Pokhara is set to host the first-ever BYD International Balloon Festival in Nepal from Poush 9 to 17 (December 24 to 31, 2024). This major event will feature 17 hot air balloons, with participants from 15 countries, including Nepal, the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Lithuania, Thailand, Vietnam, France, the Netherlands, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Italy, Brazil, and Australia. The festival is being organized by Balloon Nepal Pvt. Ltd. in collaboration with the Pokhara Tourism Council.
The preparations for the event are in the final stages, and the festival will be held along a 3-kilometer stretch from Laurok to Chankhpur in Pokhara-24. Hot air balloons will operate every day during sunrise and sunset, with flights reaching up to 5,000 feet during the festival (as opposed to the usual 9,000 feet). Flight durations will range from 30 to 40 minutes, offering spectacular views of the Machapuchre, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, Pokhara Valley, Fewa Lake, and the beautiful sunrise and sunset landscapes.
The event is designed to promote tourism through adventure sports, coinciding with Christmas and the English New Year celebrations. Taranath Pahari, the festival coordinator and president of the Pokhara Tourism Council, stated that the event aims to enhance Pokhara’s reputation as an adventure sports destination.
Participants will include hot air balloon pilots from both Nepal and abroad, with foreign pilots bringing their own balloons to Pokhara. Alongside the 17 balloons, there will be cultural performances, food stalls, and various games throughout the festival. Notable performers include Deepak Bajracharya, Raju Lama, Elina Chauhan, Kumar Sagar, Kavita Nepali, and Cartoon Cruz, among others. Additionally, traditional dances such as the Kumari and Vajrayogini dances from Kathmandu will be part of the cultural lineup.
From Poush 9 to 11, the festival will feature musical performances by various bands, while from Poush 12 to 16, hot air balloon flights and cultural programs will take place. On Poush 17 (English New Year’s Eve), the event will conclude with a musical performance by artist Kumar Sagar, followed by fireworks and DJ music in the balloons.
For transportation to the festival venue, a free shuttle bus service will be available from Dihikopatan to the event location. The festival will also feature a range of food stalls and other attractions.
The event is supported by several organizations, including Pokhara Metropolitan City, Nepal Tourism Board Gandaki Province, and the Ministry of Industry and Tourism Gandaki Province. The festival’s main sponsor is BYD, the electric vehicle manufacturer, with CruiseMatic Entertainment acting as the event’s main event manager.
Bikram Wade, president of Balloon Nepal Pvt. Ltd., explained that Pokhara was chosen as the location due to its favorable weather, stunning views, easy transportation access, and robust tourist infrastructure. He emphasized that the festival would contribute to the promotion of both Nepal’s tourism and the hot air balloon industry, with plans to make it an annual event.
As part of the safety measures, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) restricting other aerial activities in the area during the festival, including paragliding, ultralight flights, and helicopter operations, ensuring a safe environment for the hot air balloon flights.
The hot air balloon flights will also contribute to attracting both domestic and international tourists, playing a significant role in Nepal’s tourism promotion. The event will further solidify Pokhara’s standing as an international adventure tourism destination.
Pokhara has been hosting commercial hot air balloon flights since 2018, and this festival will showcase the region’s growing reputation in the global hot air balloon industry. The festival is expected to draw significant attention and contribute to Nepal’s tourism growth.
