NEPAL TRAVELLER
Dolpa Airport also known as Juphal Airport is a domestic airport located in Juphal, Thuli Bheri serving Dolpa district and surrounding areas of Karnali State.
The airport is the sole airport in the district and acts as an important hub for nearby areas. Established in 1978, the airport used to function on a gravel runway. The airport was upgraded along with the runway to a blacktopped runway. The airport serves as the major center for transporting goods for business, finance, education, service, and healthcare for the local people. It is also used by tourist visiting this remote area.
The high-altitude, culturally Tibetan region of Nepal is famous for its natural beauty, mesmerizing view of the hills, mountains, and wonderful lakes and is growing in popularity among tourists. Besides, Dolpa is the biggest district of Nepal with an area of 7,889 sq kms.
The district is home to the famous Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal. It is praised for its aquamarine greenish-blue color. No aquatic life in the lake pronounces that the water is crystal clear. The trek to the lake attracts many seasoned travelers through the airport.
Airlines and Destinations
Nepal Airlines conducts a scheduled flight each week with the Twin Otter aircraft to Juphal, Dolpa. Similarly, Tara Air, Summit Air, and Makalu Air conduct charter and cargo flights regularly. These airlines connect the district with Nepalgunj and Kathmandu. As the only airports in the district, it has been providing service for 42 years in the region with some periodic closure. The IATA and ICAO codes for Dolpa Airport are DOP and VNDP respectively.
Residing at an elevation of 8200 ft above sea level the airport has one runway which measures 663 by 30 meters. Due to high elevation, the airport is often closed due to heavy snowfall which disrupts flights scheduled.
Compiled by Rina Kumari Mandal
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