Cheap flights to Kathmandu
Set your departure airport and maximum budget: SniperAir tracks prices to Kathmandu and alerts you the moment a deal matching your criteria appears.
Quick summary
Country
Nepal
Continent
Asia
Airport
KTM
Currency
Nepalese rupee (NPR)
Time zone
UTC+5:45
Deals already spotted to Kathmandu
Real flight examples detected by SniperAir, with their reference price.
Loading examples…
Why watch Kathmandu with SniperAir
Kathmandu, a capital of temples in a mountain-ringed valley
Choose your departure
Enter your departure airport and your maximum budget for a flight to Kathmandu (KTM).
SniperAir watches
Our systems continuously compare new prices with the route's real price history. SniperAir monitors prices and alerts you; it does not sell or book tickets.
You get an alert
As soon as a price matches your criteria, you are notified without having searched anything yourself.
Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal, set in a bowl-shaped valley ringed by hills and mid-sized mountains (Wikipedia, EN, FR). Wikipedia (FR) notes that the valley holds seven UNESCO World Heritage monuments, including the historic centre around Hanuman Dhoka, Patan, Bhaktapur and the stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath. Wikivoyage (EN) calls it the gateway to tourism in Nepal and says it now forms one continuous urban area with Patan.
The city was hit by earthquakes in 1934 and again in April 2015 (Wikipedia, EN, DE). Several monuments, including a pagoda-style temple on Durbar Square, were destroyed or damaged, and rebuilding has continued. Official travel advice varies depending on the country you depart from: before planning, read your own government's information on entry requirements, health, insurance and trekking conditions. SniperAir monitors prices for flights to Kathmandu (KTM) and alerts you; it does not sell or book tickets.
Airport and getting into town
Tribhuvan Airport, east of the Thamel district
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Wikivoyage (EN) places the airport on the Ring Road, about 5.5 km east of the Thamel tourist district; it is the country's largest international airport. The same source says most international flights arrive from Delhi, the Gulf or Bangkok. Routes change from season to season, so check them before you book.
Distance from Wikivoyage (EN). Journey time depends mostly on traffic, so we publish no precise duration and no taxi fares: the amounts quoted by the sources date from different years.
To reach the centre, Wikivoyage (EN) lists taxis (agree the price before you get in, or use a prepaid taxi receipt from the terminal), hotel transfers and local buses, which are cheap but often crowded. Outside, touts offer guides, taxis and hotels; the same source says they must keep about 10 m from the door, so make your choice before crossing that line.
The guide also suggests keeping valuables and fragile items in hand luggage and checking for strikes before an early departure. For visas, check the rules for your nationality with the Nepalese authorities before you travel.
Landmarks and icons
Hanuman Dhoka, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath
Within a few kilometres, Kathmandu packs Malla-era palaces, Buddhist stupas and Hindu temples. According to the legend recorded by Wikipedia (EN), the valley was once a vast lake, and a self-arisen ray of light at Swayambhu was worshipped there from the start. Here are the places pictured below.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
The old royal palace of Hanuman Dhoka and the square beside it form the historic heart of the city, a UNESCO-listed site (Wikipedia, EN, FR). Wikipedia (DE) notes that a pagoda-style temple on this square was destroyed in the 2015 earthquake. Tiered temples, steps where people sit and the flow of pedestrians make for a lively scene, though access to some monuments may be restricted during works.
The Boudhanath stupa
Boudhanath is one of the two largest Buddhist stupas in the valley, with Swayambhunath (Wikipedia, FR). Its white dome is crowned by a gilded tower painted with large eyes, and strings of prayer flags fan out from the top. Wikivoyage (EN) puts the district a short taxi ride from the airport; visitors walk around the stupa clockwise, as pilgrims do.
Pashupatinath temple
On the banks of the Bagmati, Pashupatinath is the great Hindu shrine dedicated to Shiva and a World Heritage site (Wikipedia, EN, DE). The complex has gilded roofs, terraces and ghats along the river; some areas are reserved for Hindus, and the ceremonies are a reminder that this is first and foremost a place of worship. Observe discreetly and ask before taking photos.
Swayambhunath, the stupa on the hill
Swayambhunath watches over the west of the city from its hilltop; its white stupa and gilded tower are surrounded by dozens of small stone shrines (Wikipedia, EN, FR). According to the Swayambhu Purana cited by Wikipedia (EN), this is where the ray of light was worshipped. The site is busy at any hour; mornings bring softer light and thinner crowds.
Also worth seeing in the valley: Patan and Bhaktapur, two former royal capitals also listed by UNESCO (Wikipedia, FR), the Garden of Dreams built in the Rana era (Wikipedia, EN), and the Thamel district for atmosphere, shops and trekking agencies.
Museums and culture
Palaces, gardens and museums of a royal capital
Palaces and gardens
Wikipedia (EN, FR) mentions the former Narayanhiti royal palace, now open as a museum, and the Rana-era buildings Singha Durbar, Shital Niwas and the Garden of Dreams. They are a good complement to the temples for understanding the monarchy period.
Museums of the valley
A national museum presents the country's history and art, and in Patan the old palace houses a museum of religious art and crafts. Opening hours and closing days change, so check before you set out. We do not publish admission prices.
Cultural life
Buddhist and Hindu festivals mark the year: Wikipedia (EN) stresses that religious festivities are a major part of residents' lives, most of whom are Hindu, with a significant Buddhist community. Nepali is the most widely spoken language, and English is understood in the tourist trade.
Food and drink
Dal bhat, momos and Newar cuisine
Everyday dishes
Dal bhat, a plate of rice, lentils and vegetables, is the national staple. Momos, steamed or fried dumplings with meat or vegetables, turn up everywhere from street stalls to Thamel restaurants.
Newar cooking
The Newars of the valley have their own tradition, with lentil patties, marinated meats and festival dishes. The old quarters around Durbar Square and Patan are good places to try it, preferably in busy establishments.
Drinks and precautions
Spiced milk tea accompanies the day. Wikivoyage (EN) advises caution with tap water and raw foods; choose bottled or filtered water, and pick places where you can see other diners.
Getting around
Taxis, local buses and walking the old quarters
Taxis
Wikivoyage (EN) presents the taxi as the easiest way into the centre, as long as you agree the price before setting off. Keep small change handy for paying.
Buses and microbuses
Small buses and microbuses crisscross the main roads for a few rupees according to Wikivoyage (EN); they are cheap but cramped and have no fixed timetable. For trips to Pokhara, tourist and local buses leave roughly every 15 minutes in the morning (Wikivoyage, EN), for about six to seven hours on the road.
On foot
The old quarters around Durbar, Asan and Thamel are best explored on foot. Pavements are uneven, dust and traffic are noticeable, and a scarf or light mask can help on days of heavy pollution (Wikipedia, FR, reports high particle levels).
Budget and precautions
A moderate price level, with figures to confirm on the spot
Price level
Kathmandu is generally regarded as affordable for accommodation and food, with a range from simple guesthouses to upscale hotels (Wikivoyage, EN). We publish no ranges or fares: the rupee amounts quoted by the sources date from different years and contradict each other.
Flights
The flight is the most variable item. SniperAir monitors prices to KTM and compares them with the route's history, but it does not sell or book tickets. If you combine Kathmandu with Bhutan, Delhi or Bangkok, you can set up several alerts.
Formalities, health and safety
Travel advice varies depending on the country you depart from; read your own government's official information on formalities, insurance and natural hazards (earthquakes, monsoon landslides, altitude when trekking). Wikivoyage (EN) also mentions possible strikes and luggage that is sometimes roughly handled at the airport.
Best time to go
Pleasant autumn and spring, monsoon from June to August
October to November
Days are generally clear and mild, a much sought-after season for open views and walking.
December to February
Winter is dry but cool: Wikivoyage (EN) mentions nights that can drop to about 3 degrees C and occasional frost; pack warm layers.
March to May
Temperatures rise and the air can be dusty; rhododendrons bloom at altitude, outside the city.
June to August
The monsoon brings about 65 percent of the year's rain according to Wikivoyage (EN): slippery roads, flight disruptions and cloud over the mountains.
Wikivoyage (EN) gives a summer average of 28 to 30 degrees C and a winter average of about 10 degrees C, and Wikipedia (EN) gives an elevation of about 1,324 m while Wikipedia (FR) says 1,400 m; because sources differ, we do not publish a single figure. Check the forecast before you leave.
By length of stay
What to do in Kathmandu by length of stay
The essentials
Durbar Square and its temples, Swayambhunath late in the day, a stroll through the lanes of Thamel and Asan.
Stupas and riverbank
Boudhanath at dawn, Pashupatinath, then Patan or Bhaktapur for the old royal cities.
The valley and beyond
A tour of the valley by bike or car, or a leg to Pokhara; for a trek, allow spare days and suitable insurance.
In pictures
Kathmandu in pictures
You might also like
Similar destinations
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about flights to Kathmandu
Where is Kathmandu airport (KTM)?
East of the centre on the Ring Road, about 5.5 km from Thamel according to Wikivoyage (EN). Agree the taxi price before getting in, or use a hotel transfer.
Is it safe to travel to Kathmandu?
Official travel advice varies depending on your country of departure: read your own government's before planning. Be alert to touts on arrival, pollution, seismic risk and altitude when trekking.
When should I visit Kathmandu?
Autumn (October-November) and spring are the most sought-after periods; the monsoon runs from June to August with about 65 percent of annual rain (Wikivoyage, EN).
What is there to see in Kathmandu?
Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath, four major sites of the UNESCO-listed valley, then Patan and Bhaktapur nearby.
How long should I stay in Kathmandu?
Three days cover the major sites; add two more for Patan, Bhaktapur or a leg to Pokhara.
How much does a flight to Kathmandu usually cost?
The price depends mainly on your departure city, the season and how far ahead you book. The opportunities section above shows real examples of prices SniperAir has already detected for this destination.
How can I be alerted when a flight to Kathmandu drops below my budget?
Create an alert profile with your departure airport, Kathmandu (KTM) as the destination and your maximum budget. You are notified automatically as soon as a matching price is detected. SniperAir monitors prices and alerts you; it does not sell or book tickets.
Ready to head to Kathmandu?
Set your budget and let SniperAir monitor fares for you.
Create my alert