โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Bharatpur Airport (BHR) is one of the busiest domestic aviation hubs in Nepal, serving as the primary gateway to the Chitwan District and the world-renowned Chitwan National Park. Located in the heart of the Terai region, the airport features a 1,158-meter asphalt runway that accommodates frequent short-haul flights from Kathmandu and Pokhara. It is a vital piece of infrastructure for both the local business community in Bharatpurโthe country's fourth-largest cityโand the thousands of international tourists who arrive annually to embark on wildlife safaris to see the region's famous one-horned rhinoceroses and Bengal tigers.
The airport is currently undergoing a significant modernization phase, with the foundation stone for a new, state-of-the-art terminal building laid in 2023. This project aims to replace the existing modest structure with a more spacious facility equipped with modern check-in counters, expanded waiting lounges, and improved passenger flow to handle the increasing volume of air traffic. While the new terminal is under construction, the current facility provides essential services including centralized check-in and basic security screening. Boarding is typically conducted via a short walk across the apron to the aircraft, often a Beechcraft 1900 or ATR-42 regional liner.
Amenities within the current terminal are functional and include free Wi-Fi and baggage trolleys for passenger convenience. While there are no on-site ATMs, currency exchange, or duty-free shops, a small snack bar offers refreshments and local items. Travelers are advised that full-service banking and extensive dining options are available in the nearby Bharatpur city center, just a few minutes' drive from the terminal. Ground transportation is readily accessible, with taxis and pre-arranged hotel shuttles frequently waiting outside the arrivals exit to transport guests to the various jungle lodges in Sauraha and other parts of the Chitwan region.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Bharatpur Airport (BHR) is a central part of any journey to Nepal's Terai region, specifically for those heading to the jungle lodges of Sauraha and Chitwan National Park. As of 2026, the airport is in the midst of a significant modernization project, including the construction of a large, state-of-the-art terminal and a runway extension. Most travelers arrive here on short, 25-minute domestic flights from Kathmandu (KTM) or Pokhara (PKR) operated by Buddha Air or Yeti Airlines. A useful tip for those flying from Kathmandu: try to sit on the right side of the aircraft for breathtaking views of the Manaslu and Ganesh Himal mountain ranges.
Because BHR currently operates under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and lacks night landing facilities, it is essential to plan your connections for the morning or early afternoon. Flights are frequently delayed or cancelled during the winter due to morning fog or during the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rain and low visibility. If you have an international flight departing from Kathmandu, it is highly recommended to return to the capital at least one day in advance to avoid missing your connection.
Within the terminal, be prepared for manual security screenings and a functional but basic environment. Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals area for the 30-to-45-minute drive to Sauraha. Always keep your boarding pass accessible until you exit the terminal, as you will likely need to present it to claim your checked baggage. With the ongoing expansion, the airport will soon accommodate larger ATR-72 aircraft and night flights, which is expected to improve schedule reliability significantly.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Baglung Airport (BGL), also known as Balewa Airport, serves the Baglung District in the Gandaki Province of Nepal. Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, the airport originally opened in 1973 but remained closed for 26 years before being reopened in 2018 to improve regional connectivity. The airport features a single runway and is situated at an elevation of approximately 3,320 feet (1,012 meters). While it was reopened to facilitate easier access to this mountainous region, it has struggled to maintain consistent scheduled commercial services, primarily serving as a hub for charter flights and STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) aircraft like the Twin Otter.
The terminal facilities at Baglung Airport are basic, reflecting its role as a regional domestic airfield. The single-terminal building houses a simple check-in area and a waiting lounge for passengers. While recent upgrades aimed to provide essential amenities such as a ticket counter and basic restroom facilities, the operational status of these services depends heavily on the presence of scheduled flights. There are no formal lounges, duty-free shops, or extensive dining options, so travelers are advised to bring their own refreshments and be prepared for a very functional and straightforward passenger experience.
Operational procedures at the airport are highly weather-dependent, with flight movements often governed by visual flight rules (VFR). Due to the mountainous terrain and local weather patterns, fog and high winds can frequently lead to delays or cancellations. Security and baggage handling are conducted manually by airport staff and local authorities. For ground transportation, the city of Baglung is accessible via local roads, though the journey can be challenging due to the rugged terrain. The airport remains a vital, if underutilized, piece of infrastructure for the local community and as a potential gateway for trekking routes in the surrounding Annapurna and Dhaulagiri regions.
๐ Connection Tips
Baglung Airport (BGL), also known as Balewa, is currently dormant and does not host scheduled commercial flights, primarily due to the efficiency of the Pokhara-Baglung Highway. For travelers heading to this region, the primary connection strategy is to fly into Pokhara International Airport (PRIA) and then undertake a 72 km (45-mile) overland journey to Baglung. The drive typically takes between two and three hours depending on traffic and road conditions. The most reliable and comfortable mode of transport is a private 4WD jeep (often a Mahindra Scorpio), which can be pre-arranged in Pokhara or Baglung Bazaar. For budget-conscious travelers, frequent local micro-buses (Hiace) depart throughout the day from the Baglung bus park to central Pokhara.
It is essential to be mindful of the seasonal weather in the Himalayan foothills; during the monsoon season from June to September, the highway is prone to sudden landslides, which can lead to multi-hour delays. If you have an onward domestic or international connection from Pokhara or Kathmandu, it is highly recommended to allow at least a five-hour buffer time. Baglung Bazaar serves as a vital logistical hub for those continuing their journey deeper into the mountains toward Mustang or the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve via rugged off-road tracks. While in the area, a visit to the nearby Gandaki Golden Bridgeโone of the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridgesโis highly recommended. Ensure you carry sufficient Nepalese Rupee (NPR) in cash for jeep and bus fares, as credit card facilities are virtually non-existent outside of major hotels in Baglung Bazaar. Finally, always verify whether your onward flight from Pokhara departs from the new international terminal or the older domestic airfield before leaving Baglung.
โ Back to Bharatpur Airport