Soaring the Skies in Pokhara – Taking a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Are you looking for a thrilling and unique activity to add to your itinerary for your next visit to Pokhara? A hot air balloon ride might be the perfect way to experience the area in a new and unforgettable way. Taking to the skies from one of the most beautiful places in Nepal, you can enjoy amazing bird’s-eye views of Lake Phewa and the gorgeous surrounding hills.

What Is a Hot Air Balloon Ride?

A hot air balloon ride, also called a balloon flight, is a type of aerial adventure that involves resting aloft in a large hot air balloon, or multiple balloons connected together, suspended beneath specialised wicker gondolas. The entire setup rises and falls with changes in air currents and temperature, enabling you to drift leisurely around different areas and experience the area in a unique way. Hot air balloons have been around in Nepal since the early 19th century and have recently made a comeback as a popular tourist activity and a must-do experience, particularly in Pokhara.

Undertaking a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Pokhara – What to Expect

A typical hot air balloon ride consists of several main components. Before the voyage begins, your pilot will provide you with all the necessary safety information regarding the journey. After this, you’ll be assisted into the basket and the ride itself starts with the inflating of the hot air balloon. During your flight you’ll descend and ascend through different wind patterns and temperatures that will carry you over various parts of Pokhara and its stunning surrounds as you get a bird’s-eye view of Lake Phewa and all the picturesque areas around it. One of the biggest attractions of taking a hot air balloon ride in Pokhara is that these flights are typically conducted in the early morning or late afternoon as, at these times, the thermal air currents that make up the environment of the sky are at their strongest. Add to this that due to the altitude and therefore lack of pollution, you’ll get incredible visibility unlike any other experience. The beauty of this activity is that it comes with no age restriction: young children just as well as elderly can participate and enjoy the majestic sights from above.

The Benefits of Taking Hot Air Balloon Ride in Pokhara

Beside it being an extremely impressive way of admiring from above some of the most gorgeous areas that Nepal has to offer — Pokhara included — a hot air balloon ride provides plenty of other benefits too. To begin with, hot air balloons are considered one of the safest modes of air travel in part due to the low cruise altitude and lack of complicated controls or machinery. As such, it’s perfect for those who are scared of flying or lack the necessary physical ability. That being said, the main benefit of this activity is its simplicity thus allowing anyone to join in and have an incredible time while they float high above the hills and valleys below. Aside from this, being surrounded by mind-blowing panoramic views at sunrise without any engine noise makes for an almost spiritual experience that can be surprisingly calming. Moreover, hot air balloon rides don’t require any technical knowledge or prior experience; so long as safety regulations are followed, anyone can join in the fun. Generally speaking, flights last anything from an hour or two to three or four hours depending on the wind conditions or where you are flying from, so there is also plenty of time given to enjoy what nature has to offer from up high. It’s also important to note that given Pokhara’s favourable mild climate, hot air balloon rides are usually accessible for most of the year but may require some planning ahead depending on when you’re visiting.

What Do I Need To Know Before Taking A Hot Air Balloon Ride In Pokhara?

Before booking your flight there are several important considerations that need to be taken into account. To begin with, it’s always important to make sure you’re doing so with a reputable service provider who has an impeccable safety record. Furthermore, timings can play an important role in your hot air balloon experience — more so than with other modes of air travel — as thermal air currents and heavier winds tend to be more commonplace early in the morning or later in the afternoon and these are periods when operators tend to run most of their flights, meaning timings are generally fixed. Additionally, when booking flights, operators typically account for how many passengers will be taking part and therefore once having booked your flight you may not be able to modify your departure — it is therefore recommended to pick timings that suit your schedule best and arrive about 15-30 minutes prior to when your flight is set to depart as you may need to assist with preparations for takeoff. For those planning to visit Pokhara specifically for a hot air balloon ride then it’s worth noting that there are typically excellent deals available online GetYourGuide, combining flights with other activities such as water rafting trips or guided kayak tours. For the majority however simply visiting Pokhara with flights included in their itinerary adds an exciting dimension to their time there before they head off elsewhere as part of their trip through Nepal. If this all sounds like something you’d find thrilling you’re in luck — Pokhara offers some stunning sights from high altitudes and has become a popular spot for taking hot air balloon rides lately; so why not make an incredible memory by joining in on this adventure? Book your hot air balloon tour through GetYourGuide today for the experience of a lifetime!