KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 13
Pokhara's tourism appeal extends far beyond its lakes, hills, and mountains. The city's rich culture and thrilling adventure activities are equally vital components of its tourism identity. In fact, nature, culture, and adventure form the foundation of tourism development not only in Pokhara but throughout Nepal.
Renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, Pokhara has also earned a reputation as Nepal's premier adventure tourism destination. A range of adventure sports-from paragliding and hot air ballooning to ultralight flights and skydiving-has added a unique dimension to its tourism offerings.
Every year, large numbers of domestic and international visitors travel to Pokhara in search of excitement and adrenaline-filled experiences. Skydiving was first introduced in Pokhara in 2067 BS during a test flight, and since then, it has been conducted primarily during the Nepali months of Asoj–Kartik and Chaitra–Baishakh.
InSky Skydiving Company, in coordination with helicopter service provider Simrik Air, currently operates skydiving activities from the Air Sports Practice Ground of Avia Club, located at Pame in Pokhara, according to company proprietor Nirmal Pandey.
Pandey emphasized that Nepal's tourism industry could gain significantly if the concerned authorities allowed skydiving operations on a regular basis rather than on a temporary permit. He noted that skydiving companies have long been requesting the issuance of a Recreational Aviation Operation Certificate (RAOC) to facilitate continuous operations.
Although the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has licensed the operation of recreational aviation services, companies remain unable to conduct skydiving independently due to the absence of an RAOC from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). As a result, skydiving operators have been compelled to sign separate agreements with helicopter companies to carry out their activities.
"Allowing operations for only 15 days at a time creates significant challenges for promoting and sustaining the skydiving business," Director Pandey said. "The lengthy and cumbersome permit process has also been a persistent obstacle."
According to him, if the Authority grants RAOC certification, companies are prepared to invest more heavily in skydiving, which would, in turn, boost government revenue and create employment opportunities.
Pandey added that skydiving activities are now conducted by trained and experienced Nepali instructors-a notable shift from previous years when only foreign professionals handled the operations.
CAAN Information Officer Gyanendra Bhul remarked that Pokhara is a highly suitable destination for skydiving. "Preparations are underway to develop both Pokhara and Syangboche, in the Everest region, as major skydiving destinations," he said. "The success of repeated jumps and landings in these areas has underscored their strong potential."
Bhul further stated that CAAN has begun the process of issuing RAOC certification to companies that meet its safety and operational standards. "Several companies have already approached us, and we aim to issue the first RAOC within this fiscal year if possible-otherwise, by next year," he said. "Once certified, a company will be able to conduct skydiving at any time without needing frequent permissions as is currently required."
Pandey, the Director of InSky Skydive Company, reiterated that Nepali instructors are now leading the skydiving operations under his company. Among them, Elis Thapa, an experienced instructor trained in China, Thailand, and Dubai, is currently conducting skydiving in three packages in Pokhara.
The Deluxe Package for Nepalis is priced at Rs 95,000, the VIP Package at Rs 115,000, and the Diamond Package at Rs 150,000. For foreign participants, the respective rates are USD 750, 900, and 1,200.
Alongside Thapa, Subash Thapa, Manish Hirachan, and Nepal's first female skydiver, Yasoda KC Thapa, are also actively involved in skydiving operations in Pokhara. Parachute landings are performed from helicopters flying at altitudes exceeding 3,000 feet.
"Pokhara has immense potential to develop as a hub for adventure sports, including skydiving," Instructor Thapa said. "Such development would not only strengthen the national economy but also generate significant employment opportunities. We are optimistic that the Civil Aviation Authority will soon issue RAOC certificates, enabling a well-regulated environment for skydiving in Nepal.
