Flights to Nepal: How to get to Tribhuvan International Airport

Nepal is a magnet for hikers, culture buffs and anyone chasing epic mountain views. From wandering the ancient alleys of Kathmandu to sipping tea in tiny hillside villages, there’s plenty to explore. 

Keen on ticking Everest Base Camp off your list? Or maybe you’re here for colourful festivals and cosy guesthouses. These flights to Nepal get you right to the heart of it all, and with so many one-stop options from Australia, planning your trip is straightforward.

How long is the flight to {destination}

• Perth to Kathmandu: 12 hours, 5 minutes (with 1 stop)
• Sydney to Kathmandu: 15 hours (with 1 stop)
• Melbourne to Kathmandu: 15 hours, 15 minutes (with 1 stop)
• Adelaide to Kathmandu: 15 hours, 40 minutes (with 1 stop)
• Brisbane to Kathmandu: 16 hours, 25 minutes (with 1 stop)

Which airlines fly direct to {destination}

There aren’t direct flights from Australia to Nepal just yet, but one-stop flights are made easy with these airlines:

• Singapore Airlines: Top service, spacious cabins, and tasty in-flight meals.
• Qatar Airways: Great value, award-winning comfort, and friendly crew.
• Malaysia Airlines: Good fares, solid in-flight entertainment, and generous baggage.
• Thai Airways: Full-service comfort with warm hospitality and smooth connections.
• Cathay Pacific: Reliable, comfy seats, and excellent onboard dining.
• SriLankan Airlines: Often lower prices and friendly service.
• Air India: Budget-friendly, with authentic Indian meals and easy connections.
• China Southern: Competitive fares and modern fleet.
• China Eastern: Value-focused, with decent onboard comfort.
• Sichuan Airlines: Good prices and Chinese meal options onboard.

Where you can fly direct to {destination} from

You can fly one-stop to Kathmandu from these Aussie cities:

• Singapore Airlines: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth
• Qatar Airways: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth
• Malaysia Airlines: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth
• Thai Airways: Sydney, Melbourne, Perth
• Cathay Pacific: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth
• SriLankan Airlines: Sydney, Melbourne
• Air India: Sydney, Melbourne
• China Southern: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
• China Eastern: Sydney, Melbourne
• Sichuan Airlines: Sydney, Melbourne

Where is the airport in {destination}?

Tribhuvan International Airport is about 6 kms east of Kathmandu’s city centre, in Gauchar. Heading there is pretty straightforward:

• A prebooked airport transfer is the easiest pick if you’ve got heavy bags or just want a stress-free ride. 
• Official pre-paid taxis run all day and night, and you pay upfront at the counter, so no haggling required.
• Many hotels in Thamel offer shuttles, sometimes included or for a small fee. 
• Local apps like Pathao and InDrive are popular and easy to use if you prefer to book on your phone. 
• Buses are the cheapest choice, but they get crowded and take longer.

When is the cheapest time to fly to {destination}

You’ll find the best deals from June to September. It’s monsoon season, so expect rain and fewer tourists. If you don’t mind the wet, you’ll score lower fares and quieter trails. 

Prices jump from October to December when skies clear up and trekking season is in full swing. March to May is also busy with warm weather and colourful blooms. Skip big festivals like Dashain and Tihar if you want to avoid paying top dollar.

Visa/Passport requirements when flying to {destination}

A visa is a must. You can grab one on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Bring a passport photo and cash (USD works best). Fees start at US$30 for 15 days, up to US$125 for 90 days. Fill out the form, pay at the counter, and you’re sorted. 

Want to save time? You can also apply at the Nepalese embassy before you go.

How early to arrive at the airport

Since it’s an international journey from Australia, you’ll want to get to your home airport around three hours before your flight to Nepal.

Ready for the mountains? Book your Nepal hotel, activity or hire car with Traveloka.