This is one of the world's most celebrated scenic flights — on clear days the left (north) side offers views of the Himalayan giants including Kanchenjunga and, depending on conditions, distant Everest, before the flight transitions into the dramatic Bhutanese Himalaya on approach to Paro.
Flown KTM to PBH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Kathmandu to Paro is 250 miles (402 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path runs along the southern flank of the high Himalaya, with Kanchenjunga and other 8,000m peaks visible to the north in clear weather, while the Terai lowlands and foothill ridgelines stretch out to the south below.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from KTM
LEFTClimbing out of Kathmandu, the north side gives passengers a view over the terraced Kathmandu Valley with the first line of snow-capped Himalayan foothills rising beyond the city, setting up the main event to come during cruise.
Landing at PBH
LEFTThe descent into Paro follows the valley with jagged Bhutanese Himalayan peaks close on the north side, continuing the dramatic mountain scenery that defines this route right up to touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tribhuvan International (KTM) to Paro (PBH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kathmandu to Paro. This is one of the world's most celebrated scenic flights — on clear days the left (north) side offers views of the Himalayan giants including Kanchenjunga and, depending on conditions, distant Everest, before the flight transitions into the dramatic Bhutanese Himalaya on approach to Paro.
What can I see during takeoff from Tribhuvan International in Kathmandu?
During takeoff from Tribhuvan International (KTM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Climbing out of Kathmandu, the north side gives passengers a view over the terraced Kathmandu Valley with the first line of snow-capped Himalayan foothills rising beyond the city, setting up the main event to come during cruise. Notable sights include: Kathmandu Valley terraces, Kathmandu cityscape, Shivapuri hills, distant Langtang/Ganesh Himal peaks.
What can I see when landing at Paro in Paro?
When landing at Paro (PBH), sit on the Left side for the best views. The descent into Paro follows the valley with jagged Bhutanese Himalayan peaks close on the north side, continuing the dramatic mountain scenery that defines this route right up to touchdown. Notable sights include: Jichu Drake peak, Paro valley terraces, Paro Chhu river, pine-forested ridgelines.
How long is the flight from Kathmandu to Paro?
The flight from Tribhuvan International (KTM) to Paro (PBH) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 250 miles (402 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Kathmandu to Paro flight path pass over?
The flight path runs along the southern flank of the high Himalaya, with Kanchenjunga and other 8,000m peaks visible to the north in clear weather, while the Terai lowlands and foothill ridgelines stretch out to the south below.