Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) sits in the heart of the Kathmandu Valley, acting as the primary air gateway for international travelers entering Nepal and connecting to domestic flight routes. Positioned roughly 6 kilometers east of Thamel, this single-runway hub handles all long-haul international arrivals alongside mountain flights to Lukla and regional air services across the country.
Essential Travel Information & Administrative Details
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Location & Municipality: Ward No. 9, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Kathmandu District, Bagmati Province
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Local Government Website: https://kathmandu.gov.np / Airport Portal: https://www.tiairport.com.np
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Municipal Info Officer Contact: TIA Airport Exchange +977-01-4113033 | TIA Immigration Office +977-01-4113045 (tia@immigration.gov.np)
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Altitude: 1,338 meters (4,390 feet)
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Best Time to Visit: Year-round operational; clear flight conditions peak during autumn (September–November) and spring (March–May).
How to Get There (Local Logistics)
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Prepaid Airport Taxis: Located right outside the arrivals hall exit. Fixed rates to Thamel, Lazimpat, or Boudha range between NPR 800 and NPR 1,200.
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Ride-Hailing Apps: Pathao and InDrive operate extensively in Kathmandu. Pickups must be arranged outside the main gate barrier on Ring Road (a 3-minute walk from arrivals). Fares to central Kathmandu cost approximately NPR 300–NPR 500 for bikes or NPR 600–NPR 900 for cars.
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Public City Buses: Local green buses and microbuses park along the Ring Road outside the outer airport gate. Fares to Ratna Park or Kalanki cost NPR 25–NPR 35 per passenger, though luggage space is severely restricted.
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Domestic Transfer Connections: The domestic terminal is 400 meters north of the international terminal. You can walk the covered footpath in 5–7 minutes or catch the airport shuttle bus operating between terminals every 15 minutes. This terminal serves as your starting point for flights to Pokhara, Chitwan, and mountain airstrips across trekking in Nepal.
Key Attractions & Real Experiences
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On-Arrival Visa Process: The international arrivals hall features automated kiosk machines to fill out digital arrival forms. Once scanned, proceed to the bank counter to pay the visa fee ($30 USD for 15 days, $50 USD for 30 days, $125 USD for 90 days) before walking to the immigration desk.
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Himalayan Sightseeing Flights: Early morning domestic departures double as scenic flights toward Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Langtang, taking off directly from TIA’s single runway.
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Executive Lounges: The international terminal houses executive lounges run by Radisson and Thai Airways on the upper level past security, offering Wi-Fi, hot meals, and power outlets during layovers.
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Ground Facilities: SIM card counters for NTC (Namaste) and Ncell sit inside the arrival hall, where tourists can register prepaid local voice and data packages using a passport copy.
Permits, Regulations & Latest Updates
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Visa Policies: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining. Review current tourist entry requirements on Nepal travel permits before booking flights.
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Customs Allowance: Visitors can bring up to 50 grams of gold jewelry duty-free. Electronic goods like cameras and laptops are limited to personal items. Drones require prior registration with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).
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Baggage Security Regulations: Power banks, loose lithium-ion batteries, and matchboxes are strictly forbidden in checked luggage and must be kept in carry-on bags. Expect manual baggage checks before boarding domestic and international flights.
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Terminal Entry Tax & Access: Only ticketed passengers can enter the terminal buildings. Drivers and family members must wait in the designated parking lot and arrivals courtyard outside.
Local Etiquette & Practical Tips
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Currency Exchange: Exchange counters inside the baggage claims area accept major currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, INR). Rates inside the airport carry higher margins than money exchange shops near cultural tours hubs in Patan or Thamel, so exchange only what you need for initial transport.
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ATM Access: ATMs from Nabil Bank and Everest Bank are located near the international exit terminal, though withdrawal limits cap at NPR 35,000 per transaction with an international card fee of NPR 500.
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Tipping Baggage Handlers: Official airport porters wear labeled uniforms. Avoid unbadged individuals outside who demand steep fees for lifting luggage into vehicles; a typical tip for an official porter is NPR 200–NPR 500.
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SIM Card Setup: Register your SIM card at the airport terminal using your passport details to secure cellular coverage before heading into the city.
