Népal sits in an isolated and hard-to-reach region. Yet over the years, improved roads and streamlined regulations have made entry to the country considerably easier, and the nation now welcomes growing numbers of visitors each year, many arriving through Kathmandu's international airport.

Flying to Népal

It's quite straightforward to reach Népal from France, with 13 different airlines operating services between Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Kathmandu Tribhuvan (TIA):

• Qatar Airways via Doha
• Turkish Airlines via Istanbul
• Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi
• China Southern via Guangzhou
• Jet Airways via Mumbai
• Air India via New Delhi
• Oman Air via Muscat
• Korean Airways via Seoul
• Thai Airways via Bangkok
• Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong
• Singapore Airlines via Singapore
• China Eastern via Shanghai
• Air China via Chengdu

Flights typically last between 12 and 24 hours, depending mainly on layover duration.

Fares from different carriers fluctuate regularly, so it's essential to compare prices and airlines before settling on your ideal flight.

Prices tend to climb as the high season approaches (March to May and September to November). We recommend booking as early as possible if you're planning to travel during these periods.

Entering Népal by Land

You can also reach Népal overland, traveling from Tibet or India. At each border crossing, you can obtain a tourist visa provided you meet the requirements. Entering Népal by road without using an official checkpoint is illegal.

The entry points are located at:

• Kakarbhitta, Jhapa (East), 610 kilometers from Kathmandu. The journey to the capital takes 15 to 17 hours by road, or 45 minutes by air from Bhadrapur airport.
• Birgunj, Parsa (Center), the most popular entry point for travelers coming from India. At 210 kilometers from Kathmandu, the drive takes 4 to 6 hours, or 20 minutes by air from Simara airport.
• Kodari (Northern border with China), likely closed at present.
• Belhia, Bhairahawa (West), 280 kilometers from Kathmandu. The journey takes 8 to 9 hours by road, or 30 minutes by air. This crossing offers the closest access to Lumbini, Buddha's birthplace.
• Jamunaha, Nepalgunj (West), 530 kilometers from Kathmandu. The road journey takes approximately 12 hours, with a flight time of 40 minutes.
• Mohana, Dhangadhi (West), 660 kilometers from Kathmandu. The main advantage of this crossing is its proximity to New Delhi, roughly 6 hours away.
• Gadda Chauki, Mahendranagar (West). This is the most distant entry point from Kathmandu, roughly 700 kilometers from the capital. Plan for a full day of driving to reach it.