Getting to & Around Nepal

Flights, roads, buses, and local transport — a practical guide for trekkers.

Arriving in Nepal

International flights to Kathmandu

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu is Nepal's only major international airport. Pokhara International Airport handles limited international routes from select Indian cities. All long-haul travellers transit through Kathmandu.

From South & Southeast Asia

  • IndiGo (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru)
  • Air India
  • SpiceJet
  • Nepal Airlines
  • Biman Bangladesh
  • Thai AirAsia (Bangkok)

Most frequent connections — multiple daily flights from Delhi.

From East Asia

  • China Southern (Guangzhou, Chengdu)
  • China Eastern (Shanghai)
  • Sichuan Airlines
  • Air China
  • Korean Air (Seoul)

Good connections for travellers from China, Korea, and Japan.

From Middle East / Europe

  • Qatar Airways (Doha hub)
  • Emirates (Dubai hub)
  • Turkish Airlines (Istanbul hub)
  • Etihad Airways

All European travellers typically connect through Gulf hubs. ~12–16 hrs from Europe.

From North America / Australia

  • Connecting through Gulf carriers (QR, EK, EY)
  • Connecting through Southeast Asian hubs (SQ, TG)
  • No direct flights from North America or Australia

Expect 20–28 hrs total travel time including connections.

Book early for Oct–Nov and Mar–May: These are Nepal's peak trekking seasons. International and domestic flights fill up months in advance. Lukla flights are especially limited.

Getting to the Trailhead

Domestic flights within Nepal

Nepal's domestic aviation network connects Kathmandu to trailhead towns and regional airports. Flights are weather-dependent — always build 1–2 buffer days into your itinerary, especially for Lukla.

Kathmandu → Lukla
35 min
180–220
Multiple carriers
Gateway to Everest region. Weather-dependent — allow buffer days.
Kathmandu → Pokhara
25 min
80–100
Multiple carriers
Alternative to 7-hr tourist bus. Book early in peak season.
Kathmandu → Bharatpur
20 min
70–90
Multiple carriers
Entry point for Chitwan jungle safaris.
Pokhara → Jomsom
20 min
120–160
Multiple carriers
Gateway to Mustang treks. Morning flights only — wind picks up by noon.
Kathmandu → Surkhet
1 hr
100–130
Multiple carriers
Access to Dolpo and far-western regions.

* Prices are estimates and vary by season and advance booking. Book through your Evertrek itinerary for guaranteed seats.

Road Transport

Buses, jeeps & private transfers

Nepal's road network connects major cities and many trekking start points. Road conditions range from comfortable highways to rough mountain tracks — adjust expectations accordingly.

Tourist Bus (Kathmandu–Pokhara)

6–7 hoursUSD 10–15

Comfortable tourist coaches with AC. Departs 7–8 AM from Thamel. Scenic Prithvi Highway route.

Local Bus (Budget)

7–9 hoursUSD 3–6

Inexpensive but crowded and slow. Not recommended for trekkers carrying large bags.

Private Car / Jeep

5–6 hoursUSD 80–150

Flexible departure, stops at your choice. Best for groups or families. Evertrek can arrange.

4WD Jeep (Manaslu Access — Arughat)

6–8 hoursUSD 150–200

Rough unpaved road from Kathmandu to Arughat/Soti Khola. Required for Manaslu Circuit start.

4WD Jeep (Mustang Access — Jomsom/Kagbeni)

8–10 hoursUSD 80–100 per seat

From Pokhara to Mustang via Beni. Very rough road — not advised for those prone to motion sickness.

Within Cities

Getting around Kathmandu & Pokhara

Metered Taxi
Kathmandu / Pokhara
Negotiate / meter
Use app-based taxis (Pathao, inDrive) for fair prices.
Tuk-tuk / Tempo
Kathmandu
NPR 20–50
Shared 3-wheeler — cheap but slow and crowded.
Motorbike Rental
Kathmandu / Pokhara
USD 8–15 / day
Valid international licence required.
Bicycle Rental
Pokhara lakeside
USD 3–8 / day
Great for exploring Phewa Lake area.
Private Car Hire
Nationwide
USD 50–100 / day
With driver — flexible and comfortable for sightseeing.

Evertrek handles all transport logistics

All airport transfers, domestic flight bookings, and road transfers to trailheads are arranged by our operations team as part of your package. You do not need to book these independently.

No Logistics Stress

We coordinate everything from airport to trailhead

Flights, permits, transfers — all included and managed by our Nepal-based team.

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