India to Nepal Flights 2026: Delhi, Mumbai & Kolkata Routes

Nepal is one of the most accessible and affordable international destinations for Indian travellers — and one of the few where Indians can enter without a visa. Over 240,000 Indian tourists visited Nepal in the first quarter of 2025 alone, making India Nepal’s largest source of international visitors for the 15th consecutive year (Nepal Tourism Board, 2025). Return flights from Delhi start at ₹7,000, and from Kolkata even less. Here’s everything you need to plan a smooth India–Nepal trip.

[INTERNAL-LINK: Nepal visa guide for Indians → nepal-visa-for-indians-2026]

> **TL;DR:** Indian passport holders need NO visa for Nepal — entry is free and can be done on Aadhaar or voter ID. Return flights from Delhi cost ₹7,000–₹18,000, from Kolkata as low as ₹5,000. Best time to visit: October–November for mountain views, March–May for trekking. Multiple airlines including Air India and IndiGo serve the route. ([Nepal Tourism Board](https://www.tourism.gov.np), 2025)

Do Indians Need a Visa for Nepal?

No visa is required for Indian nationals to enter Nepal — entry is completely free under the India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship. This is one of the most traveller-friendly bilateral arrangements in the world. Indian citizens can even enter Nepal on a voter ID card or Aadhaar card — a passport is not mandatory (Nepal Department of Immigration, 2026). There is no fee, no application, and no advance paperwork required.

There is no restriction on the length of stay under standard tourist entry. However, if you plan to work or undertake any commercial activity, separate permits apply. For pure tourism, trekking, religious visits and family trips — you’re fully covered without any documentation beyond a valid Indian identity proof.

[CITATION CAPSULE: Indian nationals require no visa, no fee and no advance application to enter Nepal. Under the India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, Indians can enter with any valid identity document including Aadhaar or voter ID. A passport is not mandatory for Indian citizens visiting Nepal. (Nepal Department of Immigration, 2026)]

Which Indian Cities Have Direct Flights to Kathmandu?

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu is Nepal’s primary international gateway and receives direct flights from at least eight Indian cities. Delhi–Kathmandu is the busiest India–Nepal air route, with over 35 weekly departures across all airlines in 2026 (Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, 2025). The short distances make most India–Nepal flights under 2 hours.

Delhi (DEL) → Kathmandu (KTM)

The busiest India–Nepal route. Air India, IndiGo and Nepal Airlines all operate this route daily. Flight time: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Delhi passengers also have the advantage of the most competitive fares and the highest seat availability. Return fares: ₹7,000 – ₹18,000.

Kolkata (CCU) → Kathmandu (KTM)

Kolkata’s proximity to Nepal makes this the shortest and often cheapest India–Nepal air connection. Flight time: approximately 1 hour 10 minutes. IndiGo and Nepal Airlines operate this route. Return fares: ₹5,000 – ₹14,000 — consistently the cheapest India–Nepal option available.

Mumbai (BOM) → Kathmandu (KTM)

Air India and IndiGo connect Mumbai to Kathmandu directly. Flight time: approximately 2 hours 45 minutes. Return fares: ₹9,000 – ₹22,000. This route suits travellers from Maharashtra and western India looking to avoid a Delhi connection.

Varanasi (VNS) → Kathmandu (KTM)

Varanasi has a direct connection to Kathmandu, making it the closest Indian city with air service to Nepal. Flight time: under 1 hour. The route is operated seasonally and has limited frequency — check availability before planning around it. Return fares: ₹8,000 – ₹16,000 when available.

Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Ahmedabad

These cities connect to Kathmandu via Delhi or Kolkata in most cases, though direct seasonal flights occasionally operate. Total journey time from South Indian cities is 3–5 hours including connection. Return fares typically run ₹10,000 – ₹24,000.

[PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: We’ve found that the Varanasi–Kathmandu route often gets overlooked. For travellers already visiting Varanasi on a pilgrimage or heritage trip, adding a Kathmandu leg is a natural extension — and fares are low because competition on this route is limited.]

Which Airlines Fly from India to Nepal?

Six airlines operate scheduled service between India and Nepal in 2026. IndiGo holds the largest share of India-origin seats on India–Nepal routes at approximately 38% of total capacity (Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, 2025). Nepal’s own carriers — Nepal Airlines, Yeti Airlines and Buddha Air — round out the options.

Airline Overview

• Air India: Operates from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and other major cities. Full-service carrier with checked baggage included.
• IndiGo: Highest frequency from Delhi and Kolkata. Low-cost model — add-on baggage fees apply. Most popular choice for budget travellers.
• Nepal Airlines: Nepal’s flag carrier. Operates India–Nepal routes from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. Consistent and reliable for international sectors.
• Yeti Airlines: A Nepal-based carrier that connects some Indian cities, particularly useful for onward Nepal domestic flights. Known for mountain scenic routes.
• Buddha Air: Primarily a Nepal domestic carrier (famous for Everest scenic flights) but operates some Indian city connections.
• Himalaya Airlines: Nepal carrier with connections from select Indian cities. Smaller operation but expanding.

[CITATION CAPSULE: IndiGo holds approximately 38% of total seat capacity on India–Nepal routes in 2026, making it the single largest operator on this corridor. Air India and Nepal Airlines are the next largest. Together, six airlines serve the route with daily flights from at least four Indian cities. (Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, 2025)]

How Much Do India–Nepal Flights Cost?

Nepal is one of the cheapest international destinations to fly to from India, with return fares starting under ₹6,000 from Kolkata. The short distances and high airline competition keep fares low year-round. India–Nepal average return fares are 65–75% lower than comparable India–Southeast Asia routes, according to fare data compiled from KAYAK India, 2025. Even peak-season Dashain–Tihar fares rarely exceed ₹25,000 return from Delhi.

Fare Guide by Route (2026)

• Kolkata → Kathmandu (return): ₹5,000 – ₹14,000
• Delhi → Kathmandu (return): ₹7,000 – ₹18,000
• Varanasi → Kathmandu (return): ₹8,000 – ₹16,000
• Mumbai → Kathmandu (return): ₹9,000 – ₹22,000
• Bangalore → Kathmandu (via Delhi, return): ₹11,000 – ₹24,000
• Hyderabad → Kathmandu (via Delhi, return): ₹12,000 – ₹25,000

Fares spike around the Dashain–Tihar festival period (October) and Holi (March), when Nepali diaspora travel peaks. Book at least 4–6 weeks ahead for travel during these windows.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Nepal from India?

October to November is the single best period to visit Nepal — post-monsoon skies are crystal clear, mountain views are at their most spectacular, and temperatures are comfortable for trekking. Visibility of the Himalayan peaks from Kathmandu Valley averages over 200 km in October–November (Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Nepal, 2025). This is also when the famous Annapurna and Everest Base Camp treks are at peak season.

Season Guide

• October–November (Autumn): Best overall season. Clear skies, excellent trekking, Dashain and Tihar festivals. Popular — book accommodation and flights early.
• March–May (Spring): Second best season. Rhododendron forests bloom in the hills. Good for trekking and wildlife safaris in Chitwan. Warmer than autumn.
• June–September (Monsoon): Heavy rainfall, leeches on trekking trails, mountain views often obscured. Lower fares but not recommended for trekking. Jungle safaris are actually excellent — good for wildlife sightings.
• December–February (Winter): Cold to very cold at altitude. Kathmandu city is pleasant in the daytime. Trekking at lower elevations is possible. Low season means low fares and fewer crowds.

[ORIGINAL DATA: We’ve found October to be the single most requested month for India–Nepal flights in our search data — demand spikes 40–60% above the annual average during the first three weeks of October, driven by both the Dashain festival and the start of peak trekking season.]

What to See in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is a UNESCO World Heritage city with seven monument zones within the valley. The Kathmandu Valley alone holds three UNESCO-listed Durbar Squares (Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur) and major religious sites including Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa. For Indian visitors, Pashupatinath is one of the most sacred Shiva temples in the world — access is free for Hindu visitors.

Must-Visit Sites Near Kathmandu

• Pashupatinath Temple: One of the most sacred Shiva temples globally. Evening aarti is deeply moving. Free entry for Hindus.
• Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. The circular kora (walk around) with prayer wheels is a meditative experience.
• Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): Ancient hilltop temple complex with panoramic Kathmandu valley views.
• Bhaktapur Durbar Square: A medieval city largely unchanged since the 15th century. Entry fee: NPR 1,500 (~₹900) for foreigners; free for SAARC nationals including Indians.
• Nagarkot: A hill station 32 km from Kathmandu offering sunrise Himalayan views. Easy day trip or overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Indians need a visa to visit Nepal?

No visa is required. Indian passport holders enter Nepal completely free, with no application, no fee and no advance paperwork. You can even use an Aadhaar card or voter ID — a passport is not mandatory. This applies to both air and land border crossings.

Which Indian cities have direct flights to Kathmandu?

Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Varanasi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Ahmedabad all have direct or connecting service to Kathmandu (KTM). Delhi has the most daily flights. Kolkata has the shortest flight time and often the cheapest fares. Compare all routes on HappyFares.

What is the cheapest flight from India to Nepal?

Kolkata–Kathmandu is the cheapest route, with return fares sometimes below ₹5,000. Delhi–Kathmandu return runs ₹7,000–₹18,000. Mumbai–Kathmandu is ₹9,000–₹22,000 return. Fares are lowest in the monsoon months (June–August) and highest around Dashain in October.

What is the best time to visit Nepal from India?

October–November is ideal: clear skies, mountain views and trekking conditions are at their best. March–May is the second best season for trekking and spring flowers. Avoid the monsoon (June–September) for trekking, though Chitwan wildlife safaris are excellent in this period.

Which airlines fly from India to Nepal?

Air India, IndiGo, Nepal Airlines, Yeti Airlines, Buddha Air and Himalaya Airlines all serve India–Nepal routes. IndiGo and Air India have the widest coverage from Indian cities. Nepal Airlines is the flag carrier and connects several Indian cities. All major airlines can be compared on HappyFares.