Gandaki: Pokhara’s tourism appeal extends far beyond its lakes, hills, and mountains. Rich in both nature and culture, the city has also gained recognition as a leading destination for adventure tourism in Nepal. Activities such as paragliding, hot air ballooning, ultralight flights, and skydiving have added unique attractions for both domestic and international tourists.
Skydiving was first tested in Pokhara in 2067 BS, and since then, it has been operated primarily during Asoj–Kartik and Chaitra–Baishakh. InSky Skydiving Company, in coordination with helicopter operator Simrik Air, has been running skydiving flights from the Air Sports Practice Ground of Avia Club in Pame, said company proprietor Nirmal Pandey.
Pandey stressed that Nepal’s tourism industry could benefit significantly if authorities allow skydiving companies to operate regularly rather than on short, temporary permits. He said companies have long been requesting the issuance of the Recreational Aviation Operation Certificate (RAOC), which would allow them to independently operate skydiving services.
Although the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has issued licenses for recreational aviation, skydiving companies have been unable to operate on their own due to delays in receiving the RAOC. As a result, companies currently have to sign separate agreements with helicopter service providers.
“Allowing operations for only 15 days at a time creates challenges for promoting and sustainably managing skydiving,” Pandey said. “If the Authority grants RAOC, companies are prepared to invest, which would increase state revenue and create employment.”
According to him, skydiving operations in Pokhara are now fully conducted by trained Nepali instructors, marking a shift from earlier years when the activity was run exclusively by foreigners.
Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) Information Officer Gyanendra Bhul said Pokhara is a highly suitable destination for skydiving. He added that both Pokhara and Syangboche in the Everest region are being considered as major skydiving hubs, with repeated successful flights underscoring their potential.
Bhul confirmed that CAAN has begun the process of issuing RAOCs to companies that meet the required standards. “Some companies have already expressed interest. We aim to provide RAOCs within this fiscal year or the next,” he said. Once companies acquire the certificate, skydiving can be conducted year-round without frequent permit renewals.
Instructor Elis Thapa, trained in China, Thailand, and Dubai, said he currently leads skydiving activities in Pokhara under three packages. For Nepali customers, the deluxe, VIP, and diamond packages cost Rs 95,000, Rs 115,000, and Rs 150,000 respectively. For foreigners, the rates are USD 750, 900, and 1,200. Other Nepali instructors; Subash Thapa, Manish Hirachan, and Nepal’s first female skydiver Yasoda KC Thapa, are also active in the sector.
Skydiving jumps are conducted from helicopters flying at an altitude of over 3,000 feet, with parachute landings taking place in designated areas.
“Pokhara has great potential to become a center for adventure sports, including skydiving, which would significantly contribute to Nepal’s economy and employment generation,” Instructor Thapa said. “We are hopeful that the Civil Aviation Authority will soon issue the RAOC, creating a regulated and supportive environment for the sport.”
(RSS)
