Balloon festival in Pokhara from tomorrow

By Phadindra Adhikari, Lekhnath, Dec.23: The International Balloon Festival will be held in Pokhara, with 30 countries participating, from December 24 to January 1.  During the festival, 17 hot air balloons from 15 countries will fly in the sky of Pokhara. 

Organised by Balloon Nepal Pvt. Ltd., the nine-day event will feature nearly two dozen balloons soaring over Pokhara’s scenic Pame area, covering a 3-kilometer stretch from Lauruk to Changkpur.

Bikram Bade, president of Nepal Balloon, said that that the festival will be held in three kilometers from Lauruk to Changkhpur of Pokhara Metropolitan City-24.

Balloons that reach 9,000 feet during regular flights will only be flown up to 5,000 feet during the festival period.

According to Bade, the festival will feature 30 commercial balloon companies worldwide, including Nepal. "The festival aims to promote tourism in Pokhara and Nepal at the international level while advancing adventure tourism," said Bade.

He added that the festival is expected to attract more domestic and foreign tourists, helping to revitalize Nepal’s tourism sector post-Covid.

Visitors can enjoy 40-minute flights offering panoramic views of Pokhara Valley and the majestic peaks of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri. Sunrise and sunset views, nightly balloon glows, fireworks, balloon races, and camps will further enhance the experience.