Domestic Flights in Nepal

Nepal, a precious landlocked country embraced by India and China, showcases stunning scenery, vibrant traditions, and varied activities.

Discovering this enchanting destination is an extraordinary journey, and domestic air travel provides a convenient and picturesque way to traverse its diverse areas.

Air transport is steadily gaining popularity in Nepal, with an increasing preference for the convenience it offers. 

While road transportation remains the primary mode of travel for most people, air travel provides a seamless alternative unaffected by issues such as road damage and traffic congestion.

In addition to its practical advantages, domestic airlines in Nepal also offer stunning views of the Himalayan range during flights. Furthermore, some remote areas that are inaccessible by roads can be reached via air transport.

Locals and tourists are now turning to air transport more frequently due to its unique benefits and experiences. From the lively plains to the awe-inspiring Himalayas, let's delve into the fascinating realm of domestic flights in Nepal.

Several airlines operate domestic flights in Nepal, each with its strengths and service offerings:

Buddha Air

The inception of Buddha Air traces back to its maiden flight to the top of the world on a Beechcraft 1900D, which took place on 11 October 1997. Since then, it has evolved into Nepal's largest and longest-operating privately owned domestic airline in Nepal. 

Priding itself on unparalleled safety standards, Buddha Air boasts a spotless record with continuous renewal of aviation insurance without any complaints. 

To cater to varied preferences, the airline provides a range of prices based on different 'class' categories for its flights.

Beyond this, due to its expansive fleet, Buddha Air ensures flexibility by offering numerous flight options, paving the way for passengers’ convenience in scheduling their travels.

The extensive network of Buddha Airlines encompasses Bhairhawa, Bharatpur, Chandragadhi, Janakpur, Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, Pokhara, Tumlingtar, and Simara. Depending on your nationality, departure date, and the number of travelers the prices may vary slightly. 

In addition to consumer flights, Buddha Air offers air charter services as well as daily mountain sightseeing flights - among them is an awe-inspiring journey to the Everest region that promises an extraordinary bird’s eye view experience of the highest peak in the world.

Unfortunately, Buddha Air does not provide services to Lukla so if Mt. Everest is on your bucket list, you should consider looking at other airlines. 

Nepal Airlines

Nepal Airlines Corporation, established in July 1958 as Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation by the Nepal government, holds the distinction of being the oldest airline corporation in Nepal. Notably, all their aircraft proudly bear the National Flag on their bodies.

In addition to serving domestic routes that encompass major cities and even remote areas such as Jumla and Rukum, Nepal Airlines also ventures into international flights. The scope of its domestic flight network extends to diverse locations like Phaplu, Khanidanda, Bhojpur, Simikot, Talcha, Bajura, and more. 

While some destinations enjoy daily flights from this carrier's fleet others have specific schedules for certain weekdays - a schedule that remains liable to change based on weather conditions.

One notable aspect of navigating through this air travel landscape is accessing detailed flight schedules via the official website of Nepal Airlines. This comprehensive resource provides essential information such as flight numbers; departure and arrival times; days when these services operate; and total available flights. 

By leveraging this feature travelers can meticulously plan their trips with ease - though it should be noted that these details are subject to alterations without prior notice so it's best to check the page frequently.

Yeti Airlines

Yeti is a well-known airline corporation in Nepal, established in May 1998. It offers domestic transport to eight destinations, including Kathmandu, Bhadrapur, Bhairahawa, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Jitpursimara, Nepalgunj, and Pokhara. Since 2019 it has been the first carbon-neutral airline in Nepal and South Asia. 

Yeti Airlines is the parent company of Tara Air and as of 2022 was the second-largest domestic carrier in Nepal after Buddha Air. 

Tara Air is strictly a domestic airline corporation while Yeti also operates international flights. Together they form the largest domestic flight operator in Nepal with Tara Air serving much of the isolated population through its flights to Bajura, Bhojpur, Diktel, Lukla, Jomsom, and Jumla among others.

In addition to these services, Yeti Airlines runs an Everest Express scheduled mountain sightseeing flight from Kathmandu to Mount Everest which lasts about an hour. 

They also operate Annapurna Express mountain sightseeing flights from Pokhara to Annapurna Massif providing unique experiences for travelers seeking deeper exploration opportunities.

In addition to mountain sightseeing services, Yeti Airlines is one of the few airlines that operates flights from Ramechhap to Lukla. The Nepal government has stopped flights from Kathmandu to Lukla so Ramechhap has become the new departure destination.

Shree Airlines

Shree Airlines Pvt. Ltd. is a versatile domestic airline in Nepal that provides domestic services within the country and offers chartered helicopter flights. 

The airline has also expanded its operations to include charter and non-charter flights to remote areas of Nepal, along with cargo charter services. As of 2023, Shree Airlines held the position as the third largest domestic carrier in Nepal, following Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on travel and transportation industries globally, Shree Airlines undertook landmark efforts by conducting charter flights to Singapore–marking their debut onto international routes.

In addition to these specialized flight operations, to cater further to passenger demands, the air company operates scheduled domestic flights in Nepal covering destinations like Bhairahawa, Biratnagar, Dhangadi, Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, Pokhara, and Surkhet.

Beyond its core flight services, Shree Airlines performs significant roles such as operating helicopter flights to Hilsa located at Nepal's northern border – being an essential starting point for Mansarovar and Mount Kailash pilgrimage journeys. 

Furthermore, the airline conducts regular charter flights catering to pilgrims visiting Muktinath - a prominent religious site situated in mid-Nepal.

Domestic Passenger Traffic

Nepal has seen a steady growth in domestic passengers in recent times. Many people have started to prefer flying over road travel as flying has become safer and faster.

Comparing Prices

While prices are dependent on various factors such as destinations, dates, as well as the class in which you will be flying, the below table will give you a basic idea of the ticket fares of the airlines.

Please note that the prices listed above are in Nepalese Rupees and for a One-way trip for a Nepalese adult.

Conclusion

Nepal's domestic air travel is crucial for exploring stunning mountain views and ensuring efficient connections during your adventure. 

By taking into account these elements and arranging them in advance, you can smoothly journey through the Himalayas and fully embrace Nepal's enchanting allure. 

Our goal was to enlighten you on your next trip to Nepal. So whether you are planning to visit the bustling streets of Nepal or the remote villages of Lukla, you are equipped with the knowledge.

Remember to cherish the voyage itself as part of the overall experience, so take a moment to unwind and relish the awe-inspiring scenery!