Monday, Wednesday, and Friday flights between Varanasi and Kathmandu make travel easier. This new initiative is expected to increase religious tourism and visitors to both places with low ticket rates and packages.
Varanasi, also known as Banaras, attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists annually. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, situated in this historic city on the Ganges. The Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, is another Shiva temple. Religious and tourist visitors have appreciated these two locations’ spiritual and cultural connections for millennia. This connection is now easier with improved aircraft connectivity.
Starting Wednesday, Varanasi’s Babatpur International Airport will offer three direct flights to Nepal per week, making Kathmandu more accessible to tourists, pilgrims, and business travelers. Operated by Buddha Airways, these flights will run every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, considerably enhancing convenience and promoting cross-border tourism between the two countries. This extended service is not only a boon for visitors but also demonstrates the growing demand for air travel between India and Nepal.
Increased Flight Services: A Welcome Move for Tourists and Pilgrims
The decision to expand flying frequency from two to three days a week was driven by the growth in visitor demand. Buddha Airways’ Country Head, Uddhav Subedi, explained that the airline had been running flights on Mondays and Fridays but recognized the need to establish a third trip on Wednesdays to accommodate the expanding number of passengers.
The route between Varanasi and Kathmandu was first inaugurated in 2018, with smaller aircraft seating roughly 47 passengers. The service was momentarily interrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic when foreign flights were restricted, but it restarted immediately afterward, and demand quickly rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. Now, with planes that can accommodate up to 72 passengers, Buddha Airways is poised for even more guests, especially as religious tourism continues to develop.
Varanasi’s international airport is well-equipped to manage the rush of tourists headed to Nepal, and the flight itself takes only around one hour. The swift and comfortable route makes it a tempting alternative for pilgrims visiting either the Kashi Vishwanath Temple or Pashupatinath Temple, as well as for ordinary tourists wishing to explore the cultural richness of both locations.
Affordable Fares and Tourist Packages: Making Travel Accessible
One of the benefits of this expanded service is its price. Ticket costs for the one-way journey from Varanasi to Kathmandu are available in the range of INR 6,000 to INR 7,000, with round-trip fares costing roughly INR 12,000. These fares make air travel between the two countries more affordable to a wider spectrum of passengers, particularly pilgrims who may have previously relied on overland travel.
Moreover, Buddha Airways is offering numerous packages that respond to guests’ needs. These packages not only contain flights but also provide lodging, meals, and transportation services. This all-in-one strategy is particularly appealing for individuals who seek a hassle-free pilgrimage or vacation. The airline also serves complementary breakfast on board, so that travelers may start their voyage on a comfortable and fulfilling note.
An Upward Trend in Tourism Between India and Nepal
The introduction of new flight services is expected to help greatly to the growth of tourism in both Varanasi and Nepal. Over the years, Varanasi has attracted not just religious pilgrims but also international tourists fascinated by its history, culture, and dynamic street life. Similarly, Nepal, with its calm landscapes, temples, and trekking routes, remains a popular destination for those seeking spiritual experiences or adventure tourism.
By uniting two prominent Shiva temples—Kashi Vishwanath and Pashupatinath—the planes are projected to increase religious travel tremendously. For many Shiva devotees, visiting both temples is a cherished spiritual journey, and now that journey may be performed more easily and in less time.
Nepal has traditionally experienced a huge influx of Indian tourists, and with these enhanced flight options, Varanasi is likely to observe an increase in Nepalese tourists as well. Many Nepalese individuals travel to Varanasi for both religious and business objectives, and with a swift one-hour trip, the frequency of such visits is projected to rise. On the other hand, Indian tourists and foreign visitors to Varanasi can now incorporate a visit to Nepal’s capital city in their itinerary, bringing up new prospects for cultural exchange and exploration.
The Flight Schedule and Operational Details
For individuals planning a trip from Varanasi to Kathmandu, the flight schedule is as follows: Buddha Airways’ aircraft will depart from Varanasi’s Babatpur International Airport at 8:30 AM, landing in Kathmandu at 9:30 AM, making it an efficient one-hour journey. Return flights from Kathmandu to Varanasi will depart at 7:00 AM and arrive Varanasi at 8:00 AM.
With flights operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, passengers have flexibility in organizing their travels, whether they are going for religious purposes, tourism, or business. The airline has also recorded excellent bookings for its debut flight on Wednesday, indicating a positive welcome from the public.
A Brief History of the Varanasi to Nepal Flight Service
The Varanasi to Kathmandu air route was first offered in June 2018, inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Initially, the flights were operated using smaller aircraft with a seating capacity of 47 passengers. However, the service was temporarily interrupted during the global pandemic in 2020 when international flights were halted.
The service began in 2021, and with the steady return of international travel, Buddha Airways experienced rising demand for the Varanasi-Nepal route. According to airline authorities, roughly 65% of seats on flights departing from Varanasi were continuously filled, while flights from Kathmandu to Varanasi had an even greater occupancy rate, with over 90% of seats booked on average.
In response to this increased demand, Buddha Airways decided to not only expand the frequency of flights but also upgrade to larger aircraft with more seating capacity. The airline’s intention to extend services is consistent with the broader goals of increasing religious tourism and enhancing connectivity between India and Nepal.
Religious Significance and the Connection Between Two Major Shiva Temples
The increase of flights between Varanasi and Kathmandu serves more than just the logistical demands of visitors; it also reinforces the cultural and religious linkages between India and Nepal. Both cities are home to significant Shiva temples—Varanasi’s Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Kathmandu’s Pashupatinath Temple.
Kashi Vishwanath, located in Varanasi, is one of the most venerated temples in India and part of the twelve Jyotirlingas, a sacred collection of Shiva temples distributed across the country. Pilgrims go to Varanasi to perform rituals, seek favors, and feel the spiritual aura that is claimed to permeate the city.
Similarly, the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu is one of the holiest Shiva temples in Nepal, attracting people from throughout the world. The temple, located on the banks of the Bagmati River, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and carries tremendous spiritual significance for Hindus. For Shiva devotees, the possibility to visit both temples in a single journey is now much more realistic.
The airline’s expanded service might be considered as a type of modern pilgrimage facilitation, making the journey between these two holy locations shorter and more convenient.
Looking Ahead: The Potential for Further Expansion
With the great response to the present three-day-a-week schedule, Buddha Airways is considering adding another flight to satisfy the increased demand. The airline has hinted at the possibility of establishing a fourth weekly flight if tourist numbers continue to climb, further boosting accessibility between the two cities.
In addition to religious tourism, this expanded connectivity opens up new potential for trade and cultural interchange between India and Nepal. As both nations aim to deepen connections, efforts like these serve a critical role in establishing closer relations and promoting more cross-border exchanges.
Final Thoughts: A Boost for Regional Tourism and Religious Pilgrimage
The enhanced airline service between Varanasi and Nepal is a significant development for both visitors and pilgrims. With reasonable ticket rates, flexible timetables, and easy travel options, the route is primed to grow even more popular in the coming months. The relationship between the two cities is not only a logistical one but also a cultural and spiritual bridge that has been further developed with this project.
As the world continues to recover from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 epidemic, the tourism sector is enjoying a rebound, particularly in locations with high religious and cultural value. The flights from Varanasi to Nepal reflect this resurgence, bringing a modern solution to historic pilgrimage routes while making travel more accessible for all.
Whether you’re a Shiva devotee wishing to visit two of the most important temples in Hinduism or a tourist ready to discover the rich history and natural beauty of Nepal and India, this new flight schedule gives the perfect entrance to an amazing travel experience.
