Nepal is known for its mountain airports and provides a variety of domestic flights, allowing you access to all parts of the world. Often, if you have a limited time in Nepal, it's best to take a nearby flight to spare yourself a long trip.
However, given that mountain weather is always erratic, it is wise to add one or two buffer days to prepare for flight delays before and after your hike. Below we have prepared a list of flights that leave from Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Flights Leaving From Kathmandu
The domestic terminal in Kathmandu is next to the international terminal and during the spring and fall, it can be hectic.
At least one hour in advance (1.5 hours in the busy season) is better to sign in. In the waiting lounge, you can grab a cup and snacks, but not much else.
ROUTEREGIONDEPARTURESDURATIONKathmandu to PokharaAnnapurna Region7:00 am to 3:30 pm25 minutesKathmandu to LuklaUpper Everest6:00 am to 12:00 pm25 minutesKathmandu to PhapluLower Everest9:30 am (Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun)35 minutesKathmandu to BhairawaWestern Nepal7:30 am to 5:00 pm35 minutesKathmandu to NepalgunjBardia7:40 am to 4:00 pm50 minutesKathmandu to BharatpurChitwan8:20 am to 3:45 pm25 minutesKathmandu to TumlingtarMakalu9:30 am to 1:00 pm35 minutesKathmandu to BiratnagarEast Nepal7:45 am to 5:00 pm40 minutes
Night view of the Airport
Flights Leaving From Pokhara
Similarly, several flights leave from the tourism capital of Nepal, Pokhara. They are:
ROUTEREGIONSDEPARTUREDURATIONPokhara to JomsomLower Mustang6:20 am to 9:05 pm20 minutesPokhara to KathmanduKathmandu Valley7:00 am to 3:35 pm25 minutesPokhara to NepalgunjBardia11:05 am to 12:10 pm (Monday and Friday)40 minutesPokhara to BharatpurChitwan2:30 pm only20 minutes
Domestic Airlines Operating in Nepal
Tara Airlines, Yeti Airlines, Buddha Air, Simrik Airlines, Sita Air, and Summit Air are a variety of domestic airlines in Nepal.
Booking Your Flights
The same pricing and safety requirements are provided by most airlines for domestic flights. You can book your flight online via the airline's website with a travel agent in Thamel, or have it included in your coordinated tour with HopNepal (we will also have airport transfers). Make sure to carry your passport for check-in at the airport.
Baggage Allowances as per the Flight
Baggage restrictions differ based on whether you travel to the mountains, where weight is more of a concern, or not. (Expert tip: trekking poles must be packed in your checked-in baggage (along with other sharp objects).)
ROUTECHECK-INCARRY-ONMountain Flights10 kg5 kgAll Other Flights20-25 kg5 kg
Flight Delays
It's best to accept a delay of a few hours on every domestic flight in Nepal. Mountain weather is erratic, and for several reasons, flights are frequently postponed, causing a passenger backlog and very no contact from the airport or airlines as to the status of your flight.
t's advisable to play it safe and allow yourself a day's cushion if you schedule an international flight across one of your domestic flights, if possible.