Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu Itinerary With an Everest Mountain Flight
Easy 1, 2 and 3 day plans that fit the flight, sightseeing and a spare weather morning.
Why Plan Your Everest Flight Around Kathmandu Sightseeing
The Everest mountain flight leaves early and is finished by mid-morning, which leaves most of the day free. The Kathmandu Valley has seven UNESCO World Heritage monument zones, including the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, the stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath, and the Hindu temple complexes of Pashupatinath and Changu Narayan. A well planned itinerary combines the flight, the sights and a buffer morning for weather.
One Day in Kathmandu
- Early morning: mountain flight (check in about 5:30 AM).
- Late morning: breakfast, then Swayambhunath.
- Afternoon: Kathmandu Durbar Square and Thamel.
- Evening: dinner in Thamel.
One day works, but it leaves no buffer if weather cancels the flight.
Two Days in Kathmandu (Recommended)
- Day 1 morning: mountain flight. If weather cancels it, reschedule for day 2 free of charge.
- Day 1 afternoon: Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
- Day 2 morning: spare flight morning, or Boudhanath at sunrise.
- Day 2 afternoon: Pashupatinath and an evening in Thamel.
Three Days in Kathmandu
- Day 1: arrival and Thamel, with a rest day.
- Day 2 morning: mountain flight. Afternoon: Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
- Day 3: Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur, or the spare weather morning if needed.
Practical Tips
- Choose the earliest practical departure for the clearest air, and read our best-time guide.
- Arrange hotel pick-up (USD 15) for a stress-free dawn.
- See the price and what to expect on the flight.
- If you want to land near Everest, see the Everest helicopter tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need in Kathmandu for the Everest mountain flight?
You can do the flight in a single morning, but two or three days gives a spare morning for weather and time for sightseeing.
What can I do after the mountain flight in Kathmandu?
The flight finishes by mid-morning, so you can visit Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, or Patan and Bhaktapur the same day.
Is Thamel close to the airport?
Thamel is a central tourist area of Kathmandu, a short drive from Tribhuvan International Airport, and our office is in Thamel.
Should I book the mountain flight on my first day?
Booking on your first or second morning is wise, because a spare morning remains if weather delays the flight.
Can I combine the mountain flight with a Pokhara trip?
Yes. Many travellers fly to Everest from Kathmandu first and then travel to Pokhara for Annapurna views. Note that Pokhara flights show the Annapurna range, not Everest.
Is there time for sightseeing the same day as the flight?
Yes. The flight takes about an hour, and you are normally back at your hotel by mid-morning.
Make an Inquiry or Book Your Everest Flight
Tell us your date and group size and we will confirm airline, time and seats.