Dolpa Airport guide

Dolpa Airport, also called Juphal Airport, sits at about 2,500 m (8,200 ft) in the village of Juphal, in Thuli Bheri municipality of Dolpa District, Karnali Province. It is the district's only operating airport and the usual entry point for Shey Phoksundo National Park and the Lower and Upper Dolpo treks. Dunai, the district headquarters, lies downhill along the Bheri River, about three hours on foot.

The airfield opened in 1978 and was inaugurated by King Birendra. Its single runway, 15/33, measures 663 m by 30 m and was paved in 2017 after years as a gravel strip. Heavy snowfall and weather often close the airport, and flights are cancelled at short notice.

Service is domestic and light. Nepal Airlines runs a weekly Twin Otter flight, and Tara Air, Summit Air and Sita Air fly to Nepalgunj. Other carriers, including Makalu Air, operate charter and cargo flights. Passenger numbers have fallen in recent years as road buses have started to carry travellers and freight to Dolpa.