Nepalganj Airport

Nepalganj Airport is not merely a transit hub, but a key aerial gateway to the "Wild West" of Nepal, connecting the hot plains with remote mountain regions. Located in the subtropical Terai belt, it serves as a starting point for diverse journeys: from jungle safaris to high-altitude expeditions in Dolpo or towards the sacred Mount Kailash. The atmosphere here is filled with a spirit of adventure, where the bustle of a border city gives way to the anticipation of encountering wildlife and the majesty of the Himalayas. For many tourists, this airport becomes the first step towards discovering an authentic and untouched Nepal.

Airport Features and Highlights

Nepalganj Airport (Ranjha Airport) plays a critically important role in the country's transport system, serving as the second most significant hub after Kathmandu for the western region.

• Strategic Hub: This is the main transfer base for flights to the remote mountain districts of Karnali and Sudurpashchim, including Jumla, Dolpa, and Simikot (the primary route for pilgrims travelling to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar).
• Gateway to Wildlife: The airport is the nearest air harbour to the famous Bardia National Park. The transfer to the reserve, where one can encounter Bengal tigers in their natural habitat, takes about 2 hours by car.
• Infrastructure Development: The airport is actively being modernised. The construction and launch of a new terminal have improved the quality of passenger service, offering more comfortable waiting halls and modern amenities.
• Proximity to the Border: Its location just a few kilometres from the Indian border (Rupaidiha crossing) makes the airport a convenient option for travellers arriving from the Indian city of Lucknow.

To communicate with representatives of Nepalganj Airport, you may use the following contact details:

• Official Website: The most up-to-date information about the airport is presented on the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) portal. Visit website.
• Help Desk Phone: +977 81 565165
• Address: Nepalganj Airport, Banke District, Nepalganj, Nepal.
• Email: nepalgunj_cao@caanepal.gov.np
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain active official pages on social media. It is recommended to follow news on the official website.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, please address your airline representatives directly at the counter in the airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general inquiries and consultations, you can use the main help desk phone number of the airport.

Getting to Nepalganj Airport (KEP) from the city centre of Nepalganj is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometres away. The most convenient and popular method is a taxi or auto-rickshaw (local "tuk-tuk"). The journey will take just 15-25 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The cost of the trip is low, but it is crucial to agree on the price with the driver before starting the journey, as taxi meters are rarely used. This is a fast and reliable option, especially if you have a lot of luggage.

For a more budget-friendly journey, you can use local public transport. City buses and "tempos" (large three-wheeled shared vehicles) ply the routes. This option is significantly cheaper but may be less comfortable and predictable regarding time. Schedules are often not adhered to, and transport can be overcrowded. This method is suitable for experienced travellers who want to immerse themselves deeper into the local life of Nepal.

Car rental in Nepalganj, as in all of Nepal, most often implies renting a car with a driver. This is an excellent option if the airport is just one of the points on your route through the region, but for a short trip from the city centre, it would be excessive and more expensive. If you do arrive in your own or rented vehicle, there is a small car park on the airport territory where you can leave a car for a short or long duration for a moderate fee.

As a recommendation, we advise you to book a transfer through your hotel. Many hotels offer this service for their guests. It might be slightly more expensive than a regular taxi, but you get a fixed price and a guaranteed car arrival at the needed time, which will add peace of mind on the day of departure.

Nepalganj Airport (KEP) is a key transport hub for travel across western Nepal, yet its structure is extremely simple and understandable for any traveller. The airport consists of one small terminal that services all domestic flights — both arrivals and departures. There is no separation into international and domestic zones here, as the airport operates exclusively for domestic aviation.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Upon entering the building, you immediately find yourself in a general area with several check-in counters belonging to various airlines (such as Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and others). After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers pass through the single security control point. Immediately behind it is the general departure lounge with several boarding gates. Since there is only one terminal, transitions between zones take no more than a few minutes.

The departure and arrival zones are in the same building but are functionally separated. The Departure Zone is a small waiting hall with basic amenities, such as seats and perhaps a small kiosk with beverages and snacks. Boarding a flight often involves walking across the tarmac directly to the aircraft. The Arrival Zone is even simpler: it is a separate hall where passengers enter after disembarking. Luggage is usually delivered on trolleys, and it can be collected right in the hall, followed by the exit to the city.

Passing through procedures at Nepalganj airport generally does not take much time thanks to its compactness. Check-in and screening during normal times can take from 15 to 30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1–1.5 hours before departure. This is because flight schedules can change due to weather conditions in the mountains, and sometimes several flights may depart with a small time difference, creating queues.

No special knowledge is required for navigation in the airport. All signs and zones are within direct line of sight. The main advice is to listen to announcements from your airline staff, as boarding information is often conveyed via voice rather than electronic boards. Thanks to its small size and simplicity, getting lost in Nepalganj Airport is practically impossible, making it a convenient starting point for further travel around the country.

Nepalganj Airport (KEP), founded in 1961, has a rich history closely tied to the development of the entire western region of Nepal. Initially, it was created as a vital transport hub for connecting with remote and inaccessible mountain areas, fulfilling a crucial social and economic function. In its early years, the airport was an airfield with a simple grass runway, but its strategic importance was invaluable.

Over time, the airport has gone through several stages of significant modernisation. A key moment was the asphalt paving of the runway, which allowed it to accommodate heavier and more modern types of aircraft. This strengthened its status as a primary hub for flights to Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) airports in the Himalayas, ensuring transport accessibility for locals, tourists, and mountaineering expeditions.

Today, the airport in Nepalganj is one of the busiest domestic airports in the country. Within the long-term development strategy, there are ambitious plans to transform it into a regional international airport. These plans include expanding the terminal, lengthening the runway, and installing modern navigation equipment, which will open new opportunities for tourism and trade in the region.

One of the interesting facts from the airport's history is connected to its role in pilgrimage tourism. It serves as a key transit point for thousands of believers heading to the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. Thanks to its location near the border with India, Nepalganj Airport has also become an important aerial gateway for travellers from neighbouring Indian regions.

Nepalganj Airport (KEP) is an important regional transport hub offering passengers a basic set of services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Since this is primarily a domestic airport, its infrastructure is quite compact. In the terminal, you will find several small kiosks and cafés where you can have a snack, drink tea or coffee, and buy light refreshments. The selection of dining establishments and shops is limited, so one should not count on a large assortment or Duty-Free shops.

General waiting halls are provided for rest before departure. Some local airlines may offer access to small VIP lounges for their business class passengers or loyalty cardholders. Wi-Fi may be available at the airport, however, its speed and stability are not always guaranteed. Also, there are several points for charging electronic devices in the terminal, but their number is limited, so it is better to have a portable power bank with you.

The airport is equipped to provide basic assistance to passengers. There is a first aid station for emergencies. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with assistance, including wheelchairs, but it is extremely important to notify your airline in advance about special needs. Families with small children can count on staff assistance, however, there are no specialised nursing rooms or play areas in the airport. Banking services and currency exchange are practically absent in the terminal, so it is recommended to resolve all financial matters in the city of Nepalganj beforehand.

There are no specialised business centres or conference rooms at Nepalganj Airport. Business travellers should look for necessary services in city hotels. There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, however, in Nepalganj itself, which is a few minutes' drive away, a wide selection of accommodation options is available — from budget guest houses to comfortable hotels.

Nepalganj Airport (KEP) is a small domestic airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited and corresponds to its status. Travellers should not expect food courts with global chains or fine dining restaurants. Nevertheless, having a snack before departure is quite possible.

In the main terminal building, typically in the landside area before security control, there are several small kiosks and cafés. Here you can buy packaged snacks (chips, biscuits), soft drinks, and bottled water. For a more substantial snack, it is worth paying attention to local cuisine dishes, which are often offered in such places. We recommend trying Momo (Nepalese dumplings), Samosas (fried pastries with vegetable filling), or Chowmein (fried noodles). This is a great opportunity to enjoy the authentic flavours of Nepal right before your flight.

Regarding special dietary requirements, the choice will be extremely small. Vegetarians will find suitable dishes easily — many local snacks and main dishes do not contain meat. However, for vegans, as well as for people with gluten intolerance or strict Halal requirements, finding guaranteed suitable food will be difficult. In this case, it is most reliable to bring food with you.

Establishments in the airport usually operate in accordance with the flight schedule, opening in the morning and closing after the departure of the last aircraft. Prices are generally slightly higher than in the city of Nepalganj, but remain quite moderate. If you have time and want a full lunch, it is better to do so before arriving at the airport.

To ensure your journey through Nepalganj Airport goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our tips. Since the airport services domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive here at least 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time will be enough to calmly go through all pre-flight formalities without unnecessary haste.

At the check-in counter, have your passport and ticket (digital or printed) ready. Procedures at Nepalganj airport are usually standard, but security control can be thorough. When choosing a seat on the plane, especially if you are flying to the mountain regions of Nepal, ask for a window seat. There is a high probability that breathtaking views of the Himalayas will open up to you.

When packing hand luggage, remember general rules: liquids are allowed in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. All sharp and cutting objects must be checked in as luggage. Electronic devices with lithium batteries, such as power banks, should be carried only in hand luggage.

If you have a connecting flight, clarify with the airline in advance whether your luggage will be automatically checked through to the final destination. In small airports, it is often required to collect luggage and check it in again at the counter for the next flight.

Online check-in will help save time if your airline provides it. To avoid spending extra money, bring an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security control, and a light snack. It is more cost-effective to book a transfer from or to the airport online in advance.

Flight delays, especially on routes to the mountains, can happen due to changeable weather conditions. In such a situation, first of all, contact your airline representative for information. Keep all receipts for food or drinks — in case of a long delay, the airline is obliged to provide you with vouchers or compensate for expenses. The main thing is to remain calm and stay in touch with the carrier.