Nepal’s rugged Himalayan landscape makes road construction challenging, making travel across the country both time-consuming and difficult. With no functional rail network, domestic flights play a crucial role in connecting major cities and remote regions, allowing for easier exploration of Nepal’s diverse terrain.
As per the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, the country currently has 34 operational airports. Among them, three—Tribhuvan International Airport, Gautam Buddha International Airport, and Pokhara International Airport—also handle international flights. Additionally, 18 airports are non-operational, while five more are under various stages of construction.
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu acts as Nepal’s primary aviation hub, managing both domestic and international travel. Some of the most popular domestic routes from TIA include flights to Pokhara, Lukla, Lumbini, Biratnagar, and Bharatpur.
TIA remains the busiest airport in Nepal, followed by Pokhara, Biratnagar, and Nepalgunj airports. In 2019, Tenzing-Hillary Airport ranked as the tenth busiest airport in the country.
Pokhara, often referred to as the tourist capital of Nepal, is a stunning city surrounded by snow-capped mountains, serene lakes, and breathtaking waterfalls. It is a must-visit destination for many travelers coming to Nepal. The city offers a variety of accommodations catering to different preferences.
The Kathmandu-Pokhara route is the most popular domestic flight in Nepal, lasting about 20 minutes. The flight itself is a scenic journey, offering mesmerizing views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
Pokhara is also the gateway to various treks, particularly in the Annapurna region, and serves as a connecting hub for flights to western Nepal.
Key routes from Pokhara Airport include:
Pokhara to Jomsom: Jomsom is the administrative center of the Mustang district and a crucial point for treks to Mustang and Manang. The Jomsom Airport provides access to remote areas like Kagbeni, Lo Manthang, and Muktinath Temple. Flights operate primarily in the morning due to high afternoon winds, and the journey takes around 20 minutes.
Pokhara to Bharatpur: Bharatpur, the administrative headquarters of Chitwan District, is a rapidly growing city. Its airport, established in 1958, is an essential gateway for travelers heading to Chitwan National Park. The flight duration from Pokhara to Bharatpur is around 20 minutes.
Pokhara to Gautam Buddha International Airport (Bhairawa/Siddharthanagar): This airport, named after Gautam Buddha, serves as a key entry point for pilgrims visiting Lumbini. The airport was inaugurated as Nepal’s second international airport in 2022. The flight from Pokhara takes approximately 20 minutes.
Lukla, known as the gateway to Mount Everest, is a vital destination for trekkers, climbers, and adventurers. The airport was originally built by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1964 and was renamed Tenzing-Hillary Airport in 2008 to honor the first Everest summiteers.
Due to high air traffic during peak trekking seasons, flights to Lukla are sometimes rerouted to Manthali Airport in Ramechhap. Given its altitude of 2,845 meters, Lukla Airport is susceptible to sudden weather changes, and most flights operate in the morning. The journey from Kathmandu to Lukla takes approximately 35 minutes.
This flight serves as the starting point for multiple Everest treks, including Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Ri, Ama Dablam Base Camp, and Everest View treks.
For those visiting Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, the flight from Kathmandu to Gautam Buddha International Airport is the most convenient option. The journey takes about 35 minutes.
The direct flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur takes around 25 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 91 km. This route provides access to Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to diverse wildlife, including rhinos, tigers, and a wide range of bird species.
Nepalgunj, located in the Terai region, is known for its cultural diversity and serves as a gateway to western Nepal. The flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj takes about 45 minutes. Nepalgunj Airport, one of the largest in Nepal, is located 8 km from the city center and has been operational since 1961.
Key routes from Nepalgunj Airport include:
Nepalgunj to Simikot: The 35-minute flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot provides vital connectivity to the remote Humla region. This airport is the gateway to Mount Kailash treks and various other trekking adventures.
Nepalgunj to Juphal (Dolpa): Juphal Airport provides access to the picturesque Dolpa region, home to the breathtaking Phoksundo Lake and Shey Phoksundo National Park. The flight takes about 35 minutes and offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayas and surrounding landscapes.
For tourists exploring Nepal, these domestic flights offer the most convenient and time-efficient travel options. Each flight route presents a unique perspective of Nepal's diverse beauty—from soaring Himalayan peaks to spiritual sanctuaries and untamed wilderness. These flights are more than just transportation; they are part of the adventure itself. So, fasten your seatbelt, gaze out of the window, and let Nepal’s spectacular landscapes unfold beneath you—the journey of a lifetime begins in the skies.
Nepal New Generation Trek & Adventure (P.) Ltd. is dedicated to providing unforgettable travel experiences in Nepal. With our expertise in adventure tourism, trekking, and guided tours, we ensure a seamless and enriching journey across Nepal’s most breathtaking destinations. Let us be your trusted companion as you explore the wonders of Nepal from the skies and beyond.
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