Best airlines for pets flying to Nepal: Buddha Air, Shree, and international options compared 2026

Last updated: May 2026 · 8 min read

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Quick answer

Flying to Nepal with a pet means two airline decisions: an international carrier to Kathmandu, and possibly a domestic carrier for onward connections. Turkish Airlines is the best cabin pet option internationally. Qatar Airways via Doha is best for cargo. Avoid India as a transit country entirely.

The India transit problem: read this first.

Many routes into Kathmandu connect through Indian airports. Transiting India with a pet requires a DGFT license and No Objection Certificate. These are commercial import documents that are difficult for private individuals to obtain. Route via Istanbul, Doha, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok instead.

Once you've chosen your airline, the next step is documentation. A personal plan tells you exactly what to prepare, in what order, for Nepal. $24.

International carriers serving Kathmandu with pets

Turkish Airlines

Cabin: yes (under 8 kg)Hold: yes (up to 50 kg)Istanbul hub

Accepts cats and dogs in the cabin up to 8 kg (including carrier). Hold travel up to 50 kg combined. Wide European departure network. Book at least 6 hours before departure. Turkish Airlines.

Qatar Airways

No cabinManifest cargoDoha hub avoids India

No cabin pets. All pets as manifest cargo through Qatar cargo services. Doha routing avoids Indian transit complications. Well-managed climate-controlled cargo operation.

Air India

Cabin: yes (under 10 kg)India transit required

Allows cabin pets up to 10 kg on most routes. Departs from Delhi and Indian cities. Indian transit complications apply. Use only if departing from India.

Himalaya Airlines

Cargo optionsLimited routes

Nepali carrier in partnership with Tianjin Airlines. Limited routes but avoids Indian transit on certain connections. Confirm pet acceptance directly with the airline.

Domestic carriers inside Nepal

If your final destination is outside Kathmandu, you need a separate domestic flight after clearing customs.

Buddha Air

No cabinCargo: max 2 pets

Largest domestic carrier in Nepal. Cargo only. Maximum 2 pets per flight. No weight limit. Health certificate required. Inform cargo office in advance. No medical services during travel. Buddha Air.

Shree Airlines

Cargo: selected routes

Operates Kathmandu to Pokhara and Biratnagar. Accepts pets as cargo on select flights. Very limited capacity. Contact directly when booking.

Nepal Airlines

Cargo acceptedNo A320 routes

Accepts pets but not on Airbus A320 aircraft. Confirm aircraft type for your specific domestic route before booking.

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Quick verdict

If your cat or small dog is under 8 kg: Turkish Airlines is the best cabin option with the widest European network.

If your pet is larger or you prefer cargo: Qatar Airways via Doha is the cleanest routing and avoids India.

If you are departing from India or must transit India: use a licensed pet transport agent who specializes in Indian NOC processing.

Comparison table

Airline	Cabin	Cargo	Transit Hub	India Avoided
Turkish Airlines	Yes (under 8 kg)	Yes (up to 50 kg)	Istanbul	Yes
Qatar Airways	No	Yes	Doha	Yes
Air India	Yes (under 10 kg)	Yes	Delhi	No
Buddha Air (domestic)	No	Yes (max 2 pets)	n/a	n/a
Shree Airlines (domestic)	No	Selected routes	n/a	n/a

Nepal import requirements for all airlines

Regardless of which airline you use, the following apply to all pets entering Nepal:

Microchip: ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit chip. Rabies vaccination: given between 30 days and 12 months before arrival. Health certificate: issued by a licensed vet within 10 days of travel. Advance notification: email ktmquarantine@gmail.com at least 24 hours before arrival (one week recommended). Import tax: up to 40% of your pet's assessed value, payable in cash at the airport. No titer test required. No quarantine for compliant pets.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my cat in the cabin on a flight to Nepal?

Yes, if you fly Turkish Airlines and your cat is under 8 kg including carrier. Turkish is currently the best international carrier option for cabin pet travel to Kathmandu. Air India also allows cabin pets but involves Indian transit.

What is the India transit problem exactly?

Transiting through India with a pet requires a DGFT license and No Objection Certificate. These are commercial import documents that are difficult for private individuals to obtain. Most owners routing via India face refusal at the Indian transit point. Route via Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul instead.

Does Buddha Air allow pets in the cabin?

No. Buddha Air accepts pets as cargo only, with a maximum of two pets per flight.

Do I need a domestic flight after arriving in Kathmandu?

Only if your final destination is not Kathmandu. For Pokhara, Chitwan, or trekking regions, you need a domestic connection. Confirm your domestic carrier's pet policy before booking the international leg.

Once you've chosen your airline, the next step is documentation. A personal plan tells you exactly what to prepare, in what order, for your Nepal destination. $24.

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