Are you wondering whether it is safe to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara? Flight safety between these two big cities is a common concern among trekkers.
If so, you’ve come to the right place to learn more about domestic flights in Nepal, including the Kathmandu to Pokhara flight. I’ve been a resident of Kathmandu for the past four years and have taken numerous flights to Pokhara.
I can share some valuable information about the safety of this flight, which airlines to choose, and how to handle everything at Kathmandu airport.
If you are travelling to Kathmandu you might also be interested in whether or not Kathmandu is safe: you can read my guide here.
Air crashes in Nepal – Are they likely?
Sure, flying in Nepal can be a bit riskier since there actually are a higher number of air crashes compared to other countries. This is mainly due to two factors.
Firstly, the flights operate in and around the Himalayas, which obviously makes flying and landing a lot more difficult sinc ethere are large hills and towering mountains. As you can read in my article on the best time to visit Nepal, Nepal has 6 seasons. Especially Monsoon and winter can be dangerous.
Secondly, the aircrafts are not always in the best condition. They do lack the latest satellite technology, often requiring pilots to navigate on sight.
When you combine the on-sight navigation and the very unpredictable weather conditions of the world’s highest mountain range, it’s actually quite normal for there to be more crashes.
It’s important, however, to keep in mind that this has nothing to do with the pilots’ level of training or education but is more about flight safety considerations. It’s actually all about the challenging flying conditions and the state of the aircraft themselves, which can make certain destinations dangerous places to fly.
Overall I would say that the chances of a crash in Nepal, especially in dangerous places to fly like Lukla, are slightly higher than in other countries but they still aren’t very likely.
By the way: here is a guide to Kathmandu Airport I have written with anything and everything you need to know before flying.
Are there any safe airlines in Nepal for tourists?
Absolutely, there definately are some very reliable airlines in Nepal. I usually suggest people to choose Buddha Air.
They have never ever had one of their passenger planes crash. They also have an excellent safety record. Sure, they are a bit more expensive but that’s the price you pay.
Of course, your choice of airline will ultimately depend on where you aer flying to. Buddha Air doesn’t fly to all airports in Nepal.
I would be slightly cautious about Yeti Air and Tara Air, mainly because they had a recent crash, but generally, their safety history is also quite good.
What is the flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara like?
So, what can you expect form your flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara? You’ll be boarding a small plane, which could be a propeller plane or another type of small aircraft. The plane for a Kathmandu to Pokhara flight will likely hold between 30 and 80 passengers. The flight itself will take about 45 minutes, and you will have amazing views of the Himalayas throughout the flight. I’ve personally flown this route several times and it’s one of my all-time favourite experiences. I always try to sit at the window (on the right hand side from Kathmandu to Pokhara and the left hand side from Pokhara to Kathmandu).
As this is only a 45 minute flight you won’t get any snacks or in-flight entertainment (the mountains are more than entertaining enough!)
When you land in Pokhara, you’ll find a brand new, large, and actually pretty impressive airport, a welcome sight whether you’re a frequent flyer or a trekker just finished with your journey.
Do watch out: it’s not uncommon for domestic flights departing from either Pokhara or Kathmandu to be delayed or even cancelled due to weather conditions—a vital component of flight safety to consider.
If you’re flying with Buddha Air, I’d suggest downloading their app on your phone. I always check for any potential delays throughout the day when I am leaving in the afternoon or evening. Delays often have a domino effect on domestic flights in Nepal, so unless your flight is early in the morning, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for any changes. However, most delays in domestic flights in Nepal are typically just an hour or two, which I think is fine, especially when traveling in Nepal.
Is it safer to fly to Pokhara or to take the bus?
So what is safer? Flying or taking a bus to Pokhara?
Honestly, I’m not sure. The road conditions between Kathmandu and Pokhara aren’t the best. You’ll be traveling on a two-lane road, with one lane for each direction.
Yes, that is considered a highway here.
On one side, you’ll see a large rock face or hill, and on the other, a river about 20 to 30 meters below. It can actually be quite scary when you think about it.
Unfortunately, not all drivers in Nepal are the best, and it can be quite risky. Personally, I make it a rule to avoid bus travel at night. Most accidents here occur at night and it’s not uncommon for there to be drunk drivers.
But then again, taking a bus takes so much longer than taking the flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The bus can take anywhere from six hours if you’re extremely lucky and a bus driver who is fast, to 12 to 14 hours if you are unlucky. I’ve personally experienced a 14-hour bus ride before, and let me tell you, it sucked.
There are roadworks going on just before you enter the Kathmandu valley. They are constructing a large tunnel. This means that for the past few years there has always been a massive queue.
As for flying, yes, there have been accidents in the past, but as I mentioned earlier, Buda Air is very safe. The flight only takes about 45 minutes.
I’m the type of traveller who values my time and is willing to spend $100 to make sure that I get from Kathmandu to Pokhara in 45 minutes instead of 10 to 12, or even 14 hours.
In terms of safety, I actually believe both options, whether to drive or fly, are equally safe. More people die on the road than in the air in Nepal!
How to get tickets to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Buying tickets from Kathmandu to Pokhara is actually quite easy. You can either buy your tickets online through price comparison websites like 12Go Asia, Omio, or Klook for instance, or you can also visit a travel agent in Pokhara or Kathmandu to buy your tickets.
Do expats living in Nepal get a discount to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara?
Yes! They do get a discount flying most routes on Buddha Air, which is beneficial for trekkers looking to save on their flight ticket. They won’t get the super cheap prices Nepali people get, but they do get a nice discount on the tourist prices. You will need to buy through a travel agent and you need to be able to show that you live and work in Nepal – basically show your residency visa.