Overview
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a captivating city cradled in a Himalayan valley, rich with ancient temples, bustling bazaars and living traditions. It is the gateway to the world's highest mountains and the classic starting point for treks to Everest and Annapurna, drawing UK travellers seeking adventure, culture and spirituality. Flights arrive into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). Comparing fares in one place makes finding the right flight to Kathmandu quick and simple.
Best time to fly to Kathmandu
Nepal's peak seasons follow the trekking calendar. Autumn (October to November) brings the clearest skies and best mountain views and is the busiest and priciest time, while spring (March to April) is also excellent, with rhododendrons in bloom. The summer monsoon (June to September) is wetter, and winter is cold at altitude but bright in the valley. Fares ease outside the trekking peaks — check the price charts on this page.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Kathmandu, so UK travellers fly one-stop via a hub. Qatar Airways (via Doha), Etihad Airways (via Abu Dhabi), Emirates onward with partners (via Dubai) and Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) all offer convenient connections, with total journey times typically around 12–16 hours depending on the layover. From Manchester and other regional airports, the same Gulf and Istanbul hubs provide one-stop routings. Compare carriers for your exact dates to secure the lowest fare.
Things to do in Kathmandu
Kathmandu overflows with sacred sites and Himalayan atmosphere:
- Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): a hilltop stupa with sweeping views over the valley.
- Boudhanath Stupa: one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, ringed by monasteries.
- Pashupatinath Temple: Nepal's holiest Hindu temple on the banks of the Bagmati River.
- Kathmandu Durbar Square: a UNESCO-listed square of palaces, courtyards and shrines.
- Thamel: the lively traveller district full of trekking shops, cafes and craft stalls.
At Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Tribhuvan International sits about 6 km east of central Kathmandu, with currency exchange, ATMs, basic duty-free and food outlets. Prepaid airport taxis and hotel pick-ups are the easiest way into the city, and ride-hailing apps also operate. The airport can be busy, so allow extra time, especially in peak trekking seasons.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Kathmandu
- Book roughly 2–4 months ahead — fares rise close to departure, especially in trekking seasons.
- Avoid the October–November and spring peaks; shoulder weeks bring noticeably lower prices.
- Be flexible with dates — midweek departures often beat weekend prices.
- Compare one-stop routings via different Gulf hubs; layover length affects both price and total time.
Travel essentials
- UK travellers can obtain a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport, or apply online in advance; bring passport photos and the fee.
- The local currency is the Nepalese rupee (NPR).
- Pack layers for changeable mountain weather and dress modestly at temples.
