Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is one of Nepal’s international airports, connecting Kathmandu to the world. If you’re planning a Mount Everest climb or want to take scenic Everest flights, this is where you’ll fly into. The airport has an iconic tabletop runway perched on a plateau surrounded by deep valleys and gorges, making for a thrilling landing.
Getting to and from the airport
The airport is located just under 4 miles from Kathmandu City, right in the heart of the famed Kathmandu Valley. There are two easy ways reach the city from KTM.
First, there’s a bus that picks up between the International Terminal and the roundabout (follow the English signs) and takes you to central Kathmandu for very little money. The catch is that this service isn’t always operational due to strikes or limited operating hours, and when it is running, expect about 30 to 60 minutes for the journey depending on traffic.
My preferred method is taxi service. Keep in mind that traffic on the only road to the airport is intense, so it could take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes in light traffic to reach town (the main area is called Thamel), though during rush hours or heavy congestion it can take upwards of 45-50 minutes or more. Taxis are always waiting right outside arrivals, but I recommend getting a prepaid taxi to avoid confusion.
For prepaid service, exit the airport after clearing customs and look for the taxi sign just outside the arrivals exit. You’ll find the rates to all areas posted on a board at the counter, and you can simply follow an agent to your taxi once you’ve paid.
Many Kathmandu hotels will arrange shuttle service for you, which is another great option. If your hotel’s picking you up, walk out of the terminal building and cross the road where hotels and travel companies wait with name signs. You’ll get asked by multiple people if you need assistance along the way, but don’t accept as most are trying to divert you to their own service.
Visa on arrival
Nepal takes visa on arrival seriously. You’ll need the exact address of your accommodation when filling out the form - including details like house number, street name, municipality and district - so have this information handy offline. While there’s an online form option available through the official portal, I recommend using the paper form because the online version isn’t always functional.
You’ll need to pay a fee upon arrival: $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, or $125 for 90 days. You’ll make payment at the airport bank counter, and while the fee counters accept different payment modes, I advise everyone to be prepared for this with cash.
Airport layout and check-in
The airport has two terminals (domestic and international) that aren’t connected internally, though there’s a free shuttle bus running between them every 20 minutes (the domestic terminal is about 500 meters north of the international terminal). Most airlines don’t offer self-check-in here - there’s currently a self-check-in kiosk in the B-side check-in area but it’s only available for Malaysia Airlines passengers - so plan to see a desk agent in person.
Information desk
You’ll find a friendly information desk right outside the terminal in what KTM calls the canopy area. They can help with everything from medical assistance to airline and gate queries. The airport gets busy and can appear frantic, but people are friendly, so take a deep breath and just ask for what you need.
Airlines and flight operations
KTM serves as a hub for two international airlines: Nepal Airlines (the flag carrier of Nepal) and Himalaya Airlines, plus several domestic carriers including Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines. The airport experiences heavy congestion and strong winter fog, and I’ve had flights diverted or canceled several times when flying through here, so you’ll want a laid-back attitude.
Airport amenities and services
Wi-Fi at the airport
Free Wi-Fi is available at the international terminal with good signal from arrivals through departures. It does not require a password. Once you go through immigration, there’s an additional network called “TIA-Wifi-Departure” you can connect to. Keep in mind that service can be spotty due to the high altitude, and as with any public Wi-Fi, be mindful about inputting sensitive data.
Lounge access
There is a CIP Lounge at the domestic terminal and it is available only by reservation. The reservation offers you access to a room that is charged per hour. In the international terminal, Priority Pass gets you into your choice of two lounges (the Executive Lounge or Horizon Lounge by Soaltee).
Eating and drinking at the airport
It’s a small airport without extensive dining options. For sit-down service, the Radisson Hotel restaurant on the first floor of the international terminal departure hall is your best bet. The international terminal has coffee and tea shops serving local snacks like pani puri (my favorite: deep-fried, delicious dough you’ll want to try). Nepal is known for its incredible coffee climate so you won’t find a bad cup here, and my favorite tea comes from the tea and confectionery shops in the departure area.
Banking and essential services
ATMs and banking
I highly recommend taking cash with you around Nepal. While some places accept credit cards, people light up when you have cash as they can avoid costly fees. The airport has international and local banks with two money exchange counters and an ATM available in the arrival area before immigration, where you can exchange money to local currency. Exchange rates fluctuate significantly, so if you find a good rate, take advantage of it.
Luggage carts
You can find free luggage carts (trolleys) at KTM outside the terminal on both the upper and lower curbside areas. You’ll also find more carts at baggage claim when you arrive.
Special services
If you bought delicate souvenirs or breakable goods, take advantage of the wrapping facility in the departure hall (in front of check-in counter A). I highly recommend this for valuable or breakable items you’re checking. The departure hall also has a Baby Feeding Room in the sterile area (after security), which is helpful since breastfeeding in public is slightly frowned upon in Nepal.
Baggage and arrival process
Getting through customs at KTM can take a while. The lines are often long and the process is slow, so your bags might be doing a few laps on the carousel before you get to them. Since multiple flights often use the same baggage claim, employees will likely ask to see your baggage tag to make sure you’re grabbing the right one. It might seem a little convoluted, but it works, so just follow their lead.
What makes this airport special
Besides the incredible views of mountains and valleys on your way in, the airport itself has a cool quirk. From the sky, the building and runway are designed to look like an airplane. The runway forms the body from nose to tail. It’s a fun little detail you can spot on takeoff or landing, so be sure to grab a window seat.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
