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How to Reach Kathmandu/Nepal by Flight
To get to Nepal, flying is the most straight-forward way, with a variety of airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, China Air, China Eastern and Druk Air providing routes from global centers. As of February 2024, the majority of flights to Nepal are handled by Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), while Pokhara is anticipated to welcome international flights in the near future.
Fly to Nepal from USA & Canada: Stopover Needed to Reach Nepal
| Region | Departure Cities (Examples) | Stopover Locations (Examples) | Airlines (Examples) | Flight Time Range (hrs) | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Coast USA/Canada | New York, Newark, Boston, Toronto, Atlanta, Miami | Doha, Dubai, Delhi, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Muscat | Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Oman Air, Etihad Airways, Air India | 18-26 | 800-2,000 |
| West Coast USA/Canada | Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, Portland | Seoul, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Doha, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Chengdu | Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Air China | 19-28 | 900-2,200 |
Flying to Nepal from North America involves a flight time ranging from 19 to 26 hours, with prices approximately ranging from $800 to $2,200.
Fly to Nepal from UK & EU: Various Stopover Choices to Get to Nepal
| Region | Departure Cities (Examples) | Stopover Locations (Examples) | Airlines (Examples) | Flight Time Range (hrs) | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East EU | Warsaw, Prague, Budapest, Vienna | Doha, Dubai, Delhi, Istanbul, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, Chengdu | Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Oman Air, Etihad Airways | 11-18 | 700-1,600 |
| West EU | Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Madrid | Doha, Dubai, Delhi, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi | Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Etihad Airways, KLM | 12-18 | 750-1,700 |
| UK | London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh | Doha, Dubai, Delhi, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Chengdu | Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Etihad Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air China | 13-19 | 800-1,800 |
Getting to Nepal from UK or EU involves a flight time ranging from 11 to 19 hours, with prices approximately ranging from $700 to $1,800.
Fly to Nepal from China: New Transfer Hub with Frequent Shorter Flights to Nepal
| Departure City (China) | Arrival City (Nepal) | Flight Time Range (hrs) | Airlines (Examples) | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chengdu (CTU) | Kathmandu (KTM) | 2.5 - 4.5 | Sichuan Airlines, Air China, Nepal Airlines | 400-$800 |
| Guangzhou (CAN) | Kathmandu (KTM) | 3.5 - 5.0 | China Southern Airlines, Nepal Airlines | 350-$700 |
| Kunming (KMG) | Kathmandu (KTM) | 3.0 - 4.5 | China Eastern Airlines | 450-$800 |
| Hong Kong (HKG) | Kathmandu (KTM) | 5.0 - 6.0 | Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines | 500-$900 |
| Lhasa (LXA) | Kathmandu (KTM) | 1.5 | Himalaya Airlines | 400-600 |
This is a brand new option to fly to Nepal. With the new relaxed visa policy since 2024, China is becoming another popular stopover destination to get to Nepal.
The flight time from China to Nepal varies from 1.5 hours to 5.5 hours. The price range is $350-$900.
The flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu is the most cost-effective option. Guangzhou and Chengdu offer the most frequent flights to Nepal inChina, and new flights from Chengdu to Pokhara will be operating soon.
Note 1: For over 10 years, we at Asia Odyssey Travel have crafted unforgettable journeys through the Himalayas for the world. We also recommend a legendary overland journey to go from Tibet to Nepal by road! Read on to find out more!
Note 2: Layover China Tour is also possible on your way to Neapal with visa-free policy of China now! A layover trip in Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou Before you get to Nepal would be a excellent chance to discover new destiantions!
From Tibet, China, to Nepal & Bhutan, all the way we go!>>
Fly to Nepal from Bhutan: Experience Druk Air, Flight of Thunder Dragon
| Airline | Departure City (Bhutan) | Arrival City (Nepal) | Flight Time | Price Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Druk Air | Paro (PBH) | Kathmandu (KTM) | 1 hour 10 mins | $300-$500 | Seasonal flights |
| Druk Air (Planned) | Paro (PBH) | Pokhara (PKR) | N/A | N/A | Upcoming route |
The flight time for Bhutan to Nepal is about 1 hour and 10 minutes, and the price range is US$300-500.
Note: If you are getting to Nepal from Bhutan, the Druk Air itself would be a highlight. Druk Air's pilots are renowned for their exceptional skills, navigating through challenging mountainous terrains of Himalaya, particularly at Paro International Airport. Bhutan's unique charm shines through the airline's warm, helpful service, exemplified by the cabin crew's traditional Gho and Kira attire.
Fly to Nepal from India: Also Possible Option to Reach Nepal
| Departure City (India) | Arrival City (Nepal) | Flight Time (hrs) | Airlines (Examples) | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi (DEL) | Kathmandu (KTM) | 1.5 - 2.0 | Air India, SpiceJet, Buddha Air | $100 - $300 |
| Kolkata (CCU) | Kathmandu (KTM) | 2.0 - 2.5 | Air India, Buddha Air | $150 - $350 |
| Lucknow (LKO) | Kathmandu (KTM) | 1.5 - 2.0 | Buddha Air | $120 - $320 |
| Patna (PAT) | Kathmandu (KTM) | 1.5 - 2.0 | Buddha Air | $130 - $330 |
| Varanasi (VNS) | Kathmandu (KTM) | 2.0 - 2.5 | Buddha Air | $140 - $340 |
India to Nepal flight times range from 1.5 to 2.5 hours at a price range of $100 - $340.
Fly to Nepal from Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand: From Down-under to Himalaya
| Region | Departure Cities (Examples) | Arrival City (Nepal) | Flight Time Range (hrs) | Airlines (Examples) | Price Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast Asia | Bangkok (BKK), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Singapore (SIN), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Hanoi (HAN) | Kathmandu (KTM) | 4-10 | Air India, Batik Air, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways | $400-$1,200 | Many routes and airlines, consider stopovers in Middle East or Asia |
| Australia | Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Brisbane (BNE), Perth (PER) | Kathmandu (KTM) | 14-22 | Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Korean Air | $800-$2,000 | Fewer direct flights, consider stopovers in Middle East or Asia |
| New Zealand | Auckland (AKL), Christchurch (CHC) | Kathmandu (KTM) | 16-24 | Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways | $900-$2,200 | Limited direct flights, consider stopovers in Middle East or Asia |
There are no direct flights from Australia or New Zealand to Nepal. The most common route involves a stopover in one of the Southeast Asian cities before flying to Nepal.
Fly to Nepal From Middle East: Another Common Transfer Hub to Get to Nepal
| Departure City (Middle East) | Arrival City (Nepal) | Flight Time (hrs) | Airlines (Examples) | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doha (DOH) | Kathmandu (KTM) | 4 - 5 | Qatar Airways | $400 - $800 |
| Dubai (DXB) | Kathmandu (KTM) | 4 - 5 | Emirates, Flydubai | $450 - $900 |
| Abu Dhabi (AUH) | Kathmandu (KTM) | 4 - 5 | Etihad Airways | $500 - $1,000 |
| Muscat (MCT) | Kathmandu (KTM) | 4 - 5 | Oman Air | $550 - $1,100 |
Direct flights from major Middle Eastern hubs to Kathmandu take 4-5 hours, starting around $400 and increasing to $1,100.
How to Reach Nepal by Train: Bus & Car Combination Needed
Yes, to Reach Nepal by Train sounds super fun! However to get to Nepal by train, you will eventually have to switch to other transportation, as the country has a very limited railway. Still, you can take trains to reach Nepal's boarder from China or India.
Reach Nepal by Train from China: Railway from Tibet to Nepal is Coming Soon
Here's how to take train for most part of Tibet to Nepal journey.
To Reach Nepal by Train from Tibet via Gyirong, approximately 882 km (547 miles), 15 to 20 hours:
- Lhasa to Shigatse by Train: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, 435 km (270 miles)
- Shigatse to Gyirong Port by Tourist bus: 6-8 hours, about 290 km (180 miles)
- Gyirong Port to Kathmandu by Bus or shared jeep: Approximately 6-10 hours, 156.7 km (97.25 miles)
Yes, there's no direct train from Tibet to Nepal. But don't be dispointed yet. The railway is on the way! A high-speed rail line that crosses the Himalayas will connect Lhasa with Kathmandu, Nepal's capital.
Once the construction is completed, you will cross the Himalayas, the world's highest mountains, when reaching Nepal by train from Tibet. This railway from Lhasa to Nepal will be one of the most incredible and beautiful train journeys in the world, The Dream for Railfans!
In fact, some parts of the Himalayan Railway - Qinghai-Tibet Railway, which soars through the Himalayas, have already become a reality! You can experience the grandeur of riding one of the world's most advanced trains at the highest altitude possible with a Tibet Train Tour!
Reach Nepal by Trains from India: Multiple Options, Switching Transportation Needed
There is no direct train connection between India and Nepal at present. Here is a possible route to reach Nepal by Train: Go from India via Gorakhpur and Sunauli, approximately 1,224.2 kilometers (760.8 miles), travel time is approximately 20 hours to 30 hours.
- Delhi to Gorakhpur by Train: Trains include Bihar Sampark Kranti SF Express, Sapt Kranti Superfast Express, 11-13 Hours, 510.95 miles (822.5 km).
- Gorakhpur to Sunauli: Travel by bus or shared jeep. The journey takes about 2 to 3 hours, 60.17 miles (96.8 km).
- Sunauli to Kathmandu: Take another bus or shared jeep. This journey takes about 4 to 5 hours, 216.83 miles (349 km).
How to Reach Nepal by Road: Enchanting Himalayan Road Trip
What can be more epic than a road trip in Himalayas? The route to Nepal is filled with spectacular sights, including the world's highest mountains!
Reach Nepal by Road from Tibet, China: Glorious Overland Journey
Lhasa - Gyirong (Tibet, China)-Rasuwa (Nepal) by Bus/Car: The total distance is about 1,170 kilometers (727 miles), and it takes about 17 to 28 hours depending on weather and stops you make.
This is the key part of the most popular route to get to Nepal by road from Tibet, and Gyirong Boarder is currently open to foreign tourists with Tibet Travel Permits . The well-maintained paved road allows you to detour on the way from Lhasa to Gyirong, taking in the beauty of Lake Yamdrok, historic cities like Gyantse and Shigatse, and even a glimpse of Mount Everest!
Here's why we at Asia Odyssey recommend to go to Nepal by Road from Tibet.
Unique Experience:
- Adventure across diverse landscapes
- See parts of Himalayas unreachable by flight
Cultural Immersion:
- Interact with Tibetan and Nepali locals
- Experience traditional lifestyles and customs
Sense of Achievement:
- Overcome logistical and physical difficulties
- Push your boundaries
Cost-Effectiveness:
- Much Cheaper than airfare
Environmental Impact:
- Lower carbon footprint than air travel
There are other options possible to reach Nepal by road. Contact Us to map out Your Glorious Himalaya Overland Journey.
Reach Nepal by Road from India: Various Options to Get to Nepal
One popular route to reach Nepal by road from India is:
- Drive or take a bus from Delhi to Sunauli (24 hours)
- Cross the border and continue to Kathmandu, Pokhara, or other places in Nepal
- Sunauli is the most convenient border crossing point
The distance from Delhi to Kathmandu by road is about 754 miles or 1213 kilometers. The travel time is about 24 hours by bus or 14 hours by car.
How to Plan a Trip to Nepal & Beyond
- Kathmandu (3 days), Temples & Thrum: Spend 3 days to explore the rich culture of Nepal. Swayambhunath's views, Pashupatinath's rituals, Boudhanath's Tibetan energy. Catch a glimpse of the Kumari & haggle for souvenirs in Thamel.
- Chitwan (2 days), Jungle Thrills: Allow 2 days in Chitwan National Park with more chance to spot rhinos, elusive tigers, monkeys on a Chitwan National Park safari. Canoe the Rapti, spot crocs & birds. Immerse in Tharu culture.
- Pokhara (3 days), Lakeside Bliss: Being an Outdoor adventure paradise, Pokhara is also a place to chill out. So spend 3 days there to unwind if time allows. Hike to World Peace Pagoda for panoramas, boat on Phewa Lake. Adrenaline rush: white-water rafting or paragliding.
- To the Mountains(1-14 days): Trek to Poon Hill for Annapurna views or embark on epic journeys like Everest Base Camp.
- Dive into the Himalayan(4-16 days): Allow more time for the Bhutan and Tibet regions, and experience the different charms of each unique Himalayan region.
- Discover More, Make the Most of Your Trip(1-3 Days): As China has become a popular transfer hub, consider a layover tour or side trip. Explore Chengdu, home to the beloved pandas, or Shanghai, a bustling metropolis, before continuing to Nepal. Contact Us for latest visa policy update, unlock exciting new journey!
Travel with AOT, Reach Nepal with Ease
Discover the magic of Nepal with Asia Odyssey Travel. With over a decade of expertise and deep-rooted local connections, we craft journeys that unveil the true essence of Nepal.
A long international flight, especially with stopovers, can be stressful with all the booking, planning and rushing between flights. That's where we come in!
We handle visas, connecting flights, and activities, so you can explore new destinations seamlessly. Plus, our expertise unlocks hidden stopover deals you might miss, maximizing your travel experience without the hassle. After all, it's a vacation-why stress yourself?
Let us be your guide in Himalayas, experience Nepal like never before with our exceptional service:
- Personalized Planning: Skip the research, let our experts craft your dream Nepal adventure
- Peace of Mind: Flights, hotels, visa? We handle it all!
- Hiccups? We're your 24/7 travel guardian.
- Time-saving: One-stop shop, say goodbye to endless booking hassles
- Journey with Awareness: AOT's local team ensures experiences that are culturally sensitive
- Travel like a Local: Insider tips, secret savings, and authentic experiences await with our local guides
Asia Odyssey Travel, Your Best Travel Mate. Turn Travel Dreams into Reality!
Contact us today. Your dream Nepal trip awaits!
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