Nagarkot Around The Kathmandu Valley, Nepal Travel Guide
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) - Kathmandu (KTM) is the only international airport in Nepal. It is located in Kathmandu, approximately 32 kilometers (20 miles) west of Nagarkot. All international flights to Nepal arrive here.
Several international carriers operate flights to TIA. These include Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Thai Airways, Korean Air, Malaysian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and various Indian carriers 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 often the most straightforward, especially after a long flight.
Always agree on the taxi 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 destinations like Nagarkot relies solely on road transport.
Self-driving in Nepal is generally not recommended for most tourists, especially first-time visitors.
The road from Kathmandu to Nagarkot is predominantly paved but features numerous curves and inclines.
Traffic safety is a concern across Nepal. Drivers often overtake in risky situations, and pedestrians, animals, and other vehicles share the road. Defensive driving is a must.
For international flights departing 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 extensive shopping, dining, or lounge options compared to larger 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 winding mountain roads.
Self-drive car rentals are rare in Nepal and not suggested for most tourists. Road conditions, heavy traffic, and different driving norms make it a difficult experience.
Consider hiring a car with a driver for a day or your stay's duration. This is a common and safer option. Arrange this through travel agencies in Kathmandu or your hotel in Nagarkot.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals are available in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. You will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) endorsed for motorcycles, plus your national license.
Nagarkot has no formal bicycle sharing programs. For mountain biking on trails, rent specialized mountain bikes from shops in Kathmandu (Thamel area).
