Getting to Kathmandu
Almost everyone arrives in Nepal by air, at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, the country's only international gateway. Most travellers reach it with a single connection through India, the Gulf or Southeast Asia.
Founder, Swamini & Lead Instructor
Reviewed and updated October 2026
How do most people fly to Kathmandu?
Tribhuvan International Airport (airport code KTM) sits just east of central Kathmandu and handles all of Nepal’s international flights. There are no direct long-haul flights from Europe or the Americas, so travellers from outside the region almost always connect through a major hub.
The most common routes are short hops from India (Delhi is roughly a 1 hour 45 minute flight), and one-stop connections through the Gulf and Asia. Whatever your starting point, you can usually reach Kathmandu in a single connection.
Main connecting hubs
Reliable one-stop gateways into Kathmandu.
India (Delhi, others)
The closest international link. Delhi to Kathmandu is about 1 hour 45 minutes, with frequent daily flights. A common connection for travellers from Europe and North America.
The Gulf (Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi)
Qatar Airways flies nonstop Doha to Kathmandu in around 4 hours 15 minutes. Emirates, flydubai and Etihad also connect the Gulf to Kathmandu, which suits travellers from Europe and Africa.
Southeast Asia (Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore)
Popular gateways for travellers coming from Australia, East Asia and the Pacific, with regular flights into Kathmandu.
Turkey (Istanbul)
Turkish Airlines connects Europe and the Americas to Kathmandu via Istanbul, a one-stop option from many cities in Europe and the Americas.
What happens when you land
The arrival steps at Tribhuvan, in order.
- 1
Visa on arrival
Most nationalities get their tourist visa on arrival at the airport. Fill in the form (or use the online form in advance), pay the fee, and collect your visa. See our Nepal visa guide for fees and details.
- 2
Immigration and baggage
Clear immigration with your visa, then collect your checked luggage from the carousel.
- 3
Money and SIM
There are ATMs and currency exchange in the arrivals hall, and tourist SIM cards (Ncell or Nepal Telecom) are sold at the airport with a passport and photo.
- 4
Onward transport
Pre-arranged pick-ups wait in the car park; licensed prepaid taxis are available from a counter. If you are on a program at our centre, our driver will meet you.
Getting from the airport to your centre
Kathmandu is compact, and most areas are within 30 to 60 minutes of the airport depending on traffic. A taxi is the simplest option; agree the fare before you set off, or use the airport prepaid taxi counter.
Airport pickup and drop to your hotel are included with programs at Jivan Parivartan’s centre (single Reiki healing sessions are the one exception), so a driver meets you with your name on a sign. Our centre is in Tarkeshwor, in the quieter north-west of the valley, about 30 minutes from the airport. Most guests stay in Thamel, and we can arrange a hotel there if you need one. Send your flight details at least 7 days before you arrive.
Travelling on to Pokhara or the mountains?
Domestic flights from Kathmandu reach Pokhara in about 25 minutes, and tourist buses take around 6 to 8 hours. Our Himalayan Luxury Retreat in Mustang starts in Kathmandu, flies to Pokhara and continues by private drive up the Kali Gandaki valley.
Written by
Maa Nisha KabirFounder and lead instructor of Jivan Parivartan, with 20+ years of meditation practice, including two years in a Mustang cave. She has taught Usui Reiki since 2021.
Before you fly
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning your arrival in Kathmandu?
Send us your dates and flight details and we will arrange your pickup and, if you need one, a hotel in Thamel.