Route · Far West & Karnali
Kathmandu to Simikot
Simikot, the headquarters of Humla, is reached by two flights: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (about 1 hour), then Nepalgunj to Simikot (about 50 minutes) in a small plane. Allow two days and spare time for weather. A rough road now links Simikot south, but the journey is very long.
Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj in about an hour and stay overnight. Next morning, take a Twin Otter or similar small plane to Simikot, about 50 minutes, landing on a 549 m runway at nearly 2,800 m. Flights only operate in good visibility and are often delayed, especially in the monsoon. Baggage limits are tight, often 15 kg or less including hand luggage.
Helicopters can be chartered from Nepalgunj to Simikot, and are widely used in the Kailash season to fly pilgrims on to Hilsa. They are expensive but can fly when fixed-wing schedules are full or cancelled, subject to weather. Charter prices vary with fuel and demand; book through an agency and check current status before you travel.
In July 2025 a Bailey bridge over the Chuwa Khola completed Simikot's link to Nepal's road network along the Karnali corridor from Surkhet. The road is rough, largely unpaved and prone to landslides, and journeys take several days by jeep. It is an adventure in itself, not a practical shortcut; check current status before you travel.
Worth a stop on the way
- Nepalgunj
- Surkhet (Birendranagar) on the road route
- Humla Karnali gorge
Local tip
Book the first morning flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot and keep at least two spare days; afternoon winds and cloud often stop flights.
Questions
How do I get from Kathmandu to Simikot?
Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, about one hour, then take a morning small-plane flight to Simikot of about 50 minutes. Most travellers stay overnight in Nepalgunj between the two. Helicopter charters and a rough new road are alternatives.
Are flights to Simikot reliable?
They are weather-dependent. Simikot's short mountain runway needs good visibility, so cloud, wind or rain can delay flights for a day or more, especially from June to September. Always keep two spare days and fly early in the morning.
What is the baggage limit on the Simikot flight?
Small planes to Simikot usually allow around 15 kg per person including hand luggage, sometimes less, with fees for excess weight and no guarantee it flies on the same plane. Pack light and confirm the limit with your airline; check current status before you travel.
Can I drive from Kathmandu to Simikot?
Since July 2025 a road technically connects Simikot to the Karnali corridor from Surkhet, but it is rough, mostly unpaved and often blocked. The journey takes several days by jeep. For most visitors, flying via Nepalgunj remains the realistic option.