The short answer
Land in Pokhara if your plan is lakes, Annapurna, Poon Hill, paragliding or a quiet start. Land in Kathmandu if you want temples, shopping, Bhaktapur and Patan first, or if you are heading to Everest. The best choice is the one that saves you a transfer on your first day.
If you will visit both, you can fly into one and out of the other, or use a domestic flight or road between them. The direct Pokhara flight makes the Pokhara-first plan much easier than before.
Key facts
- Pokhara first
- Lakes, Annapurna
- Kathmandu first
- Heritage, Everest
- Both
- Fly in one, out the other
- Saves
- A transfer day
How it works
- Pick your main interestLakes or heritage.
- Match the airportPokhara or Kathmandu.
- Plan the middle legRoad or flight.
- Consider open-jawDifferent arrival and exit.
- Book hotels accordinglyBoth cities.
Insider tip
Plan the open-jaw: arrive Pokhara, leave from Kathmandu, or the reverse.
Avoid this
Do not forget the road or domestic flight between them.
Related questions
Can I fly out of a different airport?
Yes, open-jaw tickets are possible.
Is Pokhara good in winter?
Yes, cool and clear.
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