Travel and transport agencies Himalaya

The airport is less than 10 km from the city centre.

Getting the visa

Upon arrival, you will have to go to one of the electronic visa machines (expect some waiting time): these will issue a visa number to be presented to the visa service for payment (just before the immigration counters), with a passport photo and the necessary amount in cash (15 days: 25 US$; 30 days: 40 US$; 45 days: 70 US$). To avoid waiting and queuing, we advise you to apply for a visa in advance at: online.nepalimmigration.gov.np, and print the receipt with the barcode. You will then just have to go directly to the visa payment counter. Attention: you must fill in this form only 15 days before your arrival in Nepal (the form is no longer valid afterwards, and you have to fill in a new one).

A currency exchange service is available next to the visa applications, as well as at the exit level. Visas are payable in all listed currencies (i.e. from the Euro to the Hong Kong dollar via the Japanese yen). The tourist visa allows a maximum stay of 3 months. An extension is possible (more info on nepalimmigration.gov.np). It allows you to travel everywhere. Nevertheless some areas will ask you to pay an access fee (Mustang) and a trek permit.

From the airport to the city centre (arrival)

Bus: Although there is a public bus service that connects the airport to the city, frequencies are irregular and inconvenient. We do not recommend it.

Taxi: Taxi is the most convenient way to reach the city centre. Depending on the traffic, it will take between 20 and 40 min to reach Thamel. At the exit of the airport, you will be accosted by taxi drivers and hotel drivers. We therefore advise you to go (exiting immediately on the right) to the counter of the prepaid taxis at a fixed price, which is safer: a round trip to Thamel will cost you Rs 700, for Patan Rs 800, and Rs 1,200 for Bhaktapur. Be aware that if you have booked your hotel from Europe, a driver will come and pick you up on request (and even if this service is not free, think about using it because it really changes your life...).

Hotel shuttle: Most hotels in the capital offer a shuttle service included (or not) depending on the price range of the establishment. It's easier on arrival because it saves you from having to negotiate hard, but it is a few dollars more expensive than a taxi.

At the time of departure, advice:

Come at least three hours before the departure of your return flight! Checks are long (interminable, one could say) and be prepared to undergo rather thorough searches! As much as possible, travel light with your carry-on baggage: no souvenirs too bulky or too precious (or remember to present the bills), no tea or incense or organic products. Also avoid bulky bottles of alcohol..

Kathmandu International Airport looks more like a huge train station than an airport... There aren't really any duty-free shops. So plan to do your shopping and gifts beforehand!

Airport taxes are no longer applicable, except for domestic flights (Rs 200).

To get there, take a taxi (even if you negotiate, it is difficult to find a route under Rs 600) and it should take at least 30 to 40 minutes (outside rush hour).

Daily flights from New Delhi.

The company Go Air has taken advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic to find a new name and rework its brand image. It is now called Go First and in addition to many domestic routes, also serves some international destinations including the Gulf countries, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Thailand. You will be able to reach all Indian cities from Delhi (Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore...) and other smaller cities (Guwahati, Lucknow, Bagdogra, Leh, Varanasi...).

Indira Gandhi Domestic Airport has two terminals: 1 and 2. Please check your ticket to see which terminal you are departing from, as they are connected by a shuttle bus. Flights are also very often subject to schedule changes. It is therefore advisable to get information before departure and to book your ticket at least one week in advance. Most low cost airlines no longer print baggage tags. It is up to you to do so or you will have to pay a supplement.

This very serious agency offers transfers between the city and the airport as well as car rental for one or more days. Its offers are varied, but unfortunately the prices are not the most competitive on the market. The agency can provide you with a car with driver for a trip through all the regions of India. It is up to you to determine the duration of your stay and your itinerary. They also rent cars without drivers. But we do not recommend this type of service, because driving is dangerous in the country.

Delhi, the capital of India, is a must for travelers. British Airways offers flights to Delhi, as well as to other major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad. Delhi offers a unique experience blending modernity and ancient traditions. Travelers can explore the ancient streets of Old Delhi by rickshaw, visit the India Gate war memorial in New Delhi and visit the Taj Mahal, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Mumbai, also known as Bombay, is another city not to be missed, with attractions such as the Gateway of India and Elephanta Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To get around India, you can fly or take the train, depending on your preferences and budget. Flights to India from London Heathrow take around 8 to 10 hours. India offers a wide variety of accommodation options, from affordable hotels to luxury beachfront resorts. Travelers can also enjoy Indian cuisine, bustling markets and stunning natural landscapes.

Delhi's main bus station is often packed, so arrive early. There are other ISBTs in the city.

For Rajasthan, many buses leave from I.S.B.T. Sarai Kale Khan Bus Terminal, on Mahatma Gandhi Road, behind Nizamuddin station (Tel + 91 11 24 35 80 92).

Reservations can be made at the Bikaner House in New Delhi, south of India Gate. The building also houses the Rajasthan Tourist Board. Many Deluxe, Silver Line or Pink Line buses (air-conditioned).

IGIA continues to redesign itself and now both the departure and arrival areas have been completely redesigned. The airport offers very complete services to travelers (stores, smoking areas, medical care, ATM...). The terminal is huge and it can take up to 20 minutes to get to the gate from the duty free area. You will also need to show your ticket and passport to enter the terminal.

Oasis Travel India has been organizing trips for more than 20 years, and in this business, it is a guarantee of seriousness. Several tours are proposed, in Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan and others much more targeted like the Indian Wildlife, the visits of Ellora and Ajanta... From short stays to longer ones, from two to three weeks and more for a more intense approach of India. The agency practices interesting prices while ensuring a professional service. Do not hesitate to contact them for an unforgettable stay, according to your desires and your budget.

Since 1980, this company recognized by the Ministry of Tourism is appreciated for its seriousness, its skills and its flexibility. You can therefore choose the car that best suits your needs (with driver, air conditioning, etc.) with complete confidence. All capacities and models are available. It is ranked^4th car rental agency in India, and you will benefit from the best rates. Airport pick-up, transfers..., do not hesitate to contact them.

Easy Cab is a long distance cab service from Delhi, Gurgaon or Noida. You can use their services for one-way trips at no extra cost. It is very convenient to go directly to Jaipur (for example) if the flight schedules do not match and if you do not want to take the train. Just call them to determine with them your needs, from the small city car, to the family car to the minibus. They can also make the transfer from the airport to your hotel.

This tour operator is considered one of the best in the whole of India due to its local presence in all strategic points. Indian Panorama offers customized tours and assistance in selecting the most interesting sites. The tours are organized according to the interests, time available and budget of each individual. A highly professional team guides and assists the travelers, while the dedicated services of a driver allows to stop at any time for interaction with the people or a photo.

Indigo is one of the pioneer companies of the Indian low coast. It is famous for its blue and white logo, its dynamic communication and its facetious puns. The company started by serving the major Indian cities, then expanded its offer with medium-haul flights to the Arabian Peninsula and other regional hubs such as Thailand. A sure value for your travels in the country. Its development also ensures an international influence with services to certain European capitals and Chinese cities.

The Malaysia-based low-cost airline has been serving India since 2014 on both domestic and medium-haul routes. Air Asia offers flights from New Delhi to Goa, Bagdogra, Bangalore, Kolkata, Guwahati, Imphal, Kochi, Pune, Ranchi, Srinagar and Visakhapatnam. The company also allows you to travel all over Asia, most often with a stopover in Kuala Lumpur. The very attractive fares and the aircraft, many of which are recent, are all advantages for saving time in comfort.

Bloo Nimboo Voyages is a French-Indian incoming agency based in New Delhi. With a wealth of varied and complementary experience gleaned over the past three decades, Valerie and Philip offer a range of quality services and products at competitive prices. Their expertise, which extends from India to Nepal, through Bhutan but also Tibet, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, offers you "their zest of the essential". But what is behind this funny little name? Contact them to know more..

This dedicated line is a will of Narendra Modi's government to facilitate the life of foreign visitors in India. An access menu allows you to choose the language, including French. You can reach them at any time of the day and every day of the year, in order to obtain practical information. You can also contact them in case of problems during your trip. Your interlocutor will do what is necessary to notify the competent authorities and guide you in your steps.

This local agency, specialized in tailor-made trips throughout India, is run by Farooq Shala and his daughter Fran. The agency is French-speaking, which will help you in the preparation of your trip, especially since you will be largely solicited for the construction of your tour. Originally from Kashmir, Farooq is particularly familiar with northern India. But with 4 decades of experience, no corner and good plan of the country escape him. Classic or off the beaten track, you are at the right address.

A good plan for all those who wish to move freely and quickly by choosing their own accommodations. Since 1976, this family agency, managed from father to son, rents vehicles with driver for tours in Rajasthan, Agra or Varanasi. Ashwani Bazaz will satisfy your expectations (air-conditioned car, Jeep, break...). For your information, he is also the owner of a nice guesthouse, Tree of Life, located in a quiet area of the city.

Classic, luxury or tailor-made tours throughout the country, but also themed tours (spa, ayurveda, natural, cultural, spiritual parks) and even motorcycle tours. Shiv will first answer all your questions (in French!) and then do his best to satisfy your requirements. Also organizes trips to Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and the Maldives. Its professionalism is no longer to be proved, the agency exists since 1989, and it is considered as one of the best in the Indian subcontinent, not without reason!

DTC is Delhi's metropolitan bus company. It has countless routes and is the largest local bus company in the world. Tourists prefer to take the metro, auto-rickshaw or cab, which are easier to use. However, DTC also provides a 24-hour service between Terminals 1 and 3 at Delhi airport. The company has also introduced a women-only bus service on some routes.

The famous VTC service is available in several Indian cities. In order to use it, you need to download the application on your phone and therefore have an Indian SIM card. It is not uncommon to have to call the driver, or have him call you, to find the meeting point. The service works well and is much cheaper than any private cab service. You will have the choice of several categories of vehicles for the same trip, making the price of the trip vary slightly.

New Delhi Railway Station has a reservation office for foreign travelers. It is located on the second floor of a long dark corridor in the back building of the station. This is where you can book a ticket on the foreign quota, seats kept for foreign travelers, which allows you to get a ticket at the last moment. However, it is advisable to book at least one day in advance and it is essential to present your passport.

Spice Jet is one of the most reputable and well-developed low cost airlines in India. It provides regular flights from Terminal 1 of the Indira Gandhi Airport in Delhi to all major and medium-sized cities in India. Fares are competitive and you can book additional services online at the time of ticket purchase: excess baggage, meals on board, seat number reservation... Spicejet operates to 54 destinations in India and 15 international destinations.

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation is the public company in charge of managing passenger rail transport. It reports directly to the Ministry of Railways, one of the largest in the nation with its 1.5 million employees. You can search for and consult the train timetables in the "Book Ticket" window of the website. But be careful, to make a reservation online, you have to create an account by entering a cell phone number. Validation can take several days.

For quick connection and call abroad via Internet.

Good internet connection (not expensive!), printing, scan… 

Stamps, mail, EMS (Fast E-mail Service) and colis.

Good internet connection, telephone, possibility to burn and print photos.

World leader in shipping packages, small and large.

Fax and fax reception.

This is undoubtedly the most reliable address: 20 computers all connected and operating even if electricity breaks…. (but less quickly).

Evergreen Tours launched its first tour in 1993 and now offers several trips to the Himalayas, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and China. A team of dedicated professionals dedicated to helping travel enthusiasts make their dreams come true. The agency offers a wide range of treks and hikes in high or medium mountains as well as sightseeing or cultural visits such as the visit of Bhaktapur or Chitwan Park.

It's very easy to hail a cab on the street, when it's not honking at you! They're easily recognizable, white with a yellow roof, and there's no risk of taking just any taxi. You can hop on with complete peace of mind, having negotiated the fare and made sure you've got the change nonetheless. Simpler and much cheaper, the Pathao cab app - a kind of local Uber, but with ordinary cars that are not always in perfect condition - allows you to find a cab in just a few minutes, provided you have a local sim card.

This is an agency set up and run by women, who have come together to create professional opportunities for women in the still male-dominated Himalayan trekking sector. More broadly, they intend to contribute to the empowerment of Nepalese women. The agency employs only women guides, and organizes trekking trips all over the country, as well as other organized trips and activities (helicopter tours, etc.). Quality and activism.

It is the best Nepalese airline, offering the most flights to domestic airports throughout the country, both in terms of frequency and number of destinations, at least for tourists. Buddha Air is also the safest to travel with, and slightly more expensive than its competitor Yeri Airlines. Nevertheless, here the baggage allowance is fixed and does not vary according to the price of the ticket: 25 kg in the hold and 5 kg in hand baggage. From Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bharatpur (Chitwan) and Nepalganj (Bardia) are well served.

Ambition Himalaya Treks & Expeditions specializes in trekking and leisure travel in Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan, all countries steeped in Buddhist culture, and offers a wide range of treks in order of difficulty. There are easy treks (e.g. Buddhist Culture, 6 days), moderate treks (e.g. Everest Base Camp Trek, 15 days) and difficult treks (e.g. Annapurna Circuit Trek, 20 days). A unique experience at high altitude. The website is in English, but the photos speak for themselves!

It is the bus station from where buses leave for all destinations in the Kathmandu valley with sometimes connections via Patan or Bhaktapur. Here you will come across a lot of old buses (and a lot of pollution at the same time) and a merry bazaar. Buses are cheap, but often slow and crowded. When you arrive at the station, buy your ticket at a ticket office, and shout out your destination so that you are directed to the right bus. Be aware, however, that buses only leave once they are full: bring a good book!

It is located to the north of the city center. It is from here, from the Kathmandu bus terminal, that all long-distance buses leave for Pokhara and Chitwan, for example. We advise you to book the day before to be sure of your departure, but above all because you may feel a little disoriented in this crowded station where the signs are not necessarily very clear (and generally in Nepali). You can book at a ticket office or through an agency in Thamel (for a fee). Some bus companies also leave from Thamel.

This agency with a golden reputation is run by Alexandre, a Frenchman who has spent over 10 years in Nepal, and his two Nepalese associates, Babulal and Haribo. Tribeni has built up an excellent reputation, especially for tailor-made, off-the-beaten-track itineraries. Even if you want to embark on a classic trek, the agency will suggest alternatives to avoid the crowds on the trails in high season. They also offer mountain bike tours (in Nepal and Tibet) and motorcycle tours. A great French-speaking agency that we warmly recommend.

Napoléon Trekking is a Franco-Nepalese agency born of the initiative of Suraj Adhikari, a former sherpa who knows the Himalayas like the back of his hand, and who launched his own trekking agency with a French couple, Jacques and Chrystelle, 15 years ago. It's a committed agency, as 3% of trekking revenues are donated to the association Les Enfants des Montagnes du Monde. In addition, the agency organizes humanitarian treks to distribute food to the most remote villages, a great way to discover Nepal.

It is one of Nepal's two main airlines, along with Buddha Air. Yeti Airlines serves all domestic airports of interest at competitive prices, particularly Pokhara, Bharatpur for Chitwan National Park and Nepalganj for Bardia National Park, though with less frequent flights than its competitor. Prices may be cheaper, depending on checked baggage allowance. Interesting if you're going away for a few days without much luggage, to get a small discount on your plane ticket.

Serious French-speaking travel agency run by our friendly Deepak, who has already sponsored more than 135 children through his association. With him, you will travel responsibly and off the beaten track! With his 20 years of experience as a French-speaking guide for a well-known TO, he offers beautiful tours accessible to all, including some suitable for families such as a trek between Chitwan and Pokhara. Special mention for the tours on the high plateaus, at the inhabitant's home and the nights in bivouac to meet the Gurung ethnic group.

It was in 1982 that Catherine discovered Nepal. Three years later, she moved to Kathmandu to open her agency there. Glacier Trek Safari is part of the list of well-established agencies. It offers classic treks that you can join, but also tailor-made treks or ascents, or guided tours. Receptive for 4 agencies in France, Glacier Trek Safari works in Nepal, Bhutan, India and Tibet. In addition, GST is closely associated with the non-governmental organization Samdo Avenir.

The Nepalese association of rafting agencies is an excellent address to ensure that the Thamel agencies that will offer you their service have all the guarantees, especially in terms of safety. This association is recognized by the government and dates back to 1989. It regroups the rafting agencies in Nepal and can provide information on each of them. It also organizes several events every year.

Qatar Airways offers at least one daily flight to Kathmandu from Paris Charles-de-Gaulle airport, with a connection in Doha. It is the only airline currently serving Kathmandu from France, and an excellent one at that. On board, Qatar Airways is renowned for its high level of service and comfort. Choose a connecting flight with a stopover of more than 1h30 to be sure of catching the flight. There are no connections with provincial cities, so you'll need to coordinate a TGV arriving at Charles de Gaulle Terminal 1.

Druk Air is Bhutan's state-owned national airline. Its commercial name is Royal Bhutan Airlines. Based at Paro airport near the capital Thimphu, it is recognized by the majestic dragon(Druk in Bhutanese) adorning the wings of its aircraft. The airline serves a number of Southeast Asian cities (New Delhi, Singapore and Bangkok). There are daily flights between Kathmandu and Paro, but schedules vary according to the weather.

Shree Airlines is Nepal's third-largest airline and, unlike its competitors Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines, offers only a few low-frequency routes at very competitive prices. All routes depart from and arrive in Kathmandu. Shree Airlines offers flights to Pokhara, Bhadrapur, Bhairahawa, Janakpur or Nepalganj and many other cities, which can be interesting off the beaten track. To be compared with the other two if you have to take a domestic flight.

This Franco-Nepalese family agency, taken over by Pasang and his team, now has over fifteen years' experience. It caters for an international clientele with a team of experienced guides. Organization and adaptability are the qualities of this team, who will take you on classic treks and those with fixed departures, as well as those you wish to build with them. It is also possible to take part in discovery tours of the country's national parks from the Terai to the south (Chitwan, Bardia...).

Hari's seriousness can only be underlined. This determined young Nepalese who launched this agency in 2008. He loves his country and his job. The agency has built up a good reputation with a European clientele. For the solo traveller or the low budget traveller, we propose here guaranteed departures on certain treks, which allows you to depart at a lower cost. The team and guides are flexible and adapt very well to last minute changes. Rafting, paragliding, trekking or cultural tours... you should find what you are looking for.

Auronepal Travel and Trek is the travel agency of the Sri Aurobindo Yoga Mandir, to which it donates its income. The agency offers a great list of services: treks, rafting, safaris, cultural and national park visits, but also yoga classes, ayurvedic treatments and spiritual retreats. This diversified offer and the proximity to the Sri Aurobindo Yoga Mandir contribute to create an environment totally in line with the life and values of the ashram. The director Prem Bhusal and the guides are former children of the institution.