If you’re planning a trip to Pokhara — Nepal’s breathtaking “City of Lakes” — then Pokhara Airport, Nepal, is almost certainly your arrival point. It is the country’s second-busiest aviation hub and the direct gateway to the world-famous Annapurna trekking region.
But here is something most travel blogs fail to mention: there are actually two airports in Pokhara right now, and knowing which one you’re flying into makes all the difference. This guide clears up that confusion — and gives you everything else you need to land, transfer, and explore with total confidence.
| 📌 QUICK ANSWER — FEATURED SNIPPET What is Pokhara Airport, Nepal? Pokhara Airport, Nepal, refers to two airports: the new Pokhara International Airport (IATA: PHH, ICAO: VNPR) — inaugurated on 1 January 2023, located about 3 km east of the city — and the older domestic Pokhara Airport (IATA: PKR, ICAO: VNPK), which still handles limited Jomsom flights. The new airport can handle 1 million passengers per year and is capable of handling Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft. |
Understanding Pokhara Airport, Nepal: Two Airports, One City
This is the single biggest point of confusion for travelers — and most travel blogs fail to cover it clearly. Pokhara currently operates two airport facilities. The majority of tourists will use the new international airport, but it helps to know both:
| Feature | Pokhara Intl Airport (NEW — PHH) | Pokhara Airport (Old — PKR) |
| IATA Code | PHH | PKR |
| ICAO Code | VNPR | VNPK |
| Opened | 1 January 2023 | 4 July 1958 |
| Location | ~3 km east of the city centre | Old city area |
| Runway | 2,500 m × 45 m | Shorter (STOL) |
| Aircraft | A320, B737, B757 | Small prop aircraft only |
| Annual Capacity | 1 million passengers | Very limited |
| Routes | Kathmandu, Bharatpur, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj + limited international | Jomsom only (STOL flights) |
| Who Uses It? | 99% of tourists | Jomsom-bound trekkers only |
| Traveler Tip: If your airline is Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, or Shree Airlines and you’re coming from Kathmandu, you will land at the new Pokhara International Airport (PHH). This is where Kathmandu Car Services will pick you up. |
Pokhara Airport, Nepal: At a Glance: Key Facts & Stats
Here are the essential quick-reference facts for the new Pokhara International Airport — the one almost every tourist flies into:
| IATA Code | Distance to City | Elevation | Annual Capacity |
| PHH | ~3 km east | 2,711 ft / 827 m | 1 million passengers |
| Runway | Operating Hours | Weekly KTM Flights | Inaugurated |
| 2,500 m × 45 m | 6 AM – 10 PM daily | ~188 flights | 1 January 2023 |
Airlines & Routes at Pokhara Airport Nepal (2025)
Understanding who flies to Pokhara Airport, in Nepal — and where from — is essential for planning your trip. Here is the current picture as of 2025:
Domestic Airlines — Daily Scheduled Flights
| Airline | Route | Duration | Frequency | Aircraft |
| Buddha Air | Kathmandu ↔ Pokhara | ~25 min | Multiple daily | ATR 72/42 |
| Buddha Air | Bhairahawa ↔ Pokhara | ~30 min | Daily | ATR 72 |
| Buddha Air | Bharatpur ↔ Pokhara | ~25 min | Daily | ATR 72 |
| Yeti Airlines | Kathmandu ↔ Pokhara | ~25 min | Multiple daily | ATR 72-500 |
| Shree Airlines | Kathmandu ↔ Pokhara | ~25 min | Daily | ATR 72 |
| Buddha Air | Nepalgunj ↔ Pokhara | ~38 min | Several weekly | ATR 42 |
International Flights: The Honest Truth
Despite being named “Pokhara International Airport,” regular scheduled international flights are still very limited as of 2025. The airport has hosted chartered international flights — most notably Sichuan Airlines (China), which became the first international operator landing an Airbus A319 from Chengdu in 2023. Airlines, es including Air Astra (Bangladesh), have announced planned routes.
For now, the vast majority of tourists fly domestically from Kathmandu, making the 25-minute scenic flight the standard journey. The infrastructure is ready — the scheduled services are coming.
Getting To & From Pokhara Airport, Nepal: All Your Options
The airport is only about 10–15 minutes from Lakeside (Baidam) — Pokhara’s main tourist hub. But how you choose to make that journey will set the tone for your entire trip.
| Transfer Type | Time | Cost (approx.) | Pros | Cons |
| ⭐ Private Car (Recommended) | 10–15 min | Fixed rate | Pre-booked, Meet & Greet, fixed price, AC, flight tracking, professional driver | Costs slightly more than a taxi |
| Local Taxi | 10–20 min | NPR 400–700 | Widely available, no pre-booking needed | No meter, must negotiate, quality varies |
| Public Bus | 30–50 min | NPR 30–80 | Cheapest option available | Slow, crowded, and poor for large luggage |
| Hotel Shuttle | Varies | Hotel rate | Convenient if the hotel offers it | Rigid timing, not all hotels provide |
| Tuk-Tuk | 15–25 min | NPR 200–400 | Fun local experience, easy to find | Limited luggage space, no weather cover |
| Overland Car (KTM–PKR) | 6–7 hours | Fixed rate | Scenic Prithvi Highway, flexible stops | Long journey — best as flight backup |
My Personal Experience at Pokhara Airport, Nepal
| ““ I have flown into Pokhara Airport, Nepal, more times than I can count — and the experience has genuinely transformed over the past two years. My first visit was on the very week the new terminal opened in early 2023. Walking off the ATR 72 from Kathmandu, I stepped onto the tarmac and turned to see the Annapurna massif glowing in crisp morning light — Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) sharp as a blade against an impossibly blue sky. The new terminal was clean, well-signposted, and moved efficiently. Baggage arrived within 8 minutes. What made every arrival seamless was having a Kathmandu Car Services driver waiting with my name on a board right outside the exit. Within 12 minutes of leaving the terminal, I was sitting on the deck of my Lakeside hotel watching the lake, tea in hand. That calm arrival set the tone for every Nepal trip I’ve taken since. My honest airport rating: 4 out of 5. Great location, stunning views, improving infrastructure — but limited food options airside and AC that could use an upgrade on hot days. — Niraj Thapa, Nepal Travel Writer & Trekking Guide (12 years) ★★★★☆ |
Airport Facilities: What to Expect Inside
The new Pokhara International Airport is modern and functional, though still developing some amenities. Here is what you can realistically expect:
| 💱 Currency Exchange | 🏧 ATM (1–2 machines) | ☕ Small Café / Snack Bar | 🛍 Souvenir Shop |
| 📶 Free WiFi | 🚻 Clean Restrooms | ♿ Accessible Ramps | 🛃 Customs / Immigration |
| 🎒 Left Luggage | 🚔 Tourist Police Desk | 📋 Check-In Counters | 🌐 Travel Information |
| Honest Note: Traveler reviews note the airport can feel warm in summer (limited AC in parts of the terminal). Pack a light layer for winter mornings — temperatures at the airport can drop to 8–10°C (46–50°F) in December and January. The cafeteria options are basic, so eat before you fly if you’re fussy about food. |
Pokhara Airport as Your Trekking Gateway
One of the biggest advantages of flying into Pokhara Airport, Nepal, is what it means for trekkers. Flying directly to Pokhara instead of routing everything through Kathmandu saves an entire travel day — sometimes two.
| Trek / Destination | Access from Pokhara Airport | Time Saved |
| 🏔 Annapurna Base Camp | Drive from the airport to the Nayapul trailhead ~2 hrs. Without Pokhara flights, add 7–8 hrs from Kathmandu by road. | Up to 1 full day |
| 🌄 Poon Hill / Ghorepani | Same-day trek start possible with a morning KTM–Pokhara flight. Arrive before noon, reach the trailhead the same day. | Same-day trailhead |
| 🗻 Mardi Himal Trek | One of Nepal’s most scenic off-the-beaten-path treks. Accessible from Pokhara without transit through Kathmandu. | 6–8 hrs road travel |
| 🏕 Mustang (Upper/Lower) | STOL flights to Jomsom depart from the old Pokhara Airport (PKR). Access Mustang via Pokhara with a short connection. | Gateway to Mustang |
| 🚵 Annapurna Circuit | Full circuit starts from Besisahar — reached from Pokhara by car in ~3 hours. No Kathmandu routing needed. | Direct access |
| 🌊 Phewa Lake & City | Pokhara itself is a top destination. Paragliding, World Peace Pagoda, Begnas Lake — all within 30 min of the airport. | Zero extra transit |
Best Time to Fly Into Pokhara Airport, Nepal
Flights at Pokhara Airport operate under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), meaning weather has a direct impact on schedules. Plan your flying season wisely:
| Season | Months | Conditions | Verdict |
| 🍂 Autumn | Oct – Nov | Post-monsoon. Crystal-clear skies, best mountain views. Peak trekking season. | ✅ BEST TIME TO FLY |
| 🌸 Spring | Mar – Apr | Pre-monsoon. Rhododendrons in bloom, excellent visibility, second peak season. | ✅ BEST TIME TO FLY |
| ❄️ Winter | Dec – Feb | Cold, dry, mostly clear. Morning fog can occasionally delay flights. Quieter crowds. | ⚠️ CHECK FORECASTS |
| 🌧 Monsoon | Jun – Aug | Heavy rain, thick clouds, frequent delays or cancellations. Avoid flying if possible. | ❌ AVOID IF POSSIBLE |
Pre-flight Checklist for Weather-Safe Travel:
- Always book morning flights — afternoon clouds cause delays even in good months
- Reconfirm your flight 24 hours before departure — cancellations happen fast
- Build in a buffer day if you have a connecting international flight from Kathmandu
- Have a backup plan — Kathmandu Car Services offers overland Pokhara–Kathmandu transfers
- Download your airline’s app for real-time push notifications on delays
Includes & Excludes: Our Pokhara Airport Nepal Transfer Service
When you book with Kathmandu Car Services for your Pokhara airport transfer, transparency is our promise. Here is exactly what is and is not included:
| WHAT’S INCLUDED | WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED |
| Professional Meet & Greet with name board at arrivals exit Private air-conditioned vehicle (Sedan / SUV / Minivan) Door-to-door hotel drop-off anywhere in Pokhara Real-time flight tracking — no extra charge for delays All fuel, tolls, parking, and airport access fees Luggage assistance (loading & unloading) Complimentary chilled bottled water English-speaking, fully vetted professional driver 24/7 WhatsApp & phone customer support Instant digital confirmation voucher by email Child seats available on request (free) Flight cancellation rescheduling support | Airline tickets or domestic flight fares Personal travel or medical insurance Hotel accommodation or check-in fees Personal shopping or souvenirs Entry fees to attractions en route Sightseeing stops (available at extra cost) Airport porter or bellboy services Driver gratuity (discretionary — appreciated) Visa on Arrival fees at immigration |
Why Travelers Choose Kathmandu Car Services
| 🏆 10+ Years of Experience Thousands of successful airport pickups across Nepal. We know every airport, every traffic pattern, every shortcut. | 💰 Fixed, Transparent Pricing Quote what you see — that is what you pay. Zero hidden fees. Zero-meter games. One honest price. |
| 🚘 Modern Fleet Well-maintained, air-conditioned vehicles from economy sedans to full minivans. All regularly serviced and sanitized. | 🌐 English-Speaking Drivers Courteous, knowledgeable, and fully vetted. Ready to answer your Nepal travel questions on the ride. |
| 📱 Easy Online Booking Book in minutes on our website. Instant email confirmation. WhatsApp updates. Cancel or change up to 24 hours before. | ⭐ 5-Star Verified Reviews Hundreds of happy travelers on Google, TripAdvisor, and Trustpilot. Read what real visitors say before you book. |
FAQs About Pokhara Airport, Nepal
Here are the most frequently asked questions about traveling through Pokhara Airport, Nepal — answered clearly and honestly.
Q1. Which airport code should I use — PKR or PHH? |
| Use PHH (ICAO: VNPR) for the new Pokhara International Airport — the one that handles all flights from Kathmandu and is used by 99% of tourists. PKR (VNPK) is the old domestic airport that now only operates Jomsom STOL flights. When booking on airline websites, search “Pokhara” and confirm the terminal. Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines all use the new airport (PHH). |
Q2. How far is Pokhara Airport from Lakeside (Baidam)? |
| The new Pokhara International Airport is approximately 3 km east of the city centre and about 4–5 km from the popular Lakeside (Baidam) tourist area. The drive typically takes 10–15 minutes with normal traffic. Our Kathmandu Car Services driver will drop you directly at your hotel entrance — no searching for your accommodation on arrival. |
Q3. Are there international flights from Pokhara Airport, Nepal? |
| As of 2025, there are no regularly scheduled international flights from Pokhara Airport, Nepal. The airport has handled chartered international flights — most notably Sichuan Airlines (China). Airlines, including Air Astra (Bangladesh), have announced plans for scheduled routes. The standard route for international visitors remains flying into Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport and then taking a 25-minute domestic hop to Pokhara. |
Q4. What is the cost of a taxi from Pokhara Airport to Lakeside? |
| Local (unmetered) taxis outside the airport typically charge NPR 400–700 to Lakeside, depending on negotiation and airport busyness. Private pre-booked transfers through Kathmandu Car Services offer a fixed price with no negotiation, a professional English-speaking driver, and a Meet & Greet service. We strongly recommend pre-booking, especially on first visits or with family. |
Q5. What should I do if my flight to Pokhara is cancelled? |
| Nepal flight cancellations are relatively common due to VFR operations. Steps to take: (1) Contact your airline immediately for rebooking; (2) Ask about a refund if no same-day flight is available; (3) Consider an overland car transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara (~6–7 hours via Prithvi Highway). Kathmandu Car Services offers this overland route with flexible departure times. Contact us on WhatsApp for immediate arrangements. |
Q6. How early should I arrive at Pokhara Airport before my flight? |
| For domestic departures, arrive at least 90 minutes before your scheduled flight. During peak trekking season (October–November and March–April), allow more time. For international flights, follow the standard recommendation of 2.5–3 hours before departure. The airport opens for operations at 6:00 AM daily. |
Q7. Is there an ATM at Pokhara International Airport? |
| Yes, there is one or two ATMs available inside the new terminal. However, machines occasionally run out of cash during busy periods. We recommend carrying some Nepali Rupees (NPR) before landing, or withdrawing cash at Kathmandu Airport if connecting from there. Currency exchange counters are also available inside the terminal. |
Q8. Can Kathmandu Car Services pick me up at 6 AM or late at night? |
| Absolutely. Our transfer service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — including early morning, late-night, and public holiday pickups. Simply specify your arrival time when booking, and your driver will be there waiting — whatever time you land. |
Q9. What is the best way to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara? |
| Three main options: (1) Domestic flight — 25–30 minutes, most scenic, recommended. Multiple daily departures from Tribhuvan International Airport; (2) Private overland car transfer — ~6–7 hours, scenic Prithvi Highway, flexible stops. Perfect when flights are cancelled; (3) Tourist bus — ~7–8 hours, cheapest, less comfortable. For comfort and reliability, we recommend flight + private airport transfer. |
Q10. How can I book a private transfer from Pokhara Airport, Nepal? |
| Visit www.kathmanducarservices.com, select your transfer type, enter your flight details and hotel name, and confirm your booking. You will receive an instant email confirmation with your driver’s name and contact number. You can also reach us directly on WhatsApp for urgent or same-day bookings. We track your flight in real time, so delays are never a problem. |
| Ready to Arrive in Pokhara — Stress Free? Join thousands of happy travelers who trust Kathmandu Car Services for their Nepal airport transfers. Fixed pricing, professional drivers, and real-time flight tracking — your journey begins the moment you land. 🌐 www.kathmanducarservices.com ✅ Free cancellation · ✅ No hidden fees · ✅ Instant confirmation · ✅ 24/7 WhatsApp Support |
| About the Author — Kathmandu Car Services Travel Team With over a decade of ground transportation experience across Nepal, our team has facilitated thousands of airport transfers, guided countless first-time travelers through Nepal’s airports, and built a reputation for reliability, transparency, and genuine hospitality. Every article we publish is based on real experience on the ground — not copied from elsewhere. We update our guides regularly to reflect the latest airport developments, airline changes, and traveler feedback. |
© 2025 Kathmandu Car Services | www.kathmanducarservices.com | All rights reserved.
