Pokhara to host international balloon festival

Pokhara is set to host the BYD International Balloon Festival. The festival, organized by Balloon Nepal Pvt Ltd, will run from 24 Dec 2024 to 1 Jan 2025, in the picturesque Pame area of Pokhara. Nearly two dozen balloons will grace the skies, marking a major milestone in the country’s post-pandemic tourism revival.

The nine-day event will feature flights covering a three-kilometer stretch from Lauruk to Changkpur, offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri ranges, as well as the Pokhara Valley. International participation from countries including the USA, UK, Spain, Japan, and Brazil underscores the event’s global appeal.

The festival will include vibrant attractions like balloon glows, fireworks, races, and night camps. Renowned Nepali artists, such as Deepak Bajracharya, Raju Lama, and Alina Chauhan, will perform daily, amplifying the festive atmosphere.

Promotional support comes from the Nepal Tourism Board, Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), and Pokhara Metropolitan City. Brand ambassadors Rajesh Hamal and Priyanka Karki will further boost the event’s visibility.

The festival draws inspiration from globally celebrated events like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in the USA and the Cappadocia International Balloon Festival in Turkey. With Balloon Nepal’s growing global presence, including participation in Thailand’s International Balloon Fiesta earlier this year, the event is poised to solidify Pokhara’s status as a hub for adventure tourism.