Your Nepal adventure begins the moment your aircraft descends toward Kathmandu Valley, banking between green hillsides as the pagoda rooftops of ancient temples come into view below. Tribhuvan International Airport may not be the sleekest airport you have ever landed at, but it is the gateway to one of the most extraordinary countries on Earth, and knowing how to navigate it smoothly can set the tone for your entire trip.
As someone who has met thousands of travelers at this airport over the years, I have seen every possible scenario, from seamless arrivals to confused first-timers wandering in circles. This Kathmandu airport guide covers everything you need to know: the visa process, customs, money exchange, SIM cards, transportation, domestic connections for trekkers, departure procedures, and the insider tips that only a local would share. By the time you finish reading, Tribhuvan International Airport will feel familiar before you even land.
Understanding Tribhuvan International Airport
Tribhuvan International Airport, known by its IATA code KTM, is Nepal's primary international gateway. Named after King Tribhuvan, who helped establish modern Nepal's democracy, the airport sits in the Sinamangal neighborhood approximately six kilometers east of central Kathmandu, at an elevation of 1,338 meters above sea level.
The airport operates with a single runway measuring 3,050 meters in length, which handles all domestic and international traffic. This single-runway setup is important to understand because it means delays are common, especially during peak travel seasons in October, November, March, and April. Fog in winter months can also ground flights for hours. Patience is genuinely a virtue at KTM.
Terminal Layout
The airport has two main passenger terminals plus a VIP terminal:
International Terminal: This is where all international flights arrive and depart. The terminal houses immigration counters, visa-on-arrival processing, customs, baggage claim, money exchange, SIM card vendors, and the departure lounge with duty-free shops.
Domestic Terminal: Located approximately 500 meters north of the international terminal, this is where you will catch flights to Lukla (for Everest Base Camp treks), Pokhara, Bharatpur (for Chitwan), and other domestic destinations. A free shuttle bus runs between the two terminals every twenty minutes, or you can walk the distance in about seven minutes.
VIP Terminal: A separate facility used for diplomatic and state visits. Standard travelers will not interact with this terminal.
Step-by-Step Arrival at Kathmandu Airport
Landing at Tribhuvan for the first time can feel overwhelming, but the process is straightforward once you know what to expect. Here is exactly what happens from the moment your wheels touch down.
Step 1: Fill Out Your Arrival Card
During your flight or immediately after landing, you will need to complete an arrival card. Some airlines distribute these onboard, but if yours does not, blank forms are available in the immigration hall. You will need your passport number, flight details, accommodation address in Nepal (hotel name and location), and purpose of visit. Fill this out completely before joining any queue, as incomplete cards cause delays.
Insider tip: Have your hotel address written down somewhere accessible. Immigration officers want a specific address, not just "Thamel" or "Kathmandu." The name of your hotel, its street, and the district are all helpful.
Step 2: Visa on Arrival
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. The process involves two stages:
First, pay your visa fee. Proceed to the bank counters near the immigration hall. Visa fees are:
15-day visa: USD 30
30-day visa: USD 50
90-day visa: USD 125
Payment is accepted in major currencies including US Dollars, Euros, and British Pounds. Credit cards are also accepted at some counters, though cash is more reliable. You will receive a payment receipt, which you present at the immigration counter.
Second, immigration processing. Join the queue for visa-on-arrival holders. An officer will review your passport, arrival card, visa fee receipt, and a passport-sized photo (bring two, just in case). The officer stamps your visa and passport, and you proceed to baggage claim.
Important notes on the visa process:
Citizens of India do not require a visa and can enter with a valid passport or approved ID
Citizens of SAARC countries receive different terms
If you already have a visa from a Nepali embassy or consulate, skip the payment counter and go directly to the standard immigration queue
Peak season queues can stretch to 45 minutes or more. Off-peak arrivals in summer or winter typically move faster
Step 3: Baggage Claim
After immigration, proceed downstairs to the baggage claim hall. Luggage delivery can be slow, sometimes taking 30 to 45 minutes after landing. Use this time to locate the money exchange counter and SIM card vendors, which are visible from the baggage area.
Keep trekking poles, knives, and any sharp objects in checked luggage. These items are strictly prohibited in carry-on bags on all flights into and within Nepal.
Step 4: Customs
Nepal has green (nothing to declare) and red (items to declare) customs channels. Most tourists pass through the green channel without issue. If you are carrying more than USD 5,000 in cash, electronics for commercial purposes, or large quantities of any single item, use the red channel. Customs officers occasionally inspect bags randomly, so remain cooperative if asked.
Money Exchange and SIM Cards at Kathmandu Airport
Two practical matters demand your immediate attention after clearing customs: local currency and phone connectivity.
Money Exchange
Two money exchange counters operate in the international arrivals area: Himalaya Money Exchange and Yeti Money Exchange. I recommend exchanging a small amount at the airport, roughly USD 50 to 100, to cover your taxi fare and initial expenses. Airport exchange rates are slightly less favorable than what you will find in Thamel or other commercial areas of Kathmandu, so save the bulk of your exchanging for later.
ATMs are available outside the terminal building. Most accept international Visa and Mastercard debit cards. Withdrawal limits typically cap at NPR 35,000 (approximately USD 260) per transaction. Notify your bank before traveling that you will be making withdrawals in Nepal to avoid your card being blocked.
Key currency fact: The Nepali Rupee (NPR) is not available outside Nepal, so you cannot obtain it before arrival. As of 2026, the exchange rate hovers around NPR 133 to USD 1, though this fluctuates. Always count your money carefully at exchange counters.
SIM Cards
Staying connected in Nepal starts at the airport. Two major carriers sell tourist SIM cards in the arrivals area:
Ncell: Generally offers the best data coverage and speeds in urban areas and along major trekking routes. A tourist SIM with a data package costs approximately NPR 500 to 1,500 depending on the data allowance. Ncell's coverage extends to most of the Annapurna and Everest regions along the main trekking corridors.
Nepal Telecom (NTC): The state-owned carrier with broader rural coverage but sometimes slower data speeds. A solid choice if you plan to venture into remote areas beyond major trekking routes.
Critical detail: SIM card counters at the airport operate from roughly 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. If you arrive on a late-night flight, you will need to purchase your SIM the next day from vendors in Thamel or elsewhere in Kathmandu. You will need your passport and one passport photo for SIM registration.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, though speeds can be inconsistent. It is sufficient for messaging and checking email but may struggle with video calls.
Getting from Kathmandu Airport to the City
Transportation from Tribhuvan International Airport to your accommodation is one of the areas where first-time visitors most often feel uncertain. Here are your options, ranked by reliability.
Pre-Arranged Hotel or Agency Transfer
The smoothest option. If you have booked through Navigate Globe or are staying at a mid-range to high-end hotel, your transfer is likely already arranged. Look for a person holding a sign with your name in the arrivals hall, just outside the terminal exit. This eliminates haggling, confusion about routes, and any uncertainty about pricing.
Pre-Paid Taxi Booth
Just outside the international arrivals exit, look for the official pre-paid taxi counter. Tell the operator your destination, pay the fixed fare in Nepali Rupees or US Dollars, and receive a voucher to hand to your assigned driver. Approximate fares:
Thamel: NPR 800 to 1,000 (approximately USD 6 to 8)
Patan / Lalitpur: NPR 700 to 900
Boudhanath: NPR 600 to 800
Bhaktapur: NPR 2,500 to 3,000
This is the safest taxi option for travelers who do not have a pre-arranged transfer. The system is designed to prevent overcharging.
Ride-Hailing Apps
Apps like inDrive and Pathao operate in Kathmandu and can be used for airport pickups. However, you will need a working SIM card or Wi-Fi to use them, and driver availability at the airport can be inconsistent. If you have connectivity, these apps often provide the best value.
What to Avoid
Do not accept offers from taxi touts who approach you inside the terminal or immediately outside the exit. These unmetered, unofficial taxis frequently overcharge foreigners, sometimes quoting fares three to five times the standard rate. Walk past them to the pre-paid counter or to your pre-arranged transfer.
Domestic Flights: Connecting to Your Trek
For trekkers, the domestic terminal at Tribhuvan is where your mountain adventure truly begins. Domestic flights connect Kathmandu to key trekking gateways across Nepal.
Flights to Lukla (Everest Region)
The 35-minute flight from Kathmandu to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla is one of the most famous short flights in the world, landing on a steeply inclined runway carved into a mountainside at 2,860 meters. This flight is the starting point for the Everest Base Camp trek and is operated by several domestic carriers including Tara Air and Summit Air.
Book early. Lukla flights fill up months in advance during peak seasons. Cancellations due to weather are common, especially in December and January, so always build buffer days into your itinerary. If weather grounds your Lukla flight, consider an Everest helicopter tour as an alternative way to experience the Khumbu region.
Flights to Pokhara
The 25-minute flight to Pokhara provides access to the Annapurna region and the lakeside city itself. Pokhara also has its own international airport now, Pokhara International Airport, though most international travelers still connect through Kathmandu.
Helicopter Departures
Private and shared helicopter flights depart from both the domestic terminal area and dedicated helipads near the airport. Helicopter tours to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, and Langtang depart early in the morning to take advantage of the clearest weather conditions.
Domestic Terminal Tips
Arrive at least 90 minutes before your domestic flight
Reconfirm your flight the evening before, as schedules change frequently
Pack your checked luggage within the 15 to 20 kg weight limit (varies by airline and aircraft type)
Carry a small daypack with essentials in case your luggage is delayed
Weather delays are normal, not emergencies. Bring a book and patience
Departing from Kathmandu Airport
Your departure from Nepal involves a few procedures that differ from what you may be accustomed to at other international airports.
Check-In and Security
Arrive at the international terminal at least three hours before your flight. Check-in counters open approximately three hours prior to departure. After checking your bags, you will pass through an initial security screening before entering the departure area.
Immigration and Departure Card
All departing passengers must complete an embarkation (departure) card and pass through immigration. Officers will check your visa validity and stamp your exit. If you have overstayed your visa, fines apply at the immigration counter. Ensure your visa covers your entire stay.
Duty-Free and Departure Lounge
After immigration and a second security screening, you enter the departure lounge. The lounge area has expanded in recent years and now includes several shops selling Nepali handicrafts, pashmina shawls, tea, and souvenirs. Duty-free stores offer international brands. A few restaurants and cafes provide food and drinks, though prices are higher than in the city.
Last-minute gifts: If you forgot to buy souvenirs in Thamel, the departure lounge shops stock a reasonable selection of Nepali crafts, though at marked-up prices. My advice: do your souvenir shopping in Kathmandu's markets before reaching the airport.
Converting Remaining Nepali Rupees
A bank counter in the departure lounge allows you to convert unused Nepali Rupees back to major currencies. Technically, it is illegal to take Nepali Rupees out of Nepal (amounts over NPR 100 for non-residents), though enforcement varies. Convert what you can before departure.
Insider Tips for Your Kathmandu Airport Experience
After years of greeting and seeing off travelers at Tribhuvan, I have accumulated a list of tips that no official guide will tell you.
Bring your own pen. Arrival and departure cards must be filled out by hand, and pens at the counters are often missing or not working. Carrying your own pen saves time and frustration.
Carry passport photos. Bring at least four passport-sized photos. You will need them for your visa on arrival, SIM card registration, trekking permits, and TIMS cards. Getting photos taken in Kathmandu is easy and inexpensive, but having them ready at the airport speeds up your arrival.
Download offline maps before landing. Airport Wi-Fi is not always reliable, and your SIM card may not be activated until the next day if you arrive late. Having Google Maps or Maps.me downloaded offline for the Kathmandu Valley ensures you can navigate from the start.
Dress in layers. Kathmandu sits at 1,338 meters, and temperatures can surprise you. Winter arrivals (December to February) may encounter temperatures near freezing, while summer arrivals face warm, humid conditions. A light jacket in your carry-on covers most scenarios. For full preparation advice, review our packing list.
Allow extra time for everything. Tribhuvan International Airport is not designed for speed. Immigration queues, baggage delivery, and even the walk between terminals all take longer than you might expect. Embrace the pace. You are in Nepal now, and the mountains are not going anywhere.
Know the emergency numbers. Tourist Police: 1144. Nepal Police: 100. Ambulance: 102. Save these in your phone before you land.
What to Do After Arriving in Kathmandu
Once you have cleared the airport and reached your accommodation, Kathmandu opens up before you. If you have a day or two before your trek or tour begins, use the time wisely.
A Kathmandu Valley cultural tour is the perfect way to adjust to the altitude, explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath, and begin absorbing the sights, sounds, and aromas that make this city unforgettable. Walking through Durbar Square's medieval courtyards or watching evening prayers at Boudhanath Stupa is the ideal antidote to jet lag.
For trekkers, the day after arrival is also the time to finalize gear. If you need to rent or purchase any equipment, Thamel's trekking shops offer everything from down jackets to trekking poles at reasonable prices. Check our best time to visit Nepal guide if you are still deciding on your travel dates, and make sure your itinerary accounts for weather patterns at your destination.
Welcome to Nepal
Tribhuvan International Airport is not the most modern or efficient airport you will ever pass through. The queues can test your patience, the facilities are modest, and the single runway means delays are simply part of the experience. But there is something beautiful about arriving here that no amount of renovation could improve: the knowledge that on the other side of those terminal doors lies a country unlike any other on Earth.
The first breath of Kathmandu air, carrying the scent of incense, dust, and marigolds, is something every traveler remembers. The mountains are waiting, the temples are waiting, and we are waiting to welcome you.
If you would like a seamless arrival experience with airport transfer, hotel booking, and your entire Nepal adventure planned by someone who knows this country inside and out, get in touch with our team. From the moment you land at Tribhuvan to the moment you reluctantly board your departure flight, Navigate Globe is here to make sure Nepal exceeds every expectation you brought with you.
