Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
December in San Francisco International Airport (SFO) means holiday crowds, earlier sunsets, and frequent long-haul connections for travelers bound for Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). To find the best December fares from San Francisco to Kathmandu, search 8–12 weeks in advance and monitor price alerts; consider alternative Bay Area airports like Oakland International Airport (OAK) and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) for lower fares or improved routing. Expect longer security and check-in lines during peak December travel days; arrive at least three hours before departure and confirm connection times if your routing includes hubs such as Doha (DOH), Dubai (DXB), Istanbul (IST) or Delhi (DEL). Pack layered clothing for arrival in Kathmandu and bring printed e-visa confirmation if you applied online—this speeds processing at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). For cheap flights SFO to KTM in December, use flexible date searches, sign up for fare alerts, and consider mid-week departures to avoid peak holiday surcharges. Book refundable or flexible tickets where possible and add travel insurance for peace of mind.
There are currently no nonstop flights between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). Travelers flying from San Francisco to Kathmandu in December should expect one or two connections through hubs such as Doha (DOH), Dubai (DXB), Istanbul (IST) or New Delhi (DEL). Book early for December holiday travel to secure better schedules and lower fares.
Total travel time from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) typically ranges from about 18 to 30+ hours depending on routing and connection times. Common itineraries in December include SFO–DOH–KTM, SFO–DXB–KTM, or SFO–DEL–KTM; factor in layovers and possible winter delays when planning.
For international departures from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in December—especially during the holiday surge—arrive at least 3 hours before scheduled departure. Security lines and airport traffic can be heavier around Christmas and New Year; allow extra time for checked baggage, international check-in, and U.S. customs if your itinerary includes a return leg through a U.S. gateway.
Nearby airports to consider for cheaper SFO-to-KTM itineraries are Oakland International Airport (OAK) and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC). Searching flexible departure airports across the Bay Area often reveals lower fares or more convenient connections via East Coast or European hubs—use fare alerts and multi-airport search to compare prices in December.
U.S. passport holders need a valid passport and Nepal visa; visas can be obtained on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) or via Nepal's e-visa portal prior to travel. In December expect higher passenger volumes, so complete e-visa forms in advance for smoother arrival processing and bring printed or digital proof of vaccination or other health documents if required by airlines or authorities.
Check your airline’s international baggage allowance before booking; common carriers on SFO–KTM routes allow one or two checked bags but surcharges vary. For December travel, label luggage, allow longer connection times, and confirm interline baggage transfer on multi-carrier itineraries—if you book separate tickets, plan extra time and consider travel insurance for deadline-sensitive holiday connections.
Landing at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in December usually means crisp air, good mountain views and efficient onward travel options. After immigration and baggage, travelers can access taxis and arranged transfers to central Kathmandu neighborhoods like Thamel, Patan and Bhaktapur; for destinations such as Pokhara and Chitwan National Park, consider booking domestic flights or tourist buses in advance since December sees steady tourist demand. Apply for a Nepal e-visa ahead of time to streamline arrival, pack warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings, and bring cash in smaller denominations for taxi fare and local purchases. If you’re continuing to trekking gateways like Lukla, check domestic flight schedules and reserve seats early—domestic carriers often fill during the holiday season. For cheap flights to Nepal or connecting options from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), compare routings via Doha, Dubai or Delhi and book as soon as travel dates are confirmed.
December in Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)) is typically cool and dry with clear skies—average daytime highs around 12–20°C (54–68°F) and nights dropping close to 0–8°C (32–46°F). This stable winter weather provides excellent mountain visibility for views of the Himalaya and is one of the best months for trekking and sightseeing.
Most nationalities can obtain a Nepal visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) or apply for an e-visa prior to travel. Health regulations can change—check airline notices and Nepal’s official immigration guidance before departure; some airlines may require proof of vaccination for boarding, so carry digital and printed health documentation.
December in Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)) is a festive, low-humidity month with clear mountain views. Travelers can enjoy Christmas and New Year celebrations in Thamel and upscale hotels, holiday markets selling local handicrafts, and cultural performances at heritage sites. It’s an excellent time for low-altitude treks (Annapurna foothills, Ghorepani) and sightseeing in Pokhara and Lumbini with reliable weather. Many trekking operators run winter-specific treks and conservation-focused tours in December—book early to secure guides and permits for popular routes. CTA: Check local event calendars and book trekking slots for December to guarantee availability.
The best time to fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) depends on priorities. For mountain views and stable weather, November through February (including December) are excellent—expect crisp air and outstanding visibility for Himalayan panoramas. If you prioritize lower fares, shoulder seasons (late spring and early fall) can be cheaper than December, which is a popular holiday month. For December travel: book early, aim for mid-week departures when possible to reduce costs, and choose routings through major hubs that offer consistent winter operations. CTA: Compare December SFO to KTM fares now and book early for the best balance of price and schedule.
There are no direct nonstop flights between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM); connections are required. Connecting flights via Doha (DOH) or Dubai (DXB) often offer the shortest total travel time due to efficient transfer windows and robust winter schedules, while routes through New Delhi (DEL) can be cost-effective and allow South Asia stopovers. December advantages include generally reliable operations from Gulf and European hubs—however holiday crowds can lengthen transfers. Choose connections with at least 90 minutes for same-ticket transfers and longer buffers for separate tickets; if reliability matters, prioritize reputable carriers with strong on-time winter performance.
Qatar Airways: Pros—efficient one-stop via Doha (DOH), consistent winter schedules, good business-class connectivity; Cons—higher fares during December holiday weeks. Emirates: Pros—strong long-haul network via Dubai (DXB), premium cabin options; Cons—longer overall routing if connections are extended. Turkish Airlines: Pros—competitive fares and European gateway (IST) options; Cons—longer routings and potentially tighter winter transfer windows. Air India and partner routings through New Delhi (DEL): Pros—often cost-effective with South Asia connections to KTM; Cons—domestic transfer reliability in winter can vary. For December travel book early, compare total journey time and baggage rules, and prioritize carriers with reliable winter operations and strong rebooking policies in case of weather delays.
Packing: Bring warm layers, a light insulated jacket, hat and gloves for Kathmandu nights, and breathable layers for daytime sightseeing. Health & altitude: If trekking, allow acclimatization days and carry altitude medication or consult a physician beforehand. Airport logistics: In December, arrive early at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and pre-book transfers from Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) to avoid queues; use the Nepal e-visa to shorten arrival processing. Connectivity & money: Carry local currency (Nepalese Rupee) and an international-capable credit card; ATMs are widely available in Kathmandu but may have limits during holidays. Booking tip: Reserve domestic flights to Pokhara or Lukla early in December to avoid sold-out conditions and choose refundable fares or travel insurance to protect against season-related schedule changes. CTA: Prepare your December SFO to KTM itinerary now and confirm domestic connections before departure.
Typical SFO–KTM itineraries in December require at least one connection, often two. Expected total travel times: 18–22 hours for optimized one-stop routings through Middle Eastern hubs (e.g., SFO–DOH–KTM), and 22–30+ hours for two-stop routings or longer layovers via European/Indian gateways. Frequent connection hubs include Doha (DOH), Dubai (DXB), Istanbul (IST), and New Delhi (DEL). Domestic connections within Nepal (KTM to Pokhara or Lukla) add 25–60 minutes for flight time but may require early check-in and weather buffers. When booking December flights, choose connections with minimum 90–120 minute international-to-domestic transfer windows for smoother transit and consider overnight layovers to reduce stress on holiday itineraries.
To secure cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in December, start searching early and set fare alerts for multiple routing options. Primary strategies: 1) Be flexible with departure and return dates—mid-week departures often lower fares; 2) Compare nearby Bay Area airports (OAK, SJC) and major U.S. hubs for alternate routings; 3) Look for sales from Gulf carriers (Qatar Airways, Emirates) and seasonal offers from Turkish Airlines and Air India; 4) Consider splitting tickets (SFO to DEL + DEL to KTM) only if you allow long connection buffers and purchase travel insurance. For last-minute deals, check weekday flash sales but weigh the risk of limited availability and higher holiday demand. CTA: Sign up for price alerts for SFO to KTM December flights and lock in fares when you find a competitive itinerary.
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Book your economy class flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Kathmandu (KTM)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your december trip.
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Book your economy class flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Kathmandu (KTM)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your december trip.
Starting from $616
Book your economy class flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Kathmandu (KTM)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your december trip.
Starting from $691
Book your economy class flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Kathmandu (KTM)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your december trip.
Planning a trip from San Francisco (SFO) to Kathmandu (KTM) in december? SlickTrip helps you find the cheapest economy class flights with our comprehensive flight comparison tool. Whether you prefer direct flights for convenience or multi-stop flights for savings, we have options for every budget and schedule.
From Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) you can take taxis, ride-share services where available, pre-arranged hotel transfers, or airport shuttles to central Kathmandu, Thamel, Boudhanath and nearby cities such as Patan and Bhaktapur. During December, roads are dry and traffic is lighter than monsoon months, but arrange transfers in advance during peak holiday periods for convenience.
Yes—December offers clear mountain views and excellent trekking conditions in lower-altitude regions, but nights are cold and some high-altitude passes may have snow. Also plan for increased tourism around year-end holidays; book accommodations and domestic flights early, and pack layered clothing, a warm jacket, and sun protection for daytime trekking.
From Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), travelers commonly access Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, Lumbini (Buddha’s birthplace), Bhaktapur, Patan (Lalitpur), and popular trekking gateways like Lukla for Everest or Jomsom for Mustang. December is a preferred month for clear-visibility flights and onward travel to these major destinations.
Arrival procedures at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) remain standard, but December holidays may result in longer immigration and taxi queues due to increased tourist arrivals. To minimize wait times, complete the Nepal e-visa in advance, carry documentation for onward travel, and coordinate hotel pickup or pre-booked transfers.
