โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Simikot Airport (IMK) is a high-altitude mountain airstrip situated at approximately 9,200 feet (2,800 meters) in the Humla District of Nepal. It serves as a critical transportation link for the Karnali Zone, providing the only practical access for the local population and for pilgrims and trekkers heading toward Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. The airport features a single, relatively short asphalt runway and a modest passenger terminal facility.
The terminal at Simikot is designed for small, short-takeoff-and-landing (STOL) aircraft such as the Twin Otter or Dornier. The infrastructure is basic, consisting of a simple check-in area and a waiting hall for departing passengers. Because the district lacks road connectivity, almost all supplies, medical goods, and travelers must pass through this facility, which often results in a busy and active environment despite the lack of modern automation.
Flight operations at Simikot are strictly regulated by the weather, with most activities occurring in the early morning before the onset of strong mountain winds. The terminal offers very few amenities, and passengers should expect a rustic experience without Wi-Fi or formal dining options. Instead, the terminal provides a functional and vital service, acting as a gateway to some of the most remote and beautiful landscapes in the Himalayas.
๐ Connection Tips
Simikot Airport (IMK) is a vital and exceptionally challenging regional aviation facility located in the Humla District of northwestern Nepal. Situated at an elevation of approximately 9,500 feet, the airport serves as the primary air gateway for pilgrims and trekkers heading to the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. Because there are no motorable roads connecting Simikot to the rest of Nepal, the airport provides the only reliable link for passenger travel and essential supplies. Scheduled domestic service is primarily provided by regional carriers like Tara Air and Summit Air, connecting Simikot to the regional hub at Nepalgunj (KEP). For travelers, the most critical tip is that flights to Simikot are highly weather-dependent and typically operate only in the early morning hours to avoid the strong afternoon winds of the Himalayas.
Always build at least 2 to 3 'buffer days' into your itinerary to account for potential flight cancellations due to clouds or wind. Upon arrival at the IMK airstrip, ground transportation is limited to local footpaths or mule caravans for transit into the Simikot village center. It is mandatory to have a pre-arranged trekking agency or guide meet you at the field, as specialized mountain logistics are required for onward travel to the Tibet border. Arriving at least 60 minutes before departures is standard for these regional hops.
Facilities at Simikot are functional and minimalist, offering basic passenger amenities including a small waiting area and a few local tea houses nearby. The regional environment is extreme high-altitude, and travelers should allow for a night of acclimatization in Simikot before continuing their ascent. Ensure you have sufficient Nepalese Rupees (NPR) in cash, as card systems and ATMs are virtually non-existent in this part of the country. IMK provide a professional and remarkably scenic entry point for one of the world's most significant spiritual journeys, provided every detail of the connection is meticulously planned.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Bhojpur Airport (BHP) is a vital Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) airfield situated in the rugged hilly terrain of the Bhojpur District in eastern Nepal. Perched at an elevation of approximately 1,219 meters (4,000 feet), the airport features a single 540-meter asphalt concrete runway that provides a crucial aerial link for the local community, bypassing the lengthy and often difficult road journeys through the mountains. It is a key piece of infrastructure for the region, facilitating the movement of people and essential goods between this remote district and the nation's capital.
The airport's passenger facilities are currently housed in a modest, functional building, although plans for a more modern terminal were initiated with a significant government tender in 2023. The current structure provides a basic waiting area and a centralized check-in point where Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) and Tara Air manage their operations. Due to the airport's high-altitude and mountainous surroundings, flight schedules are primarily concentrated in the morning hours to take advantage of favorable wind and visibility conditions. Security is conducted manually with hand-held detectors, and the boarding process involves a short walk across the apron to the waiting aircraft.
Amenities at BHP are limited to the essentials required for regional travel, including free Wi-Fi and a small seating area for departing passengers. There are no on-site ATMs, restaurants, or refueling facilities, so travelers are advised to carry sufficient local currency and provisions for their journey. Local transport is predominantly served by jeep services that connect the airport to Bhojpur Bazaar and other nearby settlements. Despite its basic infrastructure, the airport remains a lifeline for the district, with Nepal Airlines recently doubling its service frequency to four flights per week to meet the growing demand for connectivity to Kathmandu.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Bhojpur Airport (BHP) in Nepal requires an approach centered on flexibility and patience, as this STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) facility is heavily influenced by the rugged Himalayan weather patterns. Most travelers arriving at BHP are either locals or trekkers connecting to and from Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. Because the airport utilizes a short 540-meter runway and operates strictly under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), flight schedules are almost exclusively concentrated in the early morning hours when wind and visibility conditions are most favorable. A critical tip for connecting through Bhojpur is to build at least one or two "buffer days" into your travel itinerary.
Cancellations are frequent, especially during the monsoon season (June to September) or due to winter morning fog in the Kathmandu Valley. If your flight is cancelled, the alternative involves a grueling 12-to-16-hour road journey. Therefore, ensuring you have a flexible onward international ticket from Kathmandu is vital. Nepal Airlines is the primary carrier, and because their Twin Otter aircraft have limited seatingโtypically for just 16 to 19 passengersโbooking your "connection" several weeks in advance is highly recommended.
Travelers should also be mindful of strict baggage weight limits, usually restricted to 10kg for checked bags and 5kg for hand luggage, as small aircraft are extremely sensitive to weight in high-altitude environments. Within the Bhojpur terminal, amenities are minimal; ensure you have sufficient local currency and basic supplies like water before arrival. For those who cannot secure a direct flight, an alternative is to fly into Tumlingtar (TMI) and complete the final leg of the journey via local jeep services.
โ Back to Simikot Airport