Hot air balloon flights resume in Pokhara

By Phadindra Adhikari,Lekhnath, Oct. 5: The hot air balloon flights, which were suspended due to the monsoon, have now resumed in Pokhara. Flights have started from Pame, located 

above the Lakeside.

The Chairman of Balloon Nepal, Bikram Bade, announced that flights that were halted due to the monsoon were brought back into operation this week. The balloons operate in two shifts, in the morning and evening. “Flights will be available from 5 am to 9 am and from 3 pm to 6 pm,” he said.

The company operates one balloon with the call sign 9N-AMWU, which carries eight passengers apart from the pilot and another with the call sign 9N-V, which accommodates twelve passengers apart from the pilot. 

The cost to fly in the balloon is Rs. 11,000 for Nepali citizens, $120 for tourists from SAARC countries, and $150 for visitors from other countries.

This fee includes breakfast, round-trip transportation from Lakeside to Pame, photos, videos and a certificate. There is also an option to reserve a balloon for a flight.

Adventurous tourists can enjoy the scenic views as the balloon rises above 9,000 feet. Passengers can behold stunning views of the Machhapuchhre and Annapurna mountains, as well as Phewa Lake and the surrounding beauty of Pokhara.

Currently, the company has two balloons. Pilots Cleto from Spain and Harvey Alexander from the UK are operating the hot air balloons. Balloon Nepal is hosting an International Balloon Festival in Pokhara from December 24 to January 1.