Adventure · Simikot
Morning arrivals on Simikot's short runway
Watch small planes land on Simikot's 549 m runway at nearly 3,000 m, the lifeline of Humla, as rice, fuel, mail and passengers are unloaded and the planes turn round for Nepalgunj within minutes.
Simikot Airport is one of the remote mountain airstrips that keep Nepal's highlands supplied. Its runway is only 549 m long at around 2,818 m, so only short take-off and landing aircraft can use it. On busy mornings planes arrive one after another from Nepalgunj, weather permitting.
Find a safe spot at the edge of town with a view of the runway, away from the airport fence and restricted areas. You will see Twin Otters or Dorniers appear over the valley, drop steeply and land uphill, then taxi to the small apron where porters swarm to unload sacks of rice, gas cylinders and boxes of supplies.
Within a short time the plane is turned round and roars off again, heading down the valley. It is a vivid lesson in how Humla has lived, and why every visitor needs spare days. Do not fly drones near the airport.
Good for
Questions
Is flying into Simikot safe?
Flights into Simikot are operated by experienced mountain pilots in aircraft built for short airstrips, and they fly only in good visibility. Delays and cancellations are common for that reason. Choose an established operator, fly in the morning and accept that weather decides the schedule.
How long is the Simikot runway?
About 549 m, at an elevation of around 2,818 m. That is very short, which is why only short take-off and landing aircraft such as Twin Otters and Dorniers can use it. The runway has been improved in recent years.
Can I photograph the airport?
Photographing planes landing from public areas in town is generally fine. Stay outside the airport fence and away from restricted areas, follow any instructions from airport or security staff, and never fly a drone near the runway.
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