A paragliding flight over the Caucasus is one of the most memorable experiences Georgia offers. The most popular place is Gudauri, a ski resort on the Georgian Military Road. Here you can take to the sky in tandem with an experienced pilot without any training and see snowy peaks, the deep Aragvi gorge and the famous Friendship Monument from above. Here's how it works.

Why Gudauri

  • Altitude and terrain. The resort sits at about 2,200 m, and take-off points are higher still on the slopes above the gorge. The height difference makes for long, scenic flights.
  • Reliable thermals. Sunny slopes heat up well and generate rising air.
  • Infrastructure. Plenty of clubs and pilots, plus lifts and roads to launch sites.
  • Views. The Aragvi gorge (often called the Devil's Valley), mountain ridges, green meadows in summer and snowy slopes in winter.

Season

You can fly in Gudauri almost year-round:

  • Summer season (roughly May–October) — the most popular, with green mountains, warm air and good thermals.
  • Winter season (December–March) — flights over snowy slopes, often launching from the ski runs and landing near the lifts. Beautiful but cold — dress warmly.
  • Shoulder seasons — flights are possible but the weather is less stable.

Flights depend on the weather: strong wind, rain, thunderstorms or low cloud mean postponement. Build in a spare day.

How a flight works

  1. Meet the pilot, usually in central Gudauri or at a lift.
  2. Go up to the launch by 4x4 or chairlift.
  3. Briefing — 5–10 minutes on how to run at take-off and sit in the harness.
  4. Gear up — helmet and harness, clipped to the pilot.
  5. Take-off — a few running steps down the slope and you're airborne.
  6. The flight — usually 10–25 minutes, depending on the package and conditions. Optional "acro" turns and spirals.
  7. Landing — gentle, on a prepared field. The pilot will tell you when to lift your legs or stand.

Cost

Prices vary by season, flight length and club. As a rough guide, a tandem flight costs a few hundred lari. Extras often include:

  • photos and video from a GoPro (often charged separately);
  • a longer flight;
  • a transfer from Tbilisi.

Check exactly what's included before paying.

Requirements

  • Age — children fly with parental consent; clubs set the minimum age.
  • Weight — typically from about 20–25 kg up to 100–110 kg. Check in advance.
  • Health — contraindications include serious heart or spine problems, epilepsy and pregnancy. If in doubt, consult a doctor.
  • Alcohol — no flying under the influence.

Choosing a pilot and club

  • The pilot should hold a tandem licence/certificate and have flying experience.
  • Ask about insurance — does it cover the passenger?
  • Check reviews online and on maps.
  • Look at the equipment — it should be well maintained: a sound helmet, intact harness and reserve parachute.
  • Good pilots cancel flights in bad weather, even if you insist. That's professionalism, not a reason to be upset.

What to wear

In summer:

  • long-sleeved sportswear and trousers;
  • closed shoes with good soles (trainers or hiking boots) — no sandals;
  • sunglasses;
  • a light jacket — it's cooler up high.

In winter:

  • a ski suit or warm windproof clothing;
  • gloves, a hat that fits under the helmet and a scarf or buff;
  • ski goggles.

Insurance

Make sure your travel policy covers extreme sports, including paragliding. Standard policies often exclude them.

Combining it with your trip

Gudauri is on the Georgian Military Road, about 2 hours from Tbilisi. A flight fits easily into a trip to Kazbegi:

  • morning — Ananuri and Zhinvali;
  • midday — a flight in Gudauri;
  • evening — Stepantsminda and Gergeti.

Many day tours from Tbilisi offer a stop in Gudauri for those who want to fly.

Other places to fly

Besides Gudauri, flights are sometimes offered in other mountain areas of Georgia, including around Kazbegi and Svaneti. But Gudauri is the most developed and accessible spot, with the most pilots.

In short

A tandem paragliding flight in Gudauri means 10–25 minutes above the Caucasus with views of the Aragvi gorge and snowy peaks. No training is needed, and you can fly in both summer and winter. Choose a certified pilot with good reviews, check your insurance, wear closed shoes and be ready to reschedule for the weather. It's an experience you'll be talking about for years.