MileHacker Logo
Travel Logistics

Travel Logistics

Around The Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Air Travel

Tribhuvan International Airport KTM

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu serves as the only international airport in Nepal. Patan conveniently located approximately 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) south of the airport.

Flight Details

  • Airlines: Nepal Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, IndiGo, Air India, Himalayan Airlines.
  • Routes: Connects Kathmandu with cities across Asia (Delhi, Doha, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok).
  • No direct flights from North America or most of Europe (except Istanbul).

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Tribhuvan International Airport basic facilities for travelers. These currency exchange counters, ATMs, duty-free shops, and cafes.

Transfer Options to Patan

  • Pre-booked hotel transfer.
  • Taxis readily available; agree fare before starting journey.
  • Pathao and Tootle ride-sharing apps often cheaper.

Seasonal Price Swings

Flight prices to Kathmandu vary with the seasons. Highest prices during peak tourist seasons: Oct-Nov and Mar-May. Also high during major festivals.

Off-Season Value

Lower prices often available during monsoon season (June-August) and winter months (December-February) due to reduced demand.

Find Your Flight

Check Dollar Flight Club for deals or use Skyscanner for broad comparisons across airlines.

Land Transportation

Border Crossings

  • Common crossings from India: Raxaul-Birgunj (Eastern Nepal) and Sonauli-Bhairahawa (Western Nepal).
  • These gateways to Nepal's main road network, not direct to Patan.
  • Nepal does not possess an extensive train network for passenger travel.

Long-Distance Buses

  • Connect Kathmandu Valley to major cities like Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini.
  • Companies: GreenLine or Buddha Air (tourist buses) for comfort.
  • Departure points from various bus parks in Kathmandu.

Driving Insights

Self-Driving

Not recommended for tourists. Chaotic traffic, narrow roads, congestion. Better to hire car with driver.

Roads in Valley

Kathmandu Valley roads can be congested, uneven, and prone to potholes. Pedestrians, motorcycles, rickshaws, cars share roads.

Roads Outside Valley

Highways narrow, winding, challenging due to mountainous terrain. Monsoon (June-August) brings landslides, delays.

Departure Information

Smooth Departure

No separate exit fees or taxes charged at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for international flights; these costs typically included in airfare.

Departure Guidelines

  • Arrive at TIA at least 3 hours before scheduled international departure.
  • Allow extra time for travel to airport due to unpredictable Kathmandu Valley traffic.
  • Check-in, immigration, and security screening.

Airport Facilities

TIA basic amenities for departing passengers. These check-in counters, immigration clearance, and security screening areas.

Airport Amenities

  • Duty-free shops for souvenirs and local crafts.
  • Dining options and cafes for refreshments.
  • Wi-Fi access generally available.

Car Rentals

Self-drive car rentals generally discouraged for tourists due to chaotic traffic and challenging roads. Better to rent a car with a driver.

Hiring a Vehicle

  • Tour operators and travel agencies arrange cars with drivers.
  • DiscoverCars.com for advance booking (often car with driver option).
  • If driving, International Driving Permit (IDP) required.

Two-Wheeled Exploration

Motorcycle and scooter rentals available in Kathmandu and some smaller shops in Patan. You an international driving permit and your home country's motorcycle license.

Riding Tips

  • Costs: NPR 1000-2000 per day.
  • Traffic dense and chaotic. Only experienced riders consider this option.
  • Always wear a Helmet (legally required).

Sea/River Arrivals

  • Nepal a landlocked country.
  • Sea or river arrivals not applicable for international travel.
  • All international entries occur via air or land border crossings.
  • No boat taxis or water transportation on Bagmati River.
  • No cable cars or funiculars within Patan city itself.
  • The Chandragiri Hills cable car, a short drive southwest of Kathmandu.

Departure Information

Smooth Departure

No separate exit fees or taxes charged at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for international flights; these costs typically included in airfare.

Departure Guidelines

  • Arrive at TIA at least 3 hours before scheduled international departure.
  • Allow extra time for travel to airport due to unpredictable Kathmandu Valley traffic.
  • Check-in, immigration, and security screening.

Airport Facilities

TIA basic amenities for departing passengers. These check-in counters, immigration clearance, and security screening areas.

Airport Amenities

  • Duty-free shops for souvenirs and local crafts.
  • Dining options and cafes for refreshments.
  • Wi-Fi access generally available.

International Flights

For international flights departing from TIA, arrive at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure time.

Traffic Awareness

Allow extra time for travel to the airport from Patan, especially during peak traffic hours.

Final Checks

Confirm your flight status and terminal information a day before your departure.

Getting There & Away

Car Rentals

Self-drive car rentals generally discouraged for tourists due to chaotic traffic and challenging roads. Better to rent a car with a driver.

Hiring a Vehicle

  • Tour operators and travel agencies arrange cars with drivers.
  • DiscoverCars.com for advance booking (often car with driver option).
  • If driving, International Driving Permit (IDP) required.

Two-Wheeled Exploration

Motorcycle and scooter rentals available in Kathmandu and some smaller shops in Patan. You an international driving permit and your home country's motorcycle license.

Riding Tips

  • Costs: NPR 1000-2000 per day.
  • Traffic dense and chaotic. Only experienced riders consider this option.
  • Always wear a Helmet (legally required).

Sea/River Arrivals

Landlocked Country

Nepal a landlocked country. Sea or river arrivals not applicable for international travel.

No Water Transport

The Bagmati River not used for public water transportation or boat taxis.

No City Cable Cars

No cable cars or funiculars within Patan city itself.

Departure Reminder

Confirm your flight status and terminal information a day before your departure. Allow ample time for airport formalities.