Kathmandu Airport: Tips for Navigating Nepal’s Chaotic Gateway

02/24/25 • 13 min

Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport is an adventure in itself—vibrant, chaotic, and full of surprises. In this episode, we’re joined by David Ways, a seasoned traveler and Nepal guidebook author, who shares his insider tips for surviving the airport’s unique challenges. From navigating baggage claim rugby scrums to outsmarting pen thieves, David’s advice will help you breeze through arrivals and departures so you can focus on enjoying your Nepali adventure.

We’ll cover:

Arrival Tips: Visa kiosks, baggage claim, currency exchange, and SIM cards.
Departure Tips: Early arrival, security checks, departure cards, and the infamous pen thieves.
Real-Life Stories: David’s unforgettable passport mishap and other airport adventures.
Survival Strategies: How to stay calm, prepared, and even find humor in the chaos.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this episode will equip you with everything you need to conquer Kathmandu Airport and start your Nepal journey on the right foot.

Article: https://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/nepal/how-to-survive-flying-into-kathmandu-airport-nepal/

We’ll cover:

Arrival Tips: Visa kiosks, baggage claim, currency exchange, and SIM cards.
Departure Tips: Early arrival, security checks, departure cards, and the infamous pen thieves.
Real-Life Stories: David’s unforgettable passport mishap and other airport adventures.
Survival Strategies: How to stay calm, prepared, and even find humor in the chaos.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this episode will equip you with everything you need to conquer Kathmandu Airport and start your Nepal journey on the right foot.

Article: https://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/nepal/how-to-survive-flying-into-kathmandu-airport-nepal/

Previous Episode

Nepal's Vanishing Gods: the fading memory of cultural heritage

Join us on a journey to Nepal, where ancient shrines and forgotten deities tell a story of cultural memory slowly slipping away. Inspired by David Ways’ article The Forgotten Gods of Nepal from The Longest Way Home Travel website, this episode explores the delicate balance between preserving tradition and the forces of modernity.

We’ll discuss:

The Decline of Faith: How the 2015 earthquake and shifting demographics have led to a fading connection with Nepal’s ancient gods and traditions.
Cultural Erosion: The impact of globalization, tourism, and misinformation on Nepal’s living heritage.
Preservation Efforts: The role of researchers, photographers, and local communities in documenting and safeguarding these traditions.
Tourism’s Double-Edged Sword: How tourism can both threaten and revitalize cultural heritage.
Lessons for the World: What Nepal’s vanishing gods teach us about preserving cultural memory in our own communities.

From the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the quiet, crumbling shrines, this episode is a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities of preserving the past in a rapidly changing world.

Article found here: https://www.thelongestwayhome.com/blog/nepal/forgotten-gods-of-nepal/

Next Episode

Trekking the Manaslu Circuit: A Hidden Gem in the Himalayas

Ready for an unforgettable Himalayan adventure? In this episode, we explore the Manaslu Circuit, a stunning and less-crowded alternative to Nepal’s more popular treks. Guided by David Ways, author of Trekking in Nepal and founder of The Longest Way Home, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to tackle this incredible journey.

We’ll cover:

The Route: From lush valleys and charming villages to rugged mountain passes and breathtaking views of Mount Manaslu.
Permits and Logistics: The five essential permits, guide requirements, and how to plan your trek.
Itinerary Highlights: Key stops like Samagaon, Larkya La Pass, and Bimthang, plus tips for acclimatization and side treks.
Gear and Preparation: What to pack, from sturdy boots to water purification systems.
Cultural Immersion: Tea house etiquette, local cuisine, and the importance of responsible trekking.

Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or dreaming of your first Himalayan adventure, this episode will inspire and prepare you for the trek of a lifetime.

Full guide is available at https://www.thelongestwayhome.com/travel-resources/trekking/manaslu-circuit-trek.html