Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, has long been one of the most important gateways to the Himalayas. Nestled within a wide valley surrounded by forested hills, the city is known for its rich cultural heritage, sacred temples and vibrant street life. For travellers exploring the Himalayan region, Kathmandu offers a fascinating blend of ancient traditions, spiritual landmarks and bustling urban energy.

From here, travellers can continue their journey eastward to Bhutan through flights connecting Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with Paro International Airport, Bhutan’s only international gateway.

Tribhuvan International Airport

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is Nepal’s main international aviation gateway and the primary airport serving Kathmandu. Located just a few kilometres from the city centre, it connects Nepal with destinations across Asia and the Middle East.

Although smaller than many major Asian airports, Tribhuvan International Airport plays an important role as a regional aviation hub for travellers heading to the Himalayas, including those travelling to Bhutan.

Facilities at the airport include:

• International and domestic terminals
• Check-in counters and immigration services
• Duty-free shops and cafés
• Airline lounges and waiting areas

Because Kathmandu is a popular entry point for trekking expeditions in Nepal, the airport frequently serves travellers bound for the Himalayas, including Mount Everest and surrounding regions.

Flights from Kathmandu to Bhutan

Kathmandu is one of the closest international cities to Bhutan and offers convenient flights to Paro International Airport.

Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines operate direct flights between Kathmandu (KTM) and Paro (PBH). The journey takes approximately one hour, making it one of the shortest international flights into Bhutan.

The route is especially popular with travellers combining visits to both Nepal and Bhutan in a single Himalayan journey.

A Flight Over the Himalayas

The Kathmandu–Paro route is widely considered one of the most scenic flights in the world.

As the aircraft climbs out of Kathmandu Valley and heads east, passengers are treated to breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayan mountain range, including several of the world’s highest peaks.

On clear days, travellers may even glimpse Mount Everest rising majestically above the clouds.

The final approach into Paro is equally remarkable. The aircraft navigates through forested mountain valleys before landing in the beautiful Paro Valley — a unique landing experience found nowhere else in the world.

Pro tip: The best seats on Drukair for Himalayan views are window seats (A or F) on the left side (A) when flying into Paro from Bangkok/Delhi/Kathmandu for peak views, and the right side (F) when departing.

Kathmandu: A City of Living Heritage

Kathmandu is one of South Asia’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and sits at the heart of the historic Kathmandu Valley, a region famous for its temples, stupas and royal squares.

The city’s cultural landscape reflects centuries of Hindu and Buddhist traditions that coexist harmoniously throughout Nepal. Narrow streets wind through historic neighbourhoods filled with intricately carved wooden houses, prayer wheels and small shrines tucked into quiet corners.

Visitors exploring Kathmandu will encounter some of Nepal’s most important cultural sites, including:

• Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), perched on a hill overlooking the valley
• Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world
• Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu temple complex along the Bagmati River
• Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic royal courtyard surrounded by ancient palaces and temples

Together, these sites reveal the deep spiritual traditions that have shaped the Kathmandu Valley for centuries.

Combining Nepal and Bhutan

Because of their close proximity, many travellers choose to explore Nepal and Bhutan together. Kathmandu provides an excellent starting point to experience Nepal’s rich cultural heritage before continuing to Bhutan’s peaceful monasteries and Himalayan landscapes.

This combination allows visitors to discover two distinct Himalayan cultures within a single journey.

Flying from Kathmandu to Bhutan, read Druk Asia's tips on how to travel from Kathmandu to Bhutan here.

Get the latest Bhutan Travel Guide book.