Kathmandu Airport Guide
Nepal Travel

Kathmandu Airport Guide

Kathmandu airport is the main entry point for most Nepal trips and the connection point for many domestic flights. A little arrival planning makes the first day smoother, especially if you need a visa on arrival, SIM card, hotel transfer, or next-day mountain flight.

Arrival flow

Most arrivals move through visa or immigration, baggage claim, customs, and the public arrivals area. During busy periods, visa queues and baggage can take longer than expected, so avoid tight same-day plans.
  • Keep passport and arrival details ready
  • Use official counters for visas or payments
  • Confirm hotel transfer meeting point
  • Keep small local cash available after arrival

Domestic flight connections

The domestic terminal is separate from international arrivals. If you are connecting to Lukla, Pokhara, Bharatpur, or other domestic airports, allow a realistic buffer and confirm the terminal, reporting time, and luggage allowance.

First-day planning

Plan the first day gently. International delays, immigration queues, traffic, and jet lag can affect arrival timing. For treks and helicopter trips, use the first evening for gear checks and briefing rather than heavy sightseeing.

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Frequently asked questions

How much time should I allow after landing in Kathmandu?

Allow at least a few hours for immigration, baggage, transfer, and traffic. Avoid tight same-day domestic or international connections where possible.

Is the domestic terminal in the same building?

Kathmandu domestic flights use a separate terminal area, so confirm transfer timing and reporting requirements before your flight.

Sources and official references

We use official and primary sources where possible. Travel rules, access, and operating conditions can change, so confirm requirements before departure.

Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal

Official civil aviation authority source for Nepal aviation oversight and airport information.

Last checked May 6, 2026

CAAN airport profiles

Civil aviation authority reference for Nepal airport profiles, including mountain airports.

Last checked May 6, 2026

CAAN Tenzing-Hillary Airport profile

Civil aviation authority airport profile for Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla.

Last checked May 6, 2026

Trusted By

Government of NepalNepal Tourism BoardNepal Mountaineering AssociationTrekking Agencies Association of NepalKEEP NepalTrustpilot