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
Connecting through Simikot Airport (IMK) is an adventure in itself, primarily because it serves as the essential jumping-off point for those traveling into the Humla District and across the border into Tibet. There are no formal air-to-air transfer facilities or secure transit areas within the terminal. All passengers arriving from Nepalgunj or Kathmandu must disembark, collect their baggage manually, and clear the terminal area. If your journey involves a transfer from a fixed-wing aircraft to a helicopter for the final leg to Hilsa, it is crucial to allow for a significant bufferโoften an entire dayโdue to the frequent and unpredictable weather-related delays.
Simikot is one of Nepal's most weather-sensitive airports, and early morning flights are the only ones you should rely on. Strong afternoon winds frequently lead to the closure of the airstrip, and mountain fog can ground flights for several days at a time. It is highly recommended to maintain close contact with your trekking agency or airline representative, as flight schedules are often managed informally on the ground. There is no digital flight tracking system available to the public, so updates are generally provided through local staff and pilot radio communications.
While waiting at the terminal or in the town of Simikot, you will find only basic tea houses and small shops offering simple snacks. There are no premium lounges or extensive dining facilities. It is essential to carry your own supply of high-energy foods and adequate water. Given the high altitude of the airport, you should also be mindful of altitude sickness and ensure you have warm clothing readily available, as temperatures can drop suddenly. Always keep your travel permits and ID in a waterproof folder, as the mountain weather can change without warning.
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