Famous for its mountain airports, Nepal offers a number of domestic flights that give you access to all parts of the country. Often, it’s best to take a local flight to save yourself long drives when you only have a short amount of time in Nepal. Given that mountain weather is often unpredictable, however, it's best to add one or two buffer days before and after your trek to account for flight delays.

Flights from Kathmandu

Ticket desks in Kathmandu's Domestic Airport, once you pass security

Kathmandu’s domestic terminal is next to the international terminal and can be quite busy during the spring and fall. It’s best to check in at least one hour in advance (1.5 hours in busy season). You can grab a coffee and snacks in the waiting lounge, but not much else.

Route Region Duration Departures
Kathmandu to Pokhara Annapurna region 25 minutes 7:00 am to 3:30 pm
Kathmandu to Lukla Upper Everest 25 minutes 6:00 am to 12:00 pm
Kathmandu to Phaplu Lower Everest 35 minutes 9:30 am (Mon,Wed,Thu,Sun)
Kathmandu to Bhairawa Western Nepal 35 minutes 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
Kathmandu to Nepalgunj Bardia 50 minutes 7:40 am to 4:00 pm
Kathmandu to Bharatpur Chitwan 25 minutes 8:20 am to 3:45 pm
Kathmandu to Tumlingtar Makalu 35 minutes 9:30 am to 1:00 pm
Kathmandu to Bhiratnagar East Nepal 40 minutes 7:45 am to 5:00 pm

Flights from Pokhara

Pokhara's domestic airport
Route Region Duration Departures
Pokhara to Kathmandu Kathmandu Valley 25 minutes 7:00 am to 3:35 pm
Pokhara to Jomsom Lower Mustang 20 minutes 6:20 am to 9:05 pm
Pokhara to Bharatpur Chitwan 20 minutes 2:30 pm only
Pokhara to Nepalgunj Bardia 40 minutes 11:05 am to 12:10 pm (Mon,Fri)
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Domestic Airlines in Nepal

There are a number of domestic airlines in Nepal: Tara AirlinesYeti AirlinesBuddha AirSimrik AirlinesSita Air, and Summit Air.

Booking Your Flights

Most airlines offer the same prices and safety standards for domestic flights. You can book your flight with a travel agent in Thamel, online through the airline's website, or have it included in your organized tour with kimkim (we'll also include airport transfers). Be sure to bring your passport to the airport for check-in.

Baggage Allowances 

Baggage allowances vary depending on whether or not you're flying into the mountains where weight is more of a factor. (Expert tip: Trekking poles (along with any sharp objects) must be stowed in your checked-in luggage.) 

Route Check-in Carry-on
Mountain flights 10 kg. 5 kg.
All other flights 20-25 kg. 5 kg.

Flight Delays

It’s best to factor a couple hours of delay into any domestic flight in Nepal. Mountain weather is unpredictable and flights are often delayed for a variety of reasons, producing a backlog of passengers and often little communication from the airport or airlines as to the status of your flight. If scheduling an international flight around one of your domestic flights, it’s best to play it safe and give yourself a day's buffer, if possible.