Travel to Nepal

Flying to Nepal

Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is the only international airport in Nepal. Approximately 30 airlines link it with destinations throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East including Qatar Airways (www.qatarairways.com), Turkish Airlines (www.turkishairlines.com) and Nepal Airlines (www.nepalairlines.com.np).

The peak seasons for travelling to Nepal are from September to November and March to May. Flights to Kathmandu are most expensive during these times. To keep costs down, travel on the edge of these seasons and book in advance.

There are no direct flights to Nepal from the UK, USA or Australia.

The major airport is: Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport.

Airport Guides

Flight times

From London - 14 hours (including stopover); New York - 21 hours (including stopover).

Air passes

The Asia Airpass by Star Alliance enables passengers to create flexible, multi-flight itineraries on just one ticket. Kathmandu is one of the destinations available.

Departure tax

All taxes are included in ticket prices for international flights.

Travelling to Nepal by Rail

It is not possible to travel from China or India and into Nepal by train. However, Indian Railways (www.indianrail.gov.in) runs passenger trains to Gorakhpur, which is near the Bhairahwa border. Cycle-rickshaws and taxis are available there for onward journeys.

There are plans to construct railway lines between Nepal and India, and Nepal and China.

Rail passes

It is not possible to travel through Nepal by train.

Driving to Nepal

There are seven designated entry points to Nepal by road; six in India (Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Dhangadi and Mahendranagar) and one on the China/Tibet border (Kodari).

As a general rule, border towns don’t provide much in the way of sightseeing and accommodation; get in and get moving. You can purchase visas at Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki, and Kodari providing you have cash and a passport-size photo.

Driving note

Tourists entering the country in vehicles must have an international carnet and an international driving licence. Be advised that strikes (known locally as bandas) frequently bring Nepal to a grinding halt. During these strikes the roads close, so keep an eye on the news before you travel.

Border offices at the India-Nepal border have fixed hours (0600 to 2200). These hours are not always reliable, and long lines can form. While you may be able to find immigration officers who will let you in, don’t count on it. Many tourist and local buses arrive early to secure their spot in line and move through inspection as quickly as possible.

Getting to Nepal by boat

Nepal is a landlocked country and not accessible by water.