Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from North America to Nepal

Direct flight routes to Nepal

There are currently no direct flights from North America to Nepal’s Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM).

Layover/stopover options

Dubai (DXB) – Emirates hub offering frequent connections to Kathmandu. Average connection time 3-4 hours. Modern airport with extensive duty-free shopping and premium lounges.

Doha (DOH) – Qatar Airways primary hub. Efficient connections averaging 2-3 hours. Award-winning airport with complimentary city tours for longer layovers.

Istanbul (IST) – Turkish Airlines hub with daily flights to Kathmandu. Connection times typically 4-5 hours. Features Turkish Airlines’ stopover program with free hotel accommodations for longer layovers.

Delhi (DEL) – Air India and Nepal Airlines connections. Shorter flight to Kathmandu (1.5 hours) but longer immigration processes. Visa might be required for some nationalities.

Time vs money

Flights with multiple stops generally offer lower prices but significantly increase total travel time. Single-layover options through Middle Eastern hubs typically provide the best balance between cost and journey time.

Tips and recommendations

• Book flights through Gulf carriers (Emirates, Qatar, Turkish) for most reliable connections to Kathmandu


• Consider minimum 3-hour layover times due to potential delays and security checks


• Avoid booking separate tickets for different legs of the journey as airlines won’t assist with missed connections


• Check visa requirements for layover countries, even for transit passengers


• Look for deals during shoulder season (October-November, February-March) for better prices

• Turkish Airlines via Istanbul offers consistently lower fares to Kathmandu (KTM) from multiple North American gateways, with prices often 15-20% below market average. Their Boeing 787 and A350 aircraft feature modern Economy seats with 32-inch pitch and comprehensive IFE systems. The extended layover in Istanbul can be turned into a free city tour through the carrier’s stopover program.
• Flying through Delhi (DEL) on Air India can save up to 30% compared to direct routings to KTM, with convenient connections on either Air India or Nepal Airlines for the final leg. The Delhi route also provides flexibility with multiple daily frequencies to Kathmandu. North American travelers can access this routing through Air India’s services from Chicago, New York-JFK, San Francisco, and Washington-IAD.
• Qatar Airways provides superior comfort through their Doha hub, operating state-of-the-art A350-1000s on North American routes with wider Economy seats (18 inches) and better pitch than competitors. Their extensive North American network includes 12 cities, and they offer reliable 2-hour connections in Doha to KTM.
• Consider flying through Guangzhou on China Southern, which typically offers the lowest fares from West Coast gateways like Vancouver, Seattle, and Los Angeles. Their modern A350 fleet features comfortable 17.5-inch wide seats in Economy, and connection times in Guangzhou are usually under 4 hours.
• Travelers from Eastern Canada and the US Northeast can find competitive fares on Emirates through Dubai, particularly during shoulder season (October-November). Their extensive network includes Boston, Toronto, and New York, with convenient connections to KTM on wide-body aircraft throughout the journey.

1. Booking shortest route over optimal route While direct routes to Kathmandu through Middle Eastern hubs like Doha or Dubai might appear longer on the map, they often provide more reliable and comfortable connections than multiple-stop itineraries through India or China.
2. Ignoring seasonal weather patterns Many travelers book flights during monsoon season (June to September) without realizing that frequent rain and low visibility can cause flight delays or cancellations at Tribhuvan International Airport.
3. Last-minute flight booking Flights to Nepal from North America typically see their best prices 4-6 months in advance, especially for peak season travel during October-November when clear skies attract trekkers and mountaineers.
4. Scheduling tight connections in hub airports Having less than 3 hours connection time in major transit hubs like Istanbul, Dubai, or Delhi can be risky due to potential delays and lengthy security procedures for flights to Nepal.
5. Not accounting for Kathmandu airport limitations Tribhuvan International Airport often experiences delays due to its single runway, high altitude location, and basic infrastructure, so booking early morning flights increases chances of on-time departure.

Qatar Airways

Best for: Most comfortable Economy Class seats and highest passenger satisfaction ratings on routes to Nepal.

Operates from 12 North American airports to Kathmandu, with major hubs in New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), and Montreal (YUL). Features industry-leading 18-inch wide seats with 32-inch pitch in Economy. Single stopover in Doha offers efficient connections and access to premium lounge facilities. Serves regionally-inspired meals with special dietary options and complimentary drinks. Consistently rated above 4/5 by passengers for service quality and comfort.

Turkish Airlines

Best for: Superior dining experience and most extensive route network from North America to Nepal.

Connects 15 North American cities to Kathmandu, primarily through Los Angeles (LAX), Toronto (YYZ), and Washington (IAD). Award-winning catering includes fresh, chef-prepared meals even in Economy. Single stopover in Istanbul provides efficient connections with average layover times of 3-4 hours. Economy seats offer 31-inch pitch with adjustable headrests and personal entertainment systems.

Emirates

Best for: Most reliable baggage handling and best in-flight entertainment system on Nepal routes.

Services 10 North American destinations to Kathmandu, mainly from New York (JFK), Toronto (YYZ), and Boston (BOS). Features industry-leading ICE entertainment system with over 4,500 channels. Single Dubai stopover with modern terminal facilities. Economy Class offers 32-inch pitch seats with adjustable headrests and HD screens. Complimentary hot meals with regional and international options.

Etihad Airways

Best for: Most generous baggage allowance and shortest average layover times to Nepal.

Operates from 8 North American cities to Kathmandu, primarily through Chicago (ORD), New York (JFK), and Washington (IAD). Offers generous 30kg checked baggage allowance in Economy. Single Abu Dhabi stopover averaging 2-3 hours. Economy Smart seats feature fixed-wing headrests and 31-inch pitch. Serves three-course meals with complimentary beverages and snacks throughout the flight.

Save money flying to Nepal with regional carriers

Savvy travelers can significantly reduce costs on flights to Nepal by splitting their journey and utilizing Asia-Pacific regional carriers. This strategy often saves hundreds of dollars compared to single-ticket bookings through major airlines.

1. Book separate tickets – First to a major Asian hub (Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur), then connect to Kathmandu using regional carriers like Air Asia, Thai Lion Air, or Nepal Airlines
2. Target affordable hubs – Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur typically offer the lowest fares from North America and have excellent regional connections
3. Allow buffer time – Schedule at least 6 hours between flights when booking separate tickets to account for delays and immigration
4. Consider nearby airports – Delhi often has cheaper flights to Kathmandu, making a longer layover worthwhile for significant savings

Key regional airlines serving Kathmandu include Buddha Air, Himalaya Airlines, and Nepal Airlines. These carriers often price tickets 40-60% lower than major international airlines. Best booking window is typically 3-4 months ahead, with lowest fares usually found mid-week. Remember to factor in baggage fees, as regional carriers often have stricter allowances.