Transport & Logistics
Getting to Nepal, navigating Kathmandu, surviving Lukla flight delays, choosing between buses and domestic flights, visa on arrival, SIM cards, and all the logistical groundwork that makes or breaks a trekking trip.
Getting to Nepal & Around
Nepal's only international gateway for most travellers is Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu — a busy, somewhat chaotic arrival experience that improves dramatically once you clear customs and find your transfer. Direct or one-stop flights operate from major Asian hubs (Delhi, Doha, Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong) and connecting options exist from virtually every major city in the world. Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Air India, and several budget Asian carriers offer competitive fares. Book 2–4 months ahead for peak October departures when Kathmandu becomes the busiest it gets.
The internal logistics then divide by region. Everest-bound trekkers face the notorious Lukla flight — a 35-minute hop in a 19-seat Twin Otter or similar prop plane to the world's most dramatic airport, perched on a steep Khumbu hillside. Alternatively, the new Ramechhap airport (3.5 hours from Kathmandu by road) has taken pressure off the Lukla slot system during peak season and sometimes offers slightly more reliable departures. Annapurna trekkers typically fly or bus to Pokhara first, then take local transport to their trailhead (Nayapul, Soti Khola, Besisahar, or Jomsom for the Circuit).
In-country transport options range from the comfortable (tourist buses with air conditioning and assigned seats) to the authentic (local buses packed beyond any reasonable definition of capacity) to the efficient (domestic flights, 20–40 minutes versus 7–8 hours by road). For most trekkers with a fixed schedule, domestic flights for the Kathmandu-to-Pokhara leg are worth the $60–100 cost to preserve precious trekking days. The Kathmandu-Pokhara road, while scenic, passes through mountain terrain that limits speeds and adds hours to any journey.
Visa logistics are straightforward for most nationalities — Nepal visa on arrival is available at the airport with a simple form and fee payment. The e-visa option ($40 for 30 days) completed before departure eliminates queuing at the airport arrival counter and is strongly recommended during October when queues can stretch to 1–2 hours. SIM cards from Nepal Telecom provide the best trekking route coverage and are available at the airport. Our transportation guides cover every step of the logistics chain with current fees, booking tips, and contingency plans for the inevitable delays.
Transport & Logistics at a Glance
Lukla Flight Cost
One way from Kathmandu
KTM–PKR Tourist Bus
7–8 hour journey
30-Day Visa Fee
Nepal visa on arrival
Domestic Airports
KTM, PKR, Lukla, Ramechhap
All Transport & Logistics Guides
Step-by-step guides for every transport decision — international flights, Lukla planning, domestic connections, visa logistics, SIM cards, and emergency protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often are Lukla flights delayed, and how should I plan for it?
Lukla (Tenzing-Hillary Airport) has a well-earned reputation for weather-related delays. The airport sits at 2,860m at the end of a valley, and flights require visual meteorological conditions — any significant cloud, rain, or wind causes cancellations. In peak October, expect 1–2 day delays as reasonably likely and 3–5 day delays as entirely possible during unsettled weather windows. In spring, delays are somewhat less common but still occur. The practical rule: never book an international connection within 3 days of your scheduled Lukla return. Build a minimum 2-day Kathmandu buffer at the end of your trip. If a full week-long groundout occurs (it happens), your options are: wait in Lukla, helicopter to Kathmandu ($400–800 per person, usually covered by comprehensive travel insurance), or walk out to Salleri and take a jeep (adds 2–3 days). Airlines operating Lukla are Tara Air, Summit Air, and Sita Air.
Can I get a Nepal visa on arrival, and how does the process work?
Yes, most nationalities can obtain a Nepal visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. The process involves: filling out a visa form at the kiosks in the arrivals hall (or online in advance via Nepal e-visa), paying the fee at the counter ($25 for 15 days, $40 for 30 days, $100 for 90 days — USD cash or card accepted), and having the visa stamped in your passport. The e-visa system at evisa.immigration.gov.np is recommended: complete the application before arriving, pay online, and simply collect your stamped passport at the "e-visa holders" counter, which is usually faster than the walk-in queue. Citizens of India do not require a visa. Citizens of SAARC countries (except Afghanistan) get free visas. Check current requirements as these can change — a handful of nationalities are not eligible for visa on arrival.
What are the best SIM card options for trekkers in Nepal?
Nepal has two main mobile operators: Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC). For trekkers, Ncell offers the best data coverage in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but Nepal Telecom has significantly better network coverage on remote trekking routes, including the Khumbu and Annapurna regions. The recommended setup is NTC SIM with a data package — available at Tribhuvan Airport arrivals (NTC counter) or any NTC office in Kathmandu. A 10GB data package costs approximately 500–800 NPR ($4–6 USD) and lasts 28 days. In the Everest region, NTC signal exists in Namche Bazaar and many villages up to Lobuche, though it is intermittent above 4,500m. In Annapurna, coverage extends to Manang on the Circuit. WhatsApp and messaging apps work well; video calls are unreliable above 4,000m. Download offline maps (maps.me, Gaia GPS) before leaving cell coverage.
Where can I store luggage in Kathmandu while I trek?
Luggage storage is widely available in Kathmandu's Thamel district, which is where most trekkers base themselves before and after treks. Your hotel will almost always store bags for free (or a nominal fee of $1–2/day) while you trek — this is the easiest and most secure option. Dedicated luggage storage facilities in Thamel charge $1–3/day per item. For Pokhara-based trekkers starting on the Annapurna trails, the same applies — hotels and guesthouses store bags while you trek. The important consideration: pack a small city bag for Kathmandu pre-and post-trek that contains your international flight essentials, phone charger, and change of clothes, so you're not dependent on retrieving your full trekking kit immediately on return. Airlines flying internationally from Kathmandu have standard baggage allowances, so plan your luggage carefully to avoid excess baggage fees.
How do I get from Kathmandu to Pokhara for Annapurna treks?
Three options connect Kathmandu to Pokhara (200km, typically 7–8 hours by road due to mountain terrain): tourist buses, local buses, and domestic flights. Tourist buses ($10–20) depart Thamel daily and offer reasonable comfort with air conditioning — book through your hotel or any travel agency in Thamel. The Greenline tourist bus ($25) is considered the most comfortable option with guaranteed seating and a rest stop. Local buses ($4–8) are significantly cheaper but crowded and slower. Domestic flights ($60–100 one way on Yeti Airlines, Buddha Air, or Shree Airlines) take 25 minutes and are highly recommended if your schedule is tight or if you want to avoid a full day of mountain road travel. Shared jeeps (slightly faster than buses) and private taxis ($80–120) are also available. Book tourist buses and flights at least 1–2 days ahead in peak season.
Can I use a drone in Nepal for photography on a trek?
Drone usage in Nepal is subject to strict regulations that trekkers frequently overlook. Drones require registration with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and a separate permit for commercial or professional filming. Flying over national parks — including Sagarmatha (Everest) and Annapurna Conservation Area — without a permit is prohibited and can result in equipment confiscation and fines. Even with permits, flying near airspace corridors used by domestic flights (including the Lukla approach) and within certain military or government-sensitive zones is restricted. Practically speaking, enforcement is inconsistent on remote trails, but the rules are real. If you wish to fly a drone legally, arrange permits through a licensed Nepali agency before arrival. For casual photography, phone cameras and compact cameras are fully unrestricted and frankly produce better results at altitude than most consumer drones in thin air.