Paragliding with an instructor at the Chegem paragliding site in winter

The usual mountain-valley breeze that allows us to fly and gain altitude from the very bottom of the valley is simply absent during this time of year, so we’re changing our flight plan. First, we’ll drive up to the highest launch site—2,400 meters above sea level (Mount Bulka)—in an off-road vehicle or a truck. The drive itself is a fascinating off-road adventure lasting about 40 minutes. Then we take off and fly over the mountains of the Chegem Gorge. The flight lasts 15+ minutes. Free shuttle service is available for pilots from Pyatigorsk and Nalchik.