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

Direct flight routes to Nepal

Currently there are no non-stop flights between any European city and Nepal’s Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM).

Layover/stopover options

Istanbul (IST) – Turkish Airlines’ main hub offers efficient connections to Kathmandu, typically with 2-4 hour layovers. Modern airport with excellent lounges and good sleeping facilities for longer waits.

Doha (DOH) – Qatar Airways operates frequent flights with consistent 3-5 hour connections. Award-winning airport featuring the famous Lamp Bear and multiple quiet rooms for transit passengers.

Dubai (DXB) – Emirates provides regular connections with average 4-hour layovers. Extensive shopping options and free city tours for longer layovers exceeding 6 hours.

Delhi (DEL) – Air India and Nepal Airlines operate short hops to Kathmandu. Shorter total journey time from Europe but requires separate tickets and potential visa considerations.

Time vs money

Flights with Gulf carriers (Emirates, Qatar, Turkish) typically offer the best value for money with reliable connections. Shorter layovers usually command higher prices, while longer stops can reduce the fare by 20-30%.

Tips and recommendations

• Book layovers of at least 3 hours when connecting through major Gulf hubs due to frequent delays on Nepal-bound flights.


• Consider overnight layovers in Dubai or Doha during peak seasons when single-day connection fares are high.


• Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines often offer better baggage allowances on Nepal routes compared to other carriers.


• Avoid booking separate tickets via Delhi unless saving over 200€, as delays might require rebooking entire segments.


• Middle East connections are generally more reliable during monsoon season (June-September) than routes via India.

• Turkish Airlines offers some of the most competitive fares to Kathmandu via Istanbul, often 15-20% below market average. Their A330-300 aircraft feature comfortable 31-inch pitch in economy and complimentary stopover programs in Istanbul. The airline serves 12 major European cities with convenient connections, typically keeping total journey time under 14 hours.
• Flying through Delhi or Bangkok can save up to 30% compared to direct routings to Kathmandu. Nepal Airlines and Thai Airways offer frequent connections from these hubs, with Thai’s 787 service featuring superior comfort. Bangkok’s new satellite terminal has significantly reduced connection times to under 2 hours.
• Qatar Airways operates modern A350-900 aircraft from major European cities via Doha, offering superior air quality and wider seats (18 inches). While fares are typically 10% higher than Turkish Airlines, they offer exceptional value during off-peak seasons (October-November) and provide swift 90-minute connections in their new terminal.
• Booking separate tickets with Wizz Air to Dubai and then FlyDubai to Kathmandu can reduce total costs by up to 40%. FlyDubai’s 737 MAX aircraft offer streaming entertainment and USB charging, making the layover combination more comfortable than expected.
• For travelers from Eastern Europe, Air Arabia via Sharjah offers surprisingly competitive fares, often 25% below major carriers. Their A320neo aircraft feature 32-inch pitch seats, and the airline has recently expanded its European network to include Budapest, Prague, and Warsaw with convenient morning departures.

1. Not considering multiple route options While many travelers default to routing through Middle Eastern hubs like Dubai or Doha, alternatives via Istanbul or Delhi can often be cheaper and offer better connection times.
2. Booking flights during monsoon season Flying to Nepal between June and September can lead to frequent delays or cancellations due to poor visibility and weather conditions at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport.
3. Ignoring longer layover options Selecting the shortest possible connection time in hub airports increases the risk of missing flights due to delays and the common need to change terminals.
4. Last-minute airport currency exchange Many travelers fail to arrange Nepalese rupees in advance and face poor exchange rates at Tribhuvan International Airport, where ATMs are often out of service.
5. Booking separate flight tickets Purchasing separate tickets to and from the connection hub, rather than a single itinerary, leaves travelers without airline protection for missed connections and lost baggage.

Turkish Airlines

Best for: Most extensive European network with flights to Kathmandu from 23 European cities, including Istanbul, London, and Paris as major hubs.

Turkish Airlines offers reliable one-stop connections via Istanbul with typical layovers of 2-4 hours. Economy class features comfortable seats with 31-32 inch pitch and award-winning cuisine. Their hospitality and complimentary layover tours in Istanbul for longer connections make the journey more pleasant. Passengers consistently rate their Economy experience at 4 out of 5 stars.

Qatar Airways

Best for: Superior service quality and comfort, operating from 19 European cities to Nepal, with London, Paris, and Frankfurt as key departure points.

Flying via Doha, Qatar Airways provides excellent seat comfort with 32-inch pitch in Economy and high-quality entertainment systems. Their meal service features diverse international options, and their modern aircraft fleet ensures a comfortable journey. The airline maintains a strong 4.5 out of 5 rating from Economy passengers.

Emirates

Best for: Entertainment options and meal quality, serving 17 European cities to Nepal, primarily from London, Manchester, and Paris.

Emirates routes through Dubai offer reliable connections with their extensive entertainment system featuring over 4,500 channels. Economy seats provide 32-33 inch pitch, and their multi-course meals receive high praise. The airline averages 4.3 out of 5 in passenger satisfaction for Economy Class.

Etihad Airways

Best for: Quiet, comfortable aircraft with flights from 12 European cities to Nepal, mainly from London, Paris, and Munich.

Etihad’s service via Abu Dhabi features modern aircraft with relatively quiet cabins and comfortable Economy Smart seats offering 31-32 inch pitch. Their dining program includes regionally inspired meals and special dietary options. Passengers rate their Economy experience at 4.2 out of 5, particularly praising the tranquil atmosphere.

Save money on flights to Nepal using regional carriers

Traveling from Europe to Nepal can be significantly cheaper when leveraging Asian regional carriers, particularly those based in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. This strategy requires breaking down your journey into separate bookings.

1. Book a major carrier to a regional hub – Find deals to Bangkok, Singapore, or Dubai using traditional airlines like Emirates, Turkish Airlines, or Lufthansa
2. Use regional budget carriers – From these hubs, connect to Kathmandu using airlines like Air Arabia, FlyDubai, or Thai Lion Air at much lower rates
3. Consider alternative routes – Flying into Delhi and taking a separate flight to Kathmandu can often be cheaper than direct routes from Europe

Key advantages of this approach include potential savings of 30-40% compared to single-ticket bookings. The best deals typically appear when booking the regional segment 2-3 months in advance, while major carrier segments can be booked 4-6 months ahead.

Remember to allow sufficient connection time between flights when booking separate tickets, and factor in potential visa requirements for layover countries. Bangkok and Singapore typically offer visa-free transit, making them ideal connection points.