Pokhara Airport

Pokhara Airport Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide for Pokhara, Nepal

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: Pokhara Airport’s Role in Nepal’s Tourism

Pokhara International Airport is a crucial gateway to Nepal’s celebrated Annapurna region, facilitating both domestic and international travel. Originally established as a domestic airstrip in 1958, the airport has evolved alongside Pokhara’s rise as a premier trekking, adventure, and cultural tourism hub. Its location approximately 200 km west of Kathmandu and an elevation of 2,711 feet make it ideal for visitors heading to the Himalayas and exploring the vibrant city of Pokhara (Wikipedia).

The airport’s transformation into an international facility culminated in its inauguration in January 2023, marking a significant milestone for Nepal’s tourism sector. Pokhara International Airport now boasts expanded infrastructure, handling larger aircraft and facilitating direct international connections, aiming to decongest Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport and enhance regional accessibility (Hayden Rue).

Despite its promise, the airport faces operational and financial challenges, including technical limitations and pending full International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) certification. Nonetheless, it remains central to Pokhara’s tourism economy, offering modern amenities and proximity to iconic sites such as Phewa Lake and the World Peace Pagoda (Nepalaaja, Nepal News, Asia Odyssey Travel, Dream Big Travel Far Blog).

This guide delivers in-depth information on Pokhara Airport’s history, operational landscape, visitor services, ticketing procedures, accessibility, and travel recommendations—helping you navigate your journey with ease.

History and Development

Early Foundations and Domestic Operations

Pokhara Airport was established in 1958 to serve the growing tourism demands of Pokhara. Initially, it featured a basic runway and minimal facilities, mainly handling flights to Kathmandu and Jomsom, with seasonal service to Manang (Wikipedia). Its location made it an essential hub for trekkers accessing the Annapurna region.

Vision for International Connectivity

In 1971, the Nepalese government conceptualized transforming Pokhara into an international aviation hub. Land acquisition and a feasibility study by JICA in 1989 laid the groundwork, but political and financial hurdles delayed progress for decades (Hayden Rue). Renewed interest in the 2000s, and a 2009 air transport agreement with India, accelerated plans. By 2013, a construction contract was secured with China CAMC Engineering.

Construction and Modernization

Pokhara International Airport’s construction represented a major investment, with costs escalating from the planned NPR 22 billion to over NPR 25 billion (Nepalaaja). The new airport, inaugurated in January 2023, features a longer runway, modern terminals, and expanded capacity for both domestic and international flights (Hayden Rue). Its goal: to attract global travelers and establish Pokhara as a direct entry point, especially for tourists from China and India.

Technical and Operational Realities

Despite its modern upgrades, Pokhara International Airport faces several technical and operational constraints:

Load limitations: The runway supports narrow-body aircraft, restricting passenger loads and making regular international operations less profitable (Nepalaaja).
Certification: Full ICAO certification is pending, mainly due to incomplete or inadequate radar and navigation systems (Nepal News).
Financial scrutiny: The airport was financed primarily through a high-interest loan from China’s Exim Bank, raising concerns about long-term debt sustainability (Nepalaaja, Fiscal Nepal).
Ongoing investigations: Allegations of irregularities and corruption during construction have led to government probes and public scrutiny (Fiscal Nepal).

Visitor Information

Location and Access

Pokhara International Airport is located about 3 km east of the city center, making it easily accessible by taxi, hotel shuttle, or private car. A taxi to the Lakeside area typically takes 10–15 minutes (Asia Odyssey Travel).

Visiting Hours

Regular hours: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
Note: Flight schedules, especially for international routes, can vary due to certification and weather conditions. Always check with your airline.

Ticketing

Purchase options: Tickets are available online via airline websites, through travel agents, or at airport counters.
Major carriers: Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines operate regular domestic services; international routes are emerging but remain limited due to operational constraints (Nepal News).
Advance booking: Recommended, especially during the peak tourism seasons (spring and autumn).

Facilities and Services

Terminals: Separate facilities for domestic and international flights.
Amenities: Waiting lounges, free Wi-Fi, cafes, currency exchange, baggage claim, customs and immigration, ATMs, car rental, information desk, and basic shopping.
Accessibility: Ramps, accessible restrooms, and assistance for travelers with disabilities. Notify airlines in advance if you require special support.

Security and Luggage

Security is managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) with standard screening procedures.
Porter services and luggage trolleys are available.

Transportation Options

Taxis: Readily available outside the terminal.
Hotel shuttles: Offered by many local hotels.
Public buses: Connect the airport to the city center, though less convenient for travelers with heavy luggage.
Car rentals: Available at the airport.

Nearby Attractions and Things to Do

Pokhara International Airport’s proximity to major attractions makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the region:

Lakeside Pokhara: The city’s main tourist quarter, packed with hotels, cafes, and shops overlooking Phewa Lake (Dream Big Travel Far Blog).
Phewa Lake: Boating and lakeside relaxation just 4 km from the airport.
Sarangkot: Famous for sunrise views and paragliding opportunities (Travel Nepal Guides).
World Peace Pagoda: A hilltop Buddhist monument with panoramic views (Abhiyan Thapa).
Davis Falls & Gupteshwor Cave: Unique natural sites about 5 km from the airport (Holidify).
International Mountain Museum: Showcasing Himalayan culture and mountaineering history.

Adventure and Culture

Pokhara is renowned for trekking (Annapurna Circuit, Poon Hill), paragliding, rafting, and cultural experiences at the Old Bazaar and Bindhyabasini Temple. The city also hosts festivals such as the Pokhara Street Festival and paragliding competitions (Explore All About Nepal).

Current Issues and Future Prospects

Operational challenges: The airport is underutilized, with few regular international flights as of 2025 (Nepal News).
Debt and governance: High loan repayments and reports of financial irregularities have prompted calls for transparency and reform (Fiscal Nepal, New Business Age).
Diplomatic factors: Airspace agreements with neighboring countries and ICAO certification remain priorities for unlocking the airport’s full international potential.

Despite these issues, ongoing improvements to systems and infrastructure, plus Nepal’s focus on boosting tourism through initiatives like “Pokhara Visit Year 2025,” are positive signs for the airport’s future (Explore Pokhara).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are Pokhara Airport’s visiting hours?
A: The airport operates from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. Always confirm with your airline for specific flight timings.

Q: How can I purchase tickets?
A: Tickets for domestic and available international flights can be bought online, through agents, or at the airport.

Q: Is the airport accessible for travelers with disabilities?
A: Yes. Facilities include ramps, accessible restrooms, and assistance on request.

Q: What transport options are available from the airport?
A: Taxis, hotel shuttles, public buses, and car rentals are all available.

Q: What are the best months to visit?
A: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the best weather for travel and sightseeing (Asia Odyssey Travel).

Visuals and Maps

Modern terminal building of Pokhara International Airport

Map highlighting Pokhara International Airport and key attractions

Summary & Visitor Recommendations

Pokhara International Airport stands at the crossroads of Nepal’s tourism ambitions and operational realities. While it offers enhanced access to the Annapurna region and modern facilities, travelers should be aware of ongoing technical, financial, and geopolitical challenges. For the most current information, consult your airline, the official airport website, or trusted travel guides. Download the Audiala app for real-time updates and explore our digital resources for more on trekking, sightseeing, and travel tips in Pokhara.