BEST PARAGLIDING SITES IN KAZAKHSTAN

Ush Konyr

Altitude: 1934 meters, Height Difference: 900 meters This site is regularly used and offers good cross-country (XC) potential. It has been used for Paragliding World Cup (PWC) launches. For more details, visit [PWC Launch](http://pwca.org/node/2936/print?sort=asc&order=Glider). Region: Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan. The site record is 82.1 km. Watch a video of the site [here](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LKkLDlr-vQ). Take-off altitude is 1969 meters above sea level. Landing: You can land almost anywhere. Getting there: The site is accessible by car. The best option is to contact local club members and join them, as there are flights almost every weekend. For more details, contact Jeny Oreshkin from the paragliding club 'Samuryk' at +7 (777) 2205452 or via email at jeny@newairnet.kz. Comments: This is considered the best site around Almaty. For more information, visit [Paraplan Kazakhstan](http://www.paraplan.kz/para/index.php?p=66). Region: Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan. The site record is 82.1 km. The take-off area is grassy, and flights can either head into the flatlands or along the mountain range. There are plenty of landing spots at the base of the mountains. For more details, visit [Paragliding365](http://www.paragliding365.com/index-p-flightarea_details_6176.html). Difficulty: The difficulty depends on the wind strength coming into the mountains, which can make returning to a landable area challenging. Rotor turbulence is generally manageable, and landings are free from turbulence. Flying season: Mid-May to October. Summers can have inversion layers but are practically free from rainfall. The climate is very continental. Walk and Fly: There is no marked trail, but the area is free from vegetation and can be explored in about four hours. Soaring conditions: Frequent due to wind from the steppe moving into the mountains. In optimal conditions, top landing may be necessary as returning to the landing zone can be difficult. Pilot gatherings: For more information, visit [Fly Kazakhstan](http://www.fly.kz). Sergej's wife speaks some English, but local pilot Andrej (arman@nursat.kz) is better for English communication. Accommodation: Almaty is expensive, with hotel rates around 20 euros per night. For longer stays, renting a room is advisable. Andrej has previously hosted pilots and might welcome more visitors (cultural sensitivity required). Other events: The Central Asian Championship takes place in the second half of August at this site, featuring organized accommodation, transportation, parties, and many pilots. For a detailed report, visit [High Above](http://www.high-above.de/cgi-bin/photo/index.cgi?mode=view&album=/55_Fly_Kasachstan).

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Каякнт "Подкова"

This paragliding site in Dagestan, Russia, has an elevation of 319 meters. It is rarely used and primarily suitable for soaring. The longest recorded flight here is 4.1 km. For more details, you can check nearby flights from this point.

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Tekeli

At an elevation of 1999 meters with a height difference of 1031 meters, this launch site is regularly used, although most pilots do not log their flights here. The main launch direction is NNW, making it suitable for some cross-country (XC) flying. The significant height difference offers good potential for extended flights. Access to the launch site is typically by private vehicles. This location is also used for local paragliding competitions. For a visual experience of flights from this site, you can watch this video: [YouTube Video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yq7ATPw2V0c). Take off: The take-off area is well-maintained and suitable for various skill levels.

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Semey Tau Mountains

Semey, located in Kazakhstan, offers hills that provide good opportunities for thermal soaring. However, there are no recorded flight logs available for this area. It's important to note that this location is on the former Semipalatinsk atomic test site, which may have implications for safety and accessibility. Take-off point: Semey For more information, you can visit [ParaglidingEarth](https://www.paraglidingearth.com).

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Зуберха

This paragliding site is located in Dagestan, Russia, at an elevation of 2311 meters. It offers a rarely used, panoramic flight experience. The longest recorded flight distance from this site is 10.7 km. For more details, you can explore nearby flights in the region.

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Питяково

Winch towing is regularly used in the Birsk region of Russia. This method offers good cross-country (XC) possibilities. The winch field is located 20 km from Birsk. The site record for distance is 122.8 km.

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31km

The takeoff altitude is 1312 meters, and the site is occasionally used for paragliding. Cross-country (XC) flights are possible from this location. The site record for the longest flight is 19.4 kilometers. For more detailed information, you can visit ParaglidingEarth.

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Каякент

This paragliding site in Russia has an elevation of 171 meters. It is rarely used and primarily suitable for soaring flights. The longest recorded flight at this location is 2.7 km. For more detailed information, you can visit the local paragliding community pages.

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Zainsk

This paragliding site in Russia has an elevation of 176 meters. It is rarely used, but it offers opportunities for soaring and cross-country (XC) flights. The site record is 48.3 km. For more details, you can check local paragliding forums or community groups.

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Уллуая

This paragliding site is located in Dagestan, Russia, at an elevation of 1491 meters. It is rarely used, but it offers opportunities for soaring and cross-country (XC) flights. The longest recorded flight from this site is 5.2 kilometers. For more details, you can explore nearby flights in the region.

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Мекеги Mekegi

At an elevation of 1678 meters, this paragliding site in Dagestan, Russia, is occasionally used by pilots. The site offers opportunities for soaring, and some cross-country (XC) flights are possible. The longest recorded flight from this location is 4.7 kilometers. For more detailed information, you can explore nearby flights in the region.

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мыс Бурун

This paragliding site in Dagestan, Russia, is rarely used and primarily suited for soaring. The takeoff height is approximately 20 meters. The longest recorded flight at this location is 1.3 km. For more detailed information, please refer to local resources or paragliding communities.

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Gleden

The takeoff point is the hill known as 'Gleden' or 'Gledec,' located northwest of the small city Vyshenarimskoye in the Katon-Karogay area, within the Altay foothills. This site is at an elevation of 1558 meters and is rarely used. Cross-country flights are possible from this location.

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Багряжка

This paragliding site in Tatarstan, Russia, has an elevation of 189 meters. It is rarely used and primarily suitable for soaring flights. The site record is a modest 1.3 km. For more detailed information, you can visit local paragliding forums or regional paragliding clubs.

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Кадрыкуль Baltaevo

This paragliding site in Russia has an elevation of 305 meters. It is occasionally used and is suitable for soaring. The site has a local flight record of 0.6 km. Another nearby site in Russia has a more impressive local flight record of 29.6 km. For more details on flights near these points, you can explore local paragliding communities and forums.

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г.Шихан Shihan

This paragliding site in Russia offers an elevation range of 360-390 meters. It is moderately popular among paragliders and is regularly used for flights. Cross-country (XC) flying is possible here, making it a suitable spot for those looking to cover longer distances. The site record is an impressive 103.7 km. For more detailed information, you can visit the local paragliding community pages or forums.

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Кандрыкуль Kandry

Located in Bashkortostan, Russia, this paragliding site is highly frequented and offers excellent soaring conditions. The main wind direction is from the west, making it ideal for extended cross-country (XC) flights. The site features multiple takeoff options, providing flexibility depending on the wind conditions. The site record for this location is an impressive 154.1 km, showcasing its potential for long-distance flights. For more detailed information, you can visit the local paragliding community pages or forums. Another notable site in Russia has a record of 132.5 km, indicating that the region offers several excellent opportunities for paragliding enthusiasts.

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