Memories
October 2023 in Pictures
🪂 Inaugural Edition · October 2023
Where it all began. A look back at the first Shimla Flying Festival — the event that put Junga's skies on the paragliding map of India.
In October 2023, The Glide Inn hosted the very first edition of the Shimla Flying Festival — an event that quickly became one of the most talked-about paragliding gatherings in northern India.
Set against the golden autumn colours of the Himalayan valley, with the crisp October air creating ideal thermal conditions, the inaugural festival drew pilots and adventure enthusiasts from across Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and beyond.
The vision was simple: create a world-class paragliding experience on our doorstep, celebrate the freedom of flight, and put the Junga flying site firmly on the map for Indian and international pilots alike.
What followed was three days of breathtaking flights, warm mountain hospitality, unforgettable bonfires, and the birth of a tradition that has continued to grow every year.
"The Shimla Flying Festival was born out of a desire to share the magic of Junga's skies with the world. The response in October 2023 was beyond everything we had hoped for — and proved that adventure tourism in Himachal Pradesh is ready for its next chapter."
— Arun Rawat, Founder, The Glide Inn
Pilots competed in accuracy landing and distance flying categories. The Junga site's natural thermals created ideal conditions for extended flights over the valley.
Tree-top adventure, zorbing, reverse bungee, and waterfall treks kept non-flying attendees and families entertained throughout the festival.
Every evening ended with a bonfire, live Himachali folk music, local cuisine, and stories shared between pilots and guests from across India.
Participants stayed in our cottages and forest tents on the 5-acre property, waking up to mountain air and panoramic Himalayan views each morning.
On the final day, winners were recognised across categories, with trophies and certificates awarded in a memorable closing ceremony at the summit.
The festival received coverage in regional and national adventure media, drawing attention to The Glide Inn as a premier adventure destination in northern India.