KATHMANDU- Balloon Nepal is set to host an international hot air balloon festival in Pokhara, aiming to elevate the city’s profile on the global stage. The festival will take place from December 29 to January 2, marking New Year 2025, according to Bikram Bade, Chairperson of Balloon Nepal.
The event will feature 20 to 25 hot air balloons from various countries, with an estimated cost of Rs 6.5 million. The festival is being organized with the support and collaboration of the Nepal Tourism Board, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Gandaki Province Government, Pokhara Metropolitan City, Nepal Civil Aviation Authority, and Pokhara Tourism Council, among others.
Pomnarayan Shrestha, Chairperson of the Pokhara Tourism Council, stated that the festival would be a historic event for Pokhara, the tourism capital of Nepal, and the entire Gandaki province.
Sabin Maharjan, the proprietor of Balloon Nepal, highlighted the unique experience of flying in a hot air balloon over Pokhara. “Participants will enjoy breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, the full expanse of Phewa Lake, Pumdikot Mahadev, paragliders soaring from Sarangkot, and the stunning scenery surrounding Pokhara Valley,” Maharjan said.
With its spectacular landscape and rich cultural heritage, Pokhara has long been a favorite destination for tourists. The upcoming hot air balloon festival promises to further enhance the city’s appeal, drawing both domestic and international visitors to experience its natural beauty from a new perspective.