Pokhara to host Nepal’s first International Balloon Festival

KATHMANDU: For the first time in Nepal, the International Balloon Festival will be held in Pokhara, with participation from 30 countries. The festival, organized by Nepal Balloon Pvt. Ltd., will take place from December 24, 2024, to January 1, 2025, coinciding with Christmas and the New Year.

The festival will span three kilometers, from Lauruk in Pokhara to Chankhapur in Pame. Bikram Bade, President of Nepal Balloon Pvt. Ltd., announced during the event’s launch in Kathmandu that preparations are underway for the first-ever festival of its kind in Nepal.

According to Bade, the festival will feature approximately 30 commercial balloon companies from around the world, including Nepal. “The festival aims to promote tourism in Pokhara and Nepal at the international level, while also advancing adventure tourism,” said Bade. He added that the festival is expected to increase the number of both domestic and foreign tourists, helping to revitalize Nepal’s tourism sector post-COVID-19.

Bade expressed optimism that the festival would add a new dimension to Pokhara’s tourism and boost tourism activities in the region. He emphasized that it will be instrumental in reactivating the tourism sector, which has slowed down due to the pandemic, and in attracting a new wave of domestic and foreign visitors.

Dhanraj Acharya, Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City, expressed his enthusiasm for the festival, stating that it is a welcome addition to Pokhara’s tourism calendar. He pledged his support as a protector and promoter of similar events in the city.

Gyanendra Bhul, Information Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), also shared his excitement, noting that the festival aligns with the country’s tourism interests. “All air sports adventures have started from Pokhara, and this International Balloon Festival will further promote tourism throughout Nepal,” Bhul said.

BB Dhakal, Director of Nepal Balloon Pvt. Ltd., echoed the sentiment, stating that Pokhara, rich in natural resources, has been evolving into an adventure tourism destination. “In this context, the balloon festival will help solidify Pokhara’s reputation as an adventure tourism hub,” he said.

CEO of Nepal Balloon Pvt. Ltd., Sabin Maharjan, highlighted that the primary goal of the festival is to revive the tourism sector. “The festival will not only stimulate the local economy, including hotels and restaurants, but also promote cultural exchange and strengthen diplomatic ties with various countries,” he noted. Maharjan added that the event would showcase Nepal’s culture and traditions to the world.

The concept of international balloon festivals isn’t new. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, first held in the U.S. in 1972, sees about 500 hot air balloons flying annually in New Mexico, attracting over a million tourists. Other notable festivals include the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in England, the Saga International Balloon Fiesta in Japan, the Mondial Air Balloons Event in France, and the Cappadocia International Balloon Festival in Turkey.

During the Pokhara festival, professional pilots representing different countries will fly hot air balloons daily—morning, afternoon, and evening. The festival will see around 500 commercial flights and is expected to host around 3,000 passengers, along with 300 non-commercial flights.

A mini balloon show will also be organized, with performances by renowned national and local artists. Traditional Nepali cultural exhibitions, along with displays from other countries, will be featured. Attendees can also enjoy local food stalls and various entertainment activities.

Organizers estimate that Rs. 68.3 million will be spent on the festival, which is expected to be a major boost for Pokhara’s post-pandemic tourism recovery.

Hot air balloon flights typically last around 40 minutes, offering a panoramic view of the Pokhara Valley, including the majestic snow-capped ranges of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri. In addition to the stunning sunrise and sunset views, the festival will feature night balloon glows, daily 20-minute fireworks displays, balloon races, concerts, various games, food courts, cultural dances, DJ music, and night camps.

Balloon Nepal Pvt. Ltd., established in 2016, has been operating commercial hot air balloon flights in Pokhara since 2018. The company recently participated in the “International Balloon Fiesta, 2024” held in Thailand this past February.

During the event, Chairman of the Pokhara Tourism Council, Taranath Pahari, expressed his commitment to ensuring the success of the entire Pokhara tourism festival. Other key figures, including Suman Pandey, Vice President of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, Rajendra Sapkota, President of National Tourism Commercial Union, and Bimala Bhandari, Press Registrar of Gandaki Province, also shared their optimism that the festival will promote adventure tourism not only in Pokhara but across Nepal, enhancing the country’s international tourism profile.