Your journey to Nepal begins in the sky. Long before the trekking trails, jungle safaris, or mountain sunrises, there’s that quiet moment when the Himalayas appear beneath your window.
Understanding Nepal’s domestic and international airports simply makes everything smoother. Whether you arrive in the lively capital of Kathmandu or touch down near the calm lakes of Pokhara, each airport is a gateway to a different side of the country.
At Hotel Barahi, we believe travel should feel effortless from the very beginning. Here’s a clear guide to Nepal’s international and domestic airports, helping you plan a seamless arrival.
If you’re visiting Nepal for the first time, a simple Nepal arrival guide can make navigating the busy international airport much easier and less overwhelming.
Top International Airports in Nepal
Nepal currently has three international airports. Each one opens the door to a different experience, from heritage cities to sacred pilgrimage sites and peaceful lakeside escapes.
1. Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu Valley
The historic heart of Nepali aviation, Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), is the primary entry point for most international visitors. Located just 5.56 km from the city center, it sits at the crossroads of ancient heritage and modern commerce.
Once you step outside, Kathmandu greets you with a blend of history and energy. Many visitors head straight to their hotel in Kathmandu to rest before exploring the valley’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, hidden courtyards, and centuries-old temples. Staying centrally means you can go from runway to rooftop views in minutes.
2. Gautam Buddha International Airport, Siddharthanagar (Bhairahawa)
This airport serves as the gateway to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. It was developed to make travel easier for pilgrims and cultural travelers who want direct access to Nepal’s spiritual heart.
Arriving here feels quieter and more purposeful, as many visitors are beginning a journey rooted in reflection and heritage.
3. Pokhara International Airport, Chhine Danda
The newest jewel in Nepal’s aviation crown, Pokhara International Airport (PKR), opened its doors to provide a breathtaking arrival experience. Surrounded by the Annapurna range, the descent into this valley is legendary.
If you are looking for an exquisite hotel in Pokhara, you need look no further than the shores of Phewa Lake. From the airport, a short, scenic drive brings you to the doorstep of Hotel Barahi, where the tranquility of the water meets the luxury of lakeside living.
Major Domestic Airports in Nepal
If you’re heading beyond the main cities into the mountains, valleys, or jungle lowlands, Nepal’s domestic airports are what make it all possible. Flights are short, scenic, and often unforgettable.
Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Lukla
Often called one of the world’s most thrilling airports, Lukla is the legendary starting point for Everest treks. The runway is short, dramatic, and carved into a mountainside. For many, landing here is the true “pulse-pounding” start to their Himalayan adventure.
Location: Solukhumbu (Gateway to Everest).
Operating Hours:
Feb 16 – Nov 15: 06:00 AM – 06:45 PM
Nov 16 – Feb 15: 06:30 AM – 06:00 PM
Daily Flights: 30–50+ during peak trekking seasons.
Note: Most flights happen before noon due to mountain winds.
Bharatpur Airport, Chitwan
Bharatpur is the easiest way to reach Chitwan’s jungles. From the airport, it’s a short drive to hotels near Chitwan National Park. Within hours of landing, you could be watching rhinos graze or enjoying a quiet sunset by the river.
Location: Bharatpur, Chitwan District.
Operating Hours:
16th Feb – 15th Nov: 06:00 AM – 06:45 PM
16th Nov – 15th Feb: 06:30 AM – 06:00 PM
Daily Flights: 8–12 flights.
Biratnagar Airport, Biratanagar
Biratnagar is one of the busiest hubs in Nepal, especially for business and industrial travel. For your blog, you can mention that it feels much more like a “city airport” with very frequent, reliable connections compared to the small mountain strips.
Location: Biratnagar, Morang District
Operating Hours:
Feb 16 – Nov 15: 06:00 AM – 06:45 PM
Nov 16 – Feb 15: 06:30 AM – 06:00 PM
Daily Flights: 18–25 flights.
Nepalgunj Airport, Nepalgunj
A major gateway to the remote west, Nepalgunj is where many journeys to legendary places like the turquoise Rara Lake and the mystical landscapes of Dolpa begin. It’s practical, busy, and essential for accessing Nepal’s more untouched regions. Whether you are headed for a deep-jungle safari in Bardia National Park or catching a connection to the high Himalayas, Nepalgunj is the heartbeat of western travel.
Location: Banke District, Lumbini Province (6km North of the city).
Operating Hours:
Feb 16 – Nov 15: 06:00 AM – 06:45 PM
Nov 16 – Feb 15: 06:30 AM – 06:00 PM
Daily Flights: 10–20 flights.
Note: Nepalgunj is equipped for night operations, so evening flights are common.
Simara Airport, Simara
Simara is the closest airport to the Kathmandu Valley and serves as a vital link for those traveling from the southern plains and the industrial corridor. For tourists, it’s the fastest way to reach the capital from the border towns or Parsa National Park. It’s a small, efficient airport that saves you hours of winding mountain driving.
Location: Jitpur, Bara District
Operating Hours:
Feb 16 – Nov 15: 06:00 AM – 06:45 PM
Nov 16 – Feb 15: 06:30 AM – 06:00 PM
Daily Flights: 10–14 flights.
Jomsom Airport, Jomsom
Set in a dramatic valley between rugged cliffs, Jomsom is the breathtaking air gateway to Mustang. This is a “bucket list” flight that slices through the world’s deepest gorge between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. It’s famously windy and incredibly scenic, offering a landing you will never forget.
Location: Gharpajhong, Mustang District
Operating Hours: 06:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Daily Flights: 3–5 flights (Early morning only).
Note: Strictly closes early due to afternoon valley winds.
Dhangadhi Airport, Dhangadhi
Serving the far-western tip of Nepal, Dhangadhi connects a quieter, less-traveled part of the country. It is a vital hub for those looking to explore the wild beauty of Shuklaphanta National Park or the remote hills of the Sudurpashchim Province.
Location: Dhangadhi, Kailali District
Operating Hours:
Nov 1st to Jan 30th 10:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Feb 1st to Oct 30th 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Daily Flights: 4–6 flights.
Janakpur Airport, Janakpur
Janakpur Airport is your entry point to a world of ancient Mithila culture. Located in the historic city of Janakpur, it serves visitors drawn to the magnificent Janaki Temple and religious pilgrims. It has a beautiful, newly renovated terminal that reflects the heritage of the region.
Location: Janakpur City, Dhanusha District
Operating Hours:
Feb 16 – Nov 15: 06:00 AM – 06:45 PM
Nov 16 – Feb 15: 06:30 AM – 06:00 PM
Daily Flights: 6–10 flights.
Tumlingtar Airport, Sankhuwasabha District
Tumlingtar sits on a unique plateau between the Arun and Sabha rivers. It is the starting point for serious trekkers heading to Makalu Base Camp. The flight is a favorite for photographers because of the panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas.
Location: Khandabari Municipality, Sankhuwasabha District.
Operating Hours:
Nov 1st to Jan 30th 10:00 AM – 04:00 PM.
Feb 1st to Oct 30th 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM.
Daily Flights: 1–2 flights.
Phaplu Airport, Solukhumbu
Phaplu is the “slow travel” alternative to Lukla. It’s a quieter, safer option for those trekking into the lower Everest region. Landing here allows you to walk through traditional Sherpa villages and beautiful forests that many travelers miss by flying straight to Lukla.
Location: Phaplu, Solukhumbu District.
Operation Hours:
16th Feb to 15th Nov 06:00 AM -12:15 PM
6th Nov to 15th Feb 06: 30 AM -12:15 PM
Daily Flights: 1–3 flights (Highly weather-dependent).
Bhojpur Airport, Bhojpur
These are small regional strips serving the eastern hills. They are perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience among orange groves and traditional hilltop villages.
Location: Bhojpur Municipality, Bhojpur District.
Operation Hours:
16th Feb to 15th Nov 06:00 AM-12:15 PM
16th Nov to 15th Feb 06:30 AM-12: 15 PM
Daily Flights: 2–4 flights per week.
Surkhet Airport, Birendranagar
Surkhet serves as a hub for the western mid-hill regions. From here, travelers can explore rivers, cultural sites, and the scenic landscapes of Karnali Province.
Location: Birendranagar, Surkhet District
Operation Hours:
16th Feb to 15th Nov 06:00 AM-6:45 PM
16th Nov to 15th Feb 06:30 AM-06: 00 PM
Daily Flights: 2–4 flights
Jumla Airport, Karnali
One of the highest and most remote airports in the country, Jumla connects you to the heart of the Karnali hills. It is the gateway for trekkers looking for the “untouched” Nepal and traditional farmland that hasn’t changed in centuries.
Location: Jumla, Jumla District
Operating Hours:
16th Feb to 15th Nov 06:00 AM – 06:45 PM
16th Nov to 15th Feb 06:30 AM – 06:00 PM
Daily Flights: 3–5 flights per week.
Bhadrapur Airport, Mechi District
Bhadrapur is the gateway to eastern Terai and the hills of Jhapa and Ilam. Travelers can explore tea gardens, local markets, and enjoy scenic drives before heading further into the hills.
Location: Bhadrapur, Mechi District
Operating Hours:
Feb 16 – Nov 15: 06:00 AM – 06:45 PM
Nov 16 – Feb 15: 06:30 AM – 06:00 PM
Daily Flights: 6–10 flights.
Conclusion
The network of airports in Nepal is more than just infrastructure; it is the thread that sews together the diverse landscapes of our nation. In a country where the terrain shifts from subtropical jungles to the highest peaks on Earth, aviation serves as a vital lifeline. These hubs are essential not only for the thriving tourism industry, allowing cultural explorers and adrenaline seekers to bypass days of rugged road travel, but also for driving national business and connecting remote communities to the heart of the country.
Whether you are arriving at a modern international terminal or a high-altitude mountain airstrip, your journey is a gateway to the extraordinary. From the bustling runways of Kathmandu to the serene descents into Pokhara and Bharatpur, every flight is a prelude to the luxury and adventure that define the Nepali experience.
At Hotel Barahi, we are proud to be part of your story. Across our properties in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan, we stand ready to transition you from the excitement of the terminal to the comfort of a world-class sanctuary.