Pokhara is set to be directly connected to Paro, Bhutan through special charter flights starting September 28, 2025 (Ashwin 12, 2082). The service will be launched by Universal Tours and Travels (UTT) in collaboration with Bhutan Airlines, marking a new milestone in regional tourism connectivity between Nepal and Bhutan.
Scheduled Charter Flights in September and October
According to UTT, the inaugural flight is confirmed for September 28, with additional flights scheduled for October 2 (Ashwin 16), October 6 (Ashwin 20), and October 10 (Ashwin 24). These charter services aim to provide a convenient and time-efficient travel option for both leisure and cultural tourists visiting either country. The flights will operate directly between Pokhara International Airport and Paro International Airport, eliminating the need for connecting flights via Kathmandu or other international hubs.
Formal Launch Event in Pokhara
UTT has announced that an official program will be held at Hotel Barahi, Pokhara, on Tuesday to formally launch the service. The event, scheduled to start at 4:30 PM, will feature interaction sessions with travel agents, a product presentation, and a press conference attended by distinguished guests.
The launch aims to introduce the service to key tourism stakeholders, including travel agencies, hoteliers, and local tourism boards, while highlighting the potential benefits for both Pokhara and Paro as prime tourism destinations.
Boosting Bilateral Tourism Between Nepal and Bhutan
According to UTT, this direct charter initiative is expected to play a significant role in promoting tourism between Nepal and Bhutan. By offering a seamless travel connection, it will allow tourists to experience the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique traditions of both countries in a single trip.
Former President of the Pokhara Tourism Council, Pom Narayan Shrestha, stated that establishing direct air connectivity between Pokhara and Paro will significantly benefit tourism in both regions. “This special charter service will strengthen tourism ties between Nepal and Bhutan, enabling visitors to explore the Himalayas from different perspectives and cultures,” Shrestha remarked.
Anticipated Economic Impact
The service is expected to benefit local economies in both Pokhara and Paro by increasing tourist arrivals, boosting hotel occupancy rates, and generating demand for tourism-related services. This could include tour packages, local transportation, restaurants, handicraft sales, and adventure activities.
The timing of the launch is particularly favorable, as late September and October mark the start of Nepal’s peak tourist season, coinciding with pleasant weather and major festivals. Bhutan, too, sees a rise in tourist activity during this period due to events such as the Thimphu Tshechu festival.
Positive Market Response Expected
UTT expressed optimism that the initiative will receive a positive response from travel agents, tourists, and tourism stakeholders in both countries. The company believes that the flights will cater not only to Bhutanese tourists visiting Nepal but also to international travelers who wish to combine their itineraries to cover both destinations.
With Pokhara already a popular base for adventure tourism, trekking, and leisure activities, and Paro known for its monasteries, dzongs, and scenic Himalayan landscapes, the new connection could create unique multi-destination travel packages appealing to global travelers.
Strategic Significance for Regional Tourism
Industry insiders note that the direct Pokhara–Paro charter flights could set a precedent for more regional connectivity within South Asia, especially between tourism-focused cities. This move aligns with broader efforts to strengthen cross-border tourism cooperation among SAARC countries and position South Asia as a diverse, interconnected travel region. By bypassing transit points and offering a direct route, the service is also expected to save significant travel time and enhance the overall visitor experience.
The introduction of direct charter flights from Pokhara to Paro marks a promising development for Nepal-Bhutan tourism relations. With confirmed flights in late September and early October, the initiative is poised to open new opportunities for cultural exchange, adventure travel, and economic benefits for both destinations. UTT’s partnership with Bhutan Airlines not only brings two Himalayan tourism hubs closer but also strengthens Nepal’s position as a gateway to the broader South Asian travel circuit.
