Paragliding in Uzungöl: Your Pre-Flight Guide

Most visitors to Uzungöl admire the lake from the shore, a tea garden or the viewpoints on the hillsides. But the most breathtaking way to see the lake, the surrounding spruce forests and the Haldizen Stream valley from above is paragliding in Uzungöl. You don't need any paragliding experience for a tandem flight with an experienced pilot. A short briefing, suitable clothing and clear weather are all it takes.

In this guide, we walk you through the flight step by step and cover the best months and times to fly, who can fly and what to bring. Most importantly, we show you how to fit the flight comfortably into the same day as an Uzungöl trip.

What Is Paragliding in Uzungöl Like?

Tandem paragliding flight over the Uzungöl valley

Flights in Uzungöl are tandem: you fly under the same wing in a seated position, with the pilot behind you and you in front. Steering the wing, reading the wind and landing are the pilot's job. All you have to do is run a few steps at takeoff and enjoy the view.

Takeoff is from a spot set by the operator on the slopes above the lake, and landing takes place in a designated area around the lake. How long you stay in the air depends on the wind and weather conditions. Throughout the flight, the lake, the mosque and wooden houses on the shore, the highland homes dotted across the slopes and the forests on both sides of the valley all fit into a single frame. No viewpoint on the ground offers this perspective.

The flight, step by step

• Getting to the takeoff point: The team drives guests up to the takeoff area.
• Equipment: You are fitted with a harness and helmet, and the pilot checks all connections.
• Briefing: In just a few minutes, you learn how to run at takeoff, how to sit in the air and what to do on landing.
• Takeoff: On the pilot's command, you run a few steps down the slope and the wing gently lifts you off the ground.
• Flight and landing: Enjoy the view. When landing, stretch your legs forward and let the pilot take care of the rest.

What Is the Best Season and Time to Fly?

Uzungöl in autumn: clear mornings are ideal for flying — Photo: Robot8A, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Paragliding flights in Uzungöl depend entirely on the weather. Because the valley is narrow and high, clouds and fog can roll in and out quickly. Here is a quick look at each season:

• June–August: The busiest season. The scenery is lush and green, but clouds often settle into the valley in the afternoon. Mornings and late mornings are usually clearer.
• September–October: The crowds thin out and the forest turns shades of yellow and red. Clear mornings are perfect for photography. It's cool at altitude, so a warm layer is a must.
• April–May: The months when nature awakens and the waterfalls are at their fullest. The chance of rain is higher, so keep your plans flexible.
• Winter: Seeing the snow-covered valley from the air is spectacular, but flights only run when the weather allows and the schedule may be more limited. Ask about current conditions in advance for winter months.

Local tip: In Uzungöl, weather that looks clear in the morning can close in by midday. Scheduling your flight in the first half of the day lowers the risk of cancellation and gives you a clearer view. If the pilot decides the wind or visibility isn't right, the flight is postponed. This is a safety decision and should not be up for debate.

Who Can Fly? Age, Weight and Health

A tandem flight requires no experience or special fitness. That said, operators set age and weight limits for safety reasons, and children need parental consent and must be accompanied. These limits can change from time to time, so be sure to check the current requirements when booking.

We recommend consulting your doctor before flying if any of the following apply:

• Pregnancy
• Heart conditions or uncontrolled blood pressure
• Recent surgery
• Knee, back or ankle problems that would make running at takeoff and landing difficult

Many guests who are afraid of heights say the flight felt far calmer than they expected. Once your feet leave the ground, what you feel isn't falling but a slow, steady glide. Still, if you're unsure, talk to the pilot before the flight. Simply let them know you'd like a gentle flight.

Pre-Flight Preparation: What to Wear and What to Bring

Uzungöl sits at around 1,100 metres above sea level, and the takeoff point is even higher. A light T-shirt may be enough on the lakeshore, but up in the air the wind makes it noticeably cooler.

• Closed, non-slip shoes: Trainers are ideal. You may not be allowed to fly in flip-flops or sandals.
• A windproof jacket: Bring one even in summer.
• Long trousers: More comfortable with the harness and on landing.
• Sunglasses: Choose a snug-fitting pair.
• Phone: Keep it in a zipped pocket or a case with a strap. Many pilots offer the option of recording your flight on camera. This service may cost extra, so ask when booking.

Common mistakes

• Leaving the flight until the afternoon: The risk of cloud increases, and there's no time left if the flight is postponed.
• Squeezing the flight in right before you head back: Allow for possible weather delays and leave at least an hour of flexibility in your schedule.
• Flying right after a heavy meal: A light breakfast is enough. If you have a sensitive stomach, tell the pilot you don't want any manoeuvres.
• Stopping at takeoff: When the pilot says "run", keep running until the wing lifts you up. Sitting down halfway delays the takeoff.

Tips for Aerial Photos and Videos

The most shared part of the flight is the shots of the lake from above. A few simple rules will help you come home with much better footage.

• Keep your phone in your pocket at takeoff: Your hands should be free while running. Start filming once the wing has opened and you're stable.
• Secure your phone with a strap: A phone dropped mid-air is almost impossible to recover.
• Keep the sun behind you: In the morning, there's less glare on the lake and the greens look more vivid.
• Move slowly when filming: Instead of swinging the camera around quickly, do a slow pan from the lake towards the highlands.
• Use the pilot's camera: If you don't want to bother filming yourself, request the recording service when booking and simply enjoy the moment.

After your flight, head up to the viewpoints around the lake and photograph the same scenery from the ground. Placing your aerial and ground-level shots side by side makes for a wonderful keepsake.

What Else Is There to Do in Uzungöl Besides Paragliding?

The flight takes up a few hours, and you can fill the rest of the day with everything else Uzungöl has to offer. For a detailed list, take a look at our guide to places to visit in Uzungöl.

• A walk around the lake: The path circling the lake is the perfect way to get to know, from the ground, the scenery you just saw from the air.
• Highland excursion: Highlands such as Demirkapı, Karester and Haldizen lie just above Uzungöl. We cover them in our Uzungöl highlands guide.
• Swing and ATV: The lake-view swing is a calmer alternative for family members who'd rather not fly.
• Photography: The viewpoints overlooking the lake are a great complement for comparing with your aerial shots.
• Local flavours and shopping: Trout, mıhlama, butter, honey and highland products are among Uzungöl's most popular treats.
• Tea gardens: A hot tea at a table overlooking the lake is the perfect way to round off your flight, especially on cool autumn days.

Combining Paragliding with an Uzungöl Tour on the Same Day

If you want to fly in Uzungöl as well as explore the lake and highlands, the easiest option is our Uzungöl Tour departing from Trabzon. No need to worry about the drive, parking or timing. You travel with a guide and full insurance, and we arrange your flight time in advance. You can book your paragliding flight together with your tour.

• Group tour: The more affordable option. You spend your free time at the lake on the flight, and we schedule it around the tour itinerary, subject to availability.
• Private tour: Set off whenever you like with a private vehicle and driver for your family or group of friends. A private tour makes it much easier to book your flight in the clear morning hours and leave room for weather delays.

Sample itinerary (private tour)

• Early morning pick-up from your hotel in Trabzon
• Arrival in Uzungöl and a late-morning paragliding flight
• A walk around the lake and lunch
• Optional highland excursion, swing or tea break
• Late afternoon return to Trabzon

If you're staying in Trabzon for a few days, you can spend the following days on the Sümela Tour and the Hıdırnebi Tour with its views above the clouds. For more ideas around the city, check out our article on the 15 best things to do in Trabzon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book paragliding in Uzungöl in advance?

Booking in advance is recommended during the summer months and public holidays. Just send us your date and the number of people on WhatsApp. We'll confirm availability and add the flight to your tour itinerary.

Can I fly on the same day as the Uzungöl Tour?

Yes. On the group tour, you can use your free time for the flight, while on the private tour we can schedule it at the best time of day. The private tour offers more flexibility in case of weather delays.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The pilot makes the call. If the wind, fog or rain aren't suitable, the flight is postponed or cancelled. We clearly explain the postponement and refund terms when you book.

What is included in the flight price?

The pilot, equipment and transfer to the takeoff point are usually included, while video and photo recording may cost extra. We quote the current price and inclusions together with your tour package.

Can you arrange a private tour for our family or group?

Yes. We can plan an Uzungöl trip with a private vehicle and driver, departing whenever you like, and fit paragliding, a highland excursion and a meal break into the same day.

Conclusion

Paragliding in Uzungöl is an activity that requires no experience and lets you take in not just the lake but the entire valley at once. Book your flight in the morning, come with a windproof layer and closed shoes, and leave a little flexibility in your schedule for the weather. Leave the transport, timing and booking to us, and all that's left for you is to enjoy the sky.