Around The Kathmandu Valley Nepal Travel Guide
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) - Kathmandu (KTM) is the exclusive international airport in Nepal. It is positioned in The kathmandu valley, approximately 32 kilometers (20 miles) west of Nagarkot. Every international flights to Nepal arrive here.
Several international carriers operate flights to TIA. These include Qatar Airways, The National flag carrier airline of turkey, Emirates, Thai Airways, Korean Air, Malaysian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and various Indian airlines like IndiGo and Air India.
Flight prices to Kathmandu mirror Nepal's peak tourist seasons.
Expect higher fares during the clear autumn (October-November) and spring (March-April) seasons. Prices also go up around major festivals like Dashain and Tihar.
Fares typically drop during the monsoon season (June-August) and the colder winter months (December-January), when tourism numbers are lower.
Hotel transfers from TIA are usually the most straightforward, especially after a long flight.
Always agree on the hired car fare to Nagarkot from TIA before starting the journey to avoid disputes.
Local buses require a change in Bhaktapur, which saves money but adds time.
Nepal has no operational train network for inter-city passenger travel relevant to tourists. Travel between cities and to locations like Nagarkot relies solely on road transport.
Self-driving in Nepal is generally not recommended for most tourists, especially first-first-time attendees.
The road from Kathmandu to Nagarkot is predominantly paved but has many curves and inclines.
Traffic being safe is a concern across Nepal. Drivers often overtake in risky situations, and people walking, animals, and other vehicles share the road. Defensive driving is a must.
For international flights leaving from TIA, arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure time. This time permits: Security Checks, Check-in Queues, and Immigration Procedures.
The departure terminal at TIA offers limited facilities compared to larger international airports.
Some airlines or credit card programs may grant access to a small executive lounge.
Plan to arrive with enough time for formalities but not so much that you spend too long waiting in a sterile environment.
Do not expect comprehensive shopping, dining, or lounge options compared to more substantial international airports.
Roads vary. The main road to Nagarkot is paved but can be narrow and winding. Side roads or routes to smaller villages may be unpaved, dusty, or muddy.
Vehicles in Nepal drive on the left side of the road. Speed limits are generally low, especially on serpentine mountain roads.
Self-drive car rentals are rare in Nepal instead of suggested for most tourists. Road conditions, heavy traffic, and different driving norms create a difficult experience.
Consider hiring a chauffeured car for a day or your stay's duration. This is a common and safer option. Arrange this through travel agencies in Kathmandu or your accommodation in Nagarkot.
Motorcycle and scooter you can rent things in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. You must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) endorsed for motorcycles, plus the license from your country.
Nagarkot has no formal bike-share programs. For off-road cycling on trails, rent specialized bikes for mountains from stores in Kathmandu (Thamel area).
