Paragliding in the Himalayas with John Silvester. Photo: Jody MacDonald
What’s it like to go paragliding in the Himalayas with high-altitude legend John Silvester? American journalist Thayer Walker took it on as an editorial assignment and came back with quite a story.
Staged during the season of despair in Bir in October 2009 when several pilots crashed badly, two died and the government stepped in and closed paragliding down, Thayer’s description of both the flying and the bureaucracy make excellent reading for both the initiated and the prospective Himalayan pilot.
If you’re thinking of going to the Himalayas, or even taking a guided trip with John, read this first so you know what an adventure you’re going to have.
The story was first published in Outside Magazine in June 2010, and is reproduced here with the kind permission of Thayer.
Read Thayer Walker’s story of paragliding in the Himalayas with John Silvester (pdf)
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