โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
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.
๐ Connection Tips
Pokhara Airport (PKR), now serving primarily domestic flights, is located right in the heart of the city. Ground transport is plentiful; official airport taxis meet every arrival and take only 10-15 minutes to reach the popular Lakeside district for a fixed fare of roughly 500-800 NPR. A unique connection tip: for most travelers, the standard 'connection' to the Annapurna trekking circuit is via a pre-arranged private Jeep from Lakeside.
The terminal is functional but can be crowded during peak trekking seasons (Oct-Nov). A significant 2026 update: most international and larger domestic traffic has moved to the new Pokhara International Airport (PRW); ensure you verify which terminal your carrier uses The border-edge location means a fixed pickup is worth more than a long search for local transport.
Facilities include basic cafes and souvenir shops selling local handicrafts. Ensure you have cash (NPR) Because the airport is near the Tibetan plateau, a simple pickup plan is worth more than a last-minute search for public transport. A confirmed ride keeps the route usable, especially when the airport is acting as the entry point to the Tibetan edge of the region. For the Himalayan edge of the region, the airport is best thought of as a quick local gateway with a ride already waiting. A ready pickup is what keeps the airport useful on the Himalayan edge of the region.
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 Pokhara Airport (Domestic)