Flying to Kathmandu rewards the traveller who books early and stays flexible. Fares from Delhi or Singapore are short and relatively cheap; fares from Europe or Australia require a one-stop connection and benefit from booking eight to twelve weeks out. October and November are peak trekking season, so prices climb fast. This is a city for the curious, the budget-conscious, and anyone who wants altitude with their history.
What works well
- Exceptional value
- Trekking base camp
- Visa on arrival
What to watch
- Book early Oct-Nov
- Airport delays common
A backpacker budget of roughly USD 17 a day buys guesthouse beds under USD 10 and Thamel dinners under USD 5, which explains the 9 for value. The single runway at Tribhuvan means fog and monsoon delays are routine, so build slack into any onward trekking plans. Visas on arrival run USD 30 for 15 days or USD 50 for 30, cash or card, and the queue moves faster if you fill out the online form before landing. Fly in from Delhi in 1h 30m for around USD 90, or expect a longer haul from Doha or Dubai with fares near USD 200-220.





