For adventurous travelers and locals aiming to reach Nepal’s remote highlands, Tara Air flights in Nepal offer essential access. This mountain‑specialist airline operates Short Take‑Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft to rugged airstrips across the Himalayas, connecting trekkers and rural communities alike with dependable scenic service.
Launched in 2009 as a separate STOL division spun off from Yeti Airlines, Tara Air inherited its fleet and mission from its parent company
Headquartered in Kathmandu with its main hub at Tribhuvan International Airport and a secondary hub at Nepalgunj
Founded to focus exclusively on mountainous terrain operations, supporting development across rural Nepal
Operates a fleet of three Twin Otter STOL aircraft, including both DHC‑6‑300 and newer DHC‑6‑400 models, optimized for short‑strip mountain airfields
Average fleet age around 10 years as of late 2022. Previously used aircraft types include Dornier 228 and Cessna 208B, now retired
Offers extensive connectivity across Nepal’s high mountain regions—from eastern to western Himalayas
Key scheduled destinations include Kathmandu ↔ Lukla, Phaplu, Jomsom, Tumlingtar, Lamidanda, Bhojpur, Taplejung, plus flights from Nepalgunj to Simikot, Rara, Dolpa, Jumla, Bajura and more
Also operates charter flights and seasonal mountain‑view scenic flights from Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Ramechhap, showcasing peaks like Everest and Annapurna
Mountain‑specialist operations: STOL aircraft capable of servicing short, elevated runways unreachable by larger carriers.
Gateway to trekking hubs: Direct flights to regions such as Lukla (Everest Base Camp), Jomsom (Annapurna), and Dolpa.
Scenic mountain flights: Experience aerial views of iconic Himalayan peaks, ideal for sightseeing or remote photography
Charter flexibility: Custom routes for expeditions, cargo, or last‑minute rural travel.
Local support: Part of Yeti Airlines, offering local booking support via Kathmandu and Nepalgunj hubs.
Kathmandu ↔ Lukla
Morning departures typically between 06:30–08:15 AM, with return flights from Lukla shortly after, duration about 25–35 minutes
Kathmandu ↔ Phaplu, Lamidanda, Ramechhap
Mid‑morning departures usually around 09:55–13:05, flight times ~35 minutes to smaller mountain airfields
Nepalgunj ↔ Simikot / Rara / Dolpa / Jumla / Bajura
Early morning departures from Nepalgunj starting ~06:30 AM, with flight durations ranging from 35 to 60 minutes depending on destination
Pokhara ↔ Jomsom
Typical early morning flights from 06:40–08:15 AM, around 20 minutes flight time
Schedules may vary by season, weather, and demand—especially during spring and autumn trekking peaks.
Online booking available through Tara Air’s official website, with flight status and charter options.
In‑person counters at Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Nepalgunj support travelers with on‑site assistance, last‑minute booking, and charter arrangements.
Booking tips:
Book early during peak seasons (spring and autumn) to secure morning slots and desired dates.
Morning flights are prioritized for mountain routes to avoid afternoon cloud cover and turbulent weather.
Arrive at the airport at least 45 minutes before departure and carry valid photo ID.
Nepal’s domestic mountain flying has a difficult safety record, with several serious incidents over the years
Notable incidents for Tara Air:
In February 2016, Flight 193 (DHC‑6‑400) from Pokhara to Jomsom crashed into terrain near Dana, killing all 23 onboard Airline Group Booking
In May 2022, a Twin Otter crashed shortly after departure from Pokhara to Jomsom, with 22 fatalities
A crash in December 2010 near Lamidanda killed all 22 aboard on a Kathmandu‑bound flight
Despite these tragedies, mountain conditions, request‑driven schedules, and local geography remain major risk factors in STOL operations.
Tara Air flights in Nepal deliver critical connectivity to remote mountain communities and trekking gateways, using their small fleet of Twin Otter STOL planes. With scenic mountain flights, charter flexibility, and access to destinations unreachable by road or larger carriers, they cater to trekkers and local travellers alike. Booking seamlessly online or in person, and flying early morning for the best views and weather windows, ensures optimal experience.
While flying in Nepal’s mountains requires awareness of safety considerations, Tara Air’s network remains among the most comprehensive and essential for accessing Nepal’s highland regions. For details about seasonal schedules, charter options, or comparisons with other domestic carriers, I’d be happy to assist!
No flights available for this airline.
