Gandaki, Nov 13: Pokhara’s tourism is not limited only to lakes, hilly areas and mountains. Culture and adventure are also the part of tourism here. Nature, culture and adventure are the main foundation of tourism development of Nepal, not only of Pokhara.
Ratopati
Pokhara, Nepal: A skydiving program conducted entirely by Nepali trainers is expected to start in the picturesque tourist destination of Pokhara for the first time in Nepal’s adventure tourism sector. The fares have been offered by the organizer company of Simrik Air Limited under planning and promoting a new revolution for Nepal in adventure tourism.
Simrik Air
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has granted Simrik Air a permit to skydive for 15 days.
Tourism Mail
Insky Skydiving Company coordinating with Helicopter service provider Simrik Air has been operating skydiving at Air Sports Practice Ground of Avia Club located at Pame in Pokhara, said Company proprietor Nirmal Pandey.
Ratopati
Pandey said that skydiving companies have been requesting the authority to issue the Recreational Aviation Operation Certificate (RAOC). “Allowing only 15 days at a time poses challenges for the promotion and sustainable management of the skydiving business, and the lengthy and cumbersome permit process is also causing problems,” he said.
Ratopati
The CAAN information officer, Gyanendra Bhul, stated that Pokhara is a suitable destination for skydiving and that “preparations are underway to make Pokhara and Syangboche in the Everest region the destinations for skydiving.” The process has been initiated for issuing a RAOC to a skydiving company that meets the standards set by the Authority.
Ratopati
Nepalese instructors are organizing a skydiving program in Pokhara. Simrik Air, in collaboration with InSky Skydive, has officially started the service, which began on Friday and will continue until January 21. Participants will take off from Pokhara Airport aboard a helicopter, ascending to an altitude of 13,000 feet.
Khabarhub
The program is expected to be launched at February 10 to February 21 in the Lauruk of Pokhara. Two distinct packages have been introduced for participants: The Deluxe package: NPR 95,000 and the VIP package: NPR 115,000.
Simrik Air
Simrik Air General Manager Muralidhar Joshi described the initiative as significant for Simrik Air and said, “This will open a new chapter of adventure tourism in Nepal.”
Simrik Air
“This has been my dream for years,” said instructor Alish Thapa, who leads the event. “With government support for dedicated airspace, skydiving could provide opportunities for youth and year-round economic benefits.”
The Annapurna Express
Pokhara skydive will be held at Pame Danda, west of Phewa Lake where skydivers will leap from the height of 12,000–13,000 ft from a helicopter; operators say helicopters (AS 350 B3/B2) are used for the jumps.
Visits Nepal / Skydive listings
“If the Authority grants ‘RAOC’, companies are ready to invest in skydiving, which will also increase state revenue and create employment,” said Pandey.
Ratopati
Insky Skydive
Tourism Mail
Share Your Thoughts
What impact could establishing regular skydiving (via RAOC) have on Pokhara’s local economy and employment?
Do you agree with the current media coverage of temporary 15-day permits versus a permanent RAOC system?
How should policymakers balance safety, airspace management and tourism growth for aerial sports in Gandaki?
What lessons can other Nepali destinations learn from Pokhara’s move into commercial skydiving?
Would you try skydiving in Pokhara knowing operations use helicopters and Nepali instructors?