Sydney to Kathmandu Flights | Cheap Airfares & Fast Booking

Traveling from Sydney to Kathmandu is a major journey that usually involves at least one layover and a transition into a very different high-altitude environment.

Here are the 7 key things to note for your route:

1. The "15-Minute" Time Gap

Nepal is one of the few places in the world with a time zone that isn't offset by a full or half hour. Kathmandu is 5 hours and 15 minutes behind Sydney (during Daylight Savings). This small 15-minute difference can be surprisingly confusing for your internal clock and digital devices, so double-check your arrival alarms.

2. Choose the Left Side for the View

If your flight into Kathmandu is coming from the West (like a layover in Delhi or Doha), sit on the left side of the plane (Window seat 'A'). As you descend into the Kathmandu Valley, you will get a spectacular panoramic view of the Himalayan range, including Everest in the distance on a clear day.

3. Pre-Apply for Your Visa Online

While you can get a "Visa on Arrival" at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), the kiosks at the airport often have long queues or technical glitches.

Pro Tip: Fill out the Online Tourist Visa form within 15 days of your arrival.

Print the confirmation with the barcode. This allows you to skip the kiosk line and go straight to the payment counter.

4. Carry USD Cash for the Visa Fee

Even though credit cards are increasingly accepted at the airport, the system frequently goes down. To avoid being stuck, carry the exact amount in crisp, clean US Dollars. Nepal Immigration Department lists the visa fee as follows:

• 15 Days: $30 USD
• 30 Days: $50 USD
• 90 Days: $125 USD

Note: All prices are in USD and not in AUD, so convert before using USD.

5. The "Gold Check" at Customs

Kathmandu airport has a unique security layer. After you collect your checked luggage, you may have to put your bags through an X-ray scanner again before exiting. This is primarily a check for gold smuggling. It can cause a bottleneck, so stay patient and keep your luggage tags handy.

6. Use the Pre-Paid Taxi Counter

The moment you exit the terminal, you will be swamped by "independent" drivers. For a stress-free start, look for the Pre-Paid Taxi Booth inside the arrival hall or just outside the door. You pay a fixed price (usually around 700–900 NPR to Thamel), get a receipt, and avoid the hassle of negotiating while jet-lagged.

7. Transit Visa Requirements

Since there are no direct flights, you’ll likely transit through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Delhi.

Delhi (Air India): If your bags are checked through and you stay in the international transit area, you don't need a visa. However, if you have to re-check bags or change terminals, you will need an Indian Transit Visa.

Singapore/KL: Generally, Australians do not need a visa for short transits.

8. Get Your SIM Card Before You Leave the Airport

There are Ncell and Nepal Telecom booths right in the arrival area. They are very efficient and will set up your local SIM on the spot. You will need:

• Your Passport.
• A Passport-sized photo (though they can often take a digital one for you).
• Cash in Nepalese Rupees (there are exchange counters nearby).