The International Balloon Festival will be held in Pokhara, with 30 countries participating. Nepal Balloon Pvt Ltd will organise the festival from December 24 to January 1, coinciding with Christmas and the New Year.

The festival will cover a stretch of three kilometres, from Lauruk in Pokhara to Chankhapur in Pame.

Bikram Bade, president of Nepal Balloon, said that preparations are underway for the first-ever festival of its kind in Nepal.

According to Bade, the festival will feature 30 commercial balloon companies from around the world, including Nepal. "The festival aims to promote tourism in Pokhara and Nepal at the international level, while also advancing adventure tourism," said Bade.

He added that the festival is expected to attract more domestic and foreign tourists, helping to revitalise Nepal’s tourism sector post-Covid.

Bade expressed optimism that the festival would add a new dimension to Pokhara's tourism and boost tourism activities in the region. He emphasised that the event will be instrumental in reactivating the tourism sector, which has slowed down due to the pandemic, and in attracting a new wave of domestic and foreign visitors.

Dhanraj Acharya, mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City, expressed his enthusiasm for the festival, stating that it is a welcome addition to Pokhara’s tourism calendar.

He pledged his support as a protector and promoter of similar events in the city.

BB Dhakal, director of Nepal Balloon, said Pokhara, rich in natural resources, has been evolving into an adventure tourism destination. "In this context, the balloon festival will help solidify Pokhara's reputation as an adventure tourism hub.”

The concept of international balloon festivals isn't new. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, first held in the US in 1972, sees about 500 hot air balloons flying annually in New Mexico, attracting over a million tourists. Other notable festivals include the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in England, the Saga International Balloon Fiesta in Japan, the Mondial Air Balloons Event in France, and the Cappadocia International Balloon Festival in Turkey.

During the Pokhara festival, professional pilots representing different countries will fly hot air balloons daily—in the morning, afternoon, and the evening. The festival will see around 500 commercial flights and is expected to host around 3,000 passengers, along with 300 non-commercial flights.

The organiser said a mini balloon show will also be organised, with performances by renowned national and local artists. Traditional Nepali cultural exhibitions and displays from other countries will be featured. Attendees can also enjoy local food stalls and various entertainment activities.

The organisers estimate that Rs68.3 million will be spent on the festival, which is expected to boost Pokhara's post-pandemic tourism recovery.

Hot air balloon flights typically last around 40 minutes, offering a panoramic view of the Pokhara valley, including the majestic snow-capped ranges of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri. In addition to the stunning sunrise and sunset views, the festival will feature night balloon glows, daily 20-minute fireworks displays, balloon races, concerts, various games, food courts, cultural dances, DJ music, and night camps.

Balloon Nepal, established in 2016, has been operating commercial hot air balloon flights in Pokhara since 2018. The company recently participated in the February International Balloon Fiesta, 2024, held in Thailand.