The Pokhara Tourism Council, in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Nepal and Sichuan Airlines, is set to launch international flights from Pokhara Regional International Airport.
During a press conference in Pokhara on Wednesday, the council highlighted that despite the airport’s opening two years ago, regular international flights had yet to commence. Despite calls from various state bodies, including the Prime Minister, no action had been taken. In response, private tourism entrepreneurs have now stepped forward to initiate the flights.
China Travel International Chengdu is partnering for the initial flights, while the Chinese Overseas Association in Nepal is coordinating efforts.
The first commercial charter flight is scheduled for March 18. It will land at Pokhara Airport at 10:00 AM, carrying 127 Chinese passengers. On the same day, at 12:00 PM, 127 Nepali tourism entrepreneurs will depart for Chengdu, China.
Several dignitaries, including Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya, Nepal Tourism Board Gandaki Province Chief Maniraj Lamichhane, and Pokhara Visit Year 2025 Steering Committee Coordinator Gopibahadur Bhattarai, will attend the inaugural flight.
The visit will span seven nights and eight days, covering Chengdu, Luzhou, Yimi, Lishan, and Chongqing in Sichuan Province. Participants will explore tourism development in these areas. Additionally, the Nepal Tourism Board, in collaboration with the Nepali Consulate General in Chengdu, will host the Nepal Evening Type Sales Mission event on March 19 in Chengdu and March 22 in Chongqing.
This initiative is expected to boost tourism in Pokhara and across Gandaki Province. Sichuan Airlines, China Travel International Chengdu, and the Chinese Embassy have announced plans to bring around 1,250 Chinese tourists directly to Pokhara International Airport over the next three months.
Initially, the program will begin with a few commercial charter flights, with a long-term goal of transitioning to regular international flights. The Pokhara Tourism Council and the broader tourism community are actively working toward making this a reality.
