POKHARA, July 30: Nepali paragliding pilot Sanobabu Sunuwar has become the first person to conduct tandem flight from the summit of Mt Elbrus (5642 meters) - the tallest peak in Europe. He achieved the feat on Wednesday morning.

Talking to Republica over phone from Russia after his record-setting flight, Sunuwar said he flew from the summit with Russian woman Natalia Safonova. “We have finally conducted successful paragliding flight from the most difficult mountain in the world,” Sunuwar said, adding that he had to wait for several days for favorable weather.

Sunuwar told Republica that he has plans to glide from the tallest peak of all seven continents.

“We waited for five days at a camp situated at 3800 meters. We had to retreat once due to bad weather,” he added.

He also said Russian Mountaineering Association invited him to fly from the top of Elbrus in recognition his successful paragliding flight from the summit of Mt Everest.

“The weather in Elbrus was changing quickly. But I took the risk and became successful in operating the flight. This is a historic achievement for me,” added Sunuwar.

Sunuwar along with compatriot Lakpa Tsheri Sherpa were recognized People's Choice Adventurers of the Year by National Geography in 2012 in recognition of their successful Summit to Sea expedition.

 
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• first person to conduct tandem flight
 
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