Himal Hub / Kathmandu–Pokhara is the busiest route for domestic flights in Nepal, with consistently high passenger demand. Airlines operate more flights on this sector than on others, with a single private carrier running up to 17 daily flights from Kathmandu.
According to fare rates set by the government in 2016, the base minimum fare from Kathmandu to Pokhara is just Rs 912. However, additional charges significantly raise the total cost. These include 13% VAT (Rs 118.50), a fuel surcharge of Rs 3,985, and an airport passenger service fee of Rs 500. Altogether, the minimum airfare reaches Rs 5,515. Following a recent increase in fuel charges, passengers cannot find tickets below this amount.
The government has set both minimum and maximum fare limits. For Pokhara, airlines are allowed to charge a maximum base fare of Rs 3,647, typically during peak tourist seasons or high demand periods. Despite claims that airlines charge below the maximum base limit, added fees make tickets expensive. Since Wednesday, airlines have not sold tickets for less than Rs 6,000, with most fares ranging between Rs 6,000 and Rs 7,500.
At the maximum base fare, the total ticket price can reach up to Rs 8,605 after adding VAT (Rs 474), the fuel surcharge, and the service fee.
Airlines say they operate within government rules, but passengers continue to complain about high fares. Operators argue they must balance prices to cover operational costs. Of the total Rs 8,605 ticket price, only Rs 3,647 goes to the airline, while Rs 4,959 is spent on taxes and mandatory charges.
According to airline operators, only 40–45% of the ticket price is actual airline revenue, while 65–70% goes toward fuel, VAT, and service fees. For minimum fares, the airline’s share drops to just 15–20%.
The same pricing structure applies to other destinations. For example, a flight from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi costs at least Rs 14,457. Maximum fares can reach Rs 23,000. The base fare ranges from Rs 2,500 to Rs 10,150. After adding VAT, a fuel surcharge of Rs 11,090, and service fees, ticket prices average between Rs 18,000 and Rs 22,000.
Passengers can find non-refundable tickets to Dhangadhi for around Rs 17,400, while refundable tickets cost more than Rs 18,500.
