Nepal

Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia, nestled between India and China in the Himalayas. Home to eight of the world's fourteen peaks over 8,000 meters, including Mount Everest, Nepal is a premier destination for trekking, mountaineering, and adventure tourism.

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu is the country's only international airport and the main gateway for virtually all foreign visitors. Nepal has a small but developing domestic aviation network essential for reaching remote mountain regions where road access is limited or nonexistent.

Nepal operates on UTC+5:45, one of only a few countries with a 45-minute offset timezone. The aviation sector includes Nepal Airlines (the flag carrier) and several private domestic carriers operating short-haul mountain flights to airstrips serving trekking regions.

International Gateway

Airport	City	Role	Major Airlines
KTM	Kathmandu	Only international airport	Nepal Airlines, Qatar, Emirates, Air India

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) — Nepal's sole international airport, located 5.5 km east of central Kathmandu. The airport has one domestic and one international terminal. International connections include flights to major hubs in the Middle East (Doha, Dubai), India (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata), and Southeast Asia (Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore).

The airport is known for challenging approaches due to the surrounding mountain terrain, with flights often subject to weather delays, particularly during monsoon season.

Domestic Airports

Airport	City	Role
PKR	Pokhara	Gateway to Annapurna region
BWA	Bhairahawa (Siddharthanagar)	Gateway to Lumbini (Buddha's birthplace)
BIR	Biratnagar	Eastern Nepal hub
LUA	Lukla	Gateway to Everest region

Pokhara International Airport (PKR) — Nepal's second international airport, opened in 2023. Located near Pokhara, it serves as the gateway to the Annapurna trekking region. The airport has capacity for limited international flights but primarily serves domestic routes.

Lukla Airport (LUA) — Also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport, this is one of the world's most challenging airports. The short runway (527 meters) perched at 2,845 meters elevation with a 12% gradient serves as the starting point for Everest Base Camp treks. Flights operate weather-permitting only, typically morning hours when conditions are calmest.

Mountain Airstrips

Remote trekking regions are served by small airstrips with STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) aircraft:

• Jomsom (JMO) — Annapurna Circuit
• Dolpa (DOP) — Remote western Nepal
• Simikot (IMK) — Gateway to Mt. Kailash pilgrimage

These routes operate on small turboprop aircraft and are highly weather-dependent.

Flag Carrier

Nepal Airlines (RA) is the national flag carrier, operating both domestic and international routes. International destinations include Delhi, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and select Middle Eastern cities. The fleet includes Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft for international routes.

Domestic Carriers

• Buddha Air — Largest domestic carrier with ATR 72 and Beechcraft 1900 aircraft. Serves major domestic routes and offers mountain sightseeing flights
• Yeti Airlines — Operates domestic routes and mountain flights with ATR 72 aircraft
• Shree Airlines — Domestic services including remote mountain airstrips
• Tara Air — Subsidiary of Yeti Airlines, specializes in STOL operations to remote mountain airstrips including Lukla

International Airlines Serving Nepal

Major foreign carriers with scheduled service to Kathmandu:

• Qatar Airways — Daily service to Doha, onward connections worldwide
• Emirates — Service via Dubai (seasonal)
• Etihad Airways — Service via Abu Dhabi
• Air India — Multiple daily flights to Delhi, connections to Mumbai, Kolkata
• IndiGo — Budget carrier with frequent India connections
• Thai Airways — Service to Bangkok
• Malaysia Airlines — Service to Kuala Lumpur
• China Southern — Service to Guangzhou
• Air China — Service to Chengdu and Lhasa

Visa on Arrival

Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. The process involves:

1. Complete arrival card and visa application form
2. Submit passport photo (or use photo machine at airport)
3. Pay visa fee in USD cash (exact change recommended)

Visa fees:

• 15 days: $30 USD
• 30 days: $50 USD
• 90 days: $125 USD

Online Visa Application

Travelers can pre-apply online at the Department of Immigration to save time at arrival. This generates a receipt to present at the visa counter.

Visa Exemptions

• SAARC nationals (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives): Free visa for 30 days
• Indian citizens: No visa required, can enter with valid ID

Restricted/Prohibited Nationalities

Citizens of certain countries face restrictions. Check official immigration website for current list.

Passport Requirements

• Valid for at least 6 months beyond planned stay
• At least one blank page for visa stamp
• Nigerian, Ghanaian, Zimbabwean, Somali, and Swaziland nationals require visa before arrival

Trekking Permits

Separate permits required for trekking in national parks and conservation areas:

• TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System): Required for most treks
• National Park Entry Permits: Required for Sagarmatha (Everest), Annapurna, Langtang regions
• Restricted Area Permits: Required for Upper Mustang, Dolpo, and border regions

Permits can be obtained through registered trekking agencies or at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu.

Official information: immigration.gov.np

Domestic Flights

Flying is essential for reaching mountain destinations where roads are poor or nonexistent:

Route	Duration	Frequency
Kathmandu ↔ Pokhara	25 min	Multiple daily
Kathmandu ↔ Lukla	35 min	Weather-dependent, morning only
Kathmandu ↔ Biratnagar	35 min	Multiple daily
Kathmandu ↔ Bharatpur	20 min	Daily
Pokhara ↔ Jomsom	20 min	Weather-dependent

Booking tips:

• Book Lukla flights well in advance during peak trekking seasons
• Morning flights have best weather conditions
• Allow buffer days for weather delays on mountain routes
• Domestic flights often sell out during Everest and Annapurna trekking seasons

Mountain Flights (Sightseeing)

Several airlines offer mountain sightseeing flights from Kathmandu—1-hour flights along the Himalayan range with views of Everest. Flights depart early morning when visibility is best. Cost approximately $200-250 USD.

Buses

Long-distance buses connect major cities:

• Tourist buses: Comfortable coaches on main routes (Kathmandu-Pokhara)
• Local buses: Budget option, less comfortable, cover more routes
• Kathmandu ↔ Pokhara: 6-7 hours by tourist bus (vs 25 min flight)

Private Vehicles

• Hired car with driver: Common for tourists, arranged through hotels or agencies
• Self-drive: Not recommended due to challenging road conditions and traffic
• Taxis: Metered in Kathmandu; negotiate fare before longer trips

In Kathmandu

• Taxis: Metered (insist on meter) or negotiated fare
• Ride-hailing: Pathao and inDrive apps available
• Rickshaws: For short distances in old city areas

Peak Season (October-November)

Best overall time. Clear skies, excellent mountain visibility, ideal trekking conditions after monsoon. Expect:

• Highest flight prices and hotel rates
• Crowded trekking routes
• Book Lukla flights and permits well in advance
• Tihar (Festival of Lights) celebrations

Spring Season (March-May)

Second-best period. Warming temperatures, rhododendron blooms in hills.

• Good trekking conditions
• Slightly hazier than autumn
• Pre-monsoon afternoon clouds common
• Holi festival in March

Monsoon (June-September)

Avoid for trekking. Heavy rainfall, frequent flight cancellations, leeches on trails.

• Mountain views often obscured
• Significant flight delays and cancellations
• Some mountain airstrips close
• Lower prices, fewer tourists
• Green landscapes, waterfalls

Winter (December-February)

Cold at altitude, snow closes high passes.

• Lower elevations (Kathmandu, Pokhara) pleasant
• Some high-altitude treks closed
• Clear skies, good mountain views
• Lower prices except Christmas/New Year
• Tea house treks at lower elevations still possible

Flight Considerations by Season

Season	Flight Reliability	Notes
Oct-Nov	High	Best conditions
Mar-May	Good	Afternoon clouds common
Jun-Sep	Poor	Frequent cancellations
Dec-Feb	Moderate	Fog delays possible

Cities

City	Airport	Known For
Kathmandu	KTM	UNESCO heritage sites, temples, base for all travel
Pokhara	PKR	Lakeside relaxation, Annapurna views, adventure sports
Lumbini	BWA	Buddha's birthplace, pilgrimage site
Chitwan	BWA	Wildlife, jungle safaris, national park

Trekking Regions

Region	Access Airport	Trek Duration
Everest Base Camp	LUA (Lukla)	12-14 days
Annapurna Circuit	PKR (Pokhara)	14-21 days
Annapurna Base Camp	PKR (Pokhara)	7-12 days
Langtang Valley	KTM (road to Syabrubesi)	7-10 days
Upper Mustang	JMO (Jomsom)	10-12 days

Adventure Activities

• Pokhara: Paragliding, ultralight flights, zip-lining
• Bhotekoshi: Bungee jumping, canyon swing
• Various rivers: White water rafting (Trisuli, Seti, Bhote Koshi)

Money

• Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR), symbol Rs
• Exchange rate: Approximately 130-135 NPR = 1 USD (check current rates)
• Cash: Preferred in most places. Carry small denominations
• ATMs: Available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, major towns. Limited in trekking areas
• Cards: Accepted at upscale hotels, restaurants, larger shops. Often 3-4% surcharge
• USD cash: Useful for visa fees and trekking emergencies. Bring clean, recent bills
• Tipping: 10% at restaurants appreciated; tip trekking guides/porters end of trek

Electrical

• Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
• Plug types: Type C (Europlug), D, and M (Indian/South African style)
• Adapters: Bring universal adapter; sockets vary even within same building
• Power cuts: Load-shedding has improved but carry power bank for devices
• Charging on treks: Solar charging available at tea houses for fee

Connectivity

• Mobile: Ncell and Nepal Telecom. Tourist SIM cards available at airport
• Coverage: Good in cities and popular trekking routes, limited in remote areas
• WiFi: Available at hotels, cafes in tourist areas. Variable speeds
• Data: 4G available in Kathmandu, Pokhara; slower elsewhere

Health & Safety

• Altitude sickness: Serious concern above 2,500m. Ascend slowly, stay hydrated
• Water: Drink only bottled or purified water
• Vaccinations: Consult travel clinic. Common recommendations include Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Tetanus
• Travel insurance: Essential, especially with helicopter evacuation coverage for trekking
• Emergency: Tourist Police: 1144

Cultural Notes

• Temples: Remove shoes before entering. Ask before photographing
• Dress: Conservative dress appreciated, especially at religious sites
• Left hand: Considered unclean; use right hand for eating, giving
• Head: Don't touch others' heads (considered sacred)
• Feet: Don't point feet at people or religious objects
• Bargaining: Expected at markets, not in restaurants or for fixed-price items

Useful Apps

• Maps.me: Offline maps essential for trekking
• Pathao: Ride-hailing in Kathmandu
• XE Currency: Currency conversion

• Tourism: Nepal Tourism Board
• Visa/Immigration: Department of Immigration
• Trekking Permits: Nepal Tourism Board
• Domestic Airlines:
  • Nepal Airlines
  • Buddha Air
  • Yeti Airlines
• Weather: Department of Hydrology and Meteorology
• Mountaineering: Nepal Mountaineering Association