Pokhara Hot Air Ballooning: Is a Private Flight Worth It? [Review]

Okay, picture this: you’re floating gently above Pokhara, Nepal, very far from the ground it has to be said, and you’re watching the sunrise paint the Annapurna range in the distance this awesome orangey-pink color. Very possibly, there is no better thing to see on earth at that particular moment. If you go for the shared balloon ride option it would be magical in its own way, but for those pondering the private hot air ballooning experience, well, that’s something really extraordinary. It is pretty hard to know if going private is worthwhile, right? Hopefully, this review should give you some of the information you need to come to a conclusion!

What Makes a Private Flight Special, Actually?

First, you might wonder, just what *is* the main difference between opting for a private ride compared to one of the shared rides? Well, in some respects it’s like the difference between a taxi and a bus; the core destination’s very similar, that’s for sure, however you enjoy lots more personal space, flexibility and quite probably comfort in the private version. Private hot air balloon rides typically mean that it is only you and your chosen companions (like your partner or family, for instance) inside the balloon’s basket, instead of sharing it with a group of strangers, basically. A private balloon, well, that tends to lead to a more intimate and customized experience, so it’s good for special occasions.

I think the biggest difference, very probably, is in the personalized service you receive. It turns out that with a private flight, the pilot might actually be able to adjust the flight path slightly to give you optimal views, linger over sites that are of particular interest to you, and also offer like, super detailed commentary, which is good, or, conversely, be very quiet if you like!. Also it should mean there aren’t too many other people jostling for the best view as well as it possibly offering you the feeling of a very exclusive adventure.

A Typical Pokhara Hot Air Ballooning Experience – What’s involved?

Generally, whatever company you pick and whether you go private or on a group experience, the outline, roughly speaking, looks like this:

Pre-Dawn Start: Most flights happen at sunrise. It is fairly normal that you are picked up from your hotel super early, very frequently before dawn, in fact.

The main reason for this is that, you see, the calmest and most stable air conditions usually occur around sunrise, it appears. Plus the light is very lovely at that time too.

Briefing: On arrival at the launch site you are likely to get a safety briefing, that’s for certain. Also you should get a run-through on what to expect. After all it’s only sensible.

Inflation: Getting to observe the balloon getting inflated is almost very amazing in and of itself, that is. I mean, to be fair, you see this massive balloon slowly coming to life, like your seeing it filled with hot air; that is sort of breathtaking!

The Flight: Flights typically run somewhere between 30 to 60 minutes in duration. Still that can shift depending on the weather.

And the experience… oh my. Imagine slowly floating over Phewa Lake, watching the city wake up below, seeing the mountains at your own eye level. It is so peaceful and, frankly, awe-inspiring.

Landing and Celebration: So when you touch down, usually there’s like, a little post-flight celebration, perhaps with sparkling wine or juice.

Some operators, basically, also present you with a flight certificate that will make a nice souvenir!

Return Transfer: Lastly, you are shuttled back to your hotel. I would imagine that you’ll have some superb memories and fantastic photos.

One recommendation – remember to bring layers as it can be really quite cold early in the morning even if it gets warmer during the flight itself.

The View from Above: What Can You See?

One of the best bits of going up in a hot air balloon in Pokhara, like, just could be the absolutely unreal views. Is there a better place to enjoy all of the views, seriously? Here are some sights you’ll enjoy:

Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges: The snow-covered peaks are what everybody really turns up to see, naturally. Seeing them get painted various shades of pink and orange at sunrise… simply unreal.
Phewa Lake: Very much the jewel of Pokhara, Phewa Lake, arguably, looks amazing from above. If the day is reasonably clear, the reflection of the mountains in the water is wonderful, isn’t it?
Pokhara Valley: Very different when it is seen from above, actually; you can see the layout of the city, the rice paddies, and how everything is connected.
World Peace Pagoda: Glimpsing the World Peace Pagoda is very interesting, as it sits majestically on top of a hill overlooking Phewa Lake, certainly making it something very worth photographing from above.

Choosing a Provider – Points to Note

So before you go and punch “Pokhara hot air balloon” into your search engine there are one or two considerations when you pick a company to fly with. Here are just a few considerations:

Safety Record: Is it safe? Probably the most important factor! Always check into the safety record of the operator, that’s for certain. Don’t be slow to check their certifications, safety protocols, and balloon maintenance.
Pilot Experience: You will certainly feel a lot better if you know the pilot is seasoned, will you not? Pilots with more experience, probably, can handle different weather conditions and basically ensure a safer flight.
Reviews and Reputation: Is it any good? Well, check out other travelers’ reviews! Look for feedback on the quality of the experience, their professionalism, and how they handled things.
Inclusions and Exclusions: You will certainly want to check out what is included within the cost, it stands to reason. Normally transfers, the flight itself, and any post-flight celebration are going to be covered but make sure that’s true, yes? What’s more, clarify what’s *not* included – insurance, photo packages etc.
Price: And the cost? Compare prices between different providers but keep in mind that the least costly isn’t always the best. I mean, your safety and enjoyment are quite important, you see.
Group Size (for shared flights): Ask about the maximum number of passengers per balloon in the case of a group experience. Smaller groups frequently provide a more intimate experience.

Is a Private Flight Really Worth the Extra Dough, Anyway?

So here’s that big question: does paying extra to have that “private” experience make it better? It all hangs on what your personal wants and preferences are. So here’s some situations where a private flight is basically something really awesome:

Celebrating a Special Occasion: Celebrating something major like an anniversary, a honeymoon, or a very special birthday? The privacy and exclusivity of a private flight really could well make it much more memorable.
Seeking a More Intimate Experience: Do you really hate big crowds? Basically, do you love privacy? Then a private balloon, really, enables you to enjoy the flight alongside only your loved ones in what very possibly could be, the world’s best form of isolation.
Customized Experience: Love being in charge? With a private flight, arguably, you often are able to discuss the flight path plus duration with the pilot, therefore allowing that super personalized experience.
Photography Enthusiasts: Basically, are you very into taking amazing photos without random elbows knocking your camera? Well then, having that space all to yourself makes it very worthwhile.

All that being said, there are definitely reasons to go with a group: group experiences are cheaper, and who knows, you could well meet some pretty amazing fellow travellers. Just do some proper planning!

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