GETTING TO KATHMANDU

BY AIR:
Nepal Airlines is the national flag carrier of Nepal with flights to/from Delhi, Dubai,  Doha, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. Other international airlines operating from/ to Kathmandu are Air Arabia (Sharjah), Air China (Lhasa), Arkefly (Amsterdam), Bahrain Air (Bahrain), Biman Bangladesh, (Dhaka), Buddha Air (Paro), China Eastern Airlines (Kunming), China Southern Airlines (Guanzhou), Dragon Air (Hong Kong), Druk Air (Delhi, Paro), Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi), Flydubai (Dubai), GMG Airlines (Dhaka), Gulf Air (Bahrain), Indian Airlines (Delhi, Kolkotta, Varanasi), Jet Airways (Delhi), Jet Lite (Delhi), Kingfisher Airlines (Delhi), Korean Air (Seoul), Oman Air (Muscat), Pakistan International Airlines (Karachi, Islamabad), Qatar Airways (Doha), Silk Air (Singapore), Thai Airways (Bangkok) and United Airways (Dhaka).

Airfares fluctuate with the changes in exchange rates and are to be paid in foreign currency by foreign nationals. Only Nepalese and Indian nationals are permitted to pay in rupees for air passage between Nepal and India. Departure flight tickets should be reconfirmed three days in advance to avoid inconveniences by possible flight cancellation or changes in the flight schedule. Overweight luggage charges are levied in foreign exchange.

BY LAND:
All visitors coming to Nepal by land must enter only through one of these entry points (1) Kakarbhitta (2) Birgunj (3) Belhiya, Bhairahawa (4) Nepalgunj (5) Dhangadi and (6) Mahendranagar  in the Nepal-India border and (7) Kodari in the Nepal-China border. The overland tourists entering the country with their vehicles must possess an international carnet or complete customs formalities.

Customs:
All baggage must be declared and cleared through the customs on arrival at the port of entry. Passengers arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) without any dutiable goods can proceed through the Green Channel for quick clearance without a baggage check. If you are carrying dutiable articles, you have to pass through the Red Channel for detailed customs clearance.

Import:
Apart from used personal belongings, visitors are allowed to bring to Nepal free of duty cigarette (200) or cigars (50), distilled liquor (one 1.15 liter bottle), and film (15 rolls). You can also bring in the following articles free of duty on condition that you take them out with you when you leave: binoculars, movie or video camera, still camera, laptop computer, and portable music system.

Export:
It is illegal to export objects over 100 years old (sacred images, paintings, manuscripts) that are valued for culture and religious reasons. Visitors are advised not to purchase such items as they are Nepal's cultural heritage and belong here. The Department of Archaeology (tel: 4213701, 4213702) at Ramshah Path near Singha Durbar has to certify all metal statues, sacred paintings and similar objects before they are allowed to be sent or carried out of the country. Handicraft dealers and travel agents are able to assist you in this process. For more information on customs matters, contact the Chief Customs Administrator, TIA Customs Office; tel: 4470110, 4472266.

Airport Tax:
Effective form January 14,2005 ,the tourists would be levied NRS. 565(including VAT) at the departure terminal along with the Passenger Service Charge (airport tax).

Note:The new Airport Tax is equally applicable to Nepalese as well as non-Nepalese citizens flying from Nepal.

Travelling by road
All visitors entering Nepal by land must use no other entry points other than:
Nepal-India border
    * Kakarbhitta
    * Birgunj
    * Belhiya, Bhairahawa
    * Nepalgunj
    * Dhangadi
    * Mahendra Nagar

Nepal-China border
    * Kodari

The overland tourists entering the Kingdom with their vehicles must possess an international carnet.