From Kathmandu to Hangzhou: Himalaya Airlines Opens New Direct Route to China

KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 1, 2026

A New Direct Flight Connects Nepal and China

Himalaya Airlines launched its new direct Kathmandu–Hangzhou–Kathmandu service on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, connecting Nepal’s Tribhuvan International Airport with Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport in China. The airline will operate two weekly services to make travel easier for tourists, business travelers, and other passengers while strengthening air connectivity, tourism, and trade between the two countries.

First Flight Brings 154 Chinese Tourists to Nepal

The inaugural flight departed Kathmandu at 5:37 p.m. on September 30 and arrived in Hangzhou at 1:08 a.m. China time the following day. The return flight left Hangzhou at 3:18 a.m. and landed in Kathmandu at 6:28 a.m. on October 1, carrying 154 Chinese tourists.

The service began at the start of Nepal’s busy autumn tourism season, creating a new travel option for visitors from eastern China.

Two Weekly Flights: Here Is the Schedule

Himalaya Airlines will initially operate two weekly round-trip services, with departures from Kathmandu on Sundays and Wednesdays and return flights from Hangzhou on Mondays and Thursdays.

All times are local to the respective airports. The airline will consider increasing flight frequency depending on passenger demand.

Why Is Hangzhou an Important New Destination?

Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang province in eastern China and a major cultural and economic center. The city is known for its scenic West Lake, historical attractions, and business opportunities.

The direct connection will give travelers another way to move between Nepal and eastern China without changing flights in another city.

Himalaya Airlines Targets One Million Chinese Tourists

Himalaya Airlines Vice President Vijay Shrestha said the company aims to operate flights to 10 tourism and economic destinations across China, with the long-term goal of welcoming one million Chinese tourists to Nepal.

The airline expects the Hangzhou route to strengthen tourism, business, and cultural exchanges. However, the one-million-tourist figure is the airline’s ambition, not a confirmed arrival forecast.

Nepal’s Air Connections With China Continue to Expand

The Hangzhou launch follows the resumption of Himalaya Airlines’ direct Kathmandu–Shanghai service on September 28, 2026. Earlier, the airline launched direct flights to Shenzhen on June 4.

According to the airline, it is the first commercial carrier to introduce scheduled direct flights between Kathmandu and Hangzhou. These additions are part of its broader effort to expand its network across China.

What Will the New Route Mean for Nepal?

The new connection could make Nepal more accessible to Chinese tourists while creating additional opportunities for hotels, travel agencies, trekking companies, and other tourism businesses.

It will also offer Nepali travelers another direct route to China for business, education, and leisure. Its longer-term economic impact will depend on passenger demand, tourist spending, and whether the airline maintains or expands its scheduled services.