Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from Australasia to Nepal

Direct flight routes to Nepal

There are currently no direct flights between Australasia and Nepal.

• All routes require at least one connection/stopover

Layover/stopover options

Singapore (SIN): Main hub for Singapore Airlines with excellent connections to Kathmandu. Average connection times 3-4 hours. Modern airport with free city tours for longer layovers.

Bangkok (BKK): Thai Airways’ hub offering frequent connections to Kathmandu. Typical layover 4-5 hours. Budget-friendly airport hotel options for long layovers.

Kuala Lumpur (KUL): Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia X connections. Transfer times around 4 hours. Cheaper ticket options but longer average layovers.

Dubai (DXB): Emirates hub with daily flights to Kathmandu. Connection times 5-6 hours. Excellent shopping and dining options during layovers.

Time vs money

Single-stopover flights via Southeast Asian hubs typically offer the best balance of travel time and cost. Multi-stop options through Middle Eastern hubs can reduce ticket prices by 20-30% but add 6-10 hours to total journey time.

Tips and recommendations

• Singapore and Bangkok routes typically offer the most reliable connections during monsoon season (June-September)


• Consider breaking journey with 24-hour stopover in Singapore or Bangkok – often same price as shorter layover


• Kuala Lumpur connections usually offer lowest fares but have higher chance of schedule changes


• Book separate tickets via Singapore or Bangkok for more flexibility and sometimes lower prices, but ensure minimum 6-hour connection time


• Premium economy options available through Singapore Airlines provide good value on long first leg from Australia

• Thai Airways via Bangkok offers the best price-to-comfort ratio for Nepal routes, with fares typically 15-20% below market average. Their Boeing 787-9 features a comfortable 32-inch pitch in economy on the Australia-Bangkok leg, while the Bangkok-Kathmandu segment uses A320s with recently refurbished cabins.
• Consider flying Malaysia Airlines through Kuala Lumpur, which often runs promotional fares up to 25% cheaper than direct competitors. The carrier’s new A330-300 fleet offers superior legroom with 33-inch pitch, and their frequent schedule allows flexible connection times to Kathmandu.
• For travelers from Perth or Darwin, leverage Singapore Airlines’ regional subsidiary Scoot for the first leg to Singapore, then connect to SilkAir’s direct service to Kathmandu. This combination typically saves 30% compared to full-service carriers, while still maintaining reasonable comfort levels.
• From New Zealand, the most economical option is China Southern via Guangzhou, offering fares up to 40% below market average. Their modern A350s feature above-average seat width at 18 inches, though be prepared for longer connection times in Guangzhou.
• Travelers seeking maximum comfort should consider Qatar Airways via Doha, which frequently offers competitive sales from Melbourne and Sydney. Their modern A350 and 787 fleet provides superior comfort with 32-inch pitch and 18-inch width, plus their new Adelaide service launched in January 2024 offers an additional departure point.

1. Booking the cheapest multi-stop itinerary Long layovers in Guangzhou, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur can turn a 12-hour journey into a grueling 30+ hour trip when more efficient routings via Singapore or Hong Kong are available.
2. Not considering the monsoon season Flying into Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport during the June-September monsoon period often results in delays or diversions due to poor visibility and challenging weather conditions.
3. Ignoring the benefits of full-service carriers While budget airlines might offer cheaper fares from Australia/NZ to Asian hubs, the lack of baggage allowance, meal service, and rebooking flexibility can be problematic for the long-haul Nepal journey.
4. Missing the mountain views Not requesting a seat on the aircraft’s left side when flying into Kathmandu means missing the spectacular Himalayan mountain range views, including Mount Everest on clear days.
5. Late arrival booking at Kathmandu Scheduling flights to arrive in Kathmandu late in the evening can lead to complicated immigration processes and limited transport options as many services to central Kathmandu reduce after dark.

Singapore Airlines

Best for: Most comfortable Economy Class seats and highest-rated service quality on routes to Nepal.

Operates from 6 Australasian airports to Nepal (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Auckland), offering consistent one-stop connections via Singapore. Their Economy Class features industry-leading 32-inch seat pitch, acclaimed Singapore Girl service, and award-winning cuisine. Most flights to Kathmandu feature their modern A350 or B787 aircraft, with enhanced air filtration and humidity control for better comfort during long-haul journeys.

Thai Airways

Best for: Most convenient layover times and excellent price-to-quality ratio.

Serves 5 departure points in Australasia (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Auckland) with efficient connections through Bangkok. Average layover time is just 2-3 hours, significantly shorter than competitors. Their Economy Class offers generous 31-inch seat pitch, authentic Thai hospitality, and well-rated Asian and Western meal options. The airline maintains high punctuality rates on Nepal routes.

Malaysia Airlines

Best for: Most affordable premium Economy Class experience with generous baggage allowance.

Flying from 4 major airports (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Auckland) via Kuala Lumpur. Offers competitive fares while maintaining good service standards. Economy Class features comfortable 30-inch seat pitch, Malaysian hospitality, and halal-certified meals. Their generous 30kg baggage allowance is particularly valuable for travelers planning longer stays in Nepal.

Qatar Airways

Best for: Superior inflight entertainment system and highest-rated airline meals.

Operates from 4 Australasian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide) with connections through Doha. While layovers tend to be longer, they’re offset by exceptional service quality and modern aircraft fleet. Economy Class offers 31-32 inch seat pitch, over 4,000 entertainment options, and consistently highly-rated dining options. Their service maintains 5-star Skytrax rating, highest among airlines serving Nepal routes.

Save money flying to Nepal with regional carriers

Flying from Australia or New Zealand to Nepal can be expensive, but strategic use of regional Asian carriers can significantly reduce costs. The key is breaking your journey into segments rather than booking a single long-haul flight.

1. Book separate legs – Consider flying to a major Asian hub first (Singapore, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur) using budget carriers like Jetstar or AirAsia
2. Utilize low-cost Asian carriers – From these hubs, connect to Kathmandu using airlines like Nepal Airlines, Thai Lion Air, or Malindo Air, often at substantial savings
3. Time your bookings – Book the Australia/NZ to Asia leg during sale periods (typically 3-6 months ahead), then arrange the connecting flight to Nepal separately
4. Allow buffer time – Schedule at least 6 hours between flights when self-connecting to avoid issues with delays

While this approach requires more planning and doesn’t offer baggage transfer between airlines, savings can reach 30-40% compared to traditional single-ticket bookings. Remember to factor in visa requirements for any stopover countries and consider travel insurance to protect your separate bookings.