Tourism Breaking News
Nepal’s tourism capital, Pokhara, is gearing up to host its first-ever International Balloon Festival, set to take place from 24 December, 2024, to 1 January, 2025. Organised by Balloon Nepal, the event promises to coincide with the Christmas and New Year celebrations, offering a unique and vibrant attraction for both local and international tourists.
Bishnu Bhakta Dhakal, Director, Balloon Nepal, expressed enthusiasm about the festival, noting that it will contribute significantly to Pokhara’s growing reputation as a hub for adventure tourism. “Pokhara is naturally rich and beautiful, and it has been steadily emerging as a sought-after destination for adventure tourism. The balloon festival will further enhance Pokhara’s aim to establish itself as a premier adventure destination on the global map,” said Dhakal.
The festival will span a three-kilometer area from Lauruk to Chankhpur in the scenic Pame region of Pokhara. It is expected to feature around 30 professional ballooning companies from Nepal and various countries worldwide. Over the course of the week-long event, more than 500 professional balloon flights, along with an additional 300 non-commercial flights, are planned. These activities are aimed at promoting adventure tourism in the region and boosting Pokhara’s profile as a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers.
In addition to balloon rides, the festival will host a variety of side attractions. Attendees will be able to enjoy mini balloon shows, cultural performances by both national and local artists, food stalls offering a range of local and international cuisine, and other entertainment activities designed to engage visitors of all ages. Organisers are confident that this diverse array of offerings will create an immersive and unforgettable experience for participants.
Bikram Bade, Chairman, Balloon Nepal, highlighted the larger goals of the event, emphasising the potential impact it could have on Nepal’s tourism sector. “Our goal is not only to promote adventure tourism in Pokhara but also to elevate Nepal’s standing as a global tourist destination,” Bade explained. He pointed out that the festival has the potential to significantly increase the number of both domestic and foreign visitors to the region, further contributing to the country’s tourism recovery in the post-pandemic era.
The festival is seen as a timely initiative that aligns with efforts to revitalise Nepal’s tourism sector, which has been struggling to regain its pre-pandemic momentum. With an influx of international ballooning experts and adventure enthusiasts expected, the event could also provide a much-needed economic boost to local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related enterprises.
Chairman Bade expressed his optimism, stating, “This festival will not only offer an exciting new experience for tourists but also help generate more activity in Pokhara. We believe it will add a new dimension to our tourism landscape, making Pokhara a year-round destination for visitors.”
With its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse attractions, Pokhara has long been a favorite among trekkers and travelers. The introduction of this balloon festival underscores the city’s commitment to expanding its adventure tourism portfolio, ensuring that it remains a top destination for adventure seekers from around the world.
As preparations for the festival are already in full swing, tourism officials and local businesses alike are eagerly anticipating the event. It is expected to generate substantial interest from both domestic and international audiences, marking a significant milestone in Nepal’s tourism revival efforts.
The International Balloon Festival will undoubtedly offer an exciting new way for visitors to experience the stunning landscapes of Pokhara from a bird’s-eye view, making the event a must-see on the global tourism calendar for 2024.
