Tribhuvan International Airport: Complete Traveler's Guide

Overview

Tribhuvan International Airport (IATA: KTM) is Nepal's sole international gateway, located just 5 kilometers from Thamel, Kathmandu's main tourist hub. The airport has a single terminal handling both international and domestic flights, which can feel hectic during peak seasons. Understanding the layout and procedures will save you significant stress on arrival.

Arrival Process

After landing, follow signs to Immigration Hall. Fill out the arrival card distributed on the plane or available on tables before the immigration counters. Non-Indian foreign nationals proceed to the visa on arrival section or the e-visa counter (faster if you pre-applied online). After immigration, collect your baggage from the single baggage hall, then pass through customs. The green channel (nothing to declare) is for most travelers; use the red channel if you are carrying items over duty-free limits.

Getting Into the City

Once through the customs hall, ignore persistent taxi touts inside the terminal and instead head to the pre-paid taxi counter just outside the arrivals door. Fixed rates to Thamel are approximately NPR 700-900. Alternatively, book a ride in advance through a trusted app like Sajilo to have your driver waiting at the pickup zone with no negotiation needed. Airport buses also run to Ratna Park in central Kathmandu for around NPR 50 but operate infrequently and carry luggage awkwardly.

Facilities

The international terminal has ATMs (Nabil Bank and Himalayan Bank are reliable), currency exchange counters (rates are fair for small amounts), a SIM card kiosk (NTC and Ncell), a few cafes and a duty-free shop. Free WiFi is available in the departure lounge. Baggage storage is available for a daily fee near the arrivals exit.

FAQ

Q: How early should I arrive for an international departure?

Arrive at least three hours before your flight. Security queues can be long, check-in counters for popular airlines fill up, and the departure area becomes crowded during peak morning departure windows (4am-8am when most international flights depart).

Q: Is the airport accessible for travelers with disabilities?

Limited accessibility infrastructure exists. Wheelchairs are available on request by contacting your airline in advance. The terminal is not fully accessible by modern standards — ramps exist but surfaces are uneven in parts. Inform your airline of any mobility requirements when booking.

Q: Are there luggage trolleys available?

Yes, luggage trolleys are free in the baggage collection hall. They cannot be taken outside the terminal, so you will need to transfer bags at the exit.