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Direct Dubai–Pokhara Flights: What It Means for Your Nepal Trip
What a direct Dubai–Pokhara air route means for travellers based in or transiting through Dubai — and how to plan a Pokhara-first Nepal itinerary around it.

Why this route matters
A direct air link between Dubai and Pokhara is a meaningful change for travellers based in the UAE, and for the much larger group of travellers who naturally transit through Dubai's hub airports from Europe, Africa, and elsewhere in the Middle East. Instead of routing through Kathmandu first, it becomes practical to arrive directly into Pokhara — Nepal's adventure, lake and mountain hub — and build an itinerary outward from there.
As with any new international route, exact operating days, seasonality and aircraft can change, particularly in the first operating seasons. We link to official sources below and keep the 'last verified' date on this article current — please treat specific flight details as a starting point for your own confirmation with the airline, not a fixed fact.
Who this is most useful for
Dubai-based residents and UAE travellers planning a shorter Nepal trip; travellers connecting through Dubai from Europe, Africa or elsewhere who want to avoid an extra domestic leg; and travel agencies in the Gulf region building Nepal product around a more direct routing.
Planning a Pokhara-first itinerary
Arriving directly into Pokhara flips the usual Kathmandu-first structure. A practical shape is: start with a few days in Pokhara (lakeside orientation, Sarangkot sunrise, an optional short trek or adventure activity), then head onward to Kathmandu for heritage and culture, with Chitwan or Lumbini added depending on available time — effectively our Essential Nepal or Pokhara & the Annapurna Foothills journeys run in the opposite direction.
What we'll update here
As the route's schedule and operating pattern become clearer over its first year, we'll update this article's specifics accordingly rather than leaving outdated flight information live. If you're planning around this route now, tell us your dates when you enquire and we'll factor in the most current information we have at the time.
Official sources
Time-sensitive details (visas, fees, schedules) can change — always check the current position with the source directly.
Journeys built around this

Pokhara & the Annapurna Foothills
A Pokhara-focused week combining lakeside time, a short Annapurna foothill walk and a choice of adventure activities.

Essential Nepal: Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan
A well-paced first journey through Nepal's three most complementary regions — heritage in Kathmandu, mountains and lakes in Pokhara, and wildlife in Chitwan.
Ready to start planning?
Planning a trip around this? Tell us your dates and interests and we'll put together a tailored itinerary.
Related guides

The Complete Pokhara Travel Guide: What to See, Do and Experience
Shakurma's home-base guide to Pokhara — lakeside sights, viewpoints, short treks, adventure activities and wellness, written by our Pokhara-based team.
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Kathmandu to Pokhara: Flight, Private Vehicle and Tourist Bus Compared
A practical comparison of the three main ways to travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara, so you can choose based on time, budget and comfort.
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