Himalaya Airlines Kathmandu-Hangzhou flights: schedule guide
Himalaya Airlines plans to open the first scheduled nonstop link between Kathmandu and Hangzhou on September 30, 2026. The twice-weekly route gives travelers a new way to reach eastern China without changing planes, but its first published run is short and both directions involve overnight airport planning.
The airline's latest announcement replaces an older schedule that had shown an earlier start and a later arrival in Kathmandu. Use the September 24 timetable below as a planning reference, then confirm the live booking and ticket details before paying.
*Original OpenSim editorial illustration. The aircraft, route, cities and viewpoint are illustrative and do not depict a specific flight, terminal or exact view.*
The latest Kathmandu-Hangzhou timetable
Himalaya Airlines' September 24 announcement gives this initial schedule. All times are local:
| Flight | Route | Operating days | Published dates | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H9 225 | Kathmandu (KTM) to Hangzhou (HGH) | Wednesday and Sunday | September 30 to October 21 | 17:15 | 01:05 the next day |
| H9 226 | Hangzhou (HGH) to Kathmandu (KTM) | Monday and Thursday | October 1 to October 22 | 02:05 | 06:20 |
The airline says it will begin with two weekly frequencies and consider adding more according to demand and load factors. That is not a promise of flights after October 22. Anyone planning later travel should wait for the desired date to appear in the airline's booking system.
Earlier schedule reporting listed a September 9 start and a 07:30 Kathmandu arrival. Those details are useful evidence that the plan changed, not the timetable to book against now. The airline's newer release controls this guide.
What the overnight timing means in Hangzhou
H9 225 is due at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport at 01:05. Even after a punctual landing, immigration, baggage and customs will take time. The airport's current metro guide says the station opens at 05:50, with first trains on Lines 1, 7 and 19 leaving shortly after 06:00.
That leaves a gap of several hours for many arriving passengers. Ask the hotel whether it accepts late arrivals, save its address in Chinese, and decide before departure whether to wait for the metro or use an official taxi. Do not assume the hotel room begins the previous night unless that night is included in the reservation.
The return is more demanding. H9 226 leaves Hangzhou at 02:05, before the metro's morning service. Arrange the trip to the airport the evening before and confirm the terminal on the booking record. A last metro to the airport may not leave enough time for the airline's recommended check-in process.
Check-in opens online, but the airport counter still matters
Himalaya Airlines says online check-in is available from 24 hours until 90 minutes before departure. It also tells passengers to reach the airport counter three to four hours before the flight, collect the airline boarding pass there, and complete immigration and security.
The airline closes international check-in counters 60 minutes before departure and boarding gates 20 minutes before departure. Those are cutoffs, not suggested arrival times. For the 02:05 Hangzhou departure, work backward from the airline's three-to-four-hour guidance and allow extra time if the route or terminal is unfamiliar.
Baggage is tied to the ticket, not one route-wide allowance
Himalaya Airlines does not publish one checked-bag allowance that applies to every traveler on this route. Its checked baggage page says the free allowance can vary by passenger type, origin, route, booking period and offer. The ticket or reservation is the source for the included amount.
The airline permits one cabin bag of up to 7 kg, with maximum combined dimensions of 114 cm. It says no single checked piece may exceed 32 kg. Travelers carrying more than their ticket includes should price pre-booked baggage before relying on an airport purchase.
If another airline is on a separate ticket, do not assume the bag will transfer. Confirm the rule with both carriers and allow for immigration, collection, customs and a new check-in. The questions travelers ask about China transits repeatedly show why a short self-transfer and an unverified baggage assumption are a risky pair.
Entry permission depends on the traveler
The new flight does not create a new visa exemption. A Nepali passport holder planning a visit to mainland China should check the current requirements with the Chinese Embassy or visa center. The embassy's ordinary visa instructions list an online application process and documents for tourism, business and transit visas.
Rules differ by passport, purpose, length of stay and onward journey. A transit policy is not a substitute for a visitor visa when Hangzhou is the destination. Check the rule for every traveler before buying a restrictive fare, and recheck it before departure.
Plan mobile data separately for Nepal and China
OpenSim currently has separate plans for Nepal and China. The reviewed regional products that include China do not also list Nepal, so this guide does not claim that one regional plan covers both ends of the route.
Package allowances, networks, speed, hotspot support, validity and top-up eligibility vary. Not every plan can be topped up. Open each product page and check the exact package terms before paying.
Install the needed eSIM on reliable Wi-Fi before travel, but follow its activation instructions so validity does not start too early. Keep the QR code, airline booking, hotel address and airport plan available offline. The usual SIM can remain in the phone for calls or account messages, with data roaming turned off if unexpected charges are a concern. See when to install an eSIM before travel and how to check whether a phone supports eSIM.
Ten questions about Himalaya Airlines Kathmandu-Hangzhou flights
When do Himalaya Airlines Kathmandu-Hangzhou flights start?
The airline plans the first Kathmandu departure for Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Because that date is still in the future, check the live flight status before leaving for the airport and do not describe the service as operating until the inaugural flight has flown.
Which days will H9 225 fly from Kathmandu to Hangzhou?
H9 225 is initially published for Wednesday and Sunday. It leaves Kathmandu at 17:15 and reaches Hangzhou at 01:05 the next day, using local time at each airport.
Which days will H9 226 return to Kathmandu?
H9 226 is initially published for Monday and Thursday. It departs Hangzhou at 02:05 and arrives in Kathmandu at 06:20 on the same calendar day.
Are flights available after October 22?
The announcement only lists outbound flights through October 21 and returns through October 22. The airline says it may review frequency according to demand, but it has not promised a continuation in that release. Treat later dates as unconfirmed until they appear for sale.
Is Kathmandu-Hangzhou a nonstop flight?
Yes. The airline describes it as a direct scheduled service, and current schedule data shows nonstop operation between KTM and HGH. It is not a connection through another Chinese city.
What arrival time does Himalaya Airlines recommend?
Himalaya Airlines tells passengers to reach the counter three to four hours before departure. Its international counter closes 60 minutes before the flight and the gate closes 20 minutes before departure. Follow any stricter time shown on the booking or airport notice.
Can I check in online for H9 225 or H9 226?
The airline says online check-in runs from 24 hours until 90 minutes before departure. Passengers must still collect the airline boarding pass at the counter and complete document, immigration and security checks.
Where can I find the included baggage allowance?
The checked allowance depends on the ticket, route and booking conditions, so read the reservation rather than assuming a fixed amount. One cabin bag up to 7 kg is permitted under the airline's published general rule, and no single checked bag may exceed 32 kg.
Will the Hangzhou metro be running after the 01:05 arrival?
Not immediately. The airport currently lists a 05:50 metro opening, with first trains shortly after 06:00. Plan whether to wait or take an official taxi, and confirm that a hotel will accept a very late arrival.
Do Nepali citizens need a visa for Hangzhou?
The airline announcement does not grant an entry exemption. Nepali travelers should check the current mainland China visa instructions for their purpose and dates. Other passport holders must check their own eligibility, including any transit exception, with an official source.
Final checks for this short launch schedule
Check that the exact date is on sale, then confirm local times, terminal, fare conditions, checked baggage and airport arrival guidance. For Hangzhou, plan the 01:05 arrival and 02:05 departure as overnight movements. If another flight is on a separate ticket, allow enough time to collect bags, satisfy entry rules and check in again.
The airline's September 24 announcement is the controlling source for the revised launch timetable. Use the live booking and ticket for the final operating details because new routes can change before the first flight.
*Airline, airport, entry and OpenSim product details were checked on September 26, 2026. Update this guide if the launch, sales period, frequency, timetable, terminal, baggage, check-in or entry requirements change.*
