Getting to the top of Sumatra is an achievement. But launching from it? That’s a dream come true.
For certified pilots and sky adventurers, walking down is optional. As the founder of Kerinci Paradise and a certified pilot, I present the ultimate Paragliding Mount Kerinci Guide.
This is not just a hike. It is the highest hike and fly Kerinci experience in the archipelago. Imagine taking off from the slopes of an active volcano and landing softly among the endless green carpet of the Kayu Aro tea plantation.
Paragliding from an active volcano in Indonesia is not something people do casually. The airspace is regulated, and permits are mandatory. Each flight must be planned in coordination with national aviation organizations to guarantee you are not confused with unauthorized flying activity.
NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) is a legal requirement that alerts aviation authorities to your flight window and coordinates. It protects you, ensures radar compatibility, and avoids airspace conflict. Without a NOTAM, flights can be grounded by authorities or considered illegal.
At Kerinci Paradise, we bridge the gap between adventure and administration. While you focus on your flight plan, our team manages the NOTAM submission to AirNav Indonesia, secures clearance from the National Park (TNKS), and handles local police permits.
This comprehensive administrative support is the foundation of our Hike and Fly Mount Kerinci program. We ensure that you arrive ready to fly, not to battle bureaucracy.
⚠️ Important Requirement: All paperwork must be started at least 14 days before arrival.
As a pilot, you need technical data, not just pretty words. Here are the launch specifics for your Paragliding Mount Kerinci Guide reference:
Option A: Tugu Yudha (~3,780m) Ideal in South to Southeast winds. The terrain is volcanic gravel, so a heat-resistant groundsheet is recommended. The window here is tight; early morning (06:30 – 08:45) is preferred for cleaner airflow before crater thermals intensify.
Option B: Shelter 3 (~3,300m) This acts as our backup launch. Launching from here reduces exposure and offers a safer option for moderate pilots. You can see the terrain of this area in our Kersik Tuo Route Guide.
You will be aiming for the Kayu Aro Tea Plantation (~1,400m). It creates a large, forgiving, and obstacle-free landing zone. Once you touch down, our retrieval vehicle—the same fleet used for our Padang to Kerinci Road Trip transfers—will be waiting to pick you up immediately.
3,805m (Summit): SE–S steady. Gusts often increase after 09:00 AM.
1,600m (LZ Approach): Light E/NE mornings. Smoothest approach.
To understand the broader weather patterns in the region before booking your flight window, we recommend reading our analysis on the Best Time to Climb Mount Kerinci.
Hike and Fly Sumatra is physically demanding. A typical rig weighs 15–20kg. On the steep slopes of Kerinci, carrying that weight jeopardizes your physical performance.
We treat you as a pilot, not a pack mule. Our dedicated porter team carries your glider bag from Pintu Rimba all the way to the launch zone, while you carry only your personal daypack with essentials. The result? You arrive at the summit fresh.
Our lead guides for these trips are not just hikers; they are trained in aviation assistance. They help with wing layout on difficult terrain and provide situational assessment. You can meet Jetz and the senior crew on our Expert Team profile.
Mount Kerinci is a guest we visit, not a peak we conquer. Our philosophy is simple: Respect, Adapt, and Respond.
We operate on a strict decision matrix. If the wind is steady, we go. If there is turbulence, we abort. Walking down with honor beats flying with ego. Even though you plan to fly, we always prepare for the “worst-case” scenario of hiking down, as outlined in our Is Mount Kerinci Safe guide.
Why 3 Days? Because weather in the tropics is fluid. A 3 Days 2 Nights itinerary gives us essential acclimatization time, which is critical for clear decision-making at 3,800m. It also provides multiple launch windows; if Day 2 morning is bad, we have Day 3 as a backup.
You are not buying a flight. You are investing in a Calculated Adventure. From aviation-grade documentation to local authority, we handle the details so you can focus on the sky.
Ready to Launch? Share your license details and equipment list with us. Let’s paint the sky above Sumatra together.
