Delhi to Kathmandu is a short international hop that feels almost domestic: under two hours in the air, several airlines to choose from, and a daily schedule that runs morning to evening. It’s the quickest way to swap the plains of North India for the Himalayan foothills. This guide covers who flies the route non-stop, what a fair fare looks like in rupees, and how to get from the airport into the city.
Route: Delhi (DEL) → Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International (KTM), Nepal
Distance: approximately 815 km (505 miles)
Non-stop flight time: about 1h 40m – 1h 50m
Direct flights: Yes — IndiGo, Air India and Nepal Airlines fly non-stop daily, a combined 8–12 departures a day. This is an international sector, so carry a passport (or the accepted travel documents for Indian nationals).
Fares from Delhi to Kathmandu (INR)
As a short international route, Kathmandu fares move with both the trekking seasons and Indian holidays. The Himalayan trekking peaks — spring (March–May) and autumn (late September–November) — are the busiest and priciest; the monsoon months of June to August and the deep-winter weeks are the cheapest. The table below shows when the route is busiest. We no longer print per-month fare estimates here, because they were never measured.
| Month | Demand |
|---|---|
| January | medium |
| February | medium |
| March | high (spring trek) |
| April | high (spring trek) |
| May | medium-high |
| June | low (monsoon) |
| July | low (monsoon) |
| August | low-medium |
| September | medium-high |
| October | very high (autumn trek) |
| November | high (autumn trek) |
| December | medium (New Year spike) |
We do not quote a target fare for this route. Our price tracking holds no recorded observations for it, so a “typical” or “good deal” figure here would be an estimate dressed up as a measurement — so this page leaves it out rather than guess. The seasonal pattern above is the part we can stand behind; check the live fare for the number.
Airlines on this route
Non-stop (about 1¾ hours):
- IndiGo — India’s largest low-cost carrier, usually the cheapest on the route, with a strong on-time record; meals and seat selection cost extra.
- Air India — full-service flights with a meal and checked baggage included, on A320-family aircraft.
- Nepal Airlines — Nepal’s flag carrier, a legacy full-service experience with meals included; base fares can sit a touch higher.
There’s no need to look at one-stop routings here — the non-stop is quick and the three carriers compete on price, so a connection would cost more time for no saving. Compare IndiGo against the two full-service airlines: if you want a bag and a meal in the fare, Air India or Nepal Airlines can work out competitive once extras are added.
When to book & how to save
- Book 3–8 weeks ahead for the best fares; prices climb steeply as the trekking peaks approach and in the final fortnight before departure.
- Skip the trekking peaks for the lowest prices — October and April are the most expensive; monsoon (June–August) and mid-winter are the cheapest.
- Compare all-in prices: IndiGo’s headline fare excludes checked bags, so add a bag before comparing it against Air India or Nepal Airlines, which usually include one.
- Travel light if you can — a cabin-only fare on the low-cost carrier is often the outright cheapest way to reach Kathmandu for a short trip.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures tend to undercut weekend flights, and flexibility of a day or two helps.
- Watch the New Year window: late December sees a short fare spike as tourists head to Nepal for the holidays.
Arriving in Kathmandu
All flights land at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), the only international gateway serving the Kathmandu Valley, about 6 km east of the city centre. The tourist hub of Thamel is a short ride away: a pre-paid or metered taxi from the airport typically costs around NPR 700–1,000 (roughly ₹550–₹800) and takes 20–40 minutes depending on traffic, which can be heavy. If you need a Nepali visa on arrival, allow extra time to complete the arrival formalities before you reach the taxi rank; Indian nationals generally do not require a visa.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Delhi to Kathmandu?
A non-stop flight takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes. It’s a short international hop with no faster option needed — all three airlines on the route fly it direct. Add time for international check-in and, on arrival, for any visa formalities before you leave the airport.
Are there direct flights from Delhi to Kathmandu?
Yes. IndiGo, Air India and Nepal Airlines all operate daily non-stop flights, with 8–12 departures a day between them. There’s no reason to take a connection on this route — the non-stops are quick, frequent and competitively priced.
How much does it cost to fly from Delhi to Kathmandu?
A typical economy return runs about ₹12,000–₹20,000 depending on the season, with one-way fares often starting near ₹6,000. The trekking peaks in spring and autumn are the most expensive; monsoon and mid-winter offer the lowest fares.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Delhi to Kathmandu?
June, July and August — Nepal’s monsoon — are usually the cheapest, along with the quieter mid-winter weeks. Fares peak in October and April, when trekkers flood in for the clear-weather seasons, so avoid those months if budget is the priority.
Which airlines fly from Delhi to Kathmandu?
IndiGo (low-cost, usually cheapest), Air India (full-service) and Nepal Airlines (Nepal’s flag carrier) all fly the route non-stop. IndiGo tends to win on headline price; the full-service airlines can be competitive once a checked bag and meal are added in.
Which airport do I fly into in Kathmandu?
You’ll land at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), the Kathmandu Valley’s only international airport, about 6 km from the city centre. It’s a compact airport, so transfers into Thamel and the main tourist areas are short — usually 20 to 40 minutes by taxi, traffic permitting.
How far in advance should I book Delhi to Kathmandu flights?
Aim for 3 to 8 weeks ahead. Fares rise as the spring and autumn trekking peaks approach and in the last two weeks before departure. For October or April travel, book a couple of months out to avoid the steepest prices.
Is it cheaper to fly on weekdays?
Generally, yes. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than Friday-to-Sunday flights, which carry a weekend premium. Being flexible by a day or two, in either direction, is an easy way to bring the fare down on this route.
Route and schedule details from current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Indicative economy returns — check the live fare before booking.
