SATV 01 April, Kathmandu: In a significant boost to connectivity between Nepal and China, Himalaya Airlines, a joint venture between Nepal and China, inaugurated its historic direct flight service between Pokhara, Nepal’s tourism capital, and Lhasa, China’s scenic and culturally rich city, on March 31, 2025.

The launch of the Lhasa-Pokhara-Lhasa scheduled flights is seen as a major milestone for Himalaya Airlines, aiming to strengthen air links between the two countries. The flight service, connecting the world-renowned city of Lhasa—often referred to as the "Roof of the World"—to the picturesque city of Pokhara, is expected to promote Nepal's tourism industry and facilitate easier cultural exchange between the nations.

Himalaya Airlines, dedicated to supporting Nepal’s tourism industry and enhancing international air travel, has expanded its flight network to offer seamless and convenient travel options. The airline believes that the new Lhasa-Pokhara-Lhasa route will not only connect Nepal to the world but also boost tourism in both destinations and promote cultural exchange.

The airline will operate one flight per week on the Lhasa-Pokhara-Lhasa sector, with plans to increase frequency based on demand. The first flight from Lhasa departed from Gonga Airport at 14:39 local time on March 31, arriving in Pokhara at 13:56 Nepali Standard Time after a one hour and 34-minute flight. The return flight from Pokhara departed at 08:20 local time on April 1, arriving in Lhasa at 12:05 local time the same day.

Himalaya Airlines expressed its commitment to providing quality service and a safe flying experience for its passengers, hoping the new flight route will contribute to an increase in tourism even during the slower summer season.

The inauguration ceremony of this historic Lhasa-Pokhara flight was attended by notable figures, including the Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, Surendra Raj Pandey, Minister of State for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Arun Kumar Chaudhary, and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, H.E. Chen Song. Also present were the Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City, Dhanraj Acharya, Deputy Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, Dev Chandra Lal Karn, and other dignitaries.

Speaking at the event, Himalaya Airlines Chairman, Mr. Zhou Enyong, thanked the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, and all stakeholders for their support in making this historic flight possible. He expressed pride in launching the first scheduled international flight between Pokhara and Lhasa.

Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey emphasized the importance of connectivity in promoting tourism in Gandaki Province, particularly in Pokhara, and commended Himalaya Airlines for choosing Pokhara as a destination. He also acknowledged the challenges of maintaining regular flights and expressed confidence in the route's success.

Minister of State for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Arun Kumar Chaudhary extended his congratulations and best wishes for the expansion of Himalaya Airlines' operations, praising the successful establishment of the weekly flight on the Pokhara-Lhasa route.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, H.E. Chen Song, congratulated the people of Pokhara on the commencement of their first scheduled international flight. He emphasized that the Lhasa-Pokhara flight would strengthen Nepal-China relations and expressed hope that Pokhara would soon receive additional international flight connections.

The Mayor of Pokhara, Dharmraj Acharya, expressed his gratitude to Himalaya Airlines for launching this historic service and reiterated the city's commitment to supporting the airline in continuing its services from Pokhara.

Himalaya Airlines Vice President and Spokesperson, Vijay Shrestha, shared his excitement about the new route and reiterated the airline’s goal of operating flights to ten tourist destinations in China, welcoming over one million Chinese tourists to Nepal annually. The airline is committed to maintaining high safety standards and providing unforgettable travel experiences for its passengers.

This new scheduled flight service marks a significant step forward for tourism promotion in both Pokhara and Lhasa, while also paving the way for stronger Nepal-China relations.