Talk To An Expert ( Prakash Lamsal )
Talk To An Expert ( Prakash Lamsal )
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) – known in Nepali as त्रिभुवन अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय विमानस्थल – is Nepal’s primary international gateway, located in Kathmandu, Bagmati Province. Identified by the IATA code KTM and ICAO code VNKT, the airport features a tabletop runway and operates both a dedicated domestic terminal and an international terminal. As the main aviation hub of the country, TIA connects Nepal with more than 40 destinations across 17 countries, serving as a vital link between the Himalayas and the rest of the world.
Kathmandu International Airport, officially known as Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), is Nepal’s primary gateway for international travelers. Located just 6 kilometers from the heart of Kathmandu, this airport is the main hub for all international and domestic air traffic in Nepal. As a local trekking and travel company with over a decade of experience, Nepal Himalayas Trekking is here to help you navigate through every aspect of your airport journey.
IATA Code: KTM
ICAO Code: VNKT
Location: Gaushala, Kathmandu, Nepal
Elevation: 4,390 ft (1,338 m)
Runways: Single runway, suitable for both domestic and international flights
Type: Public / International
Operator: Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN)
TIA is Nepal’s first and only international airport until the recent additions in other regions. It connects Nepal to major cities across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
India – Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore
China – Guangzhou, Chengdu, Kunming
UAE – Dubai, Abu Dhabi
Qatar – Doha
Turkey – Istanbul
Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur
Thailand – Bangkok
Singapore
Saudi Arabia – Dammam
Kuwait
Bangladesh – Dhaka
Japan – Narita (seasonal charter flights)
Kathmandu to Lukla Flight in the Everest region for the Everest Base Camp Trek, including the Everest Base Camp Trek Packages.
Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight to visit Pokhara Sarangkot, Mini Trek called Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek & Dhampus Sarangkot Hiking
Kathmandu to Bharatpur Flight to See Chitwan National Park and for a Jungle Safari at Chitwan National Park.
Nepalgunj Flight for Lower Dolpo Trek, Upper Dolpo Trek and Mugu to Mustang Trek
Flight to Jomsom from Pokhara for Upper Mustang Trek, Upper Mustang Jeep Tour and Jomsom Muktinath Tour
Tumlingtar Flight for Makalu Base Camp Trek & Makalu Peak Expedition in Arun Valley
Bhairahawa for Lumbini Tour
Dhangadhi
Simikot
Biratnagar
Note: Flight schedules vary seasonally due to weather and visibility conditions.
Visa-on-arrival counters for eligible nationalities
Currency exchange and ATM machines
Luggage trolleys and porters
Duty-free shops (perfumes, electronics, spirits)
Food courts and cafés (local snacks, tea, coffee)
VIP & Business lounges
Free Wi-Fi access (limited)
Medical services and first aid
Lost and found
Prepaid taxi booth
Tourist information desk
Car rental services
Prayer rooms
SIM card stalls (for Ncell and NTC)
Planning a trek or tour starting from Kathmandu? Need help with your airport pickup or drop? Contact us anytime for 24/7 airport assistance and trip planning.
Nepal Himalayas Trekking Pvt. Ltd.
📍 Paknajol Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
📧 info@nepalhimalayastrekking.com
📱 WhatsApp/Viber: +977-9841146306
🌐 www.nepalhimalayastrekking.com
When you land at TIA, proceed to the Immigration Area for visa processing (if required), then collect your baggage and go through customs. Tourist SIM cards and local currency exchange are available near the exit gates. Prepaid taxis to Thamel or your hotel are readily available.
Make sure you:
Carry a printed copy of your flight ticket
Arrive at least 3 hours early for international flights
Clear security and customs early
Have your immigration forms filled and passport ready
Luggage wrapping services are available at the terminal if needed.
We recommend arriving 3 hours before your international flight and 1.5 to 2 hours for domestic flights. Security and immigration can take time, especially during peak tourist seasons (March–May and Sept–Nov).
It is officially known as Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
TIA stands for Tribhuvan International Airport, named after King Tribhuvan, a historical monarch of Nepal.
As of 2025, Nepal has 3 international airports:
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) – Kathmandu
Gautam Buddha International Airport (BWA) – Bhairahawa
Pokhara International Airport (PKR) – Pokhara
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) remains the busiest and largest international airport in Nepal in terms of passenger volume and international connectivity.
As of now, the King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Saudi Arabia is the largest in terms of land area. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in the USA is the busiest by passenger traffic.
As per current customs regulations:
A male passenger can carry up to 50 grams of gold duty-free.
A female passenger can carry up to 100 grams of gold.
Carrying excess gold may result in fines or seizure, so check the latest rules with the Nepal Customs Office or your airline before traveling.
For international departures from Kathmandu, 2 hours might be tight, especially during peak seasons. Always aim for 3 hours to avoid delays due to long immigration and security queues.
Ghee is considered a liquid or gel and may be restricted in cabin luggage, especially in larger quantities. However, you can pack sealed ghee jars in your checked baggage for most international flights. Always check your airline’s policy.
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu may not be the most modern or spacious airport, but with the right approach, you can navigate it with ease. Whether you’re arriving or departing, here are some smart tips to help you survive (and even enjoy) your time at Nepal’s busiest airport.
Have your documents ready: Keep your passport, visa-on-arrival form, and one passport-sized photo easily accessible.
Expect a wait at immigration, especially during peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn).
Use the official taxi counter outside the terminal for safe and fixed-rate rides to your hotel in Thamel or elsewhere.
Arrive 3 hours early for international flights to handle check-in, security, and immigration without stress.
Check your airline's baggage policy beforehand, as excess luggage fees can be steep.
Bring snacks and water—TIA has limited food options beyond security.
Wi-Fi is available but often unreliable; download e-boarding passes and entertainment in advance.
Carry local currency (NPR) for any purchases or last-minute airport fees.
Keep patience—TIA can feel chaotic, but airport staff are generally helpful.
Tribhuvan International Airport might test your travel patience, but with preparation and realistic expectations, it’s easy to get through. Let Nepal Himalayas Trekking handle your airport transfers and travel logistics so you can focus on your adventure ahead!
Always carry extra photocopies of your passport and visa
Keep your boarding pass and luggage tags
Don’t forget to reconfirm your flight 24 hours before departure
Use official taxi counters or pre-book transfers to your hotel
Need help with your trekking permits, airport pickups, or hotel bookings? Reach out to Nepal Himalayas Trekking—your trusted local partner for Nepal adventures. Let us handle your worries so you can focus on the journey ahead. Welcome to Nepal – Your Himalayan Adventure Starts at TIA!
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