Flying from Chennai (MAA) to Kathmandu (KTM): what you need to know
The timezone in Kathmandu is UTC+5:47, which is 17 minutes ahead of Chennai.
Your MAA to KTM flight won't wait if you're running late, so get to the airport with time to spare. Arrive up to one hour in advance for domestic flights and two hours ahead for international travel.
You can expect longer queues during popular months such as January. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for domestic departures will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
We make it a breeze to book a flight with a stopover. To see all your options for tickets from Chennai to Kathmandu, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight that has a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Some great stopovers between MAA and KTM include:
Delhi Indira Gandhi International
Mumbai
Kolkata
How to find the cheapest flights from Chennai (MAA) to Kathmandu (KTM)
Right now, ₹ 11,298 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way Chennai to Kathmandu flight. The best price for a return ticket is ₹ 25,375. Remember that fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
To pick up cheap tickets from MAA to KTM, book as early as you can. Airlines usually offer the most competitive fares when flights are first released.
Getting cheap flights from Chennai to Kathmandu is easy if you can be flexible with your travel plans. Use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest fares across every month and land a great deal.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from MAA to KTM by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Discover the right flight for you by using the filters. To see the 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Chennai to Kathmandu, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter results by airline, departure and arrival times, and journey duration.
Handy information about Chennai (MAA)
When it comes to the on-time performance of Chennai, 76% of flights arrive within the scheduled timeframe.
Central Chennai to Chennai is approximately 21 kilometres. Depending on traffic, it'll take you about 35 minutes to get there if you're catching a taxi, ride-sharing or driving.
The journey on public transport takes about 1 hour.
Have an early flight from Chennai to Kathmandu? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by picking one of these hotels close to MAA:
What is the baggage allowance on flights from Chennai Airport (MAA) to Kathmandu Airport (KTM)?
Most airlines operating flights from MAA to KTM include a carry-on bag with standard fares, though baggage allowances vary by airline and ticket type. Here is what you can expect with the main airlines on this route:
Air India
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Kathmandu Airport (KTM), Terminal
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure
IndiGo
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (55x35x25cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 15kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Kathmandu Airport (KTM), Terminal
Check-in counters: Opens 2 hours before departure, closes 45 minutes before departure
Air India Express
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag plus personal item
Checked baggage: 15kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Kathmandu Airport (KTM), Terminal
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure
You can access essential facilities including free Wi-Fi, currency exchange services, and medical assistance at Chennai Airport (MAA). The airport also provides baby care rooms, prayer facilities, and a range of shops and restaurants for your convenience. Additionally, Chennai Airport (MAA) offers baggage storage services, ATMs, and various parking options to meet your travel needs.
Arriving at Kathmandu (KTM)
Consider staying in a hotel close to KTM if you're on a late Chennai to Kathmandu flight. Pick one of these options and skip the long transfer after landing:
Start your adventure sooner with a Kathmandu rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Spark Car to explore beyond Kathmandu's usual tourist stops.
Reserving your ride from Kathmandu around one week ahead increases your chances of getting a good deal.
Getting from Kathmandu (KTM) to central Kathmandu
Kathmandu is approximately 6 kilometres from the centre of Kathmandu. Driving there takes about 30 minutes.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey of around 40 minutes.
When to fly to Kathmandu (KTM)
It's time to choose your trip dates for your flight from Chennai to Kathmandu. February is the most popular month to visit Kathmandu. If you want a quieter vibe, go in March.
Before locking in your flight from Chennai to Kathmandu, think about the type of weather you like. June is the warmest month in Kathmandu, with temperatures ranging from 17ºC to 30ºC.
January has average temperatures of between 3ºC and 19ºC. Search for cheap tickets from MAA to KTM around that time if you like cooler conditions.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Kathmandu features a subtropical highland climate with warm summers, mild winters, and distinct wet and dry seasons. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
December – February: Winter brings crisp, clear days to Kathmandu, making it one of the best times to explore Kathmandu's temples and streets. Pack layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons.
March – May: Spring brings warm, dry days with clear mountain views. Temperatures climb steadily as the season progresses. Wear layers you can remove as the day heats up.
June – September: Kathmandu's monsoon season delivers warm, humid weather with regular afternoon showers that refresh the city. You'll want lightweight, quick-dry clothing and a compact umbrella for exploring temples and markets during this lush, green period.
October – November: Post-monsoon season brings clear skies and stable weather perfect for exploring temples, trekking mountain trails, and enjoying outdoor sightseeing across the city's bustling streets and surrounding valleys.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
Kathmandu sits high in the Himalayas, surrounded by ancient temples, bustling markets, and narrow streets filled with prayer flags. This historic city blends traditional architecture with modern life, where centuries-old pagodas stand alongside busy cafes and shops. Planning flights to Kathmandu opens up mountain adventures and cultural discoveries.
Things to do in Kathmandu: Wander through the narrow lanes of Thamel market, just 2 kilometres north of the city centre, where you can browse local handicrafts and sample street food. Take a scenic walk around Phewa Tal lake, about 8 kilometres southwest, perfect for morning strolls with mountain views in the distance. For panoramic views of the valley, hike up to Swayambhunath hill, roughly 3 kilometres west of downtown, where you can spot the city sprawling below.
Cultural experiences: Watch traditional Newari dance performances at the National Theatre in Kathmandu Durbar Square, about 2 kilometres south of the city centre. Sample momos and dal bhat at local eateries in Thamel, roughly 1 kilometre north, or attend evening prayer ceremonies at Pashupatinath Temple, around 5 kilometres northeast along the Bagmati River. The old quarter's narrow streets house generations-old metalwork and wood carving workshops.
Seasonal highlights: Experience Dashain festival celebrations in October with traditional ceremonies and family gatherings across the city. The spring months of March to May offer clear mountain views and comfortable temperatures for exploring ancient temples and markets. Winter brings the colourful Tihar festival in November, when homes glow with oil lamps and marigold decorations. The best time to visit Kathmandu is during these cooler months when the air is clearest and outdoor exploration is most pleasant.
Explore more of Nepal
You've visited Kathmandu, now it's time to discover other parts of Nepal. Travel about 145 kilometres north-west to Pokhara to tick off its leading sights. From Phewa Lake to Parahawking and Sarangkot View Point, your itinerary will be busy.
Around 6 kilometres south of Kathmandu, Patan is another essential stop in Nepal. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Patan Durbar Square, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar and Kathmandu.
