Nepal, India and Bhutan
Himalaya trips: flying to Kathmandu, Delhi and Paro
The mountains are the easy part to picture and the flights are the part that needs planning. Which gateway serves which trip, when to go, and what the connections look like from North America.
By All Travel Fun. Published November 1, 2026.
Kathmandu for Nepal
Everest and Annapurna trips start in Kathmandu. There is no nonstop from North America; the routings are through the Gulf on Qatar Airways or Emirates, through Istanbul, or through Delhi. Total time is 20 to 26 hours. The Gulf routings land in the afternoon, which suits an onward flight to Pokhara or Lukla the next morning.
The Lukla flights for Everest Base Camp are weather dependent and often delayed; build two spare days into the schedule and do not book a tight connection home.
Delhi for the Indian Himalaya
Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Ladakh and Rishikesh are reached from Delhi, which has nonstops from New York, Newark, Chicago, San Francisco, Toronto and Vancouver. Leh in Ladakh is a short flight from Delhi and sits at 11,500 feet; the first two days there are for acclimatising, not driving.
Paro for Bhutan
Bhutan is reached only on Drukair or Bhutan Airlines into Paro, from Delhi, Kathmandu, Bangkok or Singapore. The approach is one of the famous ones in aviation and the flights run in daylight only. Bhutan charges a daily sustainable development fee and visitors arrange the visa through a licensed operator; the agent books the long-haul and the Paro flight is booked with the tour.
When to go
October and November are the clear, settled months for trekking in Nepal, with March to May as the second season and the rhododendrons in bloom. June to September is the monsoon, except in Ladakh, which sits in the rain shadow and is at its best then. Bhutan follows Nepal's seasons.
Visas and permits
Nepal issues a visa on arrival at Kathmandu for US and Canadian citizens; India needs the e-Visa in advance; Bhutan's visa comes through the tour operator. Trekking in Nepal needs a TIMS card and park permits that the trekking agency arranges. Check the current rules before you fly.
Insurance that covers altitude
Standard travel insurance often excludes trekking above a stated altitude and helicopter evacuation. Read the policy for the altitude limit and the evacuation cover before the trip, not after.
Questions before you call
Which city should I fly into for Everest Base Camp?
Kathmandu. The trek starts with a flight to Lukla, booked with the trekking company, and the weather there decides the schedule, so allow spare days.
Can I combine Nepal and Bhutan on one trip?
Yes. Kathmandu to Paro is about an hour on Drukair and the flight passes the Everest range on the left. Most people do a week in each.