Small STOL runway and terminal at Suketar Airport in Taplejung, Nepal, with snow-capped Himalayan peaks and morning mist

Airport

Taplejung Airport (TPJ)

Taplejung Airport (TPJ), also known as Suketar Airport, is the main air gateway to Phungling (Taplejung Bazaar) and the Kanchenjunga region of eastern Nepal. Compare transfer options to Phungling Bazaar and onward access to the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and Pathibhara Temple.

Passengers

Luggage

About Taplejung Airport

Taplejung Airport is a domestic airport in eastern Nepal's Koshi Province, serving Taplejung district and the town of Phungling, also known as Taplejung Bazaar. Also called Suketar Airport, it is the main air gateway for travelers heading to the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and the Pathibhara Temple pilgrimage site. The airport sits at an elevation of about 2,419 m (7,936 ft) in Suketar.

The airport has a single asphalt runway measuring approximately 700 m by 20 m, oriented 07/25 and blacktopped in 2016 to improve reliability. It handles domestic scheduled flights, primarily linking Taplejung with Kathmandu and Bhadrapur, using small aircraft suited to high-altitude and mountain conditions.

Located roughly 8 km from Phungling Bazaar, the airport connects to Taplejung town and trekking trailheads by jeep, taxi and pre-arranged transfer along mountain roads. Travel times vary with weather and road conditions.

Facilities are modest, with a single small terminal and basic waiting areas. The airport functions as an essential link for local communities, trekkers and pilgrims, and travelers should confirm flight schedules and arrange onward transport in advance.

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Terminal Overview

Travelers walking beneath terminal signs inside an airport

Terminals

Taplejung Airport operates through a single small passenger terminal at Suketar, handling all domestic flights. The terminal is used for scheduled services connecting Taplejung with Kathmandu and Bhadrapur (Chandragadhi), and there are no international or Schengen operations at this airport.

Ground Transportation Services to and from Taplejung Airport

Transfers

Book private transfers from Taplejung Airport to Phungling Bazaar, hotels in Taplejung, and trailheads for the Kanchenjunga region or Pathibhara Temple.

Hourly Chauffeur

Arrange a chauffeur by the hour for flexible travel around Taplejung, Pathibhara Temple visits, local business needs, or trips to nearby villages.

Car Rental

Hire a jeep or car for independent travel between Taplejung Airport and destinations across Taplejung district and the surrounding Koshi Province.

Bus & Group Transfers

Organize minibuses, jeeps or group transfers between Taplejung Airport, Phungling Bazaar, trekking trailheads and accommodation for groups and trekking parties.