With the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in the backdrop, the skies above Pokhara transformed into a vibrant palette of colors for the country’s first hot air balloon festival.
Tourism is a major source of income for Nepal, which attracted more than a million foreign visitors this year following a post-pandemic recovery, and investments are being made in hotels and airports to cater to travelers.
“We felt we should bring a balloon festival like this to Nepal,” Sabin Maharjan, organizer of the event, told AFP.
Hot air balloons from more than 10 countries participated in the festival.
“A drive here can be very exciting as you can see mountains, hills and lakes,” Maharjan added.
“All passengers tell us that they are very happy; such a festival will boost our tourism.”
– ‘Spectacular’ –
The balloons created a mesmerizing display against a breathtaking view of the snow-capped Annapurna range.
“It’s spectacular,” said American balloon pilot Derek Hamcock (67).
“As soon as you get above the little mountain range here, you see the whole Himalayas. Incredible, every time you see them it’s incredible.”
Balloons in the shapes of a rat and a frog were among those who joined in the fun, drifting slowly with the wind.
“You never know where you’re going,” said Diego Criado del Rey, 29, a balloon pilot from Spain.
“So it’s largely about you and nature; not fighting, but being together. You go where nature tells you.”
The Nepal Civil Aviation Authority has issued a nine-day notice for the airspace over Pokhara to allow balloon flights.
Although more than two centuries have passed since the French Montgolfier brothers made the first manned flight, ballooning can still capture the imagination.
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