Pokhara, long celebrated for its tranquil lakes and commanding views of the Himalayas, is increasingly gaining recognition as a hotspot for adventure tourism-especially skydiving. Beyond natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, adventure sports have become a defining feature of the city’s tourism appeal.
Adventure activities ranging from paragliding and hot-air balloon flights to ultralight aircraft rides and skydiving are drawing thousands of domestic and international tourists. Skydiving was first tested in Pokhara in 2067 BS, and since then, it has been conducted seasonally during Asoj–Kartik and Chaitra–Baishakh.
InSky Skydiving Company, in collaboration with Simrik Air, has been operating skydiving from the Air Sports Practice Ground of Avia Club in Pame. Company proprietor Nirmal Pandey said the industry could flourish if authorities allowed regular operations instead of limiting the activity to short-term permits.
According to Pandey, skydiving companies have repeatedly requested the Recreation Aviation Operation Certificate (RAOC), a requirement for independently operating recreational aviation services. Although the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has issued licenses, companies still cannot run skydiving on their own without the RAOC and are forced to partner with helicopter operators.
“Allowing operations for only 15 days at a time creates difficulties for promotion and sustainable business management,” Pandey said, adding that the lengthy, complicated permit process has discouraged investment. With a proper RAOC system in place, he believes the sector could significantly boost state revenue and employment.
He also noted that skydiving in Pokhara is now operated entirely by trained Nepali instructors. Until a few years ago, only foreign experts conducted the jumps.
Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) Information Officer Gyanendra Bhul said Pokhara is highly suitable for skydiving. “Preparations are underway to develop Pokhara and Syangboche in the Everest region as dedicated skydiving destinations,” he said. The CAAN has begun the process of granting RAOC to eligible companies, potentially within this fiscal year.
Currently, experienced instructor Elis Thapa, who trained in China, Thailand, and Dubai, leads operations in Pokhara, offering three packages:
Deluxe: Rs 95,000
VIP: Rs 115,000
Diamond: Rs 150,000
For foreign tourists, the rates are USD 750, 900, and 1,200, respectively. Thapa conducts dives alongside fellow instructors Subash Thapa, Manish Hirachan, and Nepal’s first female skydiver, Yasoda KC Thapa. Jumps are performed from helicopters flying above 3,000 feet, with parachute landings in designated zones.
“Pokhara has immense potential to develop as a hub for adventure sports, including skydiving,” Instructor Thapa said. “If the RAOC system is implemented soon, we can create a more stable, regulated environment that benefits the national economy and expands employment opportunities.”
© 2026 All right reserved to Nepalraibar English | Site By : Sobij
