With five years of solo paragliding experience behind her and a tandem flying license in her pocket, Pratibha Bogati, 28, recently entered the paragliding business in Pokhara and she has attracted many tourist clients.
Bogati is the first female tandem pilot in Nepal.
"To become a tandem pilot, a person has to complete 2,000 hours of flying time but over the years I have already completed 5,000 hours," said Bogati.
Talking to Republica, Bogati said her success clearly shows the audacity and capability of Nepali women even in something like adventure sport.
"My presence in this field is an indication that women also can glide in the air and experience the excitement to the fullest," she said.
According to Bogati, most female tourists, both local and foreign, want a female tandem pilot.
All the other tandem pilots in Pokhara are men.
Bogati is doing at least four flights a day. "During the tourist season, I can manage five to six flights but for now I have limited my flights to four and I am satisfied with that," she said.
Taking up paragliding to become a tandem pilot does not come cheap and Bogati has already invested Rs 3 million in training and practice.
"In the five years of my learning phase, I had to buy three gliders, which are very expensive. But I am confident that I will recover all my expenses gradually," she added.
With word about Bogati spreading, the numbers of female tourists seeking her out is growing. "I guess it´s for the feeling of security that many women look for me if they want to try paragliding. And my friendly nature helps them open up with me," she said.
Recalling past days, Bogati said her parents had opposed her paragliding ambitions because of the risk factor.
Commenting on Bogati´s success, chief of Nepal Airsport Association (NAA) Rajesh Bomjan said she is an inspiration for all women who are enthusiastic about paragliding.
"To have a bold woman like Bogati as a tandem pilot is a matter of pride for us and I believe more women like her will step up in the days to come," he said.
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