For years, flying from Kathmandu to Riyadh has meant one thing: a connection. Book a ticket, land in Doha or Dubai or Delhi, wait, then fly on. That changes on 2 October 2026, when Himalaya Airlines launches Nepal's first non-stop service to the Saudi capital, cutting a journey that could take most of a day down to about 5 hours 20 minutes.
This guide covers both worlds: the new non-stop route once it launches, and the six airlines still worth comparing on the days it doesn't fly or before the launch date. You'll find real fares in Nepali rupees, a full schedule and connectivity breakdown, baggage compared airline by airline, and the Saudi visa rules that trip up more travelers on this route than the flight itself does.
Trip Turbo lists every Kathmandu to Riyadh option on one page, non-stop and connecting, with fares shown in Nepali rupees and no hidden charges. Compare, choose and book your ticket in a few minutes.
Important Information about Kathmandu to Riyadh Flights
| Detail |
Information |
| Flight Duration |
Approx. 5 hours 20 minutes non-stop (Himalaya Airlines, from 2 October 2026) |
| Distance |
Approx. 3,860 km (2,400 miles) |
| Airlines Operating |
Himalaya Airlines, Qatar Airways, flydubai, IndiGo, Air India, Emirates. See all airlines below. |
| Lowest Fare to Travel with Date |
Rs. 48,141 – 14 October 2026 (Air India, connecting) |
| Lowest Non-Stop Fare |
To be confirmed once Himalaya Airlines opens booking for its 2 October 2026 launch |
| Today's Lowest Fare (KTM–RUH) |
To be pulled from live Trip Turbo search results |
| Total Non-Stop Flights from Kathmandu to Riyadh in a Week |
2, on Sundays and Tuesdays, starting 2 October 2026 (Himalaya Airlines) |
| First Flight from Kathmandu (KTM) to Riyadh (RUH) |
00:35, flydubai |
| Last Flight from Kathmandu (KTM) to Riyadh (RUH) |
21:10, Air India |
| Popular Airlines |
Himalaya Airlines, Qatar Airways, flydubai, Air India, IndiGo |
| Airport Codes |
KTM–RUH |
| Departure and Arrival Airport |
TIA International Terminal, King Khalid International Airport |
| Time Difference |
Kathmandu is 2 hours 45 minutes ahead of Riyadh |
| Visa Required |
Yes. Most Nepali travelers need a sticker visa through the Saudi Embassy; a small group qualifies for the fast-track eVisa |
Kathmandu to Riyadh Flight Information
Himalaya Airlines starts a non-stop Kathmandu to Riyadh service on 2 October 2026, flying twice a week, on Sundays and Tuesdays, and cutting the journey to around 5 hours 20 minutes. Before that date, and on the five days a week it doesn't fly, every other airline connects through a hub such as Doha, Dubai or Delhi, landing at King Khalid International Airport.
Nepal Airlines previously flew this route non-stop until mid-2023, so Himalaya Airlines' launch restores a non-stop option to this corridor after a gap of more than three years.
Compare the new non-stop service against every connecting option side by side and book your Kathmandu to Riyadh ticket on Trip Turbo. Your e-ticket arrives by email as soon as payment is confirmed.
Is There a Direct Flight from Kathmandu to Riyadh?
Yes, from 2 October 2026. Himalaya Airlines launches a non-stop service on that date, operating 2 flights a week, on Sundays and Tuesdays, at around 5 hours 20 minutes flight time. Before this launch, there was no non-stop option.
On the five days a week the non-stop doesn't fly, or for anyone traveling before 2 October 2026, every one-stop itinerary adds real time, typically 3 to 10 hours beyond the fastest connection depending on the hub and layover length. The fastest one-stop journeys, generally via Delhi, run close to 9 to 10 hours total. Slower routings via other hubs can stretch past 12 hours including layover time.
How to Book Kathmandu to Riyadh Flight Ticket on Trip Turbo?
Booking an international flight on Trip Turbo takes a few minutes. Have your travel document details ready before you start.
- Go to tripturbo.com and open the Int'l Flights tab.
- Select One Way or Round Trip, then set your nationality and cabin class.
- Enter “Kathmandu (KTM)” as the departure city and “Riyadh (RUH)” as the destination.
- Choose your travel date and the number of passengers.
- Click Search.
- Use the Non-Stop filter to see Himalaya Airlines' new service where it applies to your date, or leave it off to compare connecting fares. Sort by Cheapest or Fastest.
- Compare the results and click Select on the flight you want.
- Choose your fare option. Each fare shows its cancellation rules, date change rules, and checked baggage allowance.
- Click Book Flight to hold your seat. A countdown timer shows how long the fare is reserved.
- Enter passenger details exactly as they appear on the travel document you will use at check-in.
- Select your document type, enter the passport number and expiry date, and upload a clear scan or photo of it.
- If applicable, upload your visa approval or Saudi visa confirmation at this stage.
- Review the price summary, which shows the base fare, taxes, TT Coins earned and any convenience fee.
- Choose a payment method and click Pay Now.
Trip Turbo accepts Digital Wallets, ConnectIPS, Mobile Banking and Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay and American Express cards. Your e-ticket is emailed to you as soon as payment is confirmed.
Kathmandu to Riyadh Airfare and Flight Details
Flights from Kathmandu to Riyadh depart from Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) and land at King Khalid International Airport (RUH). From 2 October 2026, Himalaya Airlines flies this route non-stop twice a week, on Sundays and Tuesdays; every other airline connects through at least one hub, so plan on a full-day journey on those itineraries rather than a short hop.
Kathmandu to Riyadh Airfare
Himalaya Airlines' non-stop fare for the 2 October 2026 launch is not yet published. The lowest connecting fare found is Rs. 48,141, with Air India via Delhi, for travel on 14 October 2026. Connecting fares otherwise range up to Rs. 120,000 or more for a single adult in economy, depending on airline, routing, and how far ahead you book. Fares by airline, cheapest first among the confirmed and estimated connecting fares:
| Airline |
Lowest Fare |
Service |
Type |
| Himalaya Airlines |
To be confirmed at launch |
Non-stop |
Full-service |
| Air India |
Rs. 48,141 |
Connecting via Delhi |
Full-service |
| IndiGo |
From approx. Rs. 54,500 |
Connecting via Delhi |
Low-cost |
| flydubai |
Rs. 80,391 |
Connecting via Dubai |
Low-cost |
| Qatar Airways |
From approx. Rs. 83,000 |
Connecting via Doha |
Full-service |
| Emirates |
From approx. Rs. 100,300 |
Connecting via Dubai |
Full-service |
It is worth knowing how that fare is made up. On a connecting long-haul international sector, taxes, fuel surcharges and airport fees at each stop typically make up a larger share of the ticket price than on a non-stop route, which is one reason fares on this corridor sit noticeably higher than on shorter Gulf routes such as Kathmandu to Doha.
If you are returning to Kathmandu, book both legs in a single round-trip transaction. It is usually cheaper than two separate one-way tickets and keeps the whole journey under one booking reference.
Fare Options on Trip Turbo
Trip Turbo shows every fare option an airline sells on this route, which most local online travel agencies in Nepal do not. The flight and seat stay the same across fare types; what changes is the cancellation rule, the date change rule and the checked baggage allowance. On a connections-heavy route like Kathmandu to Riyadh, checking the baggage allowance before you book matters more than usual, since a lower fare on a budget carrier can carry little to no included checked baggage.
Flight Details for Kathmandu to Riyadh
Himalaya Airlines operates its non-stop service with an Airbus A320-family aircraft, departing from the International Terminal at Tribhuvan International Airport and arriving at King Khalid International Airport. Connecting carriers use aircraft and terminals that vary by routing.
| Airline |
Non-Stop Flights per Week |
Days |
| Himalaya Airlines |
2, from 2 October 2026 |
Sunday, Tuesday |
| Total |
2 |
— |
Book several weeks in advance where possible, and arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. International departures involve manual document checks, immigration and multiple security screenings, and connecting itineraries involve at least one additional immigration and security process at the hub.
Kathmandu to Riyadh Flight Connectivity
Non-stop: Himalaya Airlines flies Kathmandu to Riyadh non-stop from 2 October 2026, twice a week on Sundays and Tuesdays, at around 5 hours 20 minutes. This is the fastest option on the route by a wide margin once it launches, and it removes the connecting-hub immigration and security process entirely. On the other five days of the week, travelers still need a connecting option.
Connecting itineraries run through Doha, Dubai and Delhi for travel before 2 October 2026 or on days the non-stop service doesn't operate. The fastest of them:
| Routing |
Airline |
Journey Time |
Fare |
| Via Delhi |
Air India |
Approx. 9 to 10 hours |
From Rs. 48,141 |
| Via Delhi |
IndiGo |
Approx. 9 to 10 hours |
From approx. Rs. 54,500 |
| Via Dubai |
flydubai |
Approx. 12 hours 29 minutes |
From Rs. 80,391 |
| Via Doha |
Qatar Airways |
Approx. 12 hours 20 minutes |
From approx. Rs. 83,000 |
| Via Dubai |
Emirates |
Approx. 12 to 13 hours |
From approx. Rs. 100,300 |
Delhi is the fastest connection by a clear margin, and it happens to carry the lowest fare on the route too. Dubai and Doha add two to three hours over Delhi for a meaningfully higher price, so they're worth it mainly if the schedule or airline suits you better than a Delhi connection does.
Kathmandu to Riyadh Flights Fare
Connecting fares range from Rs. 48,141 (Air India, for travel 14 October 2026) up to Rs. 120,000 or more one way in economy, depending on routing and how far ahead you book. Himalaya Airlines' non-stop fare is not yet published for its 2 October 2026 launch. Booking several weeks in advance generally keeps you toward the lower end of the connecting fare range.
Fares also rise around Dashain, Tihar, the Hajj and Umrah seasons in Saudi Arabia, and around the start and end of foreign employment contract cycles, so book earlier if you are traveling during any of these periods.
Baggage affects the total cost more on this route than on some others, since several of the connecting carriers are low-cost airlines with little or no included checked baggage. Factor the cost of adding baggage into your comparison rather than comparing base fares alone.
How to Check Your Kathmandu to Riyadh Flight Status
Departure times, connections and fares change daily on this route more than on most, since most itineraries are assembled connections. For live availability and same-day flight status, search your exact travel date on Trip Turbo, or check with the operating airline directly. King Khalid International Airport's information desk can be reached on +966 9200 20090 or the toll-free line +966 800 124 8100.
Airlines Flying from Kathmandu to Riyadh
Himalaya Airlines is the only non-stop operator on this route, starting 2 October 2026, and is covered first. Every other carrier below connects through a hub, ordered cheapest first to match the fare table above.
Himalaya Airlines Kathmandu to Riyadh Flights
Himalaya Airlines launches a non-stop Kathmandu to Riyadh service on 2 October 2026, operating 2 flights a week, on Sundays and Tuesdays, at around 5 hours 20 minutes flight time. As Nepal's own carrier and the only non-stop option on this route, it suits travelers who want the shortest possible journey and no connecting-hub immigration process. Flight number, departure and arrival times, and fare class details are not yet published and should be added here as soon as Himalaya Airlines releases them and Trip Turbo opens booking for the route.
Air India Kathmandu to Riyadh Flights
Air India connects through Delhi and currently shows the lowest confirmed fare on this route, Rs. 48,141 for travel on 14 October 2026. As a full-service carrier, checked baggage is included on its standard economy fare. It suits travelers who want a fast connection, at around 9 to 10 hours total, with a full-service experience.
IndiGo Kathmandu to Riyadh Flights
IndiGo connects through Delhi, one of the fastest hub options on this route, at a similar 9 to 10 hour total journey time to Air India. As a low-cost carrier, its base fare is cabin-only, with checked baggage typically added at booking.
flydubai Kathmandu to Riyadh Flights
flydubai connects through Dubai, and publishes a route page for this specific journey with a stated flight duration of approximately 12 hours 29 minutes and a one-way fare starting from Rs. 80,391, sourced directly from the airline. flydubai is a low-cost carrier, so meals and checked baggage are typically paid extras on its base fare.
Qatar Airways Kathmandu to Riyadh Flights
Qatar Airways connects through its Doha hub, using its long-haul fleet on the Kathmandu to Doha sector and onward Gulf aircraft to Riyadh. As a full-service carrier, fares typically include a meal and seat selection. Qatar Airways tends to offer competitive connecting fares and suits travelers who want a single, well-connected hub rather than a budget carrier's minimal-service model.
Emirates Kathmandu to Riyadh Flights
Emirates connects through Dubai. As a full-service carrier, it typically includes checked baggage and a meal on its standard economy fare, and tends to sit at the higher end of the fare range on this route. It suits travelers who want a full-service experience on the connecting leg and are less focused on finding the lowest possible fare.
Other Airlines Flying from Kathmandu to Riyadh
Your search results will also show Turkish Airlines, connecting through Istanbul. This routing typically adds significant total journey time compared with the Gulf and Delhi hub options above and is worth considering mainly if your fare or schedule works out unusually well, or if you are combining the trip with travel through Turkey.
Kathmandu to Riyadh Airport Information
Flights on this route depart from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. From 2 October 2026, Himalaya Airlines' non-stop service arrives directly at King Khalid International Airport; on connecting itineraries, arrival follows at least one connecting stop.
Tribhuvan International Airport Facilities
Tribhuvan International Airport is Nepal's only international airport. The international terminal has duty-free shopping, restaurants and cafes, currency exchange counters, ATMs, prayer rooms and airline lounges. Duty-free is located after immigration and before the final security check. The international and domestic terminals sit about 500 meters apart and are connected by a free shuttle bus, so check which one you need before you set off.
King Khalid International Airport Facilities
King Khalid International Airport is Riyadh's main international gateway and one of the busiest airports in Saudi Arabia. It offers duty-free shopping, a range of dining options, prayer rooms, currency exchange, and airline lounges spread across its multiple terminals, which are used by different airlines and alliances.
Departure Process at Tribhuvan International Airport
Check-in counters open around three to four hours before departure and close roughly one hour before. After your baggage has been checked, all departing passengers must complete an embarkation card in the immigration area before proceeding into the departure hall. Hand baggage is X-rayed again before the final departure area. Because a Saudi visa must be approved before departure for most Nepali travelers, airline staff check visa status at the check-in counter, and boarding is refused without one.
A maximum of three people may accompany a passenger into the international terminal to see them off, so arrange goodbyes accordingly.
Arrival and Onward Connections at King Khalid International Airport
Passengers on Himalaya Airlines' non-stop service clear immigration and collect baggage directly on arrival, with no connecting-hub process involved. On connecting itineraries, most travelers instead clear immigration and collect baggage at their connecting hub, depending on whether the itinerary is ticketed as a single booking with baggage checked through. If you are on separate tickets rather than one connected itinerary, you must clear immigration and customs at the connecting hub, then check in again for the onward flight. Allow at least four hours for this, and longer if changing terminals. Booking the whole journey as one itinerary on Trip Turbo means your baggage can be checked through to Riyadh directly on connecting routings.
King Khalid International Airport Address and Contact
Street Address: Airport Road, King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh 13458, Saudi Arabia
Postal Address: P.O. Box 12531, Riyadh 11483, Saudi Arabia
The airport sits approximately 35 km north of Riyadh city center.
- Information Desk: +966 9200 20090
- Toll-Free Phone: +966 800 124 8100
- WhatsApp Support: +966 920020090
- Email: info@riyadhairports.com
Qatar Airways Riyadh Contact Information
- Main Customer Support (Doha): +974 4144 5555
- Local Saudi Contact Line: 8008 5001 17
- Saudi Arabia Call Centre: 9200 15566 (Saturday to Thursday, 08:00 to 22:00)
- International Support: +971 600 544445
flydubai Riyadh Contact Information
- Airport Phone: +966 1 221 1000
- Global Call Center: +971 600 54 44 45 (available 24/7)
Tribhuvan International Airport Address and Contact
Address: Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Ring Road, Kathmandu 44600, Bagmati Province, Nepal
- +977-1-4113163 (International Terminal Duty Office)
- +977-1-4113045 (Immigration)
- +977-1-4470382 (Customs)
Qatar Airways Kathmandu Contact Information
Address: Sundar Bhawan, Hattisar Sadak, Kathmandu 09291, Nepal
- Contact Number: +977 1-4540847
Baggage Information
Baggage allowance on this route varies more than usual, since several of the main carriers are low-cost airlines with minimal or no included checked baggage on their base fare. Carry a valid passport and approved visa with you at all times, and arrive at the airport three hours before departure to allow for international check-in.
How much baggage can I carry on my Kathmandu to Riyadh flight?
Himalaya Airlines' baggage allowance for its new non-stop service is not yet published. Among the connecting carriers, full-service airlines, Qatar Airways, Air India and Emirates, typically include 20 to 30 kg of checked baggage on their standard economy fare, plus a cabin bag of around 7 kg. Low-cost carriers, flydubai and IndiGo, typically include cabin baggage only on their base fare, with checked baggage sold as a separate add-on. Confirm the exact allowance shown for your selected fare at booking.
Himalaya Airlines Baggage Information
Himalaya Airlines allows one cabin bag of up to 7 kg. Checked baggage depends on the fare class booked:
| Fare Class |
Free Check-in Baggage Allowance |
| Economy |
25 kg |
| Value |
30 kg |
| Flexi |
35 kg |
| Premium |
40 kg |
Qatar Airways Baggage Information
Qatar Airways allows one cabin bag plus one personal item, up to 7 kg total. Checked baggage depends on the fare class booked:
| Fare Class |
Free Check-in Baggage Allowance |
| Economy Lite |
20 kg |
| Economy Classic |
25 kg |
| Economy Comfort |
Up to 35 kg |
| Business |
40 kg |
Air India Baggage Information
Air India allows one cabin bag of up to 7 kg. Checked baggage depends on the fare class booked:
| Fare Class |
Free Check-in Baggage Allowance |
| Economy Value |
20 kg |
| Economy Flex |
30 kg |
| Business |
35 kg |
Emirates Baggage Information
Emirates allows one cabin bag of up to 7 kg. Checked baggage depends on the fare class booked:
| Fare Class |
Free Check-in Baggage Allowance |
| Economy (indicative) |
30 kg |
| Business (indicative) |
40 kg |
Which Airline Offers the Best Baggage Value
Where two fares are close in price, the airline with more included checked baggage is often the better deal once you account for what a low-cost carrier charges to add baggage after the fact. Qatar Airways' Economy Classic fare, with 25 kg included, tends to compare well against a similarly priced flydubai or IndiGo fare once excess baggage fees are added. For travelers carrying 25 kg or more, comparing the all-in cost, fare plus any baggage add-on, is the more accurate way to find the genuinely cheaper option.
Security Check-in
The following items are not permitted in cabin baggage on international flights:
- Knives, scissors and any sharp or bladed object
- Firearms, ammunition and imitation weapons
- Explosives, fireworks and flammable liquids or gases
- Liquids, gels and aerosols in containers of 100 ml or less, which must be carried in a single transparent resealable bag
- Liquids, gels and aerosols in containers larger than 100 ml, which must be carried in checked luggage instead
- Tools such as hammers, drills and wrenches
- Sporting equipment including bats, clubs and cues
- Corrosive or toxic substances
Power banks and spare lithium batteries must be carried in hand baggage only and must never be packed in checked luggage.
The 100 ml liquid rule applies to international flights and does not apply to domestic Nepali routes, so pack accordingly if you are used to flying within Nepal.
Documents Required for Kathmandu to Riyadh Flight
A passport is mandatory for every passenger on this route, and for the large majority of Nepali travelers, a Saudi visa must be approved before departure. Airline check-in staff verify visa status at the counter, and boarding is refused without one.
Documents Required for Nepali Adults
Nepali adult passengers must carry all of the following:
- A valid passport, with at least six months' validity from the date of travel
- An approved Saudi visa matching the purpose of travel
- A confirmed onward or return ticket, where required by the specific visa category
Documents Required for Children
Children traveling to Riyadh must carry all of the following:
- A valid passport, with at least six months' validity
- A birth certificate, as supporting identification
- Where traveling with only one parent or a guardian, a notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent
Documents Required for Infants
Infants must carry all of the following:
- A valid passport, with at least six months' validity. Infants cannot travel on a parent's passport
- A birth certificate
Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements for Nepali Travelers
A visa is required for every Nepali traveler to Saudi Arabia. There is no visa-on-arrival, and the standard tourist eVisa is not currently available to Nepali passport holders in most cases. The route that applies depends on your situation.
Sticker visa through Tasheer or the Saudi Embassy. This is the default route for most Nepali travelers, including standard tourism, family visits, and business trips. Applications go through the Tasheer visa center or directly through the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Kathmandu. Typical supporting documents include the original passport, a passport-size photograph, a completed application form, a citizenship copy, a recent bank statement, a confirmed hotel booking, and a confirmed return ticket. Processing time and fees vary, so confirm current requirements directly with Tasheer or the embassy before applying.
Fast-track eVisa. A smaller group of Nepali travelers can apply for Saudi Arabia's eVisa directly online, but only if they hold a valid US, UK or Schengen visa that has been used at least once, or if they are legal residents of a GCC country with at least three months of remaining validity. This route is strictly for tourism or Umrah and does not permit employment.
Work visa. Travelers going to Saudi Arabia for employment need a work visa arranged by their Saudi employer, together with a labor permit from Nepal's Department of Foreign Employment. This is a separate process from both the tourist sticker visa and the eVisa, and is covered below.
Use only official Saudi visa channels, either Tasheer, the Saudi Embassy in Kathmandu, or the official government eVisa portal, and be cautious of third-party sites offering to “guarantee” approval.
Traveling to Riyadh for Work
Trip Turbo sells flights, not recruitment services, so this section covers only what affects your booking and travel documents.
A tourist visa, including the sticker visa and the fast-track eVisa, does not permit employment in Saudi Arabia. Traveling for work requires an employer-arranged Saudi work visa, together with a labor permit, commonly referred to as Shram Swikriti, issued by Nepal's Department of Foreign Employment before departure. Under Nepal's labor migration framework, the employer is generally responsible for bearing recruitment costs rather than the worker.
Because Saudi Arabia is one of the largest destinations for Nepali labor migration, this route carries significant numbers of first-time travelers each year who are unfamiliar with international air travel. Budget extra time at the airport, keep your labor permit and employment contract as physical copies alongside your passport and visa, and confirm your specific requirements directly with Nepal's Department of Foreign Employment and the Saudi Embassy in Kathmandu rather than a recruitment agency.
Places to Visit in Kathmandu
Kathmandu packs an extraordinary amount into one valley. Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square hold centuries of Newari architecture, while Swayambhunath and Boudhanath are two of the most important Buddhist sites in the country. Pashupatinath Temple sits on the banks of the Bagmati and is Nepal's holiest Hindu shrine. Thamel is the place for shopping, food and last-minute trekking gear.
Places to Visit in Riyadh
Riyadh blends a modern skyline with Saudi heritage sites. Masmak Fortress and the historic Diriyah district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are the city's key heritage stops. Kingdom Centre Tower offers panoramic views from its Sky Bridge, and Boulevard Riyadh City is the modern entertainment and dining district most visitors head to in the evening.
Weather in Kathmandu
Kathmandu has a mild climate year-round thanks to its valley setting at around 1,400 meters. Summers are warm rather than hot, winters are cool but rarely freezing, and the monsoon between June and September brings most of the annual rainfall. Carry a light jacket even in summer, because evenings cool down quickly.
Weather in Riyadh
Riyadh has an extreme desert climate, with summer temperatures from May to September regularly exceeding 42 degrees Celsius and very low humidity. Winters, from December to February, are mild during the day and can turn cold at night. The most comfortable months to visit are November to March.
About Kathmandu
Kathmandu is Nepal's capital and its only international gateway. The valley has been a center of trade, art and pilgrimage for well over a thousand years, and it remains the political, commercial and cultural heart of the country. Every international journey into or out of Nepal begins here, including one of the country's busiest labor migration corridors, to Saudi Arabia.
Best Time to Fly Kathmandu
The most comfortable months to fly to or from Kathmandu are October to November and March to April, when skies are clear and temperatures are mild. Avoid the monsoon months from June to September if you can, since cloud cover and rain cause more frequent delays.
Major Airlines Flying to Riyadh
Himalaya Airlines is the only airline operating non-stop, from 2 October 2026. Air India, IndiGo, flydubai, Qatar Airways and Emirates all sell connecting itineraries.
About Riyadh
Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia and its largest city, and for Nepal it is one of the most significant destinations on the labor migration map, alongside Doha and other Gulf capitals. The route also carries a smaller but growing number of business travelers, students, and pilgrims traveling onward to Mecca or Medina for Umrah.
How to reach Riyadh
There is no road or rail route between Nepal and Saudi Arabia, so flying is the only option.
Riyadh by Air
Himalaya Airlines' non-stop flight, from 2 October 2026, takes around 5 hours 20 minutes and lands at King Khalid International Airport, operating twice a week on Sundays and Tuesdays. The fastest connecting journeys, via Delhi, run approximately 9 to 10 hours total including layover time. Slower connections via other hubs can run considerably longer.
What to do in Riyadh
Start with Masmak Fortress and the restored mudbrick district of Diriyah for history, then head up Kingdom Centre Tower for the skyline view. In the evening, Boulevard Riyadh City covers most of the entertainment and dining options visitors look for.
Major Airports in and near Riyadh
King Khalid International Airport is Riyadh's primary airport and one of the largest in Saudi Arabia, with multiple terminals used by different carriers. From Riyadh you can connect onward to destinations across the Gulf, the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Book your Kathmandu to Riyadh flight on Trip Turbo and compare the non-stop service against every connecting option in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions – Kathmandu to Riyadh Flights
How do I go from Kathmandu to Riyadh?
The only way is to fly. From 2 October 2026, Himalaya Airlines operates a non-stop service 2 times a week, on Sundays and Tuesdays. On other days, or for travel before that date, every itinerary connects through a hub such as Doha, Dubai or Delhi.
How long is the flight from Kathmandu to Riyadh?
Himalaya Airlines' non-stop flight, starting 2 October 2026, takes approximately 5 hours 20 minutes. The fastest connecting itineraries run approximately 9 to 10 hours total, typically via Delhi, and slower connections through other hubs can take considerably longer.
How much is the flight from KTM to Riyadh?
Fares start from Rs. 48,141 one way, the lowest fare found so far, with Air India connecting via Delhi for travel on 14 October 2026. Fares range up to Rs. 120,000 or more depending on airline, routing and how far ahead you book.
How far is the KTM to RUH flight?
The flying distance from Kathmandu to Riyadh is approximately 3,860 km, or roughly 2,400 miles.
Which time is best for Riyadh?
November to March is the most comfortable window, with far milder daytime temperatures than the extreme summer heat from May to September.
Is there any direct flight from Kathmandu to Riyadh?
Yes, from 2 October 2026. Himalaya Airlines launches a non-stop service on that date, operating 2 flights a week, on Sundays and Tuesdays. Before this launch, Nepal Airlines had operated the only non-stop service until it was discontinued in mid-2023.
How many flights a day to Riyadh from Kathmandu?
Himalaya Airlines' non-stop service operates 2 times a week, on Sundays and Tuesdays, from 2 October 2026, which is not a daily service. On other days, travelers use a connecting itinerary through a hub such as Doha, Dubai or Delhi.
When is the last flight from Kathmandu to Riyadh?
For connecting itineraries, this depends on your chosen routing and connecting airline. Himalaya Airlines' non-stop departure time is not yet published. Check live schedules on Trip Turbo for your specific travel date.
Which airlines operate flights between Kathmandu and Riyadh?
Himalaya Airlines operates the only non-stop service, from 2 October 2026. Qatar Airways, Air India, flydubai, IndiGo and Emirates all offer connecting itineraries. Turkish Airlines also appears via Istanbul, generally with a longer total journey time.
Which airline is the cheapest from Kathmandu to Riyadh?
Air India via Delhi has shown the lowest confirmed fare so far, Rs. 48,141 for travel on 14 October 2026, though the cheapest option changes week to week and by travel date. Compare live fares for your exact travel date on Trip Turbo.
What is the baggage allowance for Kathmandu to Riyadh flights?
It depends heavily on the airline. Full-service carriers like Qatar Airways, Air India and Emirates typically include 20 to 30 kg checked baggage on standard economy fares. Low-cost carriers like flydubai and IndiGo typically require checked baggage to be added separately at booking.
Do Nepali citizens need a visa for Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Most Nepali travelers need a sticker visa applied for through Tasheer or the Saudi Embassy in Kathmandu. A smaller group qualifies for a fast-track eVisa, but only if they hold a valid, used US, UK or Schengen visa, or hold GCC residency.
Can I travel to Riyadh for work on a tourist visa?
No. A tourist visa, including both the sticker visa and the fast-track eVisa, does not permit employment. Working in Saudi Arabia requires an employer-arranged work visa together with a labor permit from Nepal's Department of Foreign Employment.
What documents do adults need for this flight?
A passport valid for at least six months, plus the approved Saudi visa matching your purpose of travel. Tourist applicants also typically need proof of accommodation and a confirmed return ticket during the visa application itself.
What documents do children need for this flight?
A passport valid for at least six months and a birth certificate. A notarized consent letter may be required if traveling with only one parent or a guardian.
Which airport do Kathmandu to Riyadh flights depart from and arrive at?
Flights depart from the International Terminal at Tribhuvan International Airport. On arrival, the terminal at King Khalid International Airport depends on the operating carrier and specific itinerary; confirm this on your booking.
When is the best time to book a Kathmandu to Riyadh flight to get the lowest fare?
Booking several weeks ahead generally keeps fares toward the lower end of the range. Fares climb during Dashain, Tihar, the Hajj and Umrah seasons, and around the start and end of foreign employment contract cycles.
Are flights between Kathmandu and Riyadh ever delayed or canceled?
Delays can happen at any point in a multi-stop itinerary, including at the connecting hub, and are most common during Kathmandu's June to September monsoon season. Check your flight status at every leg before leaving for the airport.
What happens if my Kathmandu to Riyadh flight is canceled?
The operating airline of the affected leg is responsible for rebooking you or issuing a refund under its fare rules. If you booked through Trip Turbo, contact customer support and the team will assist with rebooking across your full itinerary.
How early should I arrive at the airport before my flight?
Arrive three hours before your international departure from Tribhuvan International Airport, and allow at least four hours at your connecting hub if you are traveling on separate tickets rather than one through-booked itinerary.
Can I book a round-trip flight between Kathmandu and Riyadh?
Yes. Select Round Trip on the international flights search and enter both dates. Booking both legs together is usually cheaper than two separate one-way tickets and keeps the whole journey under a single booking reference.
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