Taxis from the airport to Thamel or Durbar Square take 20–30 minutes in normal traffic; agree on the price before you get in (around NPR 500–700, roughly $4–5 USD).
Things to do at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Tribhuvan International AirportKTM
At the airport
Things to do in Tribhuvan International Airport
Kathmandu is a layover destination that rewards every minute you have. The UNESCO-listed Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple on the Bagmati River, and the massive Boudhanath Stupa are all within 30–45 minutes of the airport. Thamel's chaotic streets offer handicrafts, butter tea, steaming momos, and strong Himalayan coffee. Even a short stop here delivers an intensity of culture and color that few cities can match.
Insider intel
Top Tips for Tribhuvan International Airport
- Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world's largest, is just 6 km from the airport and can be reached in 10–15 minutes — ideal for a very short layover.
- Most nationalities can obtain a Nepal visa on arrival; confirm requirements for your passport before planning an airport exit.
Lounge directory
Browse lounges at KTM
Discover Sanctifly partner lounges at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). Book access with your points.Purchase a Sanctifly membership via our website or app.
Unlock airport-specific digital content and reserve VIP lounges using the points included with your plan.
Select the tier that fits your travel habits; higher tiers include more points.
When you book a lounge, you'll receive a unique access code in the app and by email—show this at the lounge to gain access.
You can buy extra points at any time, and rates improve with higher-tier plans.
Membership unlocks airport-specific digital content and the ability to book VIP lounges using points.
Each tier
Liftoff ($25/year)
Explorer ($97/year)
Jetsetter ($220/year)
Trailblazer ($399/year)
provides a different annual points allowance (except Liftoff, which doesn't include points) that refreshes when your subscription renews. You can use your points to reserve lounge access and purchase additional points through the app if you need more.
Higher tiers not only come with more points but also reduce the per-point price when buying extra.
Points are the currency you use in the Liftoff app to book VIP lounge visits. Most plans — Liftoff, Explorer, Jetsetter and Trailblazer — include a points allowance that is deposited into your account whenever your subscription renews. Liftoff does not include points. You spend points to reserve lounges and you can top up your balance at any time through the app. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.
Additional points can be purchased directly in the Sanctifly app from your mobile. All plans allow you to buy more points whenever you need them, and the per-point price decreases on higher-tier plans. Purchased points are added to your account immediately and are non-refundable. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.