Cheap flights to Kathmandu, Nepal

Once thought to be the mythical city of Shanri-La, the Nepalese capital is today home to 1 million people and is the gateway to tourism in Nepal and the Himalaya Mountains. Book a cheap flight to Kathmandu and experience palaces, temples, and rich history in one thriving city.

How long is the flight to Kathmandu?

Flights from the United States to Kathmandu, Nepal range from about 18.5-50h. The length of your flight will depend mostly on your airline and the length and number of stopovers you experience en route to Kathmandu. The fastest flights depart from the west coast and travel across the Pacific, as well as those on the east coast that travel across the Atlantic.

Where can you get direct flights to Kathmandu from?

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Kathmandu from any airport in the United States. To book a flight that is as quick as possible, first consider the airlines that regularly service flights into Kathmandu, which are China Southern Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways. If you’re flying out of the east coast, it will serve you better to book a flight that travels through the Middle East to arrive in Kathmandu faster, such as with Qatar or Etihad Airways. Conversely, those on the west coast can arrive in Kathmandu faster by traveling west via airlines that travel through eastern Asia, such as China Southern and Cathay Pacific. You can expect to make stopovers in common cities for this route like London, Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, and Kunming, depending on your airline.

How do you get from Kathmandu airport to the city centre?

When your destination is Kathmandu, you’ll fly into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), which is about 3 miles southeast of Kathmandu city center. Most tourists stay in downtown Kathmandu’s Thamel neighborhood, due to its attractions and number of accommodations. To reach Thamel from the airport, you can take a taxi. The best way is to head to the prepaid, 24-7 taxi booking counter in the airport’s arrivals terminal. You will pay them and get a receipt which you give to the driver. It will take about 20 minutes to reach Thamel and cost about $6.50. You can also opt to take a public bus from just outside the airport bound for Ratnapark. It will stop short of Thamel and you’ll have to walk about 10 minutes after getting off the bus, though the entire journey will cost under $1.

What are some things to do in Kathmandu?

Kathmandu is a bustling city filled with beautiful natural scenery, rich history and culture, and plenty to see and do. Spend a day exploring stunnign Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient city that’s composed of Durbar Square, Nyatapola Temple, and Pujari Math. Enjoy street food and shop for authentic souvenirs at Ason and Mangal Bazaars. You may not be up for climbing Mount Everest, but charter a plane for a reasonable fare that will let you fly above its incredible snowcapped peaks, all from a safe and cozy distance.

Do I need a passport or visa to fly to Kathmandu?

United States citizens traveling to Kathmandu, Nepal need a passport with at least six months of remaining validity from the date of your arrival as well as a tourist visa.

Kathmandu, Nepal climate

Laying in the mountainous Kathmandu Valley, the city of Kathmandu has a subtropical highland climate. This means that summer temperatures are in the low-mid 80s (Fahrenheit), and the winter temperatures average around 50 F. Monsoon season is from June to August.

Best Time to Fly to Kathmandu, Nepal

Summer is monsoon season, so trips in late spring and early autumn are best.

Getting around Kathmandu, Nepal

Taxis or rickshaws are preferable to buses, which because of poor road surfaces can be pretty uncomfortable; make sure to negotiate your rate.

Kathmandu, Nepal Travel Information

A symbol of the increased Western presence in recent decades, Freak Street used to be home to a lot of hippies. Today it is a collection of restaurants and lodgings and is a nice alternative to Thamel.