British billionaire businessman, politician, author, and philanthropist Lord Michael Ashcroft has completed his four-day tour to Pokhara and already returned to the United Kingdom, marking a notable moment for Nepal’s luxury tourism and private aviation sector.
Ashcroft arrived at Pokhara International Airport last Thursday aboard his private jet plane, traveling from the UK via Malta and Singapore, and departed on Sunday afternoon on an approximately 11-hour nonstop flight to London. According to airport officials this was the first recorded nonstop private flight from Pokhara to the UK, highlighting the operational capability of Nepal’s new international airport infrastructure.
Long-Range Jet Operation from Pokhara
According to airport information officials, his aircraft — a Dassault Falcon 7X, a long-range tri-engine business jet — took off from Pokhara at 2:25 pm and flew directly to London. The aircraft can operate up to 5,900 nautical miles without refueling, and the Pokhara–London journey of roughly 7,300 kilometers was completed in a single sector.
Aviation observers say the successful operation demonstrates Pokhara’s readiness to handle intercontinental private jet movements, an important factor to attract high-net-worth travellers, global investors, and premium tourism flows.
Activities During Pokhara Stay
During his stay, Ashcroft was based at Hotel Landmark Lakeside, while his flight crew stayed at a nearby resort. He visited the Gurkha Memorial Museum near the British Gurkha Camp, where he spent significant time reviewing historical artifacts and military medals.
Ashcroft, who has longstanding ties with Gurkha military history, expressed respect for the bravery and sacrifice of Gurkha soldiers. He also undertook a hike in the Armala area of Pokhara in coordination with the British camp.
Global Profile and Nepal Links
The 79-year-old Ashcroft is named among the UK’s wealthiest figures, with business interests spanning security services, finance, and international investment holdings. He chairs Waterloo Investment Holdings and has served as a former Deputy Chairman and Treasurer of the UK Conservative Party. He is also a member of the UK Privy Council, the advisory body to the British monarch.
As an author of 31 books, many focused on military history and valor, Ashcroft has frequently highlighted the heroism of Gurkha soldiers in his writings.
In philanthropy, he signed the Giving Pledge in 2013, committing to donate more than half of his wealth. He supports Gurkha veterans and their families through programs linked to the Gurkha Welfare Trust, covering education, healthcare, and welfare assistance.
Tourism and Global Visibility Impact
During his visit, Ashcroft shared a photo of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) on social media with the message “Good morning from Nepal,” a post tourism stakeholders say boosted international digital visibility for Pokhara.
The successful arrival and departure of a long-range private jet, combined with exposure from a globally recognized personality, strengthens Pokhara’s profile as a luxury travel destination capable of serving private aviation, elite tourism, and high-spending international visitors, pointed out tourism officials. With Ashcroft’s visit now concluded, stakeholders view it as a symbolic event demonstrating Nepal’s growing integration into global private aviation networks and premium tourism markets.