Flights to Kathmandu

When is the best time to visit Kathmandu?

Spring

March is May is a pleasant time to visit Kathmandu. Temperatures hover around 16ºC to 23ºC, and Nepal's national flower rhododendrons is in full bloom. The only downside for buying return flights to Kathmandu over these months? There's usually a haze that obscures the mountain ranges. If you're a photographer wanting to use your airfare to Kathmandu to get a clear shot of Nepal's iconic mountain ranges, you might want to pick a clearer time of year.

Summer

From June to August, the weather heats up to around 23ºC to 30ºC during the day. The increase in humidity means rainfall is high, and it's not the best time to buy tickets to Kathmandu if you want to spend as much time hiking or trekking as possible. On the other hand, a trip based around staying close to the city is perfect. There are fewer crowds, and you might get lucky with a deal on cheap flights to Kathmandu.

Autumn

September to November is one of the best times to organise return flights to Kathmandu. As temperatures cool down, the rain dries up, and there is no haze to obstruct views of Nepal's mountains. Plus, you can time your flights to Kathmandu around important Hindu festivals like Dashain and Tihar.

Winter

In winter, the daytime temperatures drop to an average of 9ºC to 12ºC. If you're considering buying flights to Kathmandu over December and February, be sure to pack warm layers. You'll need high-quality thermal gear if you're planning multi-day treks near Kathmandu as the temperatures drop significantly in the evenings.

What are the best things to do in Kathmandu?

Swayambhu

Swayambhu is an ancient temple in Nepal, and it's an excellent workout. There are 300 steps you'll need to conquer to reach the top. While the climb is challenging, you'll have a panoramic view over Kathmandu Valley. At the summit, you can visit the temple and stupa to learn more about one of Nepal's most sacred sites.

Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's one of the best things to see with your flights to Kathmandu, but you do need to drive to reach the site. The easiest way to visit Bhaktapur is to join a tour or use public transport. Some of the top things to see at Bhaktapur are the Nyatapola Temple, Durbar Square and Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Temple and Pujari Math.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple is a sacred Hindu temple in Nepal. It is the seat of Lord Shiva, the country's national deity. It's also one of the oldest temples in the city and is well-worth exploring if you’re travelling to Nepal for the first time on return flights to Kathmandu. Wake up early and visit the temple to watch cremation ceremonies, or arrive after 6pm to see worship with fire ceremonies.

See Mt. Everest from above

Not willing to trek to the summit of Mt. Everest? Take in all the views without the months of preparation and trekking with a scenic flight. You can fly above the Himalayas with a 45-minute to one-hour plane or helicopter flip. Prices start at $150 USD ($226.97 NZD).

What are the dos and don'ts of visiting Kathmandu?

Handshakes

In Nepal, it's not proper etiquette to shake hands with someone you've just met. Physical touch in Nepalese culture is reserved for relatives or close friends. When you're meeting a new person, hotel staff or your taxi driver at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), join your hands together in a prayer position and greet them by saying ‘namaste’.

Dining etiquette

In Nepal, it's good manners to finish all the food on your plate. If you leave behind an unfinished plate, your host may think you didn’t like the food. It's also not polite to walk over a person while they're seated on the floor during a meal.

Cultural site etiquette

The main religions in Nepal are Hinduism and Buddhism. When you're holidaying on your flights to Kathmandu, you'll need to respect the local customs. For example, non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the Pashupatinath temple. However, you won't have restrictions at the city's Buddhist shrines. When visiting religious sites, you should pack clothes for your flights to Kathmandu that will cover your shoulders and knees. If you decide to pray, it's bad luck to go counter-clockwise around the stupas.

When to Book Cheap Flights to Kathmandu?

Being such a popular destination for many, it's no surprise that affordable airfare to Kathmandu can be found all year round.

The best time to book tickets to Kathmandu is in autumn, from September to November. This period provides ideal weather conditions for visitors. Also, it is in this period that the Dussehra is celebrated in Nepal. Dussehra is the biggest Hindu festival, and it brings an extra amount of liveliness to the city. If you want to revel in the beauty of this bustling city, this period would definitely be the perfect time to book tickets to Kathmandu.

Getting to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is the only airport serving Kathmandu and is located around 5 kilometres from the CBD. This is where all of your tickets to Kathmandu will land. The airport offers travellers plenty of transportation and parking options to choose from. To get to your hotel you can use the pre-paid taxi service which will be on your right once you step out of the arrival gate. Using a taxi is a perfect way to get to your destination hassle-free.

Parking at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)

The airport provides travellers with a car park for four wheeler vehicles right in front of the international terminal building.

Things to do in Kathmandu

Boudhanath Stupa

Located 7 kilometres for the commercial district in Kathmandu, the Boudhanath Stupa is probably the top tourist destination in the whole city. It is one of the largest stupas on the whole continent. Visitors will get a rare opportunity to get a glimpse of the spiritual side of Kathmandu. So, book flights to Kathmandu now and see for yourself why this place is so popular.

Durbar Square

The Durbar Square is a vast collection of stupas and temples in Kathmandu. Travellers can visit it to explore some beautifully designed temples, or just sit back and enjoy the view. The Durbar Square is easily accessed so travellers who book cheap airfare to Kathmandu won’t have a problem finding it.

Thamel

Thamel is a very popular place for anyone looking to buy some souvenirs, indulge in some local delicacies, or to just enjoy a place bursting with life. It is the ultimate place for tourists who book flights to Kathmandu to chill out in this spectacular city.