By Tara Chapagain
Pokhara, Nov. 23: Nischal Rijal of Thapathali, Kathmandu, who came to Pokhara for ultralight flight, said that everyone should enjoy ultralight flight in Pokhara once in their life.
Rijal said that he knew the real beauty of Pokhara when he looked it from the sky during ultralight flight.
"I arrived here yesterday evening and I am returning to Kathmandu today after enjoying the ultralight flight. At the beginning, when I started flying, I experienced some fear and later I became very happy to see Pokhara from above. "Wow! How beautiful Pokhara is,” he said. "I wished my house was in Pokhara."
Like Rijal, everyone who enjoys ultralight aviation in Pokhara can’t stay without admiring the beauty of Pokhara.
The adventure sport 'Ultralight' has come into operation giving 50 per cent discount in fare to revive tourism in Pokhara.
Director of Pokhara Ultralight Pom Narayan Shrestha informed that the adventure sport, which was closed for eight months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was brought into operation a few days ago. “We have tried to make the domestic tourists mobile; it is believed that it will add bricks to tourism,” Shrestha said.
He said that ultralight flight, which used to charge Rs. 9,000, is now offering flight services at Rs. 5,500. “About 50 per cent discount has been provided, emphasis has been given to domestic tourists, some students from Kathmandu and many from Pokhara have come in large numbers,” he said.
Earlier, more foreigners used to come than the locals because of the high fees, but now the concessions have been given to the locals without the aim of making profit, said Shrestha. He suggested interested people to have the experience while the special discounts have been offered in ultralight flight service.
"It's completely safe, everyone interested can experience it, so while a special discount is offered, I urge Pokhreli people to enjoy the ultralight flight being operated at their doorstep," he said.
According to Shrestha, there are four ultralight companies in Pokhara. Before the COVID-19 epidemic, 15 to 20 people used to fly on a daily basis, but now only five to six people are flying a day. He said that one could fly for 15 minutes.
The ultralight flight that starts from Pokhara Airport soars in the sky of Pokhara offering a spectacle of the beautiful Himalayas, Sarangkot, Phewa Lake, Stupa and other scenic views of Pokhara, said Shrestha.