Domestic Flights in Nepal: A Complete Travel Guide
Nepal's rugged terrain makes domestic flights an essential (and thrilling) way to travel between cities, especially when road trips take too long. Whether you're heading to Pokhara, Lukla, or Jomsom, here's everything you need to know about flying within Nepal.
Why Take a Domestic Flight in Nepal?
- Saves Time: Reaches remote areas in 30 mins vs. 10+ hours by road.
- Spectacular Views: Fly past the Himalayas, including Everest!
- Access to Remote Regions: Essential for trekkers (e.g., Lukla for Everest Base Camp, Jomsom for Mustang).
- Avoids Rough Roads: Some routes are nearly impossible by land.
Major Domestic Airlines in Nepal
| Airline |
Best For |
Key Routes |
| Buddha Air |
Comfort & reliability |
Kathmandu to/from Pokhara, Bharatpur, Bhairahawa |
| Yeti Airlines |
Popular & frequent flights |
Kathmandu to/from Lukla, Pokhara, Nepalgunj |
| Shree Airlines |
Budget-friendly |
Kathmandu to/from Biratnagar, Dhangadhi |
| Tara Air |
Mountainous regions |
Lukla, Jomsom, Phaplu, Simikot |
| Sita Air |
Short-haul flights |
Kathmandu to/from Pokhara, Tumlingtar |
Popular Domestic Flight Routes
- Kathmandu to Pokhara
Flight Time: 25-30 mins (vs. 6-8 hrs by road)
Airlines: Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Shree Airlines
Why Fly? Quick access to Annapurna treks, lakes, and paragliding.
- Kathmandu to Lukla (Everest Region)
Flight Time: 35-40 mins
Airlines: Tara Air, Yeti Airlines
Why Fly? Easiest way to start the Everest trek. Weather-dependent.
- Pokhara to Jomsom (Mustang Region)
Flight Time: 20 mins (vs. 2-day jeep ride)
Airlines: Tara Air, Yeti Airlines
Why Fly? Gateway to Upper Mustang & Muktinath Temple.
- Kathmandu to Bharatpur (Chitwan National Park)
Flight Time: 25 mins
Why Fly? Quick access to jungle safaris & rhino spotting.
What to Expect When Flying Domestically
- Small Aircrafts: Most flights use 15-20 seat turboprops like Twin Otters or Beechcraft.
- Luggage Limits: 10-15 kg typically; excess baggage fees apply.
- Weather Delays: Especially common on mountain routes like Lukla.
- Best Time to Fly: Early morning (6-9 AM) for fewer delays and clearer skies.
- Scenic Views: Sit on the left side from Kathmandu for Everest views!
- Challenging Airports: Lukla, Jomsom, and Simikot are known for thrilling landings.
Tips for Booking & Flying
- Book Early - Flights fill fast, especially during peak seasons (Oct-Nov, Mar-Apr).
- Check Baggage Rules - Stay within weight limits to avoid extra charges.
- Confirm Flight Timing - Delays and rescheduling are common.
- Arrive Early - Airports are small with limited check-in counters.
- Get Travel Insurance - Especially for flights to Lukla or Jomsom.
Estimated Flight Costs (One-Way)
| Route |
Estimated Price (USD) |
| Kathmandu to Pokhara |
$80 - $120 |
| Kathmandu to Lukla |
$180 - $220 |
| Pokhara to Jomsom |
$100 - $150 |
| Kathmandu to Bharatpur |
$70 - $100 |
Final Thoughts
Domestic flights in Nepal are adventurous, time-saving, and breathtaking—but require flexibility due to weather risks. If you're trekking or short on time, flying is the best choice!