Namaste, night owl traveler! ✈️
So you’re arriving in Kathmandu after 10 PM, maybe even close to midnight, and you’re wondering… Will I be wandering an empty airport like it’s a scene from a zombie movie? Fear not! I’ve been there, backpack strapped on, bleary-eyed but excited. Let me give you the inside scoop on what Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is really like when the clock strikes late.
1. The Airport After 10 PM: Ghost Town or Hidden Gem?
Truth bomb: by the time you land, clear immigration, and collect your bags, it’s likely that most of the airport shops will be closed. The SIM card kiosks, forex counters, and duty-free shops usually shut their shutters between 9–10 PM.
Open after-hours?
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A couple of tiny snack stalls and tea counters might still be open near arrivals, but don’t count on a hot meal.
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The airport Wi-Fi? Sketchy at best, but hey, it might help you send that quick “I’m alive!” text to your family.
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Most taxi drivers, however, will still be very much awake—and ready to spot you a mile away.
2. Immigration & Baggage: Midnight Edition
The good news: late-night arrivals mean shorter immigration queues (yay!), but depending on how many flights land around the same time, it can still get a bit bottlenecked.
Pro tip: Fill out your visa-on-arrival form online before your trip and print the barcode (or save it offline). It’ll save you from fumbling around for Wi-Fi.
Baggage claim at night? Expect a bit of a wait, as the conveyor belts might take their sweet time. Perfect moment to mentally prep for your Pokhara adventure.
3. Transport Options: Midnight Rides
Here’s where things get interesting. Public buses? Nope, not running at this hour. But you have options:
Taxis:
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There’s always a fleet of white taxis waiting outside arrivals.
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Negotiate or pre-book if you can (prices will vary, and late-night rates are higher).
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Expect to pay around 800–1,200 NPR to reach Thamel depending on your bargaining skills and whether you look like a lost puppy.
Hotel pick-ups:
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Many hotels in Kathmandu offer airport pickups even at midnight—just be sure to arrange it in advance.
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After a long flight, nothing beats seeing your name scribbled on a board as someone comes to whisk you away to a cozy bed.
4. Midnight Snack Attack
If you didn’t stock up on plane snacks, here’s the deal:
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Inside the airport: Limited options.
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Outside the airport: A few roadside stalls might serve instant noodles or tea.
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In Thamel (if you head straight there): You might find a 24-hour convenience store or a bar with midnight snacks.
So, carry some trail mix, energy bars, or chocolate for backup—trust me, future-you will be grateful.
5. What About SIM Cards & Currency Exchange?
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SIM counters are usually closed late at night.
Best to grab one the next morning in Thamel or Pokhara. Stores open as early as 8–9 AM. -
ATMs: There are ATMs near the arrivals area that work round the clock, but make sure your card works internationally and always take a bit more cash than you think you’ll need (ATMs occasionally run out of cash during busy trekking seasons).
Final Thoughts
Arriving in Kathmandu at night might feel like stepping into a quiet, slightly chaotic movie set, but it’s part of the charm. The city may be winding down, but adventure is just beginning.
You’re just hours away from the mountains, bustling streets of Thamel, and that first sip of masala tea overlooking the Himalayas.
Safe travels and welcome to Nepal!
