The Bulgarian para-pilot has been missing since Monday, according to the manager of "Pyaranova Paragliding". File photo
Kamen Kumanov, a Bulgarian para-pilot with the Leakside-based "Pyaranova Paragliding" company, has been missing since Monday.
The Himalayan Times reported on Friday that according to the company, Kumanov had left from Kasi, Sarangkot to Korchung of Machhapuchhre.
The company manager, Anildev Gharti, has announced that efforts to contact the Bulgarian have failed because his mobile phone is switched off.
Meanwhile, searches for Kumanov have begun. The Nepal Police and the Nepali Army have been informed about the missing man.
"We have been searching for the para-pilot via helicopter in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority's Pokhara office," Gharti said, adding that Kumanov had taken a 3-day leave to visit the mountains.
Sovit Baniya, secretary of the Nepal Air Sports Organization, stated that his organization has also mounted a search for the Bulgarian man in coordination with the security personnel. Baniya has also expressed belief that Kumanov is in Korchung.
Armed Police Force SP Krishna Bhakta Brahmacharya also stated that they have deployed 45 personnel to search for the Bulgarian.
Narendra Thapa, Chief of the Civil Aviation Authority's Pokhara office said that according to the rules, paragliding is allowed only in the area adjoining Sarangkot.
"Paragliding companies inform us only after accidents," he said, adding that his office has not been able to monitor the companies and their activities.
There are eight operating paragliding companies in the city of Pokhara, Nepal.