the thermals here are exceptionally strong, with a ceiling reaching above 6000 meters. Due to the intensity of the thermals, it's advisable to plan your flight for the morning hours. Landing after 12 PM can be challenging due to the increased thermal activity. So, prepare yourself for an early start and a rewarding morning walk to make the most of this paragliding adventure.
View spotAt an altitude of 4044 meters, this location offers a promising valley for cross-country paragliding. Although only one bivouac flight has been logged, the potential for walk-and-fly launches is significant. For more detailed insights, you can visit [Adventure Tour Productions](http://www.adventuretourproductions.com/index.php/The-Celestial-Tien-Shan-of-Kyrgystan/the-celestial-tien-shan-of-kyrgystan.html). This site describes the Central Tian Shan mountains, which border China to the east and Kazakhstan to the north. The area is generally safe for tourism, though the border with Tajikistan to the south is known to be dangerous. The journal entry from August 29th highlights an incredible flight from a pass 4,750 feet above the main valley, with lift everywhere and surrounded by classic alpine peaks, each with its own glacier and steep ice face. This flight was described as the most spectacular ever experienced, flying above peaks and glaciers in a landscape reminiscent of a fantasy world. Despite some challenges, such as waiting for a truck to be pulled out of a rockslide and launching in a snowstorm with no lift, the area remains a top destination for adventurous paragliding.
View spotSuusamyr Valley is a prime location for paragliding, offering breathtaking views and excellent flying conditions. The valley is surrounded by ridges that reach heights of 4000 to 5000 meters, providing ample opportunities for both regular and cross-country flights. The area is particularly known for its high cloud base, often reaching up to 5000 meters above sea level. The valley itself stretches 180 kilometers in perimeter and is accessible via a two-hour drive from Bishkek through a scenic mountain gorge. The road to the landing zone is newly built, smooth asphalt, and features several switchbacks. There are two main takeoff points in Suusamyr Valley: T01 'Tunnel' and S01 'SISKA'. Both takeoffs have grass surfaces and predictable home thermals. T01 is located at an altitude of 3050 meters, with an elevation gain of 800 meters over the valley. The coordinates for T01 are UTM: 43T 0402282 4685815. This takeoff is conveniently situated near a highway, making it easy to restart your flight if you land nearby. The valley is ideal for bivouac flights, as demonstrated by Czech pilots Dalibor Carbol and Karel Vrbenski, who completed a five-day, 200-kilometer bivouac flight from Suusamyr to Issyk-Kul in 2004. The thermals in the area are generally strong, ranging from +4 mps to +6 mps, with bursts up to +9 mps. Suusamyr Valley is also home to the Too-Ashuu Ski Resort, adding to the area's appeal. The Bishkek-Osh highway runs through the valley, making retrieval easy and convenient. For more information, you can visit [Fly.kg](http://www.fly.kg/index.php/en/) and [Paragliding365](http://www.paragliding365.com). Flights in Suusamyr Valley: - [Flight 1](http://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/679668) - [Flight 2](http://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/657691) - [Flight 3](http://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/634812)
View spotMarkai Takeoff Height: 2070 meters Elevation above the valley: 1000 meters Markai is the primary launch site in the Jalalabad region. It features a grassy, flat top with a progressively sloped runway, making it an excellent takeoff point. The area is spacious enough to accommodate more than 10 wings simultaneously, allowing multiple pilots to prepare for launch at the same time. Directly in front and slightly to the right, you'll encounter a series of home thermals. If the first thermal isn't active, you can easily move on to the next one. Flying over the Markai ridge to the northeast is straightforward and allows you to reach the main ridge of the Fergana Range, which is both high and scenic. For those interested in smooth flatland thermals, head west to the valley. However, note that the flats typically start working only in the late afternoon. The entire valley is a vast grassy field, providing ample landing options and the potential for extensive cross-country flights. Jalalabad, the third-largest city in Kyrgyzstan, is located south of the Fergana Range. The region offers excellent conditions for both mountain and flatland flights. Local pilots have access to four different sites to accommodate various wind and weather conditions, making it possible to fly almost every day. When the western wind is blowing, Markai is the go-to launch site. If an eastern morning wind is coming up, Antenna is the alternative takeoff point, featuring a 400-meter drop to the valley. For south-west or south winds, Karatash, also known as "Mini-Dolomites," is the best option. Lastly, for training purposes, there's a hill known as "200" located east of the town. For more information and additional waypoints, visit [Fly Kyrgyzstan](http://www.fly.kg/index.php/en/).
View spotThis paragliding site is situated at an elevation of 2558 meters in Kyrgyzstan. It is rarely used and is ideal for walk & fly adventures. Small cross-country (XC) flights are possible from this location. The site record for the longest flight is 14.9 kilometers. For more details on flights from this site, you can visit: [Paragliding Forum Flight Log](http://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/279460) For personal experiences and additional insights, check out this blog: [Christian Rankl's Blog](http://www.christianrankl.blogspot.com)
View spotAt an altitude of 4102 meters, this paragliding site offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. The take-off point faces south, requiring a strenuous climb up a rocky and steep mountain face. The thermal conditions here are very strong, providing an exhilarating flight with a high ceiling around the Pamir area. For accommodation, you can stay in the Sary Mogol CBT yurts located near the lakes at the bottom.
View spot