Ultralight aircraft services, popularly known as “butterfly planes,” which once attracted adventure tourists to Pokhara, have seen a sharp decline in demand. Operators cite soaring costs after the Civil Aviation Authority raised takeoff and landing charges, pushing ticket prices from NPR 8,500 to NPR 17,500. Natasha Shrestha of Avia Club Nepal said that while the service initially relied on Russian pilots, it is now operated by young Nepali pilots. Despite Pokhara’s scenic geography and potential to promote Nepal internationally, high operating fees and a lack of supportive tourism policies have reduced daily flights to just four.
