Flight 40–50 min
Twin Otter and Dornier aircraft fly Nepalgunj–Simikot most mornings in season, usually between 6 and 9 am before wind picks up in the hills. Seats are limited, and in the Kailash season from May to September they sell out early. Baggage is typically 15 kg including hand luggage. Cloud and wind cause frequent delays, so plan at least one spare day. Check current schedules before you travel.
Helicopter ≈ 1 h 15 min
Charter helicopters fly direct from Nepalgunj, useful when scheduled flights are full or when groups need to keep to a Kailash timetable. A 5-seat helicopter carries fewer passengers at Simikot's 2,910 m than at sea level, so groups often move in shuttles. Charters cost several thousand US dollars per helicopter and fly only in the morning.
Road + trek 10–14 days
There is no practical road to Simikot from the south. You can drive the Karnali Highway to Jumla (≈ 340 km · 12–14 h) and trek north through Mugu and Humla for 8–10 days, a route used by Great Himalaya Trail walkers. The Karnali Corridor road from Bajura is under construction; check current status before you travel.
Stops on the way
- Surkhet (on some flight routings)
- Jumla (overland trek route)
- Rara Lake (overland trek route)
Stay overnight in Nepalgunj close to the airport, pack within 15 kg and leave extra bags at your hotel.
Questions travellers ask
How long is the flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot?
About 40–50 minutes in a Twin Otter or Dornier. Flights usually leave between 6 and 9 am because wind and cloud build in the mountains later in the day. Expect delays: weather at Simikot, at 2,910 m, often holds flights for hours or cancels them until the next morning.
How much is the Nepalgunj–Simikot flight?
Fares for foreign nationals have generally been in the range of about US$150–250 one way, with lower fares for Nepali citizens. Prices rise in the Kailash season when demand is high. Fares and schedules change, so check current status before you travel; our packages include the flights.
Can I drive from Nepalgunj to Simikot?
Not in practice. Humla has no reliable road link to the rest of Nepal. The Karnali Corridor road from Bajura is being built towards Hilsa, but it is not a dependable tourist route. Overland travellers drive to Jumla and trek 8–10 days north, which suits experienced trekkers only.
What if my Simikot flight is cancelled?
You are normally rebooked on the next morning's first available flight. In busy seasons that can mean a wait of one or two days. Kailash groups sometimes switch to charter helicopters to stay on schedule. Always build spare days into any Simikot itinerary and avoid tight international connections.
