In a first for Nepal, the International Balloon Festival is set to take place in the tourism capital of Pokhara. Organized by Balloon Nepal Pvt. Ltd., the festival will be held from Poush 9 to Poush 16 (December 24-31) to mark Christmas and the English New Year, as announced at a press event today.
The festival will span a three-kilometer area from Lauruk to Chhangpur’s Pame in Pokhara. According to Bikram Bade, the chairperson of Balloon Nepal Pvt. Ltd., preparations for the event are underway.
This festival will feature participation from around 30 professional balloon companies from Nepal and across the globe. The primary aim is to promote Pokhara and Nepal as major tourist destinations internationally. Bade emphasized that the festival is expected to boost both domestic and international tourism, offering a new dimension to Pokhara’s tourism activities.
Chief of Pokhara Metropolitan City, Dhanraj Acharya, expressed his excitement about adding a new event to Pokhara’s tourism calendar and assured the municipality’s support as a patron and promoter of the festival.
Gyanendra Bhul, the Information Officer at the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, welcomed the initiative, noting that most aviation sports in Nepal originate from Pokhara, and the festival would contribute significantly to promoting Nepal’s tourism.
The festival will see 500 professional balloon flights, with a goal of flying around 3,000 people throughout the week. Additionally, there will be around 300 non-commercial flights, offering a unique experience for attendees. Participants will enjoy 40-minute balloon rides, providing breathtaking views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and the picturesque Pokhara Valley.
Aside from balloon flights, the festival will include a mini balloon show, performances by renowned national and local artists, cultural exhibitions showcasing traditional Nepali customs, and various culinary delights and entertainment activities. The event will cost an estimated NPR 68.23 million to organize.
The CEO of Balloon Nepal, Sabin Maharjan, highlighted that the primary goal of the festival is to help revive Nepal’s tourism sector, which was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Maharjan also emphasized that the festival would benefit local businesses, including hotels and restaurants while promoting Nepal’s rich culture and traditions on an international platform.
Internationally, balloon festivals such as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in the USA, Bristol International Balloon Festival in England, and similar events in Japan and Turkey have gained worldwide recognition, attracting millions of tourists.
This inaugural International Balloon Festival in Nepal is expected to put Pokhara and Nepal on the global map for adventure tourism, offering visitors an exhilarating experience and a fresh perspective on one of the world’s most scenic destinations.
