Stepping off a flight to Kathmandu presents an exhilarating feast for the senses, which will stay with you for the duration of your trip. The capital of Nepal is its most populous, with more than 2.5 million people calling it home. So on your visit, expect the city’s streets to be a frenetic scene.
However, amid the chaos, there’s charisma. Kathmandu has several awe-inspiring attractions, including elaborate temples dating back to the 5th century and ancient palaces that once housed the country’s monarchy. A misty mountain backdrop adds to the city’s allure.
Fly to Kathmandu with Qatar Airways, to discover an expanding metropolis filled with ancient relics, beautiful walled gardens and an inimitable urban bustle.
Flying from Madrid
Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport is the major civil and commercial airport serving Spain’s capital. It’s the largest and busiest airport in the country, and one of the key departure points in Europe, making it of international importance.
Ultra-modern and incredibly efficient, it is nevertheless a very friendly and welcoming airport, where professional staff go out of their way to make the start of your journey as pleasant as possible. Passengers flying from Madrid with Qatar Airways will find that connections to the rest of Europe and South America in particular are well served.
Transportation and parking
Madrid-Barajas Airport is located within the city boundary of Madrid and is just over five and a half miles from the financial centre, making it particularly popular with business travellers. RENFE trains operate along between Terminal 4 and Prínicipe Pio station in the city centre, with a journey time of around 40 minutes.
Madrid Metro has stations at Terminals 2 and 4, and the line 8 connects the airport with Nuevos Ministerios in the heart of the city’s financial district. Municipal buses run regularly and journey times range from 30-40 minutes, while fleets of taxis are also available both to and from the airport. Official taxis are white in colour with a red stripe – ensure that the metre is turned on at the beginning of the journey.
Parking is available at six public parking areas. Short-term options include the outdoor P1 car park in front of the terminal building and the indoor P2 car park (which has direct access to terminals T2 and T3.
Long-term parking is available at a remote car park with 1,655 spaces. A free shuttle is available to the terminals. VIP car parks are located near each of the airport’s terminals.
Arriving at Madrid
Passengers flying from Madrid with Qatar Airways depart from Terminal 4. Note that flights outside the European Shengen EU zone may depart from the satellite building, Terminal 4S. The airport is very large, so it’s important to ensure that you arrive at the correct terminal. Allow at least two hours before your flight is due to board to check in and to pass through the airport’s very strict security checks.
Facilities and amenities
The award-winning Terminal 4 is one of the largest airport terminals in the world. It has its own nursery and play area for children, as well as a large selection of retail outlets selling luxury and designer goods, accessories and essentials.
There are plenty of spacious lounge areas, including VIP and exclusive lounges for first and business class travellers. T4 also has a full-service business centre, and there are various business meeting rooms available for hire throughout the airport.
Food and drink is plentiful and range from fast food outlets, snack and drinks vendors to excellent restaurant meals for something a little more substantial.
Arriving in Kathmandu
Nepal is, quite simply, breathtaking. One of the most mountainous regions in the world and home to the towering Mt. Everest, its capital is unlike any other.
Traditional structures and temples create a serene atmosphere that allows you to enjoy a slower, more relaxed pace of life.
Book a flight to Kathmandu with Qatar Airways and you are guaranteed a warm, friendly welcome in a country where traditional values are paramount.
The city is also the gateway to tourism in the country, with visitors from all over the globe drawn here for the incredible climbing and hiking opportunities.
Tourist attractions
The city of Kathmandu has a history spanning over 2,000 years, leading to an eclectic mix of ancient and modern attractions.
Because Kathmandu is a relatively compact city, it is easy to see much of it either on foot or by taking one of the many rickshaws that swarm the streets. This is also a good way to get a real feel for Kathmandu life.
To see a timeline history of the city, visit the Narayanhiti Palace Museum. Take a look up and you’ll see the resident giant fruit bats - a spectacular sight when they come in to roost at dusk.
The Garden of Dreams (Kaiser Mahal) is a serenely beautiful spot which captures the Nepalese love of nature and brings it to life in a stunning collection of rare flora.
Travel Considerations
Flights to Kathmandu with Qatar Airways land at Tribhuvan International Airport. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Kathmandu please check the visa and passport requirements.
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