How to Get to Nepal & Away

How to Get to Nepal and Away

By Air

Getting to and from Most international travelers arrive via Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, which handles 99% of international flights.

Major Transit Hubs

Because there are no direct flights from North America, most of Europe (except Turkey), or Australia, travelers typically connect through:

• Middle East: Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates/Flydubai), or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines)

• Asia: New Delhi (Air India/IndiGo), Bangkok (Thai Airways), Singapore (Singapore Airlines), or Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific)

Alternative Airports

Nepal has recently opened two additional international airports, though both currently operate limited services:

• Gautam Buddha International Airport (BWA) in Bhairahawa, near Lumbini

• Pokhara International Airport (PKR), mainly serving regional and charter flights

By Road

Nepal shares open land borders with India and China (Tibet). Travelers must ensure they have the correct visas for both countries before reaching the border.

From India

From Tibet (China)

Overland travel from Tibet is highly regulated and requires being part of an organized tour with a Tibet Travel Permit.

• Rasuwagadhi / Gyirong: This is currently the primary operational border after reopening in early 2026 following flood repairs.

• Kodari / Zhangmu: Historically the main route, it has seen limited use for foreign tourists recently but occasionally opens for special groups.

Regional “Away” Options

If you are continuing your journey from Nepal to :

• Bhutan: Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate direct fligths from Kathmandu to Paro, Bhutan.

• India: Frequent daily flights connect Kathmandu with major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. If you’re heading to Darjeeling or Sikkim, you can fly to eastern Nepal, either Biratnagar or Bhadrapur, then take a short drive to the border town of Kakarbhitta to cross into India.

• Tibet: Himalaya Airlines connect Kathmandu with Lhasa, Tibet.