Pokhara Emerging as a Prime Destination for Skydiving

Pokhara, long known for its serene lakes, rolling hills, and majestic mountains, is increasingly drawing tourists seeking adventure sports such as paragliding, ultra-light flights, hot air balloon rides, and skydiving.

Adventure, along with nature and culture, forms the foundation of Nepal’s tourism industry, and Pokhara has established itself as one of the country’s leading adventure tourism hubs.

A large number of domestic and foreign tourists visit the city every year to experience thrilling outdoor activities. Skydiving was first tested in Pokhara in 2010/11, and since then, the sport has been conducted mainly during October and April.

Nirmal Pandey, director of Insky Skydiving Company, said the firm has been operating skydiving in coordination with helicopter service provider Simrik Air at the Air Sports Practice Ground of Avia Club in Pame, Pokhara.

He noted that Nepal’s tourism sector could benefit significantly if the authorities allowed the regular operation of skydiving rather than issuing temporary permits. According to him, skydiving companies have long been requesting the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) to issue a Recreational Aviation Operation Certificate (RAOC), which is required for private companies to independently operate skydiving services.

Although the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has approved recreational aviation services in general, skydiving companies still cannot operate independently because CAAN has not yet issued the RAOC required specifically for skydiving.

As a result, they must enter separate agreements with helicopter companies to conduct their flights.

“Allowing operations for only 15 days at a time makes it difficult to promote and sustainably manage the skydiving business,” Pandey said. “The lengthy and cumbersome permit process has also created additional challenges.”

He added that if RAOC licenses were issued, companies would be ready to invest in expanding skydiving operations, which would, in turn, increase government revenue and generate employment.

Pandey also highlighted that trained and experienced Nepali instructors are now conducting skydiving in Pokhara, a field once dominated by foreign professionals.

CAAN Information Officer Gyanendra Bhul said Pokhara is a suitable destination for skydiving. “Preparations are underway to promote Pokhara and Syangboche in the Everest region as prime destinations for skydiving. The repeated successful flights and landings have proven the potential of both locations,” he said.

Bhul further stated that CAAN has begun the process of issuing RAOCs to companies that meet its safety and operational standards. “Some companies are already in contact with us. We plan to issue RAOCs within this fiscal year, or by next year at the latest,” he added. “Once a company receives the certificate, it will be able to operate skydiving regularly without seeking frequent permissions.”

Pandey said his company currently employs Nepali instructors, including Elis Thapa, who trained in China, Thailand, and Dubai. Thapa said he offers three skydiving packages in Pokhara — Deluxe (Rs 95,000), VIP (Rs 115,000), and Diamond (Rs 150,000). For foreign visitors, the rates are USD 750, USD 900, and USD 1,200, respectively.

Other instructors involved in the operation include Subash Thapa, Manish Hirachan, and Yasoda KC Thapa, Nepal’s first female skydiver. Parachute jumps are conducted from helicopters flying over 3,000 feet above ground level.

“Pokhara has great potential to develop as a hub for adventure sports, including skydiving. Regular operations would not only contribute to the national economy but also create jobs,” Instructor Thapa said. “We are hopeful that CAAN will soon issue the RAOC and establish a regulated environment for skydiving in Nepal.” -- RSS