The BYD International Balloon Festival, set to kick off on 24 December 2024, promises to boost Nepal’s adventure tourism and economy. Organised by Balloon Nepal Pvt. Ltd., the nine-day event will take place in Pokhara’s picturesque Pame area, with nearly two dozen hot air balloons soaring over a 3-kilometre stretch from Lauruk to Changkpur.
The festival will feature international participants from countries such as the USA, UK, Japan, Brazil, and South Korea. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy 40-minute balloon flights offering breathtaking panoramic views of Pokhara Valley, as well as the towering Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The experience will be further enhanced by sunrise and sunset views, nightly balloon glows, fireworks displays, balloon races, and campsite activities.
The festival also promises lively cultural performances, with top Nepali artists such as Deepak Bajracharya & Team, Raju Lama, Alina Chauhan, and local bands scheduled to perform daily. Popular Nepali actors Rajesh Hamal and Priyanka Karki will serve as the event’s brand ambassadors, adding star power to the celebration.
Managed by Charismatic Digital Solutions and supported by the Nepal Tourism Board, NRNA, and local authorities, the event aims to revitalise tourism in the region and place Pokhara on the global map. According to organiser Sabin Maharjan, “This event will revitalise tourism and showcase Pokhara on the global stage.”
Balloon Nepal, founded in 2015, has been at the forefront of promoting balloon tourism in Nepal since 2017.
