Quick answer
Delhi to Kathmandu is a short non-stop flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes over roughly 815 km. Air India, IndiGo and Nepal Airlines fly it daily. One-way fares start around ₹7,000 booked 3–6 weeks ahead outside Dashain and Indian holidays. Indians need no visa — a valid passport or Election Commission voter ID is enough to fly in.
Route facts
- Flight time
- 1h 45m
- Distance
- ≈ 815 km
- Starting fare
- ₹7,000 one-way
- Airlines
- Air India, IndiGo, Nepal Airlines
- Cheapest months
- Jan–Feb and Jul–Aug
- Entry
- No visa needed — a valid Indian passport or Election Commission voter ID is accepted; Aadhaar is not.
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). Fares are typical starting one-way economy prices booked 3–6 weeks ahead outside peak dates — live prices vary by the hour.
Which airlines fly Delhi to Kathmandu?
Air India, IndiGo and Nepal Airlines fly non-stop, with several departures a day between them. Although Indians need no visa, this is an international flight, so it leaves from Terminal 3 and you go through emigration at Delhi.
What are the best flight timings?
Nepal is 15 minutes ahead of India. Take a morning flight if you can: Kathmandu's single runway gets congested in the afternoon, and holding patterns of 20–40 minutes are common. In December and January, Delhi's morning fog can delay early departures, so a late-morning slot is the safer compromise. Sit on the left side of the aircraft for Himalayan views on clear days.
Baggage on full-service and low-cost airlines
Air India and Nepal Airlines include a meal and checked baggage. IndiGo includes a checked bag but sells food on board. Trekkers carrying gear should check the limit on their fare and prebook extra kilos online, as excess at the counter costs more.
Getting from Tribhuvan airport to the city
The airport is about 6 km from Thamel. A taxi takes 20–40 minutes depending on traffic and costs about NPR 700–1,000 (₹440–625). Ride-hailing apps work but drivers may not be allowed into the terminal forecourt.
When to book, and connecting options
Book 3–6 weeks ahead, and earlier for October, when Dashain, Tihar and the trekking season overlap. January–February and the July–August monsoon are usually cheapest. From Kathmandu, domestic flights reach Pokhara in about 25 minutes, and Lukla for Everest treks, though mountain flights are often delayed by weather.
Tips for families and seniors
- Adults should carry a passport or voter ID; Aadhaar is not accepted for entry. Children and seniors have more flexible ID rules, but a passport avoids arguments.
- Many seniors travel for Pashupatinath or Muktinath; build a spare day around weather-dependent mountain flights.
- Request wheelchair assistance at booking; Kathmandu's arrival area involves stairs and bus transfers.
See our Nepal visa and entry guide, Nepal trip cost, things to do in Nepal and more flight routes.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Delhi to Kathmandu?
Do Indians need a passport to fly to Nepal?
Which side should I sit on from Delhi to Kathmandu?
Which terminal do Delhi to Kathmandu flights use?
How we checked this page
Last reviewed
Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
