By Plane
The Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu is Nepal's only international airport. All long-haul flights land here.
Flights from Germany
There are no direct flights from Germany to Nepal. The most common connections:
- Qatar Airways: via Doha — often the best option (comfort + price), approx. 11–13h total travel time
- Turkish Airlines: via Istanbul — good alternative, approx. 12–14h
- Air India / IndiGo: via Delhi — cheap, but often with a longer layover in Delhi, approx. 10–14h
- Oman Air: via Muscat — solid option, approx. 12–14h
- Gulf Air: via Bahrain — good value for money
- Etihad: via Abu Dhabi — premium option, approx. 12–15h
Flight Prices (Guidelines, Round Trip)
| Period | Price |
|---|---|
| Off-Season (Jun–Sep, Monsoon) | €400–600 |
| Shoulder Season (Dec–Feb, May) | €450–700 |
| High Season (Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr) | €550–900 |
Domestic Flights
Nepal's domestic flights are notorious, but often indispensable. Many trekking starting points are only accessible by flight. Important to know: Nepal's domestic flight safety record is not the best. Small propeller planes fly between mountains, in variable weather. Delays and cancellations are common.
- Kathmandu → Lukla (EBC Trek): 30 min, from €150 — the most famous (and exciting) short-haul flight in the world. The runway in Lukla is 527 m short and ends at a rock wall!
- Kathmandu → Pokhara: 25 min, from €80 (Alternative: 7h tourist bus for €10)
- Pokhara → Jomsom: 20 min, from €100 — access to the Annapurna Circuit/Mustang
- Kathmandu → Bharatpur (Chitwan): 20 min, from €80
Airlines: Buddha Air (largest fleet, best reputation), Yeti Airlines, Saurya Airlines, Shree Airlines.
Achtung
Nepal's domestic flights are weather-dependent! Especially Lukla flights are canceled in fog or wind — sometimes for days. ALWAYS plan buffer days: at least 2 days before your international return flight. Many trekkers are stuck in Lukla and miss their flight home. Alternatively: Book a helicopter return flight (more expensive, but more reliable).
