Kathmandu- Himalaya Airlines has launched its Lhasa-Pokhara-Lhasa scheduled flight, enhancing tourism and Nepal-China connectivity.

The inaugural flight on March 31 departed Lhasa Gonggar Airport at 14:39 PM (Chinese local time) and landed at Pokhara International Airport at 13:56 PM (Nepali local time) after a one-hour, thirty-four-minute journey. The return flight (H9 732) departs Pokhara at 08:20 AM (Nepali local time) on April 1, 2025, arriving in Lhasa at 12:05 PM (Chinese local time).


This international route boosts Pokhara’s tourism industry by providing direct access for travelers from Tibet. At the inaugural event, dignitaries, including Chief Minister of Gandaki Province Surendra Raj Pandey, State Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Arun Kumar Chaudhary, and Chinese Ambassador Chen Song, emphasized its significance.

Himalaya Airlines President Zhou Enyong stated, 'This milestone strengthens Nepal-China ties, positioning Pokhara as an international gateway for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.”

Gandaki Province Chief Minister Pandey highlighted the route’s role in economic growth, pledging government support for expansion.

 

Ambassador Chen Song remarked, 'This flight reflects China’s commitment to Nepal-China relations. We hope Pokhara will gain more international connections.”

Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal Deputy Director General Chandra Lal Karna urged tourism stakeholders to support the route’s success, noting the delay in Pokhara International Airport’s first scheduled flight.


Himalaya Airlines Vice-President Vijay Shrestha reaffirmed the airline’s vision, stating, 'Our goal is to connect Nepal with 10 major Chinese cities and bring one million Chinese tourists annually. Himalaya Airlines pioneers new travel experiences with convenience and cultural immersion.”