Parahawking
Parahawking
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Parahawking is paragliding with a trained bird of prey. It was pioneered in Pokhara, Nepal by renowned bird trainer and paraglider, Scott Mason. Rescued and rehabilitated raptors such as Egyptian Vultures are trained as part of an award winning enrichment program, to fly with paragliders and, by using their incredible ability to conserve energy, can guide the paragliders to the best thermals. They will then land on the passengers gloved hand for an inflight reward. Parahawking is a perfect mix of adventure, eco-tourism and conservation. A Parahawking Tandem Experience is more than just a paragliding flight with a trained bird, it's an education into vultures and the problems they face in the wild. Proceeds from Parahawking tandem flights go directly towards vulture conservation projects in Nepal.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
209 reviews
Excellent
197
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7
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3
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1
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1
Adventure_Seeker1600
Kingwood, TX16 contributions
Dec 2021
After 30 hours of adrenaline rush this adventure was incredibly relaxing! Our pilots were great at making us feel comfortable. It was absolutely amazing to feed a vulture in-flight, then have them "take off" from your gloved hand by simply out-stretching their wings and letting go of your glove. They would simply glide away. I highly recommend parahawking. It was absolutely amazing!
Written September 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary C
Hong Kong, China8 contributions
Mar 2012 • Couples
Scott Mason's passion and knowledge along with his friendly persona make him an inspiring host at Maya Devi. You can't help but deeply feel the passion of this man. His team are exceptionally professional and the 'bird-first' mentality is testament to the conservation focus rather than tourism business. A flight with these beautiful birds of prey truly is magical and unbelievable. A bird of prey landing on your hand, taking meat from your loose fist - it's simply amazing that it is even possible and this is repeated many times during the flight and all professionally captured on tons of photos and video! All this in beautiful Nepal against a backdrop of stunning mountain scenery. What more could you possibly want.
Written June 4, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mattlock
London, UK1 contribution
Nov 2012 • Solo
GAME CHANGER!
I don't normally write reviews but I feel compelled to give my two pence worth here. In short, this is the most amazing experience I've ever had in my life. Firstly, to come up with something like this is inspiring enough but then to execute it in the way that these guys have is truly remarkable. I booked for the 3 night Parahawking package which includes a 3 night stay at the Parahawking centre, Maya Devi Village, plus the Falconry lesson and of course the Parahawking flights. From the moment I sent my first email enquiry, the whole process was seamless and professional. Scott replied almost instantly with every detail, he even arranged my domestic flights to Pokhara and sent me e-tickets. Everything was paid up front, there were no hidden costs and no hassle, unlike other dealings I've had with companies in Nepal. The accommodation is sublime, a beautiful lakeside retreat with a real family feel. All of the Parahawking bird staff live onsite, including the birds so you get a real sense of being part of the action. You get to witness the work that goes into keeping the birds in top condition, the whole set up is immaculate and the staff are incredible, very friendly, passionate about their jobs and clearly take pride in the whole project.
The falconry lessons were a lot of fun, very informative and gave a great introduction to the world of bird training. Tracy my instructor, was incredibly patient. Each bird is introduced and the stories of how they came to be at the centre is explained. All of the birds are extremely well cared for, one of them has been with them for 13 years and still going strong. Handling the birds and having them fly to you is a fantastic experience and a perfect introduction to what is yet to come, the Parahawking flight!
The journey to the takeoff site is probably one of the most interesting taxi rides I've ever had, sharing the car with an Egyptian Vulture whilst perched comfortably on the hand of Scott, my pilot for the day. It was clearly evident that these birds have done this journey many times before. Once we reached the launch, we waited for the skies to clear a bit then we started to get prepared. Scott explained everything to me in a clear and professional way, I felt very confident and comfortable. I watched a lot of other passengers take off before us, I was so impressed with the level of attentiveness that the Parahawking pilots give to their passengers compared with all the other companies doing normal tandems. I felt like a VIP, it was very reassuring and was obvious how much more work goes into the Parahawking flights. Before I know it we were getting strapped in then almost immediately we were airborne followed by Kevin, the Egyptian Vulture that was flying with us. He went straight by us, directly to where some wild vultures were circling. Scott explained to me that he was heading to the thermals and we should follow him. Now this is where these guys are on a whole different level, not only was Scott flying the paraglider, he was taking on the radio, watching for where Kevin was, calling him, following him, co-ordinating the flight with Damu, the other Parahawking pilot, pointing out and naming wild raptors to me plus taking pictures and movie of the whole experience. Nothing prepares you for the feeling when the bird comes and lands on your gloved hand during the flight, it's quite surreal. I have to say that it was the most exhilarating experiences and one which will stay with me forever. The flight lasted about 30 min then we landed right outside the Parahawking centre.
But these guys don't stop there, once we landed we got a chance to look at our pictures and movie and to learn more about the problems vultures are facing in the wild and how Parahawking is contributing to local conservation projects. Bloody marvellous, a real feel good experience and since I was on the 3 Night Parahawking Package, I got to do it all again the next day.
This is quite simply the best activity you can do in Nepal. Simple! And I'd do it all again in a heartbeat.
I don't normally write reviews but I feel compelled to give my two pence worth here. In short, this is the most amazing experience I've ever had in my life. Firstly, to come up with something like this is inspiring enough but then to execute it in the way that these guys have is truly remarkable. I booked for the 3 night Parahawking package which includes a 3 night stay at the Parahawking centre, Maya Devi Village, plus the Falconry lesson and of course the Parahawking flights. From the moment I sent my first email enquiry, the whole process was seamless and professional. Scott replied almost instantly with every detail, he even arranged my domestic flights to Pokhara and sent me e-tickets. Everything was paid up front, there were no hidden costs and no hassle, unlike other dealings I've had with companies in Nepal. The accommodation is sublime, a beautiful lakeside retreat with a real family feel. All of the Parahawking bird staff live onsite, including the birds so you get a real sense of being part of the action. You get to witness the work that goes into keeping the birds in top condition, the whole set up is immaculate and the staff are incredible, very friendly, passionate about their jobs and clearly take pride in the whole project.
The falconry lessons were a lot of fun, very informative and gave a great introduction to the world of bird training. Tracy my instructor, was incredibly patient. Each bird is introduced and the stories of how they came to be at the centre is explained. All of the birds are extremely well cared for, one of them has been with them for 13 years and still going strong. Handling the birds and having them fly to you is a fantastic experience and a perfect introduction to what is yet to come, the Parahawking flight!
The journey to the takeoff site is probably one of the most interesting taxi rides I've ever had, sharing the car with an Egyptian Vulture whilst perched comfortably on the hand of Scott, my pilot for the day. It was clearly evident that these birds have done this journey many times before. Once we reached the launch, we waited for the skies to clear a bit then we started to get prepared. Scott explained everything to me in a clear and professional way, I felt very confident and comfortable. I watched a lot of other passengers take off before us, I was so impressed with the level of attentiveness that the Parahawking pilots give to their passengers compared with all the other companies doing normal tandems. I felt like a VIP, it was very reassuring and was obvious how much more work goes into the Parahawking flights. Before I know it we were getting strapped in then almost immediately we were airborne followed by Kevin, the Egyptian Vulture that was flying with us. He went straight by us, directly to where some wild vultures were circling. Scott explained to me that he was heading to the thermals and we should follow him. Now this is where these guys are on a whole different level, not only was Scott flying the paraglider, he was taking on the radio, watching for where Kevin was, calling him, following him, co-ordinating the flight with Damu, the other Parahawking pilot, pointing out and naming wild raptors to me plus taking pictures and movie of the whole experience. Nothing prepares you for the feeling when the bird comes and lands on your gloved hand during the flight, it's quite surreal. I have to say that it was the most exhilarating experiences and one which will stay with me forever. The flight lasted about 30 min then we landed right outside the Parahawking centre.
But these guys don't stop there, once we landed we got a chance to look at our pictures and movie and to learn more about the problems vultures are facing in the wild and how Parahawking is contributing to local conservation projects. Bloody marvellous, a real feel good experience and since I was on the 3 Night Parahawking Package, I got to do it all again the next day.
This is quite simply the best activity you can do in Nepal. Simple! And I'd do it all again in a heartbeat.
Written February 26, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tea for Two
Geneva, Switzerland86 contributions
Oct 2014 • Family
Not quite ready to make the jump and fly with our Nepalese kids (ages 13-18), we were all interested in watching the paragliders land with the hawks. So, we asked around Pokhara and were told by one of the parahawking partners about the location of Maya Devi Village. They also informed us that the season was not officially open yet for visits. Nevertheless, we were encouraged to just go down there at about 11h or at 14h, talk to the two women trainers and watch the gliders land.
We walked about an hour beyond Lakeside to get to the Village and were hot and dusty when we arrived. The owner was busy briefing some VIPs and made it clear we shouldn't bother him or his team by introducing ourselves during the long wait for the landings. Fortunately, the server at the little restaurant was more friendly and so we were able to buy drinks for everyone while we stood about. A group of Koreans were seated in the garden, also waiting to see the landings. No one spoke to us, except to ask us to move from one spot to the next (no reasons were given). Friendliness is probably not a quality one needs to work to preserve these kinds of birds. Watching the hawks in flight and the paragliders' landings was indeed impressive and, all in all, we were pleased to have been able to see them in action.
We walked about an hour beyond Lakeside to get to the Village and were hot and dusty when we arrived. The owner was busy briefing some VIPs and made it clear we shouldn't bother him or his team by introducing ourselves during the long wait for the landings. Fortunately, the server at the little restaurant was more friendly and so we were able to buy drinks for everyone while we stood about. A group of Koreans were seated in the garden, also waiting to see the landings. No one spoke to us, except to ask us to move from one spot to the next (no reasons were given). Friendliness is probably not a quality one needs to work to preserve these kinds of birds. Watching the hawks in flight and the paragliders' landings was indeed impressive and, all in all, we were pleased to have been able to see them in action.
Written November 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Many thanks for the review, I suppose one should not be too upset with a 3 star rating and review titled “Worth a visit”. However despite it’s title, the content of your review seems to be quite negative towards us. I also find it somewhat confusing, you seem to be writing a review on an activity that you didn’t actually partake in and only witnessed the end of.
I’d like to address each point in your review if I may. You say you were told by the Parahawking partners that our season had not started and was not yet open for visits. Parahawking is not a visitors centre, it’s an activity which involves paragliding with a trained bird of prey, anyone is welcome to come and see the birds anytime. The actual Parahawking season runs from around mid October to around the beginning of April. I’m not quite sure you feel the need to mention the hour long walk and the hot and dusty feeling on your arrival, I think this maybe an indication of your mood before entering our premises. The owner you are referring to is me, I was actually flying at the time so you may have spoken to my colleague. The VIPs that you refer to were a tour group who had booked a pre arranged lunch and vulture conservation presentation. The other members of our team who you refer to were also busy commentating on a Parahawking training flight, it’s important that they are not distracted from this, they are in radio communication with the pilots. Their monitoring of the birds movements during the flight provides vital information for the pilots who would have been flying at the time. It seems you clearly arrived at our place at a very busy time. I’m sorry that you felt that you were being neglected, many people come in and out of our place throughout the day, it’s a busy guest house and restaurant. You mention that you were asked to move from your seat, I believe one of our bird staff was exercising a bird in the grounds and your seat was under where he likes to perch, this would have been for your convenience. I have been assured that this was explained to you. I’m pleased that you were able to buy drinks and that our waiter was friendly to you.
So just to recap, you had a hot and dusty walk to our place only to find that everyone was really busy doing Parahawking and bird stuff, which you walked for over an hour too see. Unfortunately nobody spoke to you, you were seved a drink by our friendly waiter and you saw the end of a Parahawking flight which you were impressed with. You then left fairly pleased that you had seen it.
I’m not quite sure this conforms with Trip Advisors guidelines on reviewing an activity. Please feel free to come by anytime, hopefully we will not be so busy so that we can give you more attention. Thanks for the review anyway.
Yours sincerely
Scott
Written November 5, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
eamielle
London, UK8 contributions
My husband and I were both very excited about this but unfortunately I left feeling pretty deflated. It all started well and it was really intetesting to learn about the vultures and of course see them in action. Amazing stuff!!
Unfortunately (as budget travellers really splashing out as a birthday treat) the experience was spoiled when it came to buying photos at the end. Having already spent $400 we simply couldn't afford it and when the owner said "remember you can't do this anywhere else and it's only $50" I was pretty gobsmacked to be honest. I'm quite used to people treating you like a walking ATM when travelling but that took it to a new level. I realize as its a one off experience they can set whatever prices they like but we simply don't need hundreds of photos on cd for a crazy amount of money. Overall it was still a cool thing to do, so don't let me put you off. It would just have been nice to have a memory of it that won't stop us eating for a week!
Unfortunately (as budget travellers really splashing out as a birthday treat) the experience was spoiled when it came to buying photos at the end. Having already spent $400 we simply couldn't afford it and when the owner said "remember you can't do this anywhere else and it's only $50" I was pretty gobsmacked to be honest. I'm quite used to people treating you like a walking ATM when travelling but that took it to a new level. I realize as its a one off experience they can set whatever prices they like but we simply don't need hundreds of photos on cd for a crazy amount of money. Overall it was still a cool thing to do, so don't let me put you off. It would just have been nice to have a memory of it that won't stop us eating for a week!
Written March 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Many thanks for your review. I felt that there was a little miscommunication over the photos and video. Whilst Sarah was giving you the vulture conservation presentation, she mentioned that I would be preparing your photos and movie, this led me to believe that you were going to purchase them.
I'm sorry that you felt that they were too expensive (at $25 per person). Nobody is under any obligation to buy the photos, however every passenger has this season so I was simply double checking with you to make sure that you definitely didn't want them before I deleted them. I apologise If you were offended by my approach, I was simply making a light hearted comment.
I remember having a fantastic flight, so i'm a little disappointed that you have given the experience an "average" rating based on a slight misunderstanding at the end.
Best regards
Scott
Written March 12, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ladybeetler
Mooloolaba55 contributions
Dec 2012 • Solo
I found parahawking in Lonely Planet and it sounded amazing - so I booked a tandem flight at the end of my trek.
What an experience! From arriving at the office and meeting Bob I was hooked! The team is so relaxed, professional and friendly and make you feel really comfortable. Riding in a car up to the top with a vulture was an awesome experience as well!
Waiting at the top for the flight was great - watching everyone else take off, the view, everything. Damu was so awesome and made everything really relaxing. Take off was easy (this bit I was a bit nervous about as it was my first time paragliding) and then we were soaring with the most amazing views of the Annapurna range. The view went from beyond Dhaulagiri to beyond Annapurna 2 with Fishtail in the middle...brilliant.
And then...feeding Bob! Wow! I was expecting to only feed him once or twice but it was about 15 times during the flight...the view...Bob landing on your hand...just amazing!
The flight was about 30 minutes and the landing was smooth. I loved learning about the conservation of vultures and the problems that they face. It made it really special, and knowing that the flight supports conservation was even better.
Can't speak highly enough of this amazing experience. Don't miss it!
What an experience! From arriving at the office and meeting Bob I was hooked! The team is so relaxed, professional and friendly and make you feel really comfortable. Riding in a car up to the top with a vulture was an awesome experience as well!
Waiting at the top for the flight was great - watching everyone else take off, the view, everything. Damu was so awesome and made everything really relaxing. Take off was easy (this bit I was a bit nervous about as it was my first time paragliding) and then we were soaring with the most amazing views of the Annapurna range. The view went from beyond Dhaulagiri to beyond Annapurna 2 with Fishtail in the middle...brilliant.
And then...feeding Bob! Wow! I was expecting to only feed him once or twice but it was about 15 times during the flight...the view...Bob landing on your hand...just amazing!
The flight was about 30 minutes and the landing was smooth. I loved learning about the conservation of vultures and the problems that they face. It made it really special, and knowing that the flight supports conservation was even better.
Can't speak highly enough of this amazing experience. Don't miss it!
Written December 30, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt L
Sweden18 contributions
Nov 2012 • Friends
I spent 3 days at Maya Devi and the parahawking team. The accommodation was great and allowed you to see how Scott and his team care for the rescued birds they rehabilitate and use in the falconry school and parahawking. We did the falconry course first and it was a brilliant introduction for getting close to the birds before the first of two parahawking flights. Both were awesome with views of the mountains while an egyptian vulture lands on your arm in mid flight...not just once but 10-15 times. If you're going to do paragliding in Nepal, why only go paragliding when you have the option of sharing the expetience with a vulture? Great to see that the focus of this outfit is geared towards vulture conservation.
Written November 17, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
idect
Alford, UK23 contributions
Jan 2012 • Friends
If your in Pokhara & want something just a little bit different from the norm Parahawking is not to be missed!
Get in contact with Scott Mason at either
www.parahawking.com
Maya Devi Village
Himalayan Raptor Rescue
Blue Sky Paragliding
Paragliding is one experience not to be missed!
The feeling & experience of having a Raptor land on your glove & feed whilst sharing the sky with it is just breath taking as Scott or Ellie expertly fly you from Sarankot, over the hills surrounding Pokhara & Lake Fewa with Kevin or Bob.
Your in the hands of bird lovers as well as amazing paragliding pilots. Every attention to detail is taken care of to ensure your flight is one you will never forget.
We did it in January 2010 & went back the Nepal this January with more friends who said it was the most exhilarating experience they have had on any holiday.
Once you have landed take time to have a look round the Himalayan Rescue Centre next to the landing zone & have lunch or the BBQ at Maya Devi.
I also took a Falconry lesson which was expertly presented by Taylor. Great fun learning about the birds as well as exercising & feeding them too.
Get in contact with Scott Mason at either
www.parahawking.com
Maya Devi Village
Himalayan Raptor Rescue
Blue Sky Paragliding
Paragliding is one experience not to be missed!
The feeling & experience of having a Raptor land on your glove & feed whilst sharing the sky with it is just breath taking as Scott or Ellie expertly fly you from Sarankot, over the hills surrounding Pokhara & Lake Fewa with Kevin or Bob.
Your in the hands of bird lovers as well as amazing paragliding pilots. Every attention to detail is taken care of to ensure your flight is one you will never forget.
We did it in January 2010 & went back the Nepal this January with more friends who said it was the most exhilarating experience they have had on any holiday.
Once you have landed take time to have a look round the Himalayan Rescue Centre next to the landing zone & have lunch or the BBQ at Maya Devi.
I also took a Falconry lesson which was expertly presented by Taylor. Great fun learning about the birds as well as exercising & feeding them too.
Written March 13, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Izaac B
Stanwell Park, New South Wales, Australia23 contributions
Mar 2013 • Couples
This was one of the highlights of my trip this year. The parahawking experience is one of the most amazing things I have done. If you are already thinking of going paragliding in Pokhara, spend the extra money and go parahawking instead. Other operators just shove as many people as they can in the van, throw them off the hill and take your cash. The parahawking guys actually want you to have a great time and flight. Your money also does a lot more than what it would if you just paraglided. It helps with their conservation projects and educating people about the state of the birds. The service you get with booking a paragliding flight is second to none. No one else can offer you what these guys can and it is worth every cent. So don't be tight and book it!!
Written May 23, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BenThompson2012
Tokyo, Japan10 contributions
Nov 2012 • Solo
Possibly one of the coolest things I've ever done. I had a buddy that had done it a year or so prior and raved about it. Kevin, Ivan, and I had a great flight in November, 2012. I'd recommend it to anyone - an amazing experience, and educational as well. If you go, definitely opt for the optional photo/video package.
Written February 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
is it still functional ... I mean I see the website saying that the company is no longer operating in Nepal.
Written February 20, 2018
Is it closed permanently or will they start after some time?
Written August 16, 2017
Hi, We are closed permanently in Nepal. We are now operating in Spain
Written October 14, 2017
Hi I'd heard this had been forced to close but it appears from recent reviews that it's still in operation. Does anyone have any up to date information? Thanks
Written May 14, 2017
Hi Stephen, yes we were closed down by the Nepali government. we have since left Nepal and have relocated to Southern Spain. We're working on a new Parahawking project and hope to be up and running by October.
Written July 6, 2017
fofr
Brighton, United Kingdom
The website now says all parahawking activities suspended until further notice.
Does anyone know why? Or when thy may start up again?
Written March 20, 2017
Hi, Scott here from the Parahawking Project. We were closed down by the Nepali government. we have permanently relocated to southern Spain, we're working on a new project and hope to be up and running by October.
Written July 6, 2017
Not sure how much I paid, well over 120usd. Plus Tshirt and video. But there is nowhere else in the world that you can enjoy such an adventure. Not just soaring--the people of Nepal, cleanliness of Pokhara, the lake, food options...
It is a memory that I will cherish forever,
Written February 9, 2015
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