KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 24

A hot air balloon soars against the backdrop of mountain ranges on the inaugural day of Nepal's First International Balloon Festival in Pokhara, Nepal, on Tuesday, December 24, 2024.

Organized by Balloon Nepal, the festival runs from December 23 to January 1, coinciding with Christmas and New Year, to promote tourism. Professional pilots from various countries are participating in this festival.

Photos by Skanda Gautam for The Himalayan Times