For the first time, you can fly between Kathmandu and Hangzhou without changing planes.
Himalaya Airlines will begin the first scheduled direct service between Kathmandu and Hangzhou on September 30, 2026.
The airline says it will be the first and only commercial carrier operating a direct scheduled flight on the Kathmandu-Hangzhou-Kathmandu sector, according to its press release.
Route and Launch
The new route connects Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu with Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province in eastern China.
The service is part of the airline’s broader plan to establish direct connectivity with 10 key tourism and economic centers across China, aimed at supporting tourism, trade and cultural exchange between Nepal and China.
The airline expects the route to support Nepal’s autumn tourism season.
Schedule and Flight Details
Initially, Himalaya Airlines will operate two weekly flights on the route.
| Sector | Flight | Days | Departure (local) | Arrival (local) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu to Hangzhou | H9 225 | Sunday, Wednesday | 17:15 (Nepal time) | 01:05 +1 (China time) |
| Hangzhou to Kathmandu | H9 226 | Monday, Thursday | 02:05 (China time) | 06:20 (Nepal time) |
China is 2 hours 15 minutes ahead of Nepal, so the flight takes about 5 hours 35 minutes to Hangzhou and about 6 hours 30 minutes back.
Effective schedule period listed for the initial service: September 30 through October 21, 2026 (outbound) and October 1 through October 22, 2026 (return).
No flights after these dates have been published yet, so check before booking later travel.
The airline said it will review passenger demand and load factors and may consider increasing frequency in the future.
- Late-night arrival: the flight lands in Hangzhou at 01:05, so arrange a taxi or hotel pickup in advance. You can compare hotels in Hangzhou on Wego.
- Early return: the return leaves at 02:05, just after midnight. For a Monday flight, head to the airport on Sunday night; for a Thursday flight, on Wednesday night.
Booking and Travel Tips
Passengers can book through Himalaya Airlines’ ticketing counters, authorized travel partners, the airline’s official website, or its mobile application.
Before traveling, you should confirm the schedule directly with the airline, as flight times and operational dates may change.
Entry requirements for China apply to Nepali and third-country travelers; check current visa rules and any health or customs declarations with the relevant consulate or official authority before departure.
- Nepali citizens going to China: you need a Chinese visa before you fly. The Chinese Embassy in Nepal stopped charging Nepali citizens the visa fee from May 1, 2024, but express and service fees still apply, according to the embassy’s notice.
- How to apply: apply on the Kathmandu Chinese Visa Application Service Center website first, then hand in your passport there in person. Processing takes 2 to 4 working days from that day.
- Chinese citizens going to Nepal: the tourist visa is free, for up to 150 days a year, and you can get it on arrival at TIA, according to the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing.
- Before you fly to Nepal: you still need to complete the free online application, and your passport should be valid for at least six months, says Nepal’s Department of Immigration.
- Arriving in China: foreign visitors fill in an arrival card, online before travel on the National Immigration Administration’s arrival card page, its NIA 12367 app or a WeChat or Alipay mini program, or on paper at the airport. Our China digital arrival card guide walks you through it.
- Baggage: Hangzhou is not yet listed on the airline’s baggage allowance page, and its other China routes range from 15 kg to 40 kg in Economy, with some counted in pieces. Check the allowance on your ticket.
Compare fares on the new direct route from Kathmandu.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the service start?
The inaugural flight is scheduled for September 30, 2026, according to the airline’s press release.
How can I book a ticket?
Through the airline’s official ticketing channels: counters, authorized partners, the official website, and mobile app.
Will the frequency change?
The airline has said it will review demand and load factors and may increase the service in the future. Confirm any updated schedule directly with Himalaya Airlines before traveling.
How early should Nepali travelers apply for a China visa?
At least a week before you fly. Processing takes 2 to 4 working days from the day you hand in your passport at the visa center in Kathmandu, and the online form and documents must be done before that.
How long can Chinese tourists stay in Nepal for free?
Up to 150 days in a calendar year, on a free tourist visa available on arrival at TIA. You still need to complete the free online application.
Sources
- Himalaya Airlines, Launching Direct Flight Service on the Kathmandu–Hangzhou–Kathmandu Route
- Himalaya Airlines, Free Baggage Allowance
- Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nepal, Visa Fee Notice for Nepali Citizens
- Kathmandu Chinese Visa Application Service Center, Notice on the Online Visa Application System
- Embassy of Nepal, Beijing, Visa
- Department of Immigration, Nepal, Visa and ETA
- National Immigration Administration of China, Arrival Card
Disclaimer: We’ve worked hard to make sure the information in this article is as accurate and up to date as possible at the time of publishing. Travel details such as prices, schedules, visa rules, and entry requirements can change at short notice, so it remains your responsibility to verify the current details with official sources before you book or travel. Wego accepts no liability for any loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this content.
