Pokhara Airports Guide: New International (PKR) vs. Old Airport
A clear breakdown of Pokhara’s dual-airport setup—where your flight lands, how to get to Lakeside, taxi fares, and terminal logistics.
If you are booking a flight into Pokhara, one of the first things you need to know is that Pokhara has two distinct airports. While most major domestic airlines shifted operations to the state-of-the-art Pokhara International Airport (PIA), the legacy Old Pokhara Airport remains active for specialized mountain aviation.
Landing at the wrong expectation can leave you scrambled for taxis or missing mountain connections. This guide breaks down the location, flight operations, and transport rates for both airports so your arrival in Pokhara is smooth and stress-free.
At a Glance: Pokhara Airports Compared
| Feature | Pokhara International Airport (PIA) | Old Pokhara Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Chhinnehandi / Nagdhunga (~6.5 km from Lakeside) | Mustang Chowk / Nagdhunga (~3 km from Lakeside) |
| Airport Codes | IATA: PKR | ICAO: VNPR | IATA: PKR | ICAO: VNPK |
| Primary Flights | Kathmandu trunk flights, Bharatpur, Bhairahawa, charters | Jomsom STOL flights, Ultralights, Helicopters |
| Major Airlines | Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Shree Airlines | Tara Air, Summit Air, Sita Air (STOL fleets) |
| Prepaid Taxi to Lakeside | NPR 600 – NPR 800 | NPR 300 – NPR 450 |
| InDrive / Pathao Fare | NPR 350 – NPR 500 | NPR 180 – NPR 250 |
1. Pokhara International Airport (PKR / VNPR)
Inaugurated in January 2023, Pokhara International Airport serves as the primary commercial air gateway to the Gandaki region. Equipped with a 2,500-meter concrete runway and a modern passenger terminal, it handles all medium-haul turboprop domestic flights.
Key Flight Routes & Operators
- Kathmandu ↔ Pokhara: Frequent daily shuttle services operated by Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines (approx. 25-minute flight).
- Regional Trunk Routes: Direct domestic connections to Bhairahawa (Lumbini) and Bharatpur (Chitwan).
- International Status: While fully designated for international flights with custom and immigration facilities, scheduled operations remain predominantly domestic with occasional international charters.
Terminal Facilities
Inside the main terminal building, passengers have access to:
- ATM & Currency Exchange: Available in the arrival hall for immediate cash withdrawals.
- Free Airport Wi-Fi: High-speed connectivity provided inside the terminal area.
- Prepaid Taxi Desk: Official transport booking counter situated right before exiting the arrivals gate.
- Cafes & Snacks: Light refreshments available in both public and departure airside areas.
2. Old Pokhara Airport (Mustang Chowk / Nagdhunga)
The legacy domestic airport, established in 1958 near Mustang Chowk, did not close permanently when the international airport opened. Instead, it repurposed its operations to focus on specialized mountain aviation.
What Operates from the Old Airport?
- Jomsom Mountain Flights: STOL aircraft (Twin Otters, Dorniers) operated by Tara Air, Summit Air, and Sita Air catering to Annapurna Circuit / Muktinath travelers.
- Ultralight Flight Adventures: Sightseeing flights offering close-up aerial views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
- Helicopter Charters: Rescue operations, Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) heli-tours, and private charters.
3. How to Get from Pokhara International Airport to Lakeside
Pokhara International Airport is located roughly 6.5 km east of Baidam (Lakeside). You have four primary options to reach your hotel:
Option A: Official Prepaid Taxi
Upon exiting the baggage claim area, you will find the official Prepaid Taxi Counter. Rates are fixed based on zones:
- Lakeside Central (Hallan Chowk / Center Point): NPR 600 – NPR 700
- North Lakeside / Pame Road: NPR 800 – NPR 900
- Damside / Pardi: NPR 500 – NPR 600
Option B: Ride-Hailing Apps (InDrive & Pathao)
Ride-sharing apps operate smoothly across Pokhara. If you request a cab or motorbike via InDrive or Pathao, meet your driver outside the main airport entrance gate:
- Cab Fare to Lakeside: NPR 350 – NPR 500
- Motorbike Fare (Pathao/InDrive): NPR 150 – NPR 250
Option C: Local City Micro Bus
For budget travelers with light luggage, local micro buses run frequently along the highway right outside the main airport gate. Board any bus heading towards Mustang Chowk / Hallan Chowk. The fare is roughly NPR 30 – NPR 40 per seat.
4. Essential Flight Logistics & Tips
🏔️ Himalayan View Seating
When flying Kathmandu → Pokhara, sit on the Right side (Seats A/B) for panoramic views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Annapurna. When flying Pokhara → Kathmandu, sit on the Left side!
🌫️ Morning Fog Delays
During winter months (December–February), morning flights are frequently delayed due to low cloud cover and valley fog. Plan flexible connecting transport if flying during winter.
🧳 Luggage Weight Limits
Standard domestic luggage allowance is 15 kg checked + 5 kg hand carry. For mountain flights to Jomsom, allowance drops strictly to 10 kg checked + 5 kg carry-on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How far is Pokhara International Airport from Lakeside?
Pokhara International Airport in Chhinnehandi is roughly 6.5 km east of Lakeside. Driving time is approximately 15 to 25 minutes depending on central traffic.
Which airport handles domestic flights from Kathmandu?
All domestic trunk flights from Kathmandu (operated by Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines) land at Pokhara International Airport (PKR).
Where do Jomsom mountain flights depart from?
Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) flights bound for Jomsom operate out of the Old Pokhara Airport terminal located near Mustang Chowk.
Can I get an InDrive or Pathao taxi from Pokhara Airport?
Yes! InDrive and Pathao operate actively in Pokhara. Simply request a driver on the mobile app and meet them right at the main exit gates of the airport terminal.