Palungtar Airport (GKH)

Palungtar Airport (GKH), also known as Gorkha Airport, is a historic aviation facility located in the Gorkha District of Nepal. Situated in the mid-hills region, the airport was once a critical link for the historic town of Gorkha and the surrounding mountain communities. The airfield consists of a single 1,067-meter grass and clay runway and is characterized by its dramatic setting amidst the foothills of the Himalayas. Since its opening in 1960, the airport has played a vital role in the region's development, although its importance shifted as road connectivity improved. The facilities at Palungtar Airport are currently minimalist and reflect its non-operational status. While it previously served as a functional domestic terminal, there is no longer a formal commercial terminal building with modern passenger amenities. The infrastructure is characterized by basic structures that have largely fallen into disuse since the airport ceased scheduled commercial operations. Travelers should not expect any on-site services such as check-in counters, retail shops, or restaurants. The airfield now primarily serves as a reminder of the region's aviation history and is used only for specialized operations. Currently, GKH does not host regularly scheduled commercial airline services. Nepal Airlines historically operated routes from Palungtar until the late 1970s, but the airport has been inactive for regular traffic for several decades. Despite its inactive status, the airfield remains a vital strategic asset; it was extensively utilized as a staging point for helicopter operations and relief deliveries following the devastating 2015 Gorkha earthquake. Its existence continues to provide a potential lifeline for emergency response and humanitarian aid in the central hill region of Nepal. Ground transportation from Palungtar Airport is limited, as there are no formal taxi or shuttle services located directly at the airfield. The nearby town of Palungtar and the main Gorkha-Kathmandu highway provide road links to the rest of the country. Visitors to the area are typically headed to the historic Gorkha Durbar or are beginning treks into the Manaslu region. Anyone visiting the site of the airfield is advised to be self-sufficient and to coordinate all logistics through local contacts in the Gorkha District. Although no longer a hub of commercial activity, Palungtar Airport remains a symbol of resilience and a key piece of Nepal's rural infrastructure.