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November flights out of San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) are popular due to Nepal’s peak autumn season. Expect clearer skies and stable weather over Kathmandu but busier terminals at SFO due to U.S. holiday travel (Thanksgiving). For best prices, search flexible dates, set fare alerts, and consider flights with a single middle-eastern or European stopover. Nearby Bay Area airports like San Jose (SJC) and Oakland (OAK) can sometimes offer lower fares — compare total travel time and baggage rules. Book early and confirm connections to secure seats for trekking season; click to compare current SFO → KTM fares and lock in November travel plans.
Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in November offers ideal weather, excellent mountain visibility and easy access to cultural festivals such as Tihar (dates vary). Expect higher demand for domestic flights to Pokhara and jungle safaris to Chitwan — book onward transport in advance. Carry small-denomination USD for visa-on-arrival fees, bring passport photos, and plan a buffer day in Kathmandu to acclimatize before heading to higher-altitude treks. Use local SIMs at the airport for navigation and book verified taxis to central neighborhoods like Thamel, Patan (Lalitpur) or Bhaktapur.
Nepal: Tihar (festival of lights) often falls in October or November and can increase domestic travel as locals return home; mountain region festivals like Mani Rimdu may also occur in autumn. Kathmandu’s November festival activity enhances cultural experiences but can crowd hotels and domestic flights. U.S.: Thanksgiving in late November causes peak departures from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), driving demand and higher fares; avoid traveling the Wednesday before Thanksgiving if possible. Plan around these events, book early, and consider extended layovers to experience local festivals without missing connections.
November is frequently the best time to fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) for clear mountain views, comfortable daytime temperatures and festival experiences such as Tihar. However, November is peak demand, so fares and crowded domestic flights can be higher; book early. For lower prices, consider shoulder months like late September or March–April, but for guaranteed visibility and trekking conditions, November is optimal. If mountain photography or long treks are your goal, prioritize November departures when searching for SFO → KTM flights.
There are no nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM); you must connect. One-stop routings via Doha (DOH), Istanbul (IST) or Dubai (DXB) offer balanced journey times and comfortable transfer processes, while two-stop itineraries can lower cost but increase total travel time and risk of missed connections. Choose one-stop if minimizing total travel time and baggage handling is a priority; choose longer, cheaper connections if saving money matters more. Always check transit visa requirements for layover countries (e.g., Schengen/UK rules) and leave ample connection time, especially in November when weather or holiday crowds may cause schedule changes.
Qatar Airways (via DOH) — Pros: Efficient transfers, modern fleet, good service; Cons: Price can be higher during trekking season. Turkish Airlines (via IST) — Pros: Frequent connections and good seat comfort; Cons: Longer total travel time on some routings. Emirates (via DXB) — Pros: Excellent A380/Boeing widebody service and onboard amenities; Cons: Potentially longer layovers. Air India (via DEL) — Pros: Shorter overall flight time if domestic connection is timed well; Cons: domestic flight reliability to KTM can vary and must be booked carefully. Compare total journey time, baggage allowances and price; for November, prioritize carriers with reliable hub transfers and flexible rebooking policies.
Pack layers for cool mornings and evenings, with light daytime clothing for Kathmandu’s mild November days and warmer gear for high-altitude treks. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a reusable water bottle; hydration aids acclimatization. Secure permits (TIMS, national park permits) and domestic flight reservations early—November is peak trekking season and flights to Lukla and Pokhara sell out. Buy travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and altitude-related incidents, and register travel plans with your embassy if desired. Finally, book November SFO departures early to avoid Thanksgiving fare spikes and confirm all connections 48 hours before departure.
Total travel time from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) varies widely by chosen hub and layover length. Typical sample durations in November: via Doha (DOH) — ~20–24 hours; via Istanbul (IST) — ~22–26 hours; via Delhi (DEL with domestic connection) — ~18–24 hours depending on domestic availability; via Dubai (DXB) — ~21–27 hours. Most SFO departures for long-haul international segments are late evening or overnight; plan connections accordingly and allow ample connection time for immigration and baggage transfers. When scheduling, consider arrival time in Kathmandu (daytime arrivals are preferable for onward travel and safer taxi transfers).
Finding cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in November requires flexibility and smart routing. Primary tactics: search flexible date ranges (±3 days), consider mid-week departures, and compare flights via Doha, Istanbul and Dubai where competitive connecting fares often appear. Check alternative departure airports such as San Jose (SJC) and Oakland (OAK) and compare total journey time vs savings. Use fare alerts, clear cookies or use private browsing for repeated searches, and book 6–12 weeks in advance to avoid last-minute peak-season surges. If budget is the priority, accept longer layovers or two one-way tickets to capture lower-priced segments.