Traveling By Air
Travelers/Trekkers can fly directly or indirectly to Kathmandu which is the capital of Nepal and is served by direct flights to/ from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Vienna, Amsterdam, Doha, Dubai, Dhaka, Karachi, Munich, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Paro, Lhasa, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangalore, New Delhi, Mumbai, Patna, Calcutta and Varanasi.
Charter flights can also be arranged for large movements. All flights feature business-class amenities and international standards. Many a time, the Captain offers a guided sightseeing tour of the Himalaya for no extra charge!
Nepal Airlines, Thai Airways, Qatar Airways, Indian Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines, Biman Bangladesh, Gulf Air, Indian Airlines, Air Sahara, Jet Airways, Austrian Air, Martin Air, Air China, Druk Air all fly to Nepal regularly.
Airfares fluctuate with the changes in exchange rates and are to be paid in foreign currency by foreign nationals. Only Nepalese and Indian nationals are permitted to pay in rupees for air passage between Nepal and India. Departure flight tickets should be reconfirmed three days in advance to avoid inconveniences by possible flight cancelation or changes in the flight schedule. Overweight luggage charges are also levied in foreign currency.
Customs
According to Nepalese law, all baggage must be declared and cleared through the customs on arrival at the port of entry. Passengers arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) without any dutiable goods can proceed through the Green Channel for quick clearance without a baggage check. If you are carrying dutiable articles, you have to pass through the Red Channel for detailed customs clearance.
Imports
Apart from used personal belongings, visitors are allowed to bring to Nepal free of duty: cigarettes (200) or cigars (50), distilled liquor (one 1.15 liter bottle), and film (15 rolls). You can also bring in the following articles free of duty on the condition that you take them out with you when you leave: binoculars, movie or video camera, still camera, laptop computer, and portable music system.
Exports
It is illegal to export objects over 100 years old (sacred images, paintings, manuscripts) that are valued for culture and religious reasons. Visitors are advised not to purchase such items as they are Nepal's cultural heritage and belong here. The Department of Archaeology (tel: 4213701, 4213702) at Ramshah Path near Singha Durbar has to certify all metal statues, sacred paintings, and similar objects before they are allowed to be sent or carried out of the country. Handicraft dealers and travel agents are able to assist you in this process. For more information on customs matters, contact the Chief Customs Administrator, TIA Customs Office; tel: 4470110, 4472266.
Traveling Overland
All visitors can arrive in Nepal by using overland services that enter through the following routes.
Nepal - India Border
- Kakarbhitta
- Birgunj
- Belhiya, Bhairahawa
- Nepalgunj
- Dhangadi
- Mahendra Nagar
Nepal – China border
- Kodari
Note: Overland tourists entering Nepal with their own vehicles must be in possession of an international license.