Hot air balloons soared over the skies over Pokhara on Tuesday, December 24, as organizers kicked off what they said was Nepal's first-ever international hot air balloon event.
Organizer Balloon Nepal said 25 hot air balloons participated, with representation coming from countries all over the world. One hot air balloon pilot, Pieter Kooistra, described his experience as fantastic.
Locals dressed in traditional attire also beat drums and danced to celebrate while others took photos with their cell phones. Some turned up carrying babies to watch the spectacle that is scheduled to conclude on New Year's Day.
Organizers said the nine-day festival was aimed at promoting adventure tourism in the Himalayan nation that is home to eight of the world's 14 highest peaks including Mount Everest.
REUTERS VIDEO