The inaugural BYD International Hot Air Balloon Festival is set to take place in Pokhara, Nepal, starting December 24, 2024. Organized by Balloon Nepal Pvt Ltd, the festival will be held in the scenic Pame region, spanning a three-kilometer radius from Lauruk to Changkhapur. Featuring professional balloon companies from 20 nations, including Nepal, the festival aims to celebrate Christmas and the English New Year, running until January 1, 2025.
According to Robert Wick, the festival’s international coordinator, the event will include daily hot air balloon flights piloted by professionals from countries such as the United States, Spain, Lithuania, Thailand, and Vietnam. Around 500 commercial flights are planned, expected to carry approximately 3,000 passengers, alongside 300 non-commercial flights. The highlight of the festival will be panoramic views of Pokhara Valley and the Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri ranges during the 40-minute balloon rides.
In addition to balloon flights, the festival will feature a vibrant lineup of activities, including musical performances by renowned Nepali artists like Deepak Bajracharya & Team, Raju Lama & Mongolian Heart, Alina Chauhan, Kuma Sagar & Band, and local Pokhara-based bands. Cultural displays will showcase traditional Nepali culture alongside international exhibits. Visitors can enjoy food stalls, games, fairs, and night camps, while daily 20-minute fireworks displays, balloon races, DJ music, and night balloon glows promise added excitement.
Established in 2073 BS, Balloon Nepal Pvt Ltd has been operating commercial hot air balloon flights in Pokhara since 2075 BS. The company gained international exposure by participating in the “International Balloon Fiesta, 2024,” held in Thailand earlier this year. Festival coordinator and managing director of Balloon Nepal, Sabin Maharjan, expressed enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing its potential to create a thrilling and culturally enriching experience for visitors.
