Pokhara Airport serves as Nepal’s gateway to the Himalayas. Located near the city of Pokhara, it sits at a high altitude and provides easy access for travelers heading to Annapurna or Lake Phewa. The airport handles domestic flights from Kathmandu and some international charters during peak seasons. Its short runway reflects challenging terrain, requiring skilled pilots. Visitors experience mountain views upon arrival, making the journey visually striking even before landing. The terminal is compact yet functional with basic amenities for quick passenger processing.
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type D
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Nepalese Rupee (NPR) £1 ≈ NPR 202.85 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common in Nepal, particularly in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Credit cards are accepted in many larger establishments.
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| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is common in Nepal, with 10% being the usual amount in restaurants. Taxis and hotel staff appreciate small tips. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not generally allowed in Nepal, and alcohol should be consumed in licensed venues. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is allowed in designated areas, though many places have non-smoking zones. |
| Dashain (September-October) |
The biggest Hindu festival in Nepal |
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| Tihar (October-November) |
A celebration of lights, similar to Diwali |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 100 (Police), 102 (Ambulance) |
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| Taxi apps: | Pathao |
| Other: | Nepal is famous for its cultural heritage and natural beauty, including the Himalayas and UNESCO World Heritage sites. |
Pokhara Airport has historically served as a domestic airport connecting Pokhara with Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal. In January 2023, a new international airport opened nearby, but most domestic flights still operate from this original airport. The terminal is modest, offering essential services including cafes, basic shops and ticket counters with a friendly local atmosphere.
The airport provides a breathtaking view of the Himalayas during takeoff and landing, making the journey quite memorable despite the limited facilities. It is appreciated for saving travelers a lengthy road trip from Kathmandu, but preparation is needed as weather can affect flight schedules and the terminal lacks air conditioning, which can feel uncomfortable in hot seasons.
Getting to the city center is straightforward with taxis taking about 10 minutes and costing roughly NPR 400-600 ($3-$5). Bus services and ride-hailing options are less common. The airport caters mainly to tourists eager to embark on adventures like trekking the Annapurna Circuit or visiting Phewa Lake.
Travelers should note that the airport operates mainly during the day and may not accommodate late-night flights. The lack of lounges or luxury amenities means passengers often wait in simple seating areas. English is moderately spoken by airport staff and in tourist areas.
Most travelers stay in Pokhara city center, which offers a broad range of accommodation from budget hostels to lakeside resorts and boutique hotels. The airport area has no hotels, so the city is the preferred base for exploring the region.
To Pokhara city centre:
The airport is approximately 6 km from the city centre. Taxis are the main transport option, taking around 10 minutes and costing roughly NPR 400 – 600 (£1.98 – 2.97). Public transport is limited, and shuttle services are scarce, so pre-booked taxis or ride-hailing are recommended.
