Shelar (Kamshet)

Named after the local farmer and site keeper, Shelar, this is by far the most popular and consistent site in the area. Perched on a ledge only 80m above the LZ and backed by towering basalt cliffs, the site’s potential can easily be overlooked.

The L shaped, 1 km long ridge scoops wind and thermals to create a reliable lift band that will easily carry you 200-600m above launch. 40m to the north of the main launch, there’s a NW facing launch. This launch is somewhat grabby so make sure your lines are clear before inflating.

Flights of two hours or more are not unheard of for novice pilots. The lift can be found 1/2 km or more out. Late in the evening, the brown fields (dry rice paddies) release the day’s heat and the air is bouyant everwhere (restitution). On full moon nights, it is possible to soar into the night.

On a normal day, pilots turn right after launch to catch lift over a dry waterfall just beyond the tree below launch. With 100m above launch, you turn left (south) and fly 500m downwind to the house thermal located outside the corner where the main ridge and a perpedicular spine meet (L). This is where the most consistent lift is found. It is advised to monitor your penetration regularly to make sure you are clear of the compression area and not in danger of drifting over the back.

Vultures nest in the cliffs towering above lauch and will often share the lift with you or mark your next thermal.

The LZ area is open. There are no power lines. Despite the strong wind aloft, it’s common to encounter a considerable wind gradient late in the evening. The ‘designated’ LZ , just in front of launch, is down-sloping. An easier, flat field, can be found 150m to the south ( left) where the local schools practice ground handling. In short, you can land almost anywhere safely.

The kids from the local village are happy to carry your glider up the hill for 10Rs. The same tip goes for carrying a glider to/from the car to the LZ or for packing a glider. The payment is done at the end of the day prior to leaving the site.

XC...It is possible to fly back to the house (lake) bucking headwinds. You will need approx. 1350m MSL to make it to Melissa’s house on a modern DHV 1-2 glider. Head for the mango tree on the lake shore - visible from a distance. The best time to head out is an hour before sunset when the wind subsides and the air is bouyant. The safest landing is at Raikar Farm. Two minutes walk from the Guesthouse.

Downwind XC potential is unlimited. Make sure you are acquainted with restricted military areas and airspace and discuss retrieve options before heading out.

The Shelar site is used by local schools and can be crowded on weekends. For the same reason, this is the best time to enter the local flying scene if you have just arrived.

For other flying sites around Kamshet, please check the flying site database www.paragliding365.com. We try to keep all information there up to date. Paragliding365 is a data base, where anybody can adopt a flying site and add content. Please make use of it and add missing flying sites, if you know any.