With Nepal’s snow-capped Himalayan peaks as a backdrop, the skies over Pokhara turned into a vibrant canvas of color for the country’s first hot air balloon festival.
Tourism is a major earner for Nepal, which has welcomed more than a million foreign visitors this year as it recovers from the pandemic, and investments are being made in hotels and airports to cater for travelers.
“We felt that we should bring such a balloon festival to Nepal,” Sabin Maharjan, the organizer of the event, told AFP.
Balloons from more than 10 countries participated in the festival.
“Driving here can be very exciting as you see mountains, hills and lakes,” Maharjan added.
“All the passengers tell us that they are very happy – such a festival will contribute to the growth of our tourism.”
– “Spectacular” –
The balloons created a mesmerizing sight against the backdrop of the stunning sight of the snow-capped Annapurna range.
“It’s exciting,” said American balloon pilot Derek Hamcock, 67.
“Once you get over the little ridge here, you can see the whole Himalayas. It’s incredible, every time you see them, it’s incredible.”
Balloons shaped like a rat and a frog were among those who joined in the fun, floating slowly with the breeze.
“You never know where you’re going,” said Diego Criado del Rey, 29, a hot air balloon pilot from Spain.
“So it’s pretty much you and nature – not fighting, but being together. You go where nature tells you.”
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has issued a notice to allow hot air balloon flights in the sky over Pokhara for nine days.
Although more than two centuries have passed since the French Mongolfier brothers made the first manned flight, hot air ballooning can still excite the imagination.
