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Kathmandu Airport in Kathmandu

Arriving at Kathmandu airport (Tribhuvan International Airport, KTM)? Get visa-on-arrival tips, ATM and SIM info, domestic flights to Pokhara and Lukla, and book fixed-price Kathmandu airport transfers to Thamel or any hotel.

Kathmandu Airport, Kathmandu

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Kathmandu Airport (KTM) Guide 2026: Arrivals, Visa, Transfers & Tips

Everything you need to know about Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu: arriving and getting your visa, money and SIM cards, getting to Thamel, domestic flights to Lukla and Pokhara, and departure tips — from our team in Kathmandu.

About Kathmandu Airport

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)

Tribhuvan International Airport — airport code KTM — is Nepal’s main international airport and the arrival point for most visitors. It sits in the east of the city at about 1,340 m, roughly 6–7 km from Thamel and close to Pashupatinath Temple.

  • International terminal: flights to and from the Middle East, India, China and South-East Asia.
  • Domestic terminal: a separate building next door, for flights to Pokhara, Lukla, Bharatpur (Chitwan), Bhairahawa (Lumbini) and mountain sightseeing flights.
  • Other international airports: Nepal also has international airports at Pokhara and Bhairahawa, but most long-haul visitors still arrive in Kathmandu.

Arriving at Kathmandu Airport: Step by Step

From the plane to your hotel

  1. Fill in the arrival form — online before you fly or on the kiosks in the arrival hall.
  2. Visa on arrival — if you do not already have a visa, pay the fee at the bank counter (15 days US$30, 30 days US$50, 90 days US$125; cash is easiest), then join the visa queue.
  3. Immigration — your passport is stamped with your visa.
  4. Baggage claim and customs — collect your bags and pass through customs.
  5. Money and SIM — use the ATMs, money exchange and mobile SIM counters in the arrival area.
  6. Meet your driver — with a pre-booked transfer, your driver waits outside arrivals with a name sign.

Queues can be long when several flights land together, so allow extra time. See our Nepal travel guide for full visa rules.

Kathmandu Airport to Thamel & Your Hotel

The easiest ways into the city

  • Pre-booked private transfer (recommended): a fixed price per car, a driver waiting with your name, free flight tracking and help with your bags. Book our Kathmandu airport to Thamel transfer — it also covers Boudha, Baneshwor, Basantapur and any address.
  • Private taxi with driver: our private taxi in Kathmandu includes airport pickup, fuel, tolls and parking.
  • Airport taxi counters: available outside arrivals; agree the price before you leave.
  • Ride-hailing apps: possible once you have a local SIM, but pickups at the terminal can be harder to arrange.

Journey time: about 30 minutes to Thamel outside rush hour, longer in heavy traffic.

Domestic Flights from Kathmandu

Pokhara, Lukla and mountain flights

  • Kathmandu to Pokhara: about 25 minutes — sit on the right for Himalayan views. See our Pokhara guide.
  • Kathmandu to Lukla: the start of the Everest Base Camp Trek. In busy seasons many Lukla flights operate from Ramechhap (Manthali) instead, a few hours’ drive away.
  • Mountain flights: early-morning sightseeing flights along the Himalaya, returning to Kathmandu in about an hour.
  • Helicopter tours: our Everest Base Camp Helicopter Day Tour departs from Kathmandu at dawn.

Domestic flights depend on the weather, especially to Lukla, so build in buffer days.

Departing from Kathmandu Airport

Tips for a smooth departure

  • Arrive early: around 3 hours before international flights, as security and check-in queues can be long.
  • Book your ride: traffic to the airport can be slow, especially in the morning and evening — book a private car in advance.
  • Security checks: there may be several bag checks; keep liquids, power banks and electronics easy to reach.
  • Spend your rupees: exchange or spend Nepalese rupees before departure — options are limited after security.
  • Lounges and food: the international terminal has cafes, duty-free shops and lounges.

Money, SIM Cards & Facilities

What you will find at the airport

  • ATMs and money exchange: in the arrival area. Rates in the city are often slightly better, so change only what you need at first.
  • SIM cards: Ncell and Nepal Telecom counters in arrivals — bring your passport. Read our SIM card guide for Nepal.
  • Wi-Fi: available in the terminals, but can be slow.
  • Food and shops: cafes, snacks and duty-free in the international terminal.
  • Hotels nearby: several hotels around the airport suit very early or late flights. Find a hotel →

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