How to Get to Nepal 2026: Flights, Airports & Land Borders

For decades, the answer to “how to get to Nepal” was simple: fly into Kathmandu. But as of 2026, the landscape has changed. With new international airports coming online and evolved flight corridors, travelers now have more options—and more decisions to make.

Whether you are a solo backpacker crossing from India or a tour operator organizing a charter group, this guide breaks down the most efficient logistics for entering the Himalayas today.

1. Arriving by Air: The 3 International Hubs

Most travelers (roughly 85%) still arrive by air. However, you are no longer limited to just one airport.

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)

Located in Kathmandu, this remains the primary gateway for long-haul flights.

• Best For: Trekkers heading to Everest, Langtang, or cultural tours in the capital.
• Major Connections:
  • Middle East Hubs: Qatar Airways (Doha), FlyDubai/Emirates (Dubai), Jazeera (Kuwait).
  • Asian Hubs: Singapore Airlines, Thai Lion, Malaysia Airlines.
  • Indian Hubs: Air India, IndiGo, Vistara (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore).
• Pro Tip: KTM is notorious for air traffic holds. We recommend booking flights that land in the morning (before 12:00 PM) to avoid afternoon weather delays.

Gautam Buddha International Airport (BWA)

Located in Bhairahawa (Lumbini), this is Nepal’s second international airport.

• Best For: Pilgrims visiting Lumbini (Birthplace of Buddha), travelers heading to Chitwan National Park, or budget travelers (flights here can be cheaper).
• Connections: Primarily connects with Middle Eastern carriers (Jazeera Airways) and select regional flights.
• Logistics: It is a 30-minute domestic flight or 8-hour drive to Kathmandu from here.

Pokhara Regional International Airport (PRIA)

• Best For: Trekkers heading directly to Annapurna, Mustang, or Manaslu.
• Connections: Currently limited to regional flights (e.g., from China via Himalaya Airlines or Sichuan Airlines). Always check with our flight tickets team for the latest schedule, as routes here fluctuate seasonally.

2. Arriving by Land: The India-Nepal Borders

For those asking how to get to Nepal overland, the border crossings with India offer a scenic, albeit chaotic, alternative. Note that the China (Tibet) borders are generally restricted to organized groups only.

Major Open Borders for Tourists (2026)

Border Name	Indian Side	Best For	Transport to KTM
Sunauli	Gorakhpur	Varanasi travelers	Bus (8-10 hrs) or Flight from BWA
Raxaul (Birgunj)	Raxaul	Patna/Kolkata trains	Jeep (6-7 hrs)
Kakarbhitta	Panitanki	Darjeeling/Sikkim	Bus (12-14 hrs) or Flight from Bhadrapur
Mahendranagar	Banbasa	Delhi/Uttarakhand	Flight from Dhangadhi

Warning: Scams are common at land borders. Always exchange money at authorized counters and demand a receipt. Avoid “helpful locals” offering to carry your luggage across “No Man’s Land.”

3. Visa Requirements & Entry Protocol

Regardless of how to get to Nepal, immigration rules are strict but straightforward.

• Visa on Arrival: Available for citizens of most countries (USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada).
• The “Queue-Jumper” Hack: Do not wait until you land to fill out the form. Complete the Online International Arrival Form 24 hours before your flight. Print the receipt with the barcode. This allows you to skip the electronic kiosk line and go straight to the bank counter.
• Fees:
  • 15 Days: $30 USD
  • 30 Days: $50 USD
  • 90 Days: $125 USD
• Note: Need help with extensions or complex business visas? Visit our Visa Services page.

4. Connecting Flights & Domestic Logistics

Once you have solved the puzzle of how to get to Nepal, the next challenge is getting to the mountains.

The “Ramechhap Detour”

If you are flying to Lukla (Everest) in peak season (Oct/Nov or April/May), flights often do not depart from Kathmandu. They depart from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, a 4-hour drive from Kathmandu.

• Our Solution: For our clients, we arrange private transport to Ramechhap at 2:00 AM to ensure you catch the first wave of flights.

Group & B2B Logistics

Are you a travel agency planning a group trip? Coordinating 15 people arriving on different flights can be a nightmare.

• DMC Services: We provide “Meet & Greet” services inside the terminal.
• Luggage Handling: We manage the transfer of heavy trekking gear directly to your domestic flight or hotel.
• Learn more about our Group Packages.

Conclusion

Knowing how to get to Nepal is just the first step of your journey. The key to a smooth arrival lies in choosing the right entry point for your itinerary and having a reliable partner on the ground to handle the unexpected.

At Travel Agent Nepal, we don’t just sell tickets; we manage your entire arrival experience. From IATA-certified flight re-routing to VIP ground transfers, we ensure your trip starts without a hitch.

Start Your Journey Today

Need help finding the best flight route? Contact our Flight Desk for a free consultation on the fastest and most affordable ways to reach the Himalayas in 2026.