The Ladakh Aero Festival and Pre-Paragliding Accuracy World Cup, held at an altitude of 14,400 feet, officially kicked off with great enthusiasm on August 25 in Sakti. Running until August 28, the festival aims to position Ladakh as a global hub for aero sports enthusiasts. Ladakh's recognition as the world's highest eco-friendly paragliding site was prominently highlighted, alongside its offering of a diverse range of adventure activities including paragliding, rafting, bungee jumping, zip-lining, mountain biking, trekking, and wildlife tours.

The festival was inaugurated by CEC Tashi Gyalson. This five-day event, which began with registration on August 24, is set to be a groundbreaking celebration of aero sports and adventure. The competition features 45 pilots across three categories: Overall Men, Overall Women, and Overall Team. Winners in each category will receive gold, silver, and bronze medals, along with cash prizes. Ten teams are competing in the team category.

In his address, CEC Tashi Gyalson emphasized the historic significance of this event, despite its initial scale. He underscored the potential for Ladakh to emerge as a premier destination for adventure tourism and hinted at future expansions, including local paragliding accuracy competitions. CEC Gyalson also stressed the need for increased investment in adventure activities to promote rural tourism.

Chief Judge Raju Rai from Sikkim commended the efforts of the UT administration and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) for making the event possible, extending his sincere gratitude. He expressed confidence in the exponential growth of paragliding in Ladakh and announced that all participants would receive FAI awards.

The event also featured the launch of official festival T-shirts, symbolizing the spirit and energy of the festival.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Mahavir Chakra recipient Col. Sonam Wangchuk, Former CEC Gyal Wangyal, Councillor Sakti Tsering Rigzin, SDM Sonam Dorjey, AD Tourism Fesal Iqbal Tantray, and personnel from the Indian Air Force.