โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
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.
๐ Connection Tips
Plan transfers carefully at Palungtar Airport. The facility maintains flexible scheduling to accommodate weather-related delays common in the region. Ground transportation options include rental vehicles and taxi services, though advance booking is recommended. Seasonal weather patterns significantly impact flight operations, requiring travelers to maintain flexible schedules. The airport's strategic location serves multiple communities across the surrounding region. Emergency services and medical evacuation capabilities are maintained year-round for community safety. Local aviation services include flight training, aircraft maintenance, and specialized charter operations. Weather monitoring systems provide essential data for safe flight operations in challenging conditions. The facility coordinates closely with regional air traffic control for optimal flight routing. Baggage handling procedures are streamlined due to the airport's focused operational scope.
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.
โ Back to Palungtar Airport