Eagle's Nest

Eagle's Nest, high in northern Pakistan, is one of the most demanding — and most rewarding — sites in the region: a step off launch after inflation can put a pilot 100 metres up within seconds, and the site genuinely requires a high level of skill to fly safely. Conditions here run strong, with powerful thermals off surrounding rocky mountains that rise past 6,000 metres, well above the roughly 2,700-metre launch itself. It isn't a novelty either — this is the site where Dutch pilot Leroy Westercamp set the world altitude-gain record in June 2006, which gives a sense of just how much lift is on offer for pilots who can handle it. Access is only by 4x4 up to the Eagle's Nest Hotel, with a small local fee covering the drop-off and pickup from the landing area. Flying here needs prior permission arranged through Pakistan's national free-flying authority. Given the strength of the thermals and the scale of the terrain, this is a site for experienced pilots only — not a place to build skills, but one to bring them to.

Launch & conditions

Launch sits at roughly 2,700 metres with surrounding ridgelines rising past 6,000 metres; strong thermals lift pilots quickly, and the site demands a high level of flying skill.

Getting there & local rules

Only reachable by 4x4 vehicle up to the Eagle's Nest Hotel; a small local fee covers drop-off and pickup from the landing area.

Local rules & hazards

Flying requires prior permission arranged through Pakistan's national free-flying authority. Conditions are consistently strong, with powerful thermal and ridge lift off the surrounding rocky mountains — fly here only once you can handle strong, technical air.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Eagle's Nest, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Eagle's Nest with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.