Pokhara Airport (Domestic) (PKR)

Pokhara's original domestic airport continues specialized STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) operations for mountain flights to Jomsom despite the January 2023 opening of Pokhara International Airport, which assumed most commercial traffic. Established in July 1958, this legacy facility maintains its critical role serving the challenging Jomsom route where aircraft must navigate the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world's deepest gorge, requiring specialized aircraft and experienced mountain pilots who operate exclusively in early morning hours before dangerous afternoon winds develop.

The terminal remains operational specifically for Jomsom flights operated by Tara Air, Summit Airlines, and Nepal Airlines, with typically 3-5 departures scheduled between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM daily. These 20-25 minute flights covering 68 kilometers represent one of Nepal's most spectacular yet technically demanding aviation routes, threading between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna peaks while dealing with rapidly changing mountain weather conditions. The small apron accommodates up to eight propeller aircraft simultaneously, primarily Twin Otters and similar STOL-capable planes essential for Jomsom's short, high-altitude runway.

Operational limitations at the old airport reflect both its infrastructure constraints and the unique requirements of mountain aviation. Morning visibility provides optimal conditions for Himalayan views sought by tourists, while afternoon winds frequently reach velocities that make safe operations impossible, leading to regular cancellations after 10 AM. The terminal's basic amenities serve passengers heading to Upper Mustang and the Annapurna Circuit, with most travelers being trekkers, pilgrims visiting Muktinath Temple, or locals from the remote Mustang district requiring air access when road conditions deteriorate.

The retention of PKR airport for Jomsom operations demonstrates practical aviation requirements superseding infrastructure modernization, as the new international airport's location and approach patterns prove unsuitable for the specialized mountain flying required. This division of operations - with PHH handling mainstream domestic and international flights while PKR maintains mountain services - reflects Nepal's complex aviation geography where modern facilities cannot always replace established operational patterns developed over decades of Himalayan flying experience.