The Himalayan Open Paragliding Championship, 2010 is set to begin on Thursday. Many paragliding enthusiasts from around the globe gather in India’s Bir Billing valley. With its unique features, paragliding around this time of the year can potentially bring out the best in competitors.

India’s mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh is hosting the Himalayan Open Paragliding Championship 2010 in Bir Billing on Thursday.

This competition will feature daredevil paragliding.

[RS Gupta, Deputy Commissioner, Kangra Administration]:
"For paragliding Bir Billing is the best area available in this whole zone and I think all will enjoy the event.”

The sport came to Himachal Pradesh in 1995, but it wasn’t until last year that the state decided to regularize the sport.

A warm thermal current from April until the middle of November make the region ideal for paragliding.

[Harry, Free Flyer (Canada)]:
"This is a wonderful place and very good conditions, beautiful weather and scenery.”

With its panorama of temples, rivers and barren mountain peaks, Himachal Pradesh is fast emerging as a favorite destination for adventure sports.