landmark
Boudhanath Stupa
One of the world's largest Buddhist stupas (40m). UNESCO. Free entry. Walk the kora clockwise around the base with Tibetan monks. Best at sunset.
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) · Nepal
24-Hour Layover in Kathmandu: What To Do
By AirConnect Editorial
Photo: Atlantic Ambience on Pexels.
Quick answer
Can you leave the airport on a 24-hour layover in Kathmandu?
Entry
Nepal visa-on-arrival USD 30/50/125 for 15/30/90 days at KTM for most nationalities. SAARC nationals visa-free. Bring USD cash + 2 passport photos.
Into town
Pathao / Tootle ride-share: 20–40 min, NPR 300–600 (€2–4).
Time outside
18–20 hours — treat it as a mini trip
Times from KTM arrivals. Check entry rules for your passport before you fly.
Top Kathmandu: Where to Go
The sights in Kathmandu worth leaving the airport for.
2Pashupatinath Temple
Sacred Hindu temple + UNESCO site on the Bagmati River. Non-Hindus can't enter the main temple but can watch cremation rituals on the ghats. NPR 1,000 entry.
Photo: Bijay Chaurasia, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
neighbourhood
Thamel tourist district
Backpacker + trekking gear hub. Cobbled lanes + cafes + bookshops. Free walking. Best for trekking gear shopping before Everest trips.
4Durbar Square + Patan (UNESCO)
Royal palace squares — Kathmandu Durbar Square (NPR 1,000) + Patan Durbar (NPR 1,000). Both UNESCO. Allow 2-3 hours each.
Photo: Zulufive, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Itinerary ideas for Kathmandu
Pick the plan that fits the time between your flights.
24 hours
You are here24 hours in Kathmandu
18–20 hours — treat it as a mini trip
Insider tip
KTM is 5km from Thamel — Pathao (Nepal's Uber) is the cheap fast option (NPR 300-600 / €2-4). Hotel transfers are slightly more expensive but stress-free. Kathmandu valley sits at 1,400m — drink water + avoid alcohol on arrival day. For Everest trekkers: arrive 2-3 days before flight to Lukla for permits + acclimatisation.
Into Kathmandu
Getting to Kathmandu City Centre
| Mode | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pathao / Tootle ride-share | NPR 300–600 (€2–4) | 20–40 min |
| Taxi (negotiate before) | NPR 600–1,200 (€4–8) | 20–40 min |
| Pre-arranged hotel transfer | NPR 800–1,500 (€5–10) | 20–40 min |
Eat like a local
Eat Like a Local in Kathmandu
Momo (Tibetan dumplings) at Yangling Tibetan. Dal bhat (lentil + rice) at any local restaurant. Newari food at Honacha (Patan). Yak cheese pizza at Fire and Ice.
24 hours in Kathmandu
24-Hour Itinerary
1
Day 1 — Arrival
Into Kathmandu and check in to your hotel
Take Pathao / Tootle ride-share (20–40 min, NPR 300–600 (€2–4)). Most hotels hold bags before check-in.
2
Day 1 — Afternoon
Boudhanath Stupa
One of the world's largest Buddhist stupas (40m). UNESCO. Free entry. Walk the kora clockwise around the base with Tibetan monks. Best at sunset.
3
Day 1 — Evening
Dinner like a local
Momo (Tibetan dumplings) at Yangling Tibetan. Dal bhat (lentil + rice) at any local restaurant. Newari food at Honacha (Patan). Yak cheese pizza at Fire and Ice.
4
Day 2 — Morning
Pashupatinath Temple
Sacred Hindu temple + UNESCO site on the Bagmati River. Non-Hindus can't enter the main temple but can watch cremation rituals on the ghats. NPR 1,000 entry.
5
Day 2 — Late morning
Thamel tourist district
Backpacker + trekking gear hub. Cobbled lanes + cafes + bookshops. Free walking. Best for trekking gear shopping before Everest trips.
6
Day 2 — Departure
Back to Tribhuvan International Airport
Head back to Tribhuvan International Airport by Pathao / Tootle ride-share (20–40 min, NPR 300–600 (€2–4)). Be at the airport at least 2–3 hours before an international flight.
Your questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for a 24-hour layover in Kathmandu?
Nepal visa-on-arrival USD 30/50/125 for 15/30/90 days at KTM for most nationalities. SAARC nationals visa-free. Bring USD cash + 2 passport photos. Check the rules for your own passport before you fly.
Is 24 hours enough to leave Tribhuvan International Airport?
18–20 hours — treat it as a mini trip. Getting into Kathmandu by Pathao / Tootle ride-share takes 20–40 min each way.
How do I get from Tribhuvan International Airport to Kathmandu centre?
Pathao / Tootle ride-share: 20–40 min, NPR 300–600 (€2–4). Taxi (negotiate before): 20–40 min, NPR 600–1,200 (€4–8). Pre-arranged hotel transfer: 20–40 min, NPR 800–1,500 (€5–10).
Getting out of Tribhuvan International Airport
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.Things to do in Kathmandu
Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.
Tours, tickets & day trips
Our pickGetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Kathmandu and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.
Browse KathmanduJust need timed-entry attraction tickets in Kathmandu? Try Tiqets.Want a private driver-guide? Trip.com Private Tours in Kathmandu.Trains & buses from Kathmandu
Compare overland routes — often cheaper, more scenic and skip the airport queue.
Photo: Engin Akyurt on Pexels.
Hotels near Kathmandu Airport
With 24 hours, a day-use hotel room is worth it — shower, sleep, and recharge before your next flight.
Find hotels in Kathmandu
Hotels, hostels & more · Expedia
Search hotels
Also useful for your Kathmandu trip
Stay connected abroad — no roaming bills
Buy a travel eSIM before you fly and install it by QR code.
Airlines that fly to Kathmandu
See each airline’s route map: where else it flies from KTM.
Buddha Air route mapGorkha Airlines route mapNepal Airlines route mapSaurya Airlines route mapShree Airlines route mapSita Air route mapAir Arabia route mapAir Arabia Abu Dhabi route mapAir China route mapAir India route mapAirAsia route mapBatik Air Malaysia route mapBhutan Airlines route mapBiman Bangladesh Airlines route mapCathay Pacific route mapChina Eastern route mapChina Eastern Airlines route mapChina Southern route map
Airport lounges at Tribhuvan Airport
Wait for your flight in a lounge — one membership covers lounges at airports across the country and worldwide.
Kathmandu travel deals
Weekly layover, flight + hotel deals. No spam.
How a layover in Kathmandu works
01
Check you can leave
Nepal visa-on-arrival USD 30/50/125 for 15/30/90 days at KTM for most nationalities. SAARC nationals visa-free. Bring USD cash + 2 passport photos.
02
Head into town
Pathao / Tootle ride-share: 20–40 min, NPR 300–600 (€2–4).
Photo: Artem Yellow on Pexels.
03
Back in time for your flight
Head back to Tribhuvan International Airport by Pathao / Tootle ride-share (20–40 min, NPR 300–600 (€2–4)). Be at the airport at least 2–3 hours before an international flight.
Ready for Kathmandu?
Tours, tickets and day trips that fit between your flights.