With Nepal’s snowy Himalayan peaks as a backdrop, the skies above Pokhara transformed into a vibrant canvas of color for the country’s first hot air balloon festival.
Tourism is a major earner for Nepal, which saw more than a million foreign visitors this year after a post-pandemic bounceback, and investments are being made in hotels and airports to cater for travelers.
“We felt that we should bring a balloon festival like this to Nepal,” said Sabin Maharjan, the organizer of the event.
Hot air balloons from more than 10 countries participated in the festival.
“A ride here can be very exciting as you can see mountains, hills and lakes,” added Maharjan. “All travelers tell us they are very happy – a festival like this will boost our tourism.”
The balloons created a mesmerizing display against the stunning view of the snow-capped Annapurna range.
“It’s fantastic,” said American balloon pilot Derek Hamcock, 67. “As soon as you go over the small range here you can see all the Himalayas. Incredible, every time you see them it’s incredible.”
“You never know where you’re going,” said balloon pilot Diego Credo del Rey, 29, from Spain. “So it’s very much you and nature – not fighting, but living together. You go where nature tells you.”
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal issued a notice to allow balloon flights for a nine-day period in the skies over Pokhara.
