Srinagar to Kathmandu Flights

  About Srinagar

Called as the Paradise on Earth, Srinagar is located in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, near the banks of river Jhelum. It is a significant tourist attraction along with Ladakh. The city is known for its enchanting lakes, colourful boats, Kashmiri handicrafts and their culture, of course. Since it is one of the most popular tourist locations, it is well-connected with all the major cities in the country. The town also plays muse to several poets and lyricist who use the river Jhelum a lot in their poems or songs. The markets in the city will also ensure you take a piece of the town with you back home through a souvenir of sorts.

Best Time to Visit Srinagar

No matter what season it is, Srinagar is a sight to behold throughout the year. Different seasons come with different kinds of activities for you to do. Summer, which is from March to June) is the apt season to visit the city if you are on your honeymoon. The tulip garden that blooms during the summer adds to the beauty of the town. Booking a hotel in Srinagar if you are on your honeymoon comes with a lot of offers. You can choose from a lot of options. The summer is not too harsh here. The maximum temperature touches 30 degree Celsius, and the lowest is 14 degree Celsius. You will also come across excellent flight deals for Srinagar during this time.

It does not rain a lot in Srinagar, but the monsoon is from July through September. Autumn sets in from September to October, and this is the most beautiful season, too. The weather is pleasant, and the entire city turns into a spectacular garden. Though it will be a tad bit cold, so do pack your winter clothes. Visiting the Dal lake during this season on a Shikara ride is an experience you won't forget.

October to February is winter and the temperature ranges between 0 to 15 degree Celsius. Winter is a peak season and ideal for multitudes of tourists to fly to Srinagar. The locals of Srinagar celebrate Shivratri and Nuroz (an Armenian festival) by the end of winter. You will have to book flight tickets to Srinagar during this season since most roads are blocked, thanks to heavy snowfall. Travelling by road is also not a very popular route to reach Srinagar during winters. This is also one of the best times to go trekking in Srinagar. You can either find a group within the city itself and join them, or you can book one online, in advance.

Places to Visit in Srinagar

Dal Lake is one of the major attractions of Srinagar and for all the right reasons. Be amazed at the reflection of the mountains that fall on the lake. Take a gondola ride and lots of pictures, too. You cannot go to Srinagar and not visit the Tulip Garden. The Shalimar Bagh, a garden built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir for his wife Noor, is another major tourist attraction. While you are visiting Dal Lake, make sure you also pay a visit to Char Chinar, an island that is in the middle of the lake. It is one of the most visited places in the city.

The Shankaracharya temple, built to honour Lord Shiva, is on the top of a hill in Srinagar. It is recognised as one of the most sacred shrines in the city. For all, you adventure lovers out there, do go for the Tarsar Marsar trek in the Aru Valley of Kashmir. You will find quite a few tour guides and packages to go trekking in the valley.

Things to do in Srinagar

You can take a Shikara ride across the Dal lake and be mesmerised by the beauty of the city. The city also has floating markets, which is a kind of experience you will only get in this part of the country. Paragliding is one of the activities that the city offers to its tourists. It is one of the adventurous activities that you must try here. If you are not too keen on booking a hotel in Srinagar, you can also choose to stay in a houseboat. It is one of the most sought options in the city and who wouldn't want to wake up to the view of the mighty mountains and the scenic Dal Lake. Srinagar is a city with a lot of gardens and greenery.

Visit the enchanting Mughal gardens and the Tulip garden, too. You can take a heritage walking tour of the city or go paragliding if you are a fan of adventure sports. You can also opt to go on a shopping spree in the local markets or for a street food crawl. Try the local cuisines and explore the culture further. With the rising political tension, make sure you also study the current scenario of the city along with that of its neighbours before you plan a trip to Srinagar. You do not want to get stuck amid a difficult situation.

Along with its spices and food, Srinagar is also famous for its rich culture. If you are in the city during any of the festivals celebrated here, make sure that you attend it and be a part of it. You won't regret it at all. No matter what season it is, the city never fails to cast its spell on you with its beauty.

Food and Restaurants in Srinagar

It's no secret that Kashmiri food is rich in flavour and a lot of spices like saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, etc. are used to serve that aromatic food. It's a treat for your taste buds. The Kashmiri Biryani, Kahwa, even Dum Aloo is worth a try when you visit the city. You will come across a lot of Mughlai cuisines with a blend of Kashmiri spices in the food. Mughal Darbar is one of the most popular places to dine in the city.

If it is snacks and coffees that you are in the mood for, you can visit the Cafe De Linz or Coffea Arabica. Both of these cafes are the perfect combination of ambience and good food. Ahdoos is also a popular joint that offers authentic Kashmiri food at affordable prices. If you are in the mood for a luxe dining experience, head over to The Chinar at The Lalit Grand Palace for an exquisite dinner. Not only do they serve mouth-watering delicacy, but the outdoor restaurant adds to the pleasant ambience while dining. Jade Dragon at Vivanta by Taj is yet another restaurant that you must definitely try if it is a five-star treatment that you want to experience. The Kashmiri Kahwa, which is a kind of tea made in Kashmiri style, is also highly recommended when you holiday in Srinagar.

How to reach Srinagar (Transportation)

By Air

The Sheikh ul Alam International Airport or the Srinagar International Airport is about 15 km away from the city. Srinagar airport also serves as a military airbase to the Indian Air Force. While the airport welcomes domestic flights with excellent connectivity, it does have designated airlines or space for international flights despite being recognised as one. There are domestic flights from Srinagar that regularly fly to Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Chandigarh and other major cities. However, international flights from Srinagar are comparatively less to non-existent. The flight connectivity from Srinagar to other cities nationally and internationally is excellent. Some great domestic airlines such as AirAsia India, GoAir, SpiceJet, Vistara, IndiGo, Air India and more have dedicated flights to Srinagar. If booked earlier, you will even get cheap flight tickets to Srinagar and exclusive flight online deals. The airport is about 12 km away from the central city of Srinagar. But thanks to fantastic inter-city transport such as government-run buses and taxi cabs, it is convenient for tourists to reach the central town and check into their hotel rooms.

By Rail

Jammu Tawai is the closest railway station to reach Srinagar. It is about 290 km away from the city. You will have to hire a taxi from the station and enter the beautiful city. Travelling by train will not burn a hole in your pocket at all, and you'll also get to enjoy the stunning scenic views of the lush green valley. The domestic route to Srinagar also connects to Banihal, which is on the other side of Pir Panjal, thanks to the new Banihal tunnel that has been constructed. The tunnel is 11 km long and has found fame for the same. In fact, it is known to be the longest rail tunnel to have been built and takes approximately 9 minutes to cross to the other side.

By Road

The most popular routes to Srinagar by road are connected from Chandigarh, Gulmarg, Jammu, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Delhi. Though a road trip does sound like a lot of fun and easier way to travel, the roads are closed during late winter because of heavy snowfall. It is advisable to travel by air during winter.

  About Kathmandu

Kathmandu is a peaceful and serene city in Nepal that will take your breath away. It is the most accessible city in the country and also the capital of Nepal. Kathmandu is popular for its mountains and trekking activities. You can also buy all the trekking equipment you need here, in case you missed out on something. Durbar Squares in Kathmandu is one of the fascinating places and quite old, too. The city is home to over a million people and is at an altitude of 1400 metres. One of the specialities of Kathmandu is that the climate remains favourable throughout the year. You can plan a trip to Kathmandu whenever you want.

Along with lush greenery and a scenic view of the mountains, you will also find a lot of monasteries and temples here. This is the perfect place to embrace spirituality, and the natural beauty of the city makes tourists return to the city. Kathmandu also offers a few adventurous activities for tourists to try. The best part is that Nepal is a neighbouring country to India, and it is quite easy to reach the country.

Best Time to Visit Kathmandu

Late September to December, March and April are some of the best months to plan your trip to Kathmandu. The weather remains pleasant, and you will be treated to views of the glaciers. You will also get to attend the local festivals here. September to December is a high tourist season in Kathmandu and the temperature ranges from 20 to 26 degree Celsius during the day and drops to about 4 degree Celsius at night. The place is dry, and the weather does not affect any of your plans to try out outdoor activities. This is the best time for travellers to go out trekking and explore the city. Since this is a peak season for the city, make sure you book your hotel in Kathmandu several weeks in advance since they will be packed as the peak season approaches. You will also experience wildlife at its best here during these months. You will come across birds, monkeys, elephants, rhinos and more.

March to May is also an ideal time to head to Kathmandu. It is right before monsoon, and the weather is quite pleasant. However, there are high chances that it might rain once in a while during the spring season. The temperature ranges from 9 to 29 degree Celsius. One of the main reasons for you to visit Kathmandu during this season is to see a fully blossomed rhododendron, which only blooms this time of the year. You can also sign up for the Annapurna trek, one of the most famous treks in Nepal.

Kathmandu experiences winter from December to February, and it is a low tourist season for the city. The temperature ranges from 2 to 15 degree Celsius, and it gets really cold. If you are on a budget, this might be a decent time for you to visit the city. You will get cheap flight tickets to Kathmandu, and you'll also get a great deal on hotels. You can sign up for the Annapurna trek or Everest Base Camp if you are planning your trip in winter. You can also attend the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival in December. June to August is the summer season in Kathmandu and the temperature averages around 28 degree Celsius. Since there are high chances of rainfall, too, during this season, make sure you pack an umbrella.

Places to Visit in Kathmandu

While Kathmandu is known for its trekking trails and adventure sports, the city also has a lot of temples and religious sites that you can visit. The Boudhanath Stupa is a popular tourist spot. It is believed that if you circumambulate the stupa without any ill thoughts or ulterior motives, you not only receive good karma but also get a good chance to go to heaven. The Pashupatinath temple is a Hindu temple that is located across the banks of Bagmati River and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thamel is one of the most popular spots in the city that you can head to if you want to go on a shopping spree, enjoy delicious food at some of the cosy restaurants. It is also a WiFi zone, which is another reason why Thamel sees a lot of crowds. The Swayambhunath Temple is another important shrine, and it is believed that praying here will rid you of your sins. It is dedicated to Lord Buddha, and it has a lot of Buddhists and Tibetans visiting. The Kathmandu Durbar Square is where the Kings of Nepal sat and ruled. Half of the site collapsed because of the earthquake in 2015, but it has managed to retain its glory.

Garden of Dreams, also known as Swapna Bageecha, built by Kishore Narsingh in 1920 and has magnificent pavilions, pergolas, ponds and urns that draw tourists to the garden. You can go trekking to the Langtang National Park. It was established in 1976 and is the fourth national park in the country. It is about 32 km away from Kathmandu and is also connected to the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve, Tibet. Kumari Bahal is an ancient palace where a Kumari, who is the chosen Devi, lives. Built in the mid-1700s, the palace has an idol of Goddess Saraswati and also has a magnificent chariot to take the Kumari around the city. Taudaha lake is on the outskirts of Kathmandu and is the perfect place for birdwatchers. You can also go hiking at Phulchowki, which is the highest hill in Kathmandu Valley. You can also visit Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati temple that a lot of tourists visit. If you want to gamble a little bit, you can head over to Casino Royale in hotel Yeti & Yak. You can try your luck at slot machines or other gaming tables. You can also go hiking around Kathmandu and try out different trails.

Things to do in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is a popular place for travellers who love going on treks and hikes. If you are a nature lover, this is the perfect place for you. You can either book a hotel in Kathmandu overseeing the mountains or go camping. There are quite a lot of camping trips organised in the city, especially during the peak travel season. The city is popular for momos, and you will find yourself hogging momos all day long. Kathmandu is also known for its religious significance, and there are a lot of temples worth visiting here. You will get to explore and learn more about the culture and lifestyle of the locals. Head over to Thamel to shop for souvenirs, dine at some of the finest restaurants here and take a stroll just to have a nice evening.

Food and Restaurants in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is famous for momos, and you will find a lot of variety in it. You can choose between steamed and fried momos with either chicken or vegetables for stuffing. Tibetan and Indian cultures inspire a lot of cuisines. You will also find a lot of cuisines ranging from Indian, Oriental to European. You can head to Thamel to try a variety of cuisines at the restaurants here. You will find quite a few Indian restaurants here, especially in Thamel. If you want to try naans and Indian curries, Western Tandoori in Thamel is the perfect place. It is a small food joint, and the food here is extraordinary. OR2K serves the best vegetarian and vegan food. You will also find Middle Eastern cuisines on the menu here. If you are visiting any of the temples, most food joints and restaurants near them will only serve vegetarian food.

How to reach Kathmandu (Transportation)

Tribhuvan International Airport is named after the former King of Nepal, Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah. The flight connectivity to Kathmandu from India is excellent, especially since it is the neighbouring country. Vistara and Indigo have frequent flights to Kathmandu from India with a layover in Delhi. If you book your tickets well in advance, you might get cheap flight tickets to Kathmandu. If you are travelling to the city during the offseason, you might come across exciting flight deals to Kathmandu. Patna and Gorakhpur are some of the popular routes to Nepal by bus. You can also hire a taxi or a car to reach Nepal from India if you want to avoid travelling by bus. Though reaching Nepal by road is not the most popularly chosen way to travel since the permissions and formalities at the border might take a lot of time. Taking a flight to Kathmandu is not only time effective but is also quite convenient. You will get a taxi or a car rental service from the Kathmandu airport quite easily. Commuting within Kathmandu is also quite convenient. You can either opt for a cycle rickshaw or a regular rickshaw to get around the city.

  About Tribhuvan Airport

Tribhuvan International Airport is situated in the capital city of Kathmandu, in Nepal. The airport is named after the former King of Nepal, Tribhuvan Bi Bikram Shah. Currently, it is the only airport in Nepal that caters to international passenger traffic. Tribhuvan International Airport operates with a tabletop runway and two terminals. The airport also plays as a hub to two international airlines, including the flag carrier Himalaya Airlines and Nepal Airlines and many other Nepalese airlines too. Buddha Airlines also operates from Tribhuvan International Airport and connects with Indian cities. Currently, due to the passenger traffic and demand witnessed for the country, the Government of Nepal has planned to expand its capacity to the maximum. This is to ensure that traffic congestion is minimised. The works on additional international airports in Nepal such as Pokhara International Airport, Nijgadh International Airport and Gautam Buddha Airport have already commenced.

About Airport Terminals

There are currently two functioning public terminals at Tribhuvan International Airport. One of the terminals is dedicated to catering to domestic traffic while the other one is for international. A specific terminal dedicated to VIP guests is also available and is operated under the Government of Nepal. The space has international guests of the state arriving and are welcomed with enthusiasm. The airport also plans to expand further to add a terminal that would offer a base for helicopter transportation. The terminals also have Radisson Hotel Kathmandu's executive lounge that has been installed for first-class and business-class passengers of various airlines. Thai Airways also has an operational lounge which caters to their business-class passengers along with Star Alliance's gold card members. The airport has a single runway that sprawls across 10,990 ft with no distinguished instrument landing system.

About Airport Authority

Tribhuvan International Airport is owned by the Government of Nepal but is operated under the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. The independent body came into existence in 1998 and had its headquarters in Kathmandu. CAAN was earlier under the Ministry of Work, Communications and Transport from 1957. However, after the Civil Aviation Act was passed in 1996, the regulatory body was formed. CAAN takes care of various responsibilities such as new pilot licenses, certification of aerodromes, construction, management and operations of aerodromes, provision of air navigation services, to name a few. Further on this, the Government of Nepal is planning to establish a separate aircraft accident investigation unit as well.

Top airlines flying from Tribhuvan International Airport

Nepal's proximity to India has enabled a few dedicated flights and airlines operations from Tribhuvan International Airport. The Indian airlines that operate from Tribhuvan International Airport include Air India, IndiGo and Vistara. These flights are directly connected to Indian cities such as Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. The airlines fly in and out of Kathmandu Airport regularly.

Along with Indian airlines, the airport also caters to several international destinations and airlines. It connects to about 17 countries and sees regular flight action from international airlines. Some of the important international airlines that operate from Tribhuvan International Airport are Air Arabia, Air China, Bhutan Airlines, Cathay Dragon, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Himalaya Airlines, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, Nepal Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Sichuan Airlines, Silkair, Thai Airways, Tibet Airlines and Turkish Airlines. The connect to more than 40 international cities across the globe.

Tribhuvan International Airport also has airlines that provide mountain sightseeing flights, including Mount Everest sightseeing flights. Airlines such as Buddha Air, Simrik Airlines and Yeti Airlines offer these sightseeing flights daily. They usually depart early in the morning from the domestic terminal and return in an hour.

Facilities at Tribhuvan International Airport

WiFi - Tribhuvan International Airport offers free WiFi at the airport premise. It is present at the international terminal and ranges from departure to arrival sections. All one needs to do is to log in to the airport's WiFi connection and avail the benefits. There are two WiFi services present at the airport. To get access to the same, you can simply check out the airport's official website or speak to one of the information desks to get more details on the same.

Press rooms - An interesting highlight about Tribhuvan International Airport is the press room facility. They harbour two press rooms which can accommodate 30 and 40 persons respectively. It is mostly used to conduct press conferences and is perfect for global events and conferences. There is a podium as well as seats to handle the audience.

Post office - For immediate courier of documents and important letters from the airport, you can visit their post office too. It is located right within the airport and is ideal for emergency mail services.

Lounge and airport hotel - Although an airline-affiliated lounge is not present at the airport, it does have some interesting lounges. Thai Royal Silk Lounge, which is located at the departure hall of the international terminal building, is worth the indulgence. The place is quaint and has a character that would enhance a traveller's experience. The services provided are also top-notch. As for business travellers who are only travelling for professional purposes, a dedicated CIP Executive lounge is also available. You can find Radisson Hotel, also installed at the departure hall of the terminal building. In case you need to rest and freshen-up, you can book a room within the airport.

Hotel reservation booth - A dedicated hotel reservation booth is also installed at the airport to help travellers with the same. You can find the counter at the arrival hall of the airport. The booths have been set to help passengers to make hotel reservations or collect vouchers or hotel details of the ones they have booked. It is convenient and perfect for first-time travellers.

Nursing station - Nursing stations are clubbed with senior citizen rooms at Tribhuvan International Airport. It is called Senior Citizen & Breast-Feeding Room. Space has been installed to enable new mothers travelling with infants to use an area where they can feed the baby. Not to mention, space can also be used for other activities such as tending to the baby's hygiene, changing of diapers and more. Senior citizens can use the room to relax comfortably and even sleep a little if need be.

Baggage services - Facilities catering to baggage are also available at the airport. The baggage services include the wrapping of the luggage, baggage trolleys and porter facilities as well. Dedicated baggage counter can be found at the airport premise. It is located at the departure hall.

ATMs and foreign exchange - There is a slew of local as well as international bank branches present at the airport. In case you need to make any withdrawals or transfers or need to deposit money or exchange currency, you can make all of that happen at Tribhuvan International Airport. The essential services are available at the airport plus, the currency exchange rates offered by them are also quite reasonable and within budget.

Restaurants and cafe - You will find fine restaurants and dining experiences within the airport premise. You can find them at the terminal at both departure and arrival zones. Along with fine dining restaurants, the airport has also installed food courts and establishments that are affordable and easy on the pockets. Since a majority of backpackers and solo travellers travel to and from Tribhuvan International Airport, they have ensured to make the food experience be just as pocket-friendly.

Medical services - The airport offers impeccable medical services to cater to emergency cases that occur within the premise. There are dedicated first aid rooms and pharmacies at Tribhuvan International Airport. This also includes ambulance and other such medical-related services. You can approach the information desk or speak to the airport staff regarding the same if you're feeling under the weather. These services are provided by professionals of Kathmandu Medical College.

How to reach Tribhuvan International Airport

Tribhuvan International Airport is very close to the city centre. In fact, it is only about 6 km from the city centre and Thamel, the main tourist attraction. In just about 1 km from the airport is Pashupatinath Temple. Everything is close to the airport, which makes it easier to reach the Tribhuvan International Airport. You can take various modes of transport to reach Tribhuvan International Airport.

Taxicabs

Taxicabs are also available across the country and are the perfect way to reach Tribhuvan International Airport. However, the only flipside with the taxicab is that it is quite expensive.

Buses and minivans

Nepalis often use buses and minivans as a means to get around in the city. It is the most convenient and affordable ways to reach Tribhuvan International Airport as well. There are frequent buses from the city centre to the airport and other parts of the country. Another good way to reach would be to take up minivans. It is quite an experience as you can sit on top of it and enjoy the serenity of the Kathmandu valley. The minivans and buses will reach you to Pashupatinath Temple, which is less than a kilometre away from the airport. You can walk up to the airport right from the temple.