POKHARA: British billionaire businessman, politician, author, and philanthropist Lord Michael Ashcroft has concluded a four-day visit to Pokhara, returning to the United Kingdom on Sunday via an 11-hour non-stop private flight, marking the first direct private jet flight from Pokhara to the UK.

According to Pokhara International Airport officials, Lord Ashcroft’s private jet, a Dassault Falcon 7X, departed Pokhara at 2:25 pm on Sunday and was scheduled to land in London after 11 hours. Airport Information Officer Yasudha Regmi said the flight demonstrated the technical and operational capability of Pokhara International Airport to handle long-haul, high-capacity aircraft. The aircraft is capable of flying up to 5,900 nautical miles without refuelling, covering the roughly 7,300-kilometre Pokhara–London distance in a single stretch.

Lord Ashcroft arrived in Pokhara on Thursday aboard his private aircraft via Malta and Singapore and stayed at Hotel Landmark, Lakeside, while his crew were accommodated at Bar Peepal Resort. During his stay, he visited the Gurkha Memorial Museum near the British Gurkha Camp, where he paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Gurkha soldiers. He also undertook a short trek in the Armala area, coordinated by the British Camp.

A long-time supporter of Gurkha veterans, Lord Ashcroft is the world’s largest private collector of the Victoria Cross, the highest British military gallantry award. His collection includes more than 200 Victoria Cross medals, several of which were awarded to Gurkha soldiers for exceptional bravery during major wars and military campaigns.

Tourism stakeholders believe the visit has significant implications for Pokhara’s growing luxury and high-value tourism segment. During his stay, Lord Ashcroft shared a photograph of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Mountain on social media platform X with the caption “Good morning from Nepal”, drawing international attention.

General Secretary of the Pokhara Tourism Council, Jeevan Raj Sapkota, said endorsements by globally influential figures help position Pokhara on the world tourism map. “Such visibility can attract high-spending visitors and strengthen Pokhara’s image as a premium destination,” he noted.

Council Vice President Hari Bhujel added that the operation of private jets of this scale reinforces Pokhara’s international aviation credibility and supports Nepal’s ambition to develop luxury tourism, especially after Pokhara was declared the Tourism Capital of Nepal.

Tourism entrepreneurs say that if leveraged strategically, visits by high-profile global figures could play a pivotal role in elevating Nepal’s tourism industry to a new level.