Nepal's Trekking Airports: Your Gateway to the Himalayas

Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)

For international visitors arriving in Nepal, Tribhuvan International Airport, commonly known as TIA, is the primary entrance. Officially inaugurated by King Mahendra, the TIA was named after his late father, King Tribhuvan, on June 15, 1955, and has since become the country's busiest aviation hub. Located in the capital city of Kathmandu, it operates both international and domestic flights. 

Today, on average, TIA runs more than 300 flights daily,  and during peak seasons like Dashain, Tihar festival, and trekking season, the number rises to 500 flights a day. The TIA was once the one and only airstrip providing international flights until the Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara Regional International Airport were built. Despite having a single runway and a limited space for multiple aircraft, the TIA remains a practical doorway to Nepal, welcoming trekkers, climbers, pilgrims, and adventurers from every corner of the globe.

Quick Facts About Tribhuvan International Airport

Primary Use: All Nepal treks starting point 
Domestic Connections cost: 80USD-150USD to mountain airports 
Book Ahead: 30-45 days for domestic connections 
Reliability: 95% (weather rarely affects) 
International Baggage: 23kg (varies by airline) 
Operating Hours: 24/7 (busiest 6 AM-8 PM) 
Trek Access: Ground transport to all major trailheads 

Pokhara International Airport

Recently joining the TIA for an international flight, the Pokhara International Airport was inaugurated on 1st January 2023. This airstrip was opened with the vision to improve the air load of transportation services, including the cargoes, international passengers, and also to ease the lives of domestic travellers. 

Located at one of the most popular tourist cities, Pokhara, this aviation center connects the visitors directly to the world-famous Upper Mustang, Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill, and many other trekking routes. Although the international flights are sparse, the Pokhara International Airport aims to boost tourism, facilitate trade, and provide an alternative to TIA for visitors. 

Quick Facts About Pokhara International Airport

Primary Trek: Annapurna Circuit, ABC (10-21 days) 
Flight Cost: 15USD-25 USD from Kathmandu 
Book Ahead: 15-30 days 
Reliability: 85% (occasional fog delays) 
Baggage: 20kg domestic standard 
Trek Access: Direct bus to Besisahar (3 hours)

Lukla Airport (Tenzing-Hillary Airport)

The Lukla Airport, also known as Tenzing Hillary Airport, named after the legendary duo who first summited Mount Everest, was built in 1964 by Sir Hillary to support the local Sherpa Community and for future easy access to the Khumbhu region for fellow trekkers. It is located at an elevation of 2,846 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest airports in the world. Unlike many remote airstrips, Lukla operates year-round, closing only when weather conditions make flying unsafe. 

The Lukla airport is not your regular, ordinary airport. It is a gateway to the top of the World, Mount Everest, and is equally renowned for being one of the most challenging airports due to its short runway and unpredictable weather. During peak season (spring and autumn), this airport has over 100 running flights daily, making it one of the busiest airstrips in Nepal, depending on weather conditions, operating flights from 6:30 am to 3:30 pm. 

Quick Facts About Lukla Airport

Primary Trek: Everest Base Camp (14-16 days) 
Flight Cost: 180USD -220 USD from Kathmandu  
Book Ahead: 45-60 days minimum (peak season) 
Cancellation Rate: 30% (Oct-Dec), 50% (Jun-Aug) 
Baggage: 15kg checked + 5kg carry-on 
Best Flight Time: 6:30-8:00 AM (clearest weather) 
Backup Plan: Ramechhap diversion (+$50 + 6hr drive) 

Phaplu Airport

Another alternative access to Mount Everest, the Phaplu Airport is located in the lower Solukhumbu region, at an elevation of 2,413 meters above sea level. It offers trekkers a chance to start their Everest journey from a lower altitude, for gradual acclimatization as compared to a direct flight to Lukla. This airport was also built by Sir Hillary in 1967, as an extended version of Tenzing Hillary Airport. 

Although less popular than the Lukla Airport, during peak season, it receives fewer or more than 10 flights a day and acts as a backup when flights to Lukla get cancelled during bad weather. However, like other mountain airstrips, operations are highly weather-dependent, and the airport often remains closed for several days at a stretch during foggy or rainy periods.

Quick Fact About Phaplu Airport

Primary Trek: Everest Base Camp via Jiri route (18-21 days) 
Flight Cost: 160USD-190 USD from Kathmandu 
Book Ahead: 30-45 days 
Cancellation Rate: 20% (better than Lukla) 
Baggage: 15kg checked + 5kg carry-on 
Best Flight Times: 7 AM-10 AM only 
Advantage: Better acclimatization, fewer crowds 

Ramechhap Airport (Manthali Airport)

The Ramechhap Airport, also known as Manthali Airport, is a domestic airport, situated at an elevation of 493 meters. Located in the  Ramechhap District of Nepal, this airport acts as a diversion airport for the Lukla flight, and often the flights to Lukla are rerouted to this airport during peak season.

 Established in 1979, this airport can be accessed within 5-6 hours of driving from Kathmandu, and flight fares from Ramehhap to Lukla are cheaper compared to Kathmandu. This airport also depends on the weather and is usually closed during harsh weather. During peak season, the airstrips operated around 100 flights a day, whereas the number gets to zero during off-season. 

Quick Facts About Ramechhap Airport

Primary Use: Lukla flight diversion hub 
Flight Cost: 130USD-160 USD to Lukla 
Access: 5-6 hour drive from Kathmandu
Peak Usage: March-May, October-December 
Baggage: 15kg checked + 5kg carry-on
Advantage: Lower cost, higher success rate 
Transport: Pre-booking a jeep service is essential

Jomsom Airport

The Jomsom Airport, located at an elevation of 2,736 meters, is a domestic airport serving the Mustang region of Nepal. It was established by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal in 1976.  This airstrip acts as an easy and convenient gateway for Muktinath, Upper Mustang, and also the Annapurna circuit.

During those days, there was no proper road transportation, and many tourists relied on the aircraft, with more than 15 flights a day. But nowadays, since the road trip and Jeep tours are very famous in the region, the airport operates 1-5 regular flights, and that also depends on the weather conditions. 

Quick Facts About Jomsom Airport

Primary Trek: Upper Mustang (10-14 days), Annapurna Circuit 
Flight Cost: 120USD-150 USD from Pokhara 
Book Ahead: 20-30 days 
Wind Issues: Afternoon flights 70% cancelled 
Baggage: 15kg domestic limit 
Critical Timing: 7 AM-10 AM only (wind picks up later) 
Road Alternative: 6-8 hour jeep ride from Pokhara 

Manang Airport (Humde Airport)

The Manang Airport, also known as Humde Airport,  is located in the Manang district with an elevation of 3,353 meters above sea level. This airport is also the highest in the world. Before the road reached Manang, this airport was a famous entrance for trekkers moving towards the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake. It is also used to load cargoes and supplies, which otherwise would rely on mules and porters. 

This, once known as Nepal’s Highest airport, is now completely shut since there are no scheduled commercial flights and there's a decline in air demand for this airstrip. Occasionally, some charter flights do operate, as it still has the runway there.

Quick Facts About Manang Airport

Status: CLOSED - No commercial flights 
Alternative Cost: Road access via Besisahar 
Historical: Once served the Annapurna Circuit 
Current Use: Emergency/charter only 
Modern Route: Most trekkers use road access now 

 Note: Inquire locally for rare charter availability

Dolpa Airport (Juphal Airport)

The Juphal Airport of the Dolpo region was established by King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah in 1978. It is at an elevation of 2,499 meters and is the only airport serving the entire region. Before the construction of the airport, it used to take 2 weeks to get to Dolpo from the nearest road.

Dolpo Airport is a gateway for Shey Phoksundo Lake and other Upper Dolpo area trekking. It has daily but limited flights as it highly depends on the weather.

Quick Facts About Dolpo Airport

Primary Trek: Upper Dolpo, Shey Phoksundo (18-25 days) 
Flight Cost: 200USD-280 USD via Nepalgunj connection 
Book Ahead: 60-90 days (very limited flights)
Success Rate: 40-60% (weather dependent) 
Baggage: 15kg limit, pack essentials only 
Season: March-May, September-November only 
Alternative: 2-week trek from the nearest road 
Required: Special permits + guide mandatory

Simikot Airport

The convenient and dramatic gateway to Limi Valley and Mount Kailash Trek is through the airport of Simikot, Humla. This airport sits at an elevation of 2,818 meters, serving Nepal’s most remote mountain region. It is a domestic aviation operating flight from Simikot to other parts of Nepal, and mostly the flight operates during morning hours. Despite its challenging location, the airport facilitates essential air services, a vital lifeline connecting one of the country's most isolated districts to the rest of Nepal.

Quick Facts About Simikot Airport

Primary Trek: Mount Kailash, Limi Valley (21-28 days) 
Flight Cost: 180USD-220 USD via Nepalgunj 
Book Ahead: 45-60 days 
Seasonal: March-May, September-November only 
Baggage: 15kg, high-altitude gear essential 
Flight Times: Morning departures only 

Tumlingtar Airport

Tumlingtar Airport, first established on 1st Oct 1972, is a domestic airport located in Tumlingtar serving Sankhuwasabha District, a district in Koshi Province in Nepal. It has an elevation of 518 meters above sea level with a paved asphalt runway measuring 4,001 feet in length. Some of the major domestic airlines operated daily flights to Timlingtar. It is the main tourist gateway to Makalu Barun National Park, Makalu, the peak being roughly 50 km to the north of the city, with the base camp being accessible by trekking routes.

Quick Facts About Timlingtar Airport

Primary Trek: Makalu Base Camp (18-22 days) 
Flight Cost: 140USD-180 USD from Kathmandu 
Book Ahead: 30-45 days 
Reliability: 80% (better than high-altitude airports) 
Baggage: 20kg standard domestic 
Operating: Daily flights, morning preferred 
Trek Start: 2-3 hours walk to the actual trailhead 
Less Crowded: Fewer trekkers than on Everest/Annapurna

Taplejung Airport (Suketar Airport)

Taplejung Airport, also known as Suketar Airport, is a domestic airport located in Phungling serving Taplejung District, a district in Koshi Province in Nepal. Situated at an elevation of 2,420 meters above sea level, it serves as the main tourist gateway to the Kangchenjunga mountainous area and Pathibhara Devi Temple.

There are weekly flights between Kathmandu and Suketar scheduled, though the airport is non-operational most of the time, with many trekkers choosing alternative routes via Bhadrapur Airport and road transport to reach Taplejung for Kanchenjunga treks.

Quick Facts About Taplejung Airport

Primary Trek: Kanchenjunga Base Camp (20-24 days) 
Flight Cost: 160USD-200 USD (when operational) 
Reliability: Often cancelled/non-operational 
Success Rate: 20-30% flight completion 
Alternative: Bhadrapur Airport + 8-10 hour drive 
Better Option: Road access is more reliable 

Bajura Airport

Bajura Airport is a domestic airport located in Budhinanda serving Bajura District, Sudurpashchim Province in Nepal. The airport sits at an elevation of 4,300 feet above mean sea level with one runway measuring 520 metres in length. The airport has limited yet daily flight services connecting the least developed, western district of Nepal to Kathmandu. It is the entry point for the iconic Rara Lake and the Khaprad National Park, where trekkers visit to explore the wilderness and natural beauty of Nepal.

Quick Facts About Bajura Airport

Primary Trek: Rara Lake, Khaptad National Park (8-12 days) 
Flight Cost: 120USD-160 USD from Kathmandu 
Book Ahead: 30-45 days 
Weather Issues: Monsoon season closures are common 
Baggage: 20kg domestic standard 
Limited Service: 3-4 flights per week 
Road Access: Improving but still challenging 
Remote Region: Local guide recommended

Nepalgunj Airport

Nepalgunj Airport lies in the Terai region at an elevation of 150 meters above sea level. The airport serves as the crucial connection point for flights to remote destinations, including Simikot (Humla), Dolpo, and Jumla, and serves as a primary air gate for Indian pilgrims to visit the Kailash Manasarovar of Tibet. The airport handles multiple daily departures to various mountain destinations.

The airport operates daily flights and continues to serve as Nepal's primary hub for mountain region connectivity. Being at a low elevation, it has stable weather as compared to mountain airstrips and allows consistent flight. 

Quick Facts About Nepalgunj Airport

Primary Use: Connection hub for western mountain airports 
Connection Costs: 80USD-150 to mountain destinations 
Strategic: Book same-day connections with a buffer 
Baggage: Standard domestic 20kg 
Hub Function: Multiple daily departures to the mountains 
Accommodation: Hotels available for overnight stays 
Kailash Gateway: Main route for Tibet permits

Jumla Airport

Jumla Airport is a domestic airport located in Jumla serving Jumla District in Karnali Province, Nepal, residing at an elevation of 2,347 m above mean sea level.  Flights are operated three times a week with Tara Air and Nepal Airlines providing regular services. The flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla takes about 20 minutes. 

Jumla Airport mainly acts as the gateway for trekking routes into Rara Lake and the Karnali region. There are continued flight schedules and bookings, but due to challenging terrain and weather conditions, flights are generally scheduled for morning departures when weather conditions are most favorable.

Quick Facts About Jumla Airport

Primary Trek: Rara Lake circuit (7-10 days) 
Flight Cost:100USD-140 USD via Nepalgunj  
Schedule: 3 flights per week (Tara Air, Nepal Airlines) 
Baggage: 15kg limit for mountain flights 
Flight Duration: 20 minutes from Nepalgunj 
Trek Access: Direct trail access from the airport 
Seasonal: Best March-May, October-December

Talcha Airport

The Talcha Airport, also known as Rara Airport, is a gateway to Nepal’s largest lake, “the RaRa Lake”, and the most remote National Park, the Rara National Park. It is located in Karnali Province of Nepal, at an elevation of 2,720 meters above sea level. The airport provides direct access for trekking and exploring the lake. Due to challenging high altitude landscape and unpredictable weather conditions, flights are irregular and mostly scheduled for morning departures when the visibility and weather conditions are most favourable.

Quick Facts About Talcha Airport

Primary Trek: Rara Lake circuit and Rara National Park exploration (3-7 days)
Flight Cost: 120-160 USD via Nepalgunj
Schedule: 3-4 flights per week 
Baggage: 15kg limit for mountain flights
Flight Duration: 20-25 minutes from Nepalgunj
Trek Access: Direct trail access to Rara Lake (2-3 hours walk)
Seasonal: Best March-May, October-December

Conclusion

These airports of Nepal are much more than a landing strip; they are the gateway to the world's most incredible and legendary adventures, including the Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Region trek, Manaslu and Kanchenjunga Circuit treks, and so on. Although being at high elevation and often affected by the weather conditions, especially during monsoon and winter months, these airports play a vital role in connecting the remote areas of Nepal, such as Humla, Jumla, Dolpo, and many more to the outside world. Apart from the inconsistent flight operation due to the climate, travelling through one of these airstrips makes your journey adventurous, adding unforgettable memories to your story with breathtaking aerial views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and pristine landscapes.

Read a similar useful blog regarding trekking and travelling to Nepal and its region:

1. Everything you need to know about the Kanchenjunga Trek
2. Manaslu Trekking and Tips
3. Upper Mustang Trekking Guide
4. Tiji Festival of Upper Mustang
5. Tsum Valley Trek Guide
6. Rolwaling and Lapche Valley Guide
7. An essential guide and Top Tips for trekking in the Dolpo Region of Nepal
8. Everest Base Camp Trek Guide
9. Best Treks in Nepal: Highly Recommended Treks
10. Why Trek In Nepal
11. My Inner Dolpo Trek Experience
12. Shyagya Tradition of Tsum Valley