Fee Hike Takes Toll on Ultralight Flights in Pokhara

The scenic skies over Pokhara, adorned with the gleaming peaks of Machapuchhre and the Annapurna range, and the serene lakes of Phewa, Begnas, Rupa, among others, have long attracted tourists seeking aerial views. However, the once-popular ultralight flights are now witnessing a decline in passenger numbers.

These small, two-seater aircraft, prized for offering panoramic 360-degree views of the region while soaring through the open skies, used to be a major draw for adventure tourists in Pokhara. Today, fewer tourists are opting for this activity, largely due to high fees, according to Natasha Shrestha, managing director of Avia Club.

“It used to be very popular, but the hike in takeoff and landing fees by the Civil Aviation Authority has made flights expensive, which has severely impacted business,” Shrestha said. Previously, tourists could enjoy a flight for Rs 8,500, but the cost has now risen to Rs 17,500. She noted that the number of ultralight enthusiasts has decreased due to the sharp price hike.

Nicknamed the “Mother of Adventure” in Nepal, Shrestha is credited with introducing ultralight aviation to the country. Alongside her Russian partners, she brought Avia Club Nepal into operation in 1996. Pokhara’s geography is highly suitable for ultralight flights, which were first launched in South Asia from the city. Shrestha emphasized that ultralight tourism has the potential to promote Nepal on the global tourism map.

However, the lack of skilled personnel and tourism-friendly policies has hindered private sector growth, discouraging new investments and affecting the broader tourism sector, Shrestha said.

“Initially, introducing ultralights to Pokhara seemed unusual, but today it has become part of the city’s identity. We have successfully expanded tourism beyond lakes and caves, taking it to the skies,” she added.

In the early days, flights were entirely dependent on experienced Russian pilots, but today, trained Nepali pilots operate the ultralight aircraft. Currently, only Pokhara Avia Club and Pokhara Ultralight Pvt. Ltd. offer the service. According to Pomnarayan Shrestha, managing director of Pokhara Ultralight, companies that once conducted up to 40 flights a day are now limited to just four daily.

Tourism experts argue that government support through lower fees and tourism-friendly policies could revive ultralight tourism, attracting both domestic and international visitors.

Local residents like Bikash Gurung, who has flown ultralights with foreign friends, lament the rising costs. “If fees are reduced, more domestic tourists would be encouraged to try this adventure,” he said. Gurung noted that foreign visitors often rank Pokhara’s ultralight flights among the best globally, praising the city’s beauty from the air.

The decline of ultralight flights due to high costs comes as a setback for Pokhara’s adventure tourism, which had become a distinctive attraction for thrill-seekers. Both local operators and tourism advocates stress the importance of supportive policies to sustain and grow this unique aerial experience. -- RSS