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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Around The Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu (KTM), is Nepal's only international airport. It sits approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) west of Bhaktapur.

Major Carriers & Routes

  • International Airlines: Nepal Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Etihad, Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Himalaya Airlines, flydubai, Thai Airways, Korean Air, Sichuan Airlines, China Eastern, Cathay Dragon.
  • Typical Routes: Direct flights from Middle East (Dubai, Doha), India (Delhi, Mumbai), Southeast Asia (Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok). Some direct connections from China and Korea.
  • No direct flights from North America, Europe, or Australia; at least one layover is usual.

Flight Seasons & Transfers

Seasonal demand affects flight prices and availability. Plan accordingly for your travel dates.

Availability & Transfers

  • High Season (Oct-Nov & Mar-Apr): Higher demand, increased prices. Book several months in advance.
  • Shoulder/Low Seasons: Moderate prices, more deals available.
  • Transfers from TIA to Bhaktapur: Taxi (NPR 800-1,500), ride-sharing apps (InDriver, Pathao), or hotel pick-up (convenient but higher cost). Public buses are inexpensive but crowded.

Flight Price Insight

Use Dollar Flight Club for deal alerts and Skyscanner for comparing prices.

Car Rental Resources

For car rentals, use DiscoverCars.com for comparing options.

Connectivity for Travelers

For global eSIMs, check out Airalo to stay connected.

Airport Facilities

TIA Overview

  • One international and one domestic terminal.
  • ATMs and currency exchange counters available.
  • Duty-free shops for purchases.
  • Various restaurants and cafes for dining.

Passenger Services

  • Taxi services and pre-paid taxi counters outside terminals.
  • Vendors selling local SIM cards.
  • Baggage wrapping services often available.
  • Wi-Fi generally works throughout the airport.

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Land Transportation

Border Crossings

Nepal shares land borders with India and China. These serve as alternative entry points.

India-Nepal Borders

  • Major crossings: Sunauli/Bhairahawa, Raxaul/Birgunj, Panitanki/Kakarbhitta, Jamunaha/Nepalgunj, Gadda Chauki/Mahendranagar.
  • Most nationalities get visa on arrival here, similar to airport process.
  • Have required documents (passport, photos, fees).

China-Nepal Border & Trains

The main crossing with China is at Rasuwagadi/Kerung, but travel from China is more complex. Train services are very limited in Nepal.

China Border & Train Notes

  • Rasuwagadi/Kerung: Main China-Nepal crossing. Needs pre-arranged Nepal visa and Tibet permits (if from China). Often requires guided tour.
  • Train connections in Nepal are very limited. No train connection to Bhaktapur or Kathmandu Valley.
  • Domestic railway line between Janakpur (Nepal) and Jaynagar (India) not relevant for Bhaktapur.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Buses connect Bhaktapur to Kathmandu and other major cities.

Bus Routes & Hubs

  • From Kathmandu: Regular local buses/microbuses from Ratna Park or Bhaktapur Bus Park (Suryabinayak) frequently travel to Bhaktapur.
  • From other cities (e.g., Pokhara, Chitwan): Buses typically arrive at Gongabu Bus Park in Kathmandu. From there, take a local bus or taxi to Bhaktapur.
  • Tourist buses are generally more comfortable for longer journeys.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Driving in Nepal has challenges. Consider alternatives for transportation.

Driving Information

  • To drive: International Driving Permit (IDP) and home country license.
  • Roads are often narrow, congested. Driving practices can be aggressive.
  • Road conditions outside major highways can be poor, especially in monsoon. Parking in Bhaktapur's heritage zone is restricted. Self-driving is generally not recommended.

Road Safety Concerns

  • Nepal has a relatively high rate of road accidents due to driving practices and overcrowded vehicles.
  • Avoid night driving where possible, especially on rural or mountain roads, as visibility decreases.
  • Monsoon season brings increased risk of landslides and flash floods in rural areas.
  • Exercise caution when traveling by road.
  • Challenging terrain in hilly areas.
  • Road conditions vary significantly; some are unpaved.

Sea/River Arrivals

Sea & River Access

Nepal is a landlocked country. Direct sea or river arrivals are not options for entry.

No Coastal Access

  • Nepal has no coastline.
  • No navigable rivers connect to international waterways for ferry or cruise services.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable.

River Activities

River transportation in Nepal mainly consists of adventure activities.

Adventure Focus

  • Rafting or kayaking on specific rivers (e.g., Trishuli River) are popular activities.
  • These are not modes of arrival or inter-city transport to Bhaktapur.
  • Connections to land transportation are not applicable for sea/river arrivals.

Departure Timing

For international flights, arrive at TIA at least 3 hours before departure. This allows ample time for check-in, security, and immigration.

Travel from Bhaktapur to TIA

Allow generous time for the taxi ride. Kathmandu's traffic can be unpredictable and heavy, especially during rush hours. Estimate 1-1.5 hours, plus buffer time.

Airport/Station Facilities

TIA offers dining options, duty-free shops, and lounges. Bus stations typically have basic facilities and local eateries.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

No separate exit fees are typically levied at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) upon departure. These fees are usually included in the cost of your airfare.

Departure Process

  • Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before scheduled departure for international flights.
  • Allow ample time for check-in, security screening, and immigration exit formalities.
  • Queues can be long, especially during peak travel seasons.

Airport Facilities

TIA offers various facilities for departing travelers to make their wait comfortable.

Services Available

  • Dining options including restaurants and cafes.
  • Duty-free shops for last-minute purchases.
  • Lounges for those with access.

Departure from Bus Stations

Basic Facilities

If departing by long-distance bus from Kathmandu, bus stations typically have basic facilities.

Eateries

Local eateries are available where you can grab a quick meal or snack before your journey.

Preparation

It is advisable to have cash on hand for small purchases at bus stations.

Travel Planning Note

Consider using travel apps like InDriver or Pathao for taxi bookings from the airport or for inter-city travel within the Kathmandu Valley, as they often have more favorable rates than traditional taxis.

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