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Hot Air Balloon Festival: Events and Highlights

Hot Air Balloon Festival: Events and Highlights

About Balloon Nepal

Balloon Nepal Pvt. Ltd., a commercial hot air balloon service provider established in 2016, operates in Pokhara, a popular tourist spot in Nepal. The company received its Recreational Air Operating Certificate (RAOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority on November 5th, 2018, allowing it to offer 40-minute balloon flights. 

Passengers enjoy panoramic views of the Fishtail, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, Pokhara City, and surrounding hills. Morning flights showcase stunning sunrises, while evening rides feature beautiful sunsets. Balloon Nepal is registered with the Ministry of Tourism and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).

The International Hot Air Balloon Festival

Hot air balloon festivals, which gained popularity in the mid-20th century, are now celebrated worldwide. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, USA, is one of the largest, attracting over 1 million attendees and nearly 500 balloons each year since its start in 1972. The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, established in 1979 in the UK, is another major event known for its mass ascents and night glows.

Other prominent festivals include the Cappadocia International Balloon Festival in Türkiye, the Mondial Air Balloons event in France, and the Bicol Loco Festival 2024, the first hot air balloon festival in Albay, Philippines, which saw 16 balloons launched.

These festivals celebrate ballooning and serve as cultural gatherings, showcasing traditional music, food, and crafts. They promote cultural exchange and community unity while incorporating eco-friendly practices to reduce environmental impact. Competitive events like balloon races and precision flying competitions are common, showcasing pilot’s skills.

Hot Air Balloon Festival Nepal

The Balloon Festival in Chankhapur, Pokhara, promises a comprehensive experience for attendees, featuring concerts, food stalls, ample parking, and various activities. Chankhapur, located just 5 km from Pokhara’s lakeside and surrounded by beautiful lakes, offers the perfect setting for balloon flights and events. This serene, spacious area allows visitors to enjoy the festival while exploring the natural beauty of Pokhara.

Why Pokhara?

  • Scenic Beauty: Nestled within the Annapurna mountain range, Pokhara provides breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, serene lakes, and lush valleys, creating an ideal backdrop for ballooning.
  • Ideal Weather Conditions: Calm winds and clear skies make Pokhara’s weather perfect for safe, enjoyable balloon flights.
  • Accessibility: Well connected by road and air, Pokhara is easily reachable for both local and international visitors.
  • Tourist Infrastructure: Pokhara boasts a well-developed tourist infrastructure, offering hotels, restaurants, and recreational facilities to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.

Event Venue Overview

The Balloon Nepal event will be held in the expansive and thoughtfully planned area of Chankhapur, Pokhara, offering a beautiful and peaceful environment for attendees. Located just 5 kilometers, or a 20-minute ride from the lakeside, it is close to several scenic lakes, making it easily accessible.

With a perimeter of 3,176.73 meters and an area of 585,555.555 m², the site provides ample space for various activities, smooth crowd movement, and additional facilities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Event Venue Layout

The event map outlines several key zones within the venue:

  • Normal Area: General access for most attendees.
  • VIP Area: A reserved section for VIP guests, offering premium services and enhanced views of the stage.
  • Stage: The main location for performances and announcements.
  • Balloon Area: A designated space for inflating and launching balloons.
  • Parking Area: Ample parking space to accommodate attendees’ vehicles, ensuring convenient access.

Event Highlights from the Balloon Festival in Nepal

Daily Activities

  • Morning Flights: Soar above Pokhara at sunrise, taking in the stunning views of the mountains and valleys.
  • Evening Flights: Float over Pokhara at sunset, enjoying the beautiful scenery and a refreshing breeze.
  • Night Glow: Marvel at the illuminated hot air balloons that light up the night sky.
  • Fireworks: Conclude each evening with a vibrant fireworks display.

Special Activities

  • Concerts: Enjoy live performances by well-known artists every evening.
  • Cultural Performances: Experience traditional Nepali music and dance.
  • Exhibitions and Stalls: Discover local crafts, international cuisine, and more at a variety of stalls.
  • Games and Activities: Participate in fun games and activities for all ages.

Attraction of Festival

  • Sunrise and Sunset Balloon Flights: Enjoy breathtaking views of Pokhara’s mountains and valleys during peaceful sunrise and sunset balloon rides.
  • Night Balloon Glows: Watch the sky light up with illuminated balloons glowing brilliantly against the night.
  • Daily 20-Minute Fireworks: Ends each day with a dazzling 20-minute fireworks show lighting up the festival.
  • Balloon Races: Thrilling balloon races offer exciting competitive elements to the event.
  • Concerts: Live performances by renowned artists entertain attendees every evening.
  • Exhibitions/Stalls: Explore a range of stalls featuring local crafts, international and national cuisine, and unique goods.
  • Games: Enjoy fun games and activities suitable for all ages throughout the festival.
  • Food Court: A variety of food stalls offering local and international dishes provide plenty of dining options.
  • Cultural Dances: Traditional Nepali dance performances showcase the rich local culture.
  • DJ Music: Energizing DJ sets keep the crowd entertained and dancing.
  • Tethered Ballooning: Experience the thrill of hot air ballooning with tethered rides offering panoramic views.
  • Night Camps and Fun Events: Enjoy overnight camping with additional fun activities, creating a memorable festival experience.

Guest Arriving in This Fiesta

The Balloon Nepal Festival will host a prestigious lineup of guests, including embassy officials, celebrities, CEOs from various industries, ministries, and bankers. The festival promises to attract a diverse group of influential figures, all eager to be part of this remarkable event. Set from “29th December 2024 to 2nd January 2025”, the festival will kick off with an opening ceremony graced by the respected Prime Minister, marking the official start of the festivities. The closing ceremony will feature awards, recognitions, and a celebratory atmosphere, making this a truly memorable event for all.

We Welcome You All to Participate in This Event in Nepal

Don’t miss out on the unforgettable experience of the Balloon Nepal Festival. Whether you’re taking off above the majestic mountains at sunrise, enjoying live concerts, or witnessing the magic of glowing balloons lighting up the night sky, this event promises something for everyone. Join us in Pokhara for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure filled with fun, culture, and excitement. From thrilling balloon races to vibrant cultural performances, food stalls, games, and fireworks, this festival is an extraordinary celebration that you won’t want to miss.

The Hot Air Balloon Festival is happening for the first time in Nepal, and we hope you will join us, along with your friends and family, to be a part of this spectacular event!
For further information on this amazing event, visit our website or contact us at 061590559 / 9856047847.