Kathmandu: A chartered flight from Sichuan Airlines, carrying 126 passengers from Chengdu, landed at Pokhara International Airport today. The Chinese team is in Nepal to participate in the Second International Dragon Boat Race, set to take place on December 29 and 30 at the scenic Fewa Lake in Pokhara. The event is being organized in celebration of the New Year 2025 and is a collaborative effort between the Pokhara Metropolitan City, the Chinese Embassy, and the Dragon Boat Association.
The Dragon Boat Festival, which was held for the first time in Nepal in 2023, is expected to attract participants and spectators from across the region. The festival has become a significant cultural event, showcasing the traditional Chinese sport in Nepal.
In addition to the excitement surrounding the Dragon Boat Race, the arrival of the Sichuan Airlines flight also highlights the growing potential of Pokhara International Airport. While regular international flights have not yet commenced, the airport has hosted several chartered flights, offering hope for future connectivity.
The Sichuan Airlines flight marks the third chartered flight from China to Pokhara, adding to the seven flights already operated by China, Bhutan, and India. The airport’s office has expressed optimism about the future of international travel, particularly as the inauguration of Pokhara International Airport marks its second anniversary on January 1, 2025 (17th of the Nepali month Push).