Pokhara International Airport
Everything about Pokhara's Gautam Buddha International Airport. Flights, facilities and how to use it for your Muktinath pilgrimage.
Airport Overview & Current Status (2026)
Pokhara International Airport. Officially named Gautam Buddha International Airport (IATA: PKR). Is Nepal's second major airport, located 3km east of the Pokhara city centre. Construction was completed in December 2022 at a cost of approximately USD 216 million, partially financed by the Chinese EXIM Bank. The airport features a 2,500m × 45m runway, capable of handling Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 class medium-haul aircraft. Large enough to receive flights from Indian cities without technical limitation.
As of early 2026, the airport operates domestic flights only. Despite its "international" designation, no scheduled international airline has commenced regular service. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and Nepal's tourism ministry have been in discussions with IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet about potential Indian city connections, but no firm start dates have been announced. For current Muktinath pilgrimage planning, route your journey through Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to reach Pokhara.
Domestic Routes & Airlines
Three airlines operate scheduled domestic services into Pokhara Airport as of 2026. Buddha Air offers the most frequency on the Kathmandu–Pokhara route with 4–6 daily return flights; Yeti Airlines and Shree Airlines each add 2–3 daily services. The 25-minute flight covers the 200km Kathmandu–Pokhara road distance. Fares range from INR 3,125–5,000 one way. Limited services from Bharatpur, Bhairahawa (Sunauli border city), and Nepalgunj also connect to Pokhara but with far fewer weekly frequencies.
The Bhairahawa–Pokhara route is particularly useful for Indian pilgrims crossing at Sunauli: rather than the 7-hour Bhairahawa–Pokhara road, a 30-minute flight (roughly INR 2,500–3,750) gets you to Pokhara in time to catch the same-day Jomsom connection if you cross the border early enough. Check current schedules with Yeti Airlines, which has historically been the most consistent operator on this sector.
Connecting to Jomsom Flights
Pokhara Airport is the gateway for all Jomsom mountain flights. The Jomsom flight counter and boarding gate are within the same airport complex as the domestic terminal, though accessed via a separate area. Airlines flying to Jomsom: Tara Air (subsidiary of Yeti Airlines) and Yeti Airlines operate the Pokhara–Jomsom sector on Twin Otter (DHC-6) aircraft, seating 17–19 passengers. Fares: INR 3,440–5,625 one way. Flight duration: 15–20 minutes.
All Jomsom flights depart between 6 AM and 9 AM due to afternoon valley winds. If you arrive in Pokhara from Kathmandu on an afternoon flight, you will overnight in Pokhara and take the Jomsom flight the following morning. This overnight in Pokhara is standard on all our Muktinath flight packages and doubles as a chance to rest, complete ACAP permit formalities, and acclimatise slightly before ascending to 2,682m in Jomsom. Confirm Jomsom bookings at least 3–4 weeks ahead in peak season.
Airport Facilities & Ground Transport
Pokhara Airport's domestic terminal (2026) includes air-conditioned waiting lounges, 8 check-in counters, a cafeteria serving snacks and drinks, a pharmacy kiosk, and two ATMs (Himalayan Bank and NIC Asia). A dedicated taxi stand outside the arrivals exit offers pre-paid fares: INR 315–440 to Lakeside (Baidam), 15–20 minutes; INR 188–250 to the Pokhara bus park (Chipledhunga), 10 minutes. Ride-sharing apps (Pathao, InDrive) also operate in Pokhara and can be booked via smartphone.
Luggage storage is available at the airport terminal counter for INR 94–156 per bag per day. Useful if you want to explore Pokhara's Lakeside district before your Jomsom flight the next morning without dragging large bags. Car hire with driver can be arranged at the taxi desk just outside the terminal. Our tour packages include airport pickup and drop; a representative holding your name board will meet you at the arrivals exit.
Future International Operations & India Direct Flights
Pokhara Airport's 2,500m runway technically meets the requirements for non-stop flights from all major Indian metro cities within a 1,500km radius, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Varanasi, Lucknow, and Chennai. Nepal's tourism ministry has projected that direct India–Pokhara flights, once operational, could add 300,000–400,000 additional Indian visitors annually, with Muktinath pilgrims forming a significant segment. Regulatory clearances from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (India) and bilateral air service agreement amendments are the primary remaining hurdles.
Industry analysts project that Indian carrier service to Pokhara is most likely to commence in the 2026–2028 window, with IndiGo and SpiceJet considered the strongest candidates based on their existing Kathmandu operations. Once active, a direct Varanasi–Pokhara or Delhi–Pokhara flight would reduce total India-to-Muktinath travel time by approximately 4–6 hours by eliminating the Kathmandu transit stop. We will update our packages immediately when such services are announced. Monitor the CAAN website and our blog for the latest.
Not yet (as of 2026). There are no scheduled international flights to Pokhara. You must fly to Kathmandu first, then take a domestic flight or drive to Pokhara.
They are at the same airport complex but different terminals. The mountain flight terminal is a short walk (5 minutes) from the main domestic terminal.
Arrive at the airport by 5:30 AM for a 6–6:30 AM Jomsom departure. Check-in counters open at 5 AM. Our tour packages include a hotel pickup at 5 AM. Do not arrive late. Jomsom flights do not wait and seats are transferred to standby passengers promptly.
A late Kathmandu arrival typically means missing the same-day Jomsom flight, as Jomsom flights close by 9 AM. Our packages build in a same-day Pokhara overnight precisely to prevent this. If your Kathmandu–Pokhara flight is cancelled entirely, we rebook and adjust the Muktinath schedule by one day at no additional cost.
Yes. A pre-paid taxi counter operates just outside the arrivals exit with fixed rates. Lakeside/Baidam: INR 315–440. Bus Park: INR 188–250. Damauli or highway destinations: rates on request. Pre-paid taxis have official receipts and are the safest option for solo female travellers or first-time visitors to Pokhara.
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