Everest Base Camp Trek Nepal Travel Guide
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in The capital of nepal (KTM) serves as Nepal's sole international airport. All international flights arrive and depart from this single hub. While smaller domestic airports dot the country, TIA is the gateway for travelers from other countries. Many international airlines connect Kathmandu with major global hubs, mainly in The continent of asia and the Middle East. Common connection points feature Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Flydubai, Nepal Airlines), Istanbul (The National flag carrier airline of turkey), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia Airlines, Nepal Airlines, Batik Air), Bangkok (Thai Airways, Nepal Airlines, Himalaya Airlines), and various cities in India (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru with Indian carriers and Nepal Airlines). These routes open access from a wide range of global origins. Currently, no direct flights originate from North America, Europe, Australia, or Southern America to Kathmandu. Travelers from these particular regions will necessitate at least one layover, typically in the Middle East (e.g., Qatar, UAE, Turkey) or a major Asian city (e.g., Singapore, Kl, Delhi, Bangkok). Plan for a travel time of 15-24 hours or more, depending on your origin and connection times.
International flight prices to Kathmandu usually peak during Nepal's main trekking seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November). Booking well in advance, especially for these periods, may secure better fares. Similarly, domestic flights from Kathmandu to Lukla remain consistently in high demand during peak seasons. These short, popular flights often fill completely, and prices do not fluctuate much seasonally, remaining relatively high due to demand and operational costs. Booking Lukla flights as early as feasible, ideally through your trekking agency or a local tour operator, receives strong recommendation, as independent booking may present challenges. Tribhuvan International Airport holds basic facilities. Upon arrival, you will find currency exchange counters, ATMs, and local SIM card vendors immediately outside the customs area. A few duty-free shops and snack bars are present. Facilities do not rival those of major international airports in developed countries, but they meet traveler requirements. Prepaid Taxis provide the most common and convenient transfer option. Purchase a prepaid taxi voucher inside the terminal or just outside. This bypasses negotiation upon arrival. Many hotels and trekking agencies offer airport pickup services. This frequently serves as the most hassle-free option, as a representative will meet you with a sign, guiding you through the initial bustle at the time of arrivals. Confirm this service while reserving your accommodation or trek. You may hail a regular taxi outside the terminal. Be ready to negotiate the fare firmly before getting in, as meters rarely see use.
Most common border crossings from India: Sunauli and Kakarbhitta.
Tourist buses connect major cities and border crossings.
Self-drive rentals usually do not receive recommendation; chauffeur-driven options are safer. DiscoverCars.com for international car rental options.
For international flights, departure taxes usually appear covered by your airfare. No separate exit fees are typically payable at the airport for international departures.
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled international flight departure. This allows ample time for check-in, baggage drop, security checks, and immigration formalities, which may involve long queues.
For your return flight out of Lukla to Kathmandu, arrive at Lukla airport at least 1-2 hours prior to your scheduled departure. Domestic flights operate on a first-come, first-served basis for check-in, and schedules flex highly due to weather. Readiness for potential delays or cancellations is wise.
Depart from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in The kathmandu valley.
Add at least two extra days in Kathmandu for Lukla flight delays.
Arrive 3 hours early for international flights, 1-2 hours for Lukla flights.
Kathmandu's public transportation network is extensive but may overwhelm first-time visitors due to its intricacy and lack of clear English signage. Kathmandu possesses no metro or tram system. The main forms of public transport are buses and minibuses. These operate on various routes throughout the city and to adjacent areas. They frequently fill with people, and schedules can be inconsistent. Additionally, Safa Tempo are shared electric three-wheelers that follow fixed routes, presenting a more localized public transport option. Official, easy-to-understand route maps for buses remain limited. Locals and bus conductors are the best information source, but this may present challenges without Nepali language skills.
Taxis and ride-sharing apps present a more direct and convenient means of travel within Kathmandu. Licensed taxis appear as white cars with "Taxi" signs on their roofs. They are numerous in tourist areas like Thamel and may be hailed on the street. Always agree on the fare before starting the journey. While taxis possess meters, drivers rarely employ them for tourists, preferring to negotiate a fixed price. Readiness for bargaining is wise. Fares vary based on distance, traffic, and time of day. Short rides within Kathmandu (e.g., Thamel to Durbar Square) may cost NPR 200-500. Longer distances or airport transfers will carry higher rates. Payment is strictly in cash (Nepali Rupees).
Self-drive car rentals generally do not receive recommendation for tourists in Nepal. Driving conditions are challenging, traffic flow is chaotic, and road rules often go unheeded. For inter-city travel, a chauffeur-driven rental through a reputable travel agency in Kathmandu is much safer and less stressful.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals are available in Thamel and find popularity among some adventurous travelers. You will need an International Driving Permit and often your home country's driving license. Only rent if you hold extensive experience riding in chaotic, high-traffic conditions. The roads outside Kathmandu may be rough.
Drive on the left side of the road. Honking is usual and frequently signals a warning. Road quality changes significantly, from paved to very rough dirt roads. Traffic rules often face loose adherence, and driving may appear aggressive. This marks self-driving as a high-risk endeavor for inexperienced drivers in Nepal. Always wear a Helmet for safety.
Helicopters mainly serve emergency medical evacuations from the Everest region. Luxury helicopter rides to Everest Base Camp or Kala Patthar exist as an alternative to trekking for those with limited time or physical capacity, though at a very high expense. Helicopters may also be chartered if Lukla flights face severe delays for multiple days, offering a way out of the mountains (again, at a premium cost). Trekkers will constantly encounter long lines of yaks and zopkios (yak-cow hybrids) carrying supplies up and down the trails. Always yield to these animals on narrow paths, stepping to the uphill side to avoid being pushed off. If you hire a porter, they will transport your main duffel bag, significantly lightening your physical load. This enables you to trek with only a light daypack. Porters are locals who navigate the trails with incredible skill and strength, carrying supplies and trekkers' gear.
