Tribhuvan International Airport

<p>Tribhuvan International Airport (IATA: KTM, ICAO: VNKT) is the sole international air gateway connecting Nepal to the rest of the world. Located in the capital city of Kathmandu—approximately 6 kilometers east of the city center and adjacent to the sacred Pashupatinath Temple—it serves as the primary national and international hub for aviation, tourism, and logistics. </p> <p>Quick Facts<br /> Location: Sinamangal, Kathmandu, Bagmati Province, Nepal<br /> Elevation: 1,338 meters (4,390 ft) above sea level<br /> Runway: Single asphalt-concrete runway (Designated 02/20), measuring 3,350 meters (10,990 ft) in length<br /> Terminals: Two main terminals—International and Domestic<br /> Operating Agency: Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) </p> <p>History & Significance<br /> Originally established in 1949 as an airstrip known as Gauchaur Airport, the facility was formally inaugurated in 1955 by King Mahendra and renamed Tribhuvan Airport in honor of his father, King Tribhuvan. It attained its official international status in 1964. Wedged into a valley surrounded by mountainous terrain, TIA is renowned for its unique geographic setting and approach challenges. It handles dozens of international carriers linking Kathmandu to major transit hubs across Asia and the Middle East, while simultaneously operating as the bustling domestic springboard for flights across Nepal—including the vital mountain route to Lukla for Himalayan expeditions. </p>