Layover in Pokhara (PHH)
Pokhara International Airport (PHH). Here's how much of a layover you can really use, and what fits in it.
About Pokhara
Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal with about 520,000 people in 2021. It is the starting point for most of the treks in the Annapurna area. It is a very popular location with most people staying around the beautiful Fewa Lake. Dozens of hotels and restaurants are sprouting like mushrooms everywhere, and today it is much easier to find modern amenities not common to other locations in Nepal, but Pokhara is losing its small town charm and the lakeside now feels more like Khao San Road.
From Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.
How much time can you use?
After getting off the plane, immigration for international arrivals, the trip into town and back, and security.
| Layover | Domestic arrival | International arrival |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | About 1h 49m in the city | Head straight to your gate |
| 6 hours | About 3h 49m in the city | About 2h 14m in the city |
| 8 hours | About 5h 49m in the city | About 4h 14m in the city |
| 12 hours | About 9h 49m in the city | About 8h 14m in the city |
Getting into Pokhara
About 18m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center, roughly 4 km (2 mi). This is an estimate based on distance; the planner checks real transit times for your exact flight.
Questions
Can I leave the airport on a layover in Pokhara?
On a domestic connection, you need roughly 4 hours or more to get into Pokhara and back with time to enjoy it. If you're arriving internationally and must clear immigration, plan on about 6 hours or more.
How do I get from PHH to central Pokhara?
Allow about 18m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center; the center is about 4 km (2 mi) from the airport.
How early should I head back to PHH?
Be back through security about 1h 20m before a domestic departure and 2h 10m before an international one, plus the ride back.
Build a plan for your exact flight
Guide data from OurAirports, © OpenStreetMap contributors and Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Times are estimates for planning; check transit schedules and airline rules before you leave the airport.