Rajesh 
nepal-flight-tickets A Kathmandu to Pokhara flight takes about 25 minutes and costs roughly $70–$150 one-way, depending on the airline and how far ahead you book. Three airlines — Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines — operate this route daily, with over 20 departures a day between them. It’s the fastest way to reach Pokhara and the start of most Annapurna-region treks, cutting a 6–8 hour drive down to half an hour.
Below is everything you need to book with confidence: current prices by airline, the daily schedule, how the flight compares to the bus and jeep, what to expect at both airports, and a bonus tip for what to do at the old Pokhara airport once you land. If you’d rather have us handle the booking, message us directly on WhatsApp, and we’ll confirm your seat.
Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight: Quick Facts
| Flight duration | 25–30 minutes |
| Distance | ~146 km (air distance) |
| Price (one-way, foreigner) | $99–$150 |
| Price (Indian nationals) | ~$55–$75 |
| Airlines | Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Shree Airlines |
| Daily flights (combined) | 20+ departures/day |
| First flight | ~7:00 AM |
| Last flight | ~7:00 PM [ 9 PM in some seasons, not regularly] |
| Baggage allowance | 20 kg checked (excess ~NPR 165/kg + VAT) |
| Kathmandu airport | Tribhuvan International Airport, Domestic Terminal |
| Pokhara airport | Pokhara International Airport (opened 2023) |
Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight Price 2026
A Kathmandu to Pokhara flight ticket typically costs $99–$150 for foreign travelers, with the lowest prices available when you book 2–4 weeks ahead and the highest during peak trekking season (October–November and March–April). Indian nationals usually pay a discounted local fare, roughly $55–$75. Prices below are current typical ranges — confirm the exact fare when you book, as domestic airfares in Nepal change frequently with fuel surcharges and season.
| Airline | One-way price (approx.) | Weekly flights | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buddha Air | $99–$150 | 100+ | Most frequent — best for flexible timing |
| Yeti Airlines | $85–$150 | 60–70 | Often the cheapest advance-purchase fares |
| Shree Airlines | $100–$140 | 10–15 | Fewer daily slots — book earlier |
Booking tip: the cheapest seats sell out first even though the flight itself doesn’t fill up — airlines release a small allocation of discounted fares per flight. Booking through a local agency (like us) or directly with the airline 1–2 weeks out usually beats last-minute walk-up prices.
Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight Schedule
Flights depart anywhere from around 7:00 AM to 6:00-7:00 PM [ When visibility is good, there are flights till 9 PM ], with departures roughly every 20–40 minutes during peak morning hours. Morning flights (7–10 AM) are the most reliable and also the most scenic — you’ll get clear views of the Langtang, Manaslu, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri ranges before afternoon cloud builds up. If mountain views matter to you, book a morning slot and request a right-side window seat (west-facing on the way to Pokhara).
You can check the official website of Pokhara International Airport for the daily departures and arrival schedules of the flights.
- Best time to fly: 7:00–10:00 AM for mountain visibility
- Avoid if possible: late afternoon flights in monsoon season (June–August), when delays are more common
- Flight frequency: a departure roughly every 20–40 minutes at peak times
How to Book Your Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight
- Choose your date and preferred airline. If you want morning mountain views, say so when you enquire.
- Send us your passport details via WhatsApp (+977 984 1936940) or book directly with the airline online.
- Confirm and pay. We’ll send a payment link or confirm bank transfer details — you’ll get an e-ticket within a few hours.
- Arrive at the domestic terminal 60–90 minutes early. Domestic check-in can be slow during peak season.
- Keep your passport handy — foreign nationals need it for domestic flight check-in in Nepal, even though it’s not an international flight.
Prefer to have someone else handle the booking? Message us on WhatsApp with your travel dates, and we’ll confirm the best available flight and price.
Flight vs. Bus vs. Jeep: Which Should You Choose?
If your time is limited, flying is the clear choice — it turns a full day of driving into a 25-minute hop. If you’re on a tighter budget or want to see the countryside, the tourist bus is a solid, comfortable option.
| Option | Time | Price (approx.) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 25–30 min | $70–$150 | Limited time, mountain views |
| Tourist bus | 6–8 hours | $10–$15 | Budget travel, scenery along the way |
| Private jeep/car | 5–7 hours | $150–$250 | Groups, flexible stops, comfort |
See our full Kathmandu to Pokhara bus guide if you’d rather go by road.
The Airports: Kathmandu and Pokhara
Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu)
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is Nepal’s only international airport and the departure point for all domestic flights, including this one. Domestic and international terminals are separate buildings — make sure your taxi drops you at the domestic terminal. The terminal has basic amenities: a few small cafés, currency exchange, and seating, but it can get crowded during peak season, which is another reason to arrive early.
Pokhara International Airport
Pokhara’s airport opened in January 2023, replacing the old domestic-only airstrip. It now handles both domestic flights and limited international charters. It’s a short 15–20 minute drive from Pokhara’s Lakeside area, where most travelers stay, and serves as the launch point for Annapurna region treks including Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani Poon Hill, and the Annapurna Circuit.
Flydubai started regular international flights to Pokhara from 23rd September 2026!
Old Pokhara Airport: Now Home to Ultralight Valley Flights
Once your Kathmandu to Pokhara flight lands and scheduled traffic moves on to the new Pokhara International Airport, the old domestic airstrip near Lakeside hasn’t been abandoned.
Since most scheduled flights shifted to the new terminal, the old airport now runs ultralight aircraft flights — small two-seater planes offering an open-air, bird’s-eye tour of the Pokhara Valley. Flights typically run 15–90 minutes, cost roughly $150–$440 depending on duration, and operate mainly in the morning between 6:30 and 11:00 AM, when the air is calmest and mountain views are clearest. Routes pass over Phewa Lake, Sarangkot, and the World Peace Stupa, with close-up views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range.
If you’ve already taken your Kathmandu to Pokhara flight and have a free morning, this is a memorable way to see the same mountains from an entirely different angle. STOL flights to Jomsom also continue to operate from this old airport.
Is the Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight Safe?
Yes. Tens of thousands of passengers fly this route safely every year, and the Kathmandu to Pokhara flight remains one of the most-used domestic air corridors in Nepal. In January 2023, a Yeti Airlines ATR 72 (flight 691) crashed on approach to the old Pokhara airport — Nepal’s most serious domestic aviation accident in recent years — prompting a government investigation and increased scrutiny of aircraft maintenance and pilot training standards across domestic carriers.
Since then, Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority has tightened oversight, and the move to the new Pokhara International Airport (with modern instrument approach systems) has further improved safety margins on this specific route. As with any regional aviation market, weather delays — especially in monsoon season — are more common than outright safety concerns.
Before You Fly: What to Know
- Baggage: standard allowance is around 20 kg checked; excess baggage is charged per kilogram at the airport
- Arrival time: 60–90 minutes before departure for domestic flights
- ID required: your passport, even for a domestic flight
- Delays: weather-related delays happen, especially June–September (monsoon) — build a buffer day into your itinerary if you have an onward international flight the same day
- Refunds: refundable tickets can typically be cancelled up to 24 hours before departure, minus applicable tax; non-refundable fares are non-changeable — confirm the fare type before booking
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Kathmandu to Pokhara flight cost?
A Kathmandu to Pokhara flight ticket typically costs $70–$150 for foreign travelers, depending on the airline and how far in advance you book. SAARC nationals usually pay a discounted local fare of around $55–$70.
How long is a Kathmandu to Pokhara flight?
The Kathmandu to Pokhara flight takes approximately 25–30 minutes, compared to 6–8 hours by road.
How do I book a Kathmandu to Pokhara flight ticket?
You can book directly with Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, or Shree Airlines online, or message us on WhatsApp with your travel dates and we’ll confirm the best available option and handle payment for you.
Which airline is best for a Kathmandu to Pokhara flight?
Buddha Air runs the most flights per day, giving you the most schedule flexibility. Yeti Airlines often has the lowest advance-purchase fares. Shree Airlines has fewer daily departures, so book earlier if you choose them. All three operate modern ATR turboprop aircraft and have comparable safety and service standards.
Is it better to fly or take the bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
Fly if your time is limited or you want mountain views — a Kathmandu to Pokhara flight turns a full day of travel into 30 minutes. Take the tourist bus if you’re on a tighter budget or want to see the countryside; it costs a fraction of the flight price but takes 6–8 hours.
Can I do an ultralight flight after my Kathmandu to Pokhara flight?
Yes. Once you land from your Kathmandu to Pokhara flight, the old Pokhara domestic airport near Lakeside runs ultralight sightseeing flights over the valley, lakes, and mountains — separate from your scheduled Kathmandu to Pokhara flight.
Can I get a refund if my flight is cancelled?
If a Kathmandu to Pokhara flight is cancelled due to weather, airlines typically rebook you on the next available flight at no extra cost. If you cancel yourself, refundable tickets can usually be refunded (minus tax) if cancelled at least 24 hours ahead; non-refundable tickets generally cannot be cancelled for a refund.
Can i book Direct international flight to Pokhara?
What to Do After You Land in Pokhara
Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna region and a destination in its own right. Once your Kathmandu to Pokhara flight or direct international flight to Pokhara lands, you can relax by Phewa Lake, explore Mahendra Cave, take an ultralight flight from the old airport, or head straight into the mountains. Popular next steps for travelers landing in Pokhara include:
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek — 10 days, moderate difficulty
- Annapurna Circuit Trek — the classic multi-week circuit
- Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek — a shorter, easier option with sunrise mountain views
- Helicopter tours for a bird’s-eye view of the Himalaya
Ready to walk it yourself?
Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek by Road: 11 days, No flights
From $950 per person. Fully customizable dates and pace, led by our own local guides.
Author Rajesh
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