Kathmandu Flights

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We had no view of mountains on our way into Kathmandu but sat on the left side of the plane on our way out and got fantastic views of the Himalayas. Unfortunately we did not have a window seat but we still managed to get a couple of pictures. I suppose it is just a matter of luck on how clear or hazy it is when you fly.

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While in KATHMANDU, it is strongly recommended that one should take the famous Mountain Flight, which takes you to Everest and other famous peaks. It's a life time experience. Don't' miss it.

There are two to 8 flights operated in the morning depending on the no of passenger on a clear day. The first flight leaves from Domestic Airport at around 6.20Am Kathmandu time and the last one is at 7.45AM. There are two flights announced on at 6.45 and the other at 7.45 but they make extra trips if the no of passenger are more.

It costs USD$ 100 for this one hour long flight in a modern Beech craft turboprop 16 seater plane. Each person is guaranteed a window seat and with my experience I can only say every penny is worth of this money.

You can book the flight over phone to Buddha Air and also pay by credit card. They will deliver the ticket to your hotel and also bring the card punch manual machine. A real home delivery and nice way to win the customer. Please call Mr. Karn or Mr. Diwakar over mobile for any assistance!

They also give a certificate on return.

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My Kathmandu page will be incomplete, if I do not write about my experience in this Air India flight no IC 747. Last time the aircraft was old and the service was bad without any smile. But this time I was in for pleasant surprise. The aircraft IC 747 an Air Bus 320 was brand new fitted with 6 channel movie, GPS, nice clean sheet. The food was excellent though only vegetarian and given with smile. Not only this when I told the hostess that if she can provide me little more, she not only went to the business class and got me one more plate but she wanted to make sure if I am still hungry!

This is where the difference lies. On return too the aircraft was little old but the food was great with great service. Surly, The Air India flight to neighboring country has improved a lot.

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You can reach Nepal or Kathmandu in all three ways, by Road, by Rail upto Raxaul ( India border) or by Air Plane from Kolkata, Delhi, Bangkok, Singapore, Karachi, London, and many other destinations from Asia and Europe. Kathmandu airport though small but quite busy.
We travelled to and fro by air from Kolkata( Indian Airlines). For Indians no visa required but valid Indian ID such as Passport, PAN Card or Voter's ID is required. For other nationals valid Vias and Passport is required.

Indian Airlines operates daily flights except Friday to Kathmandu from Kolkata. Return Fare is Rs.10705/- per person 0r USD$ 220. There is a chance to get promo fare also if you book in advance using net. The Indian Airlies flight uses Airbus A320 and is quite efficient but the crew are from 40+ age group??? Food is just okey and they give only vegetarian food in this one hour flight. Reason, they have reduced the fare to remain competitive.
From Kolkata there is also direct train to Raxaul everyday. It takes about 14-16hrs from Howrah to Raxaul.

We flew from Johannesburg to Kathmandu via Doha, with Qatar Airways. All flights on all four occasions were delayed (about 35 min to 1h30min).
Food served was good and legroom was very good in economy class.
In-flight entertainment was OK.
Doha airport is rather unexciting, so try not to have a long transfer.

When landing at the airport on your way into the country, if possible sort your visa out from the embassy before you get there, if not, at least have your forms filled out and ready to process before you land with the correct money and a passport photo attached, and then as soon as you get to the immigration desk ask for the immigration form off someone so you can fill this out before you get to the front of the queue.
This will save you lots of time otherwise you get to the front of the queue and then have to spend more time sorting these things out.
Secondly, when leaving the airport just mind the many men waiting to give you overpriced taxi rides or to just follow you back to your pre arranged lift and then even just touch your bags, let alone actually carry anything, and then demand money for helping you. They are not easily satisfied with a small amount of money either!!
Lastly, if you are looking to change money, i got a better rate in the city than the desks in the airport. Although not much, it was about 2 rupees better in the city.

The system at the airport is a strange one which I've never seen before. They are highly security consious and you will be checked 3-4 times before you board your plane.

When you first arrive you cannot get into the terminal without your bags being X-rayed and then tied with plastic ties. Then, you will need to pay your departure tax (different amounts depending on where you're going). I paid 1700rs to Bangkok and others paid 1200rs to India.

After you pay your tax, check in as normal and then proceed to the pre-departure area. Take my advice, stay there until your plane is boarding. There are shops, cafes and duty free shops in this area and is easy to pass the time in.

Once boarding, you will need to be checked by 2 different security areas and your bags completely unpacked. Then proceed to a large shed area which caters for all flights leaving. Wait there until you see people moving and board.

It's a very strange system, but it seems to work for them!

Nepal Airlines are not flying at the moment, not that we were planning to go with them anyway. However as a result Thai air are booked up for weeks. Wayfarers came to our rescue and put us on a waiting list. We have waited for a week and now we are off. Wayfarers have been really helpful and honest. Other travel agents were still trying to sell tickets for Nepal Airlines, one said that he couldn't get us a flight for over two weeks.

Wayfarers JP School

9/05/2007