Himalaya Airlines is Nepal’s premier carrier for affordable travel to the Himalayas. Founded in 2014 as a joint venture between Nepal’s Yeti World Investment Group and China’s Tibet Airlines, the airline launched its first flights in May 2016 with a brand-new Airbus A320. Since then it has steadily expanded its network, connecting Kathmandu with South Asian and Middle Eastern cities including Dhaka, Doha, Beijing and beyond on a budget-friendly model.
Today, travelers from Bangladesh and beyond can book low-cost Himalaya Airlines tickets through Fly Trip Overseas (FTO), which has partnerships and tech tools to find the best deals. In practice, FTO leverages real-time booking systems to compare fares across carriers (including low-cost options), helping passengers secure “affordable tickets and seamless travel”.
Himalaya Airlines embodies value-driven travel. The airline offers basic economy fares and lets passengers add on only the services they need (checked baggage, seat selection, meals, etc.), a strategy that keeps base fares low. In other words, you pay only for extras you choose. For example, if you’re traveling light with carry-on luggage, you can skip the checked-baggage fee and still enjoy a comfortable flight through the Himalayan skies.
This à-la-carte pricing model is common among budget carriers: as one FTO travel expert notes, “many airlines (e.g. Air Arabia) offer a bare-bones ticket price and then let you pay only for what you need – you only pay for the baggage you need”. Himalaya similarly keeps fares competitive by charging separately for optional extras, helping Bangladeshi flyers stretch their travel budgets on routes like Dhaka–Kathmandu.
About Himalaya Airlines
Himalaya Airlines is the second attempt by Nepal’s Yeti Airlines Group to launch an international carrier. It was established in 2014 (51% owned by Yeti World Investment, 49% by Tibet Airlines) and began operations in 2016. The Kathmandu-based airline aimed to open up new international connections for Nepal; in fact, Kathmandu Post reported that the carrier took delivery of its first Airbus A320 in March 2016 and planned rapid network growth.
Himalaya’s maiden commercial flights ran on Kathmandu–Delhi and Kathmandu–Doha routes within months of launch, and service soon extended to cities in China, South Asia and the Middle East. Today Himalaya flies several times a week to Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport – a lifeline for Nepal–Bangladesh travelers – along with trips to Doha, Kuwait, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, and select Chinese cities. Its hub remains Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Despite its name, Himalaya Airlines is not the same as any historic “Himalayan Airways” – that name sometimes appears in searches, but the Nepali carrier spells its name Himalaya (no “n”) and uses IATA code H9. The airline prides itself on “Exclusive Nepali Hospitality” aboard its flights, but it maintains an ultra-lean cost structure.
With a modern fleet of Airbus A320 family jets, Himalaya offers Economy Class (30-inch seat pitch) and a small Premium/Economy section. (It was even the first Nepalese carrier to introduce a Premium Economy cabin, though today that section may be marketed as a business class upgrade.) For budget travelers, the main takeaway is straightforward: Himalaya flies standard single-aisle jets with no-frills service – ideal for those who prioritize price over luxury.
Destinations and Routes
Himalaya Airlines connects Nepal with nearby countries at competitive fares. From Kathmandu it flies direct to Dhaka (Bangladesh), Doha (Qatar), Kuwait City, Abu Dhabi, and several Chinese cities (Beijing Daxing, Chongqing, Kunming, Lhasa, etc.). It previously served Colombo (Sri Lanka) and Yangon (Myanmar) before suspending those routes.
In Bangladesh, Himalaya opened Kathmandu–Dhaka service in mid-2019, joining other international carriers on that busy route. Customers in Bangladesh can also find connecting flights via Dubai or Kuala Lumpur, thanks to Himalaya’s partnerships and interlines (for example, Kunming and Shanghai service via China).
These connections make Himalaya a smart choice for regional travel. Flying via the Himalaya can often be cheaper than connecting through big hub airlines. Moreover, FTO Travel can bundle Himalaya flights with hotels or tour packages in Nepal, unlocking extra savings. For instance, FTO’s travel experts often recommend booking multi-city itineraries (e.g. Dhaka–Kathmandu round-trip plus a side trip to Beijing) using Himalaya and partner flights, which sometimes reveals discounted “hacker fares” on Google or Skyscanner.
And because Himalaya codeshares with international carriers, your journey can be smoother: e.g., a traveler could fly Bangalore–Dubai on a partner airline and then connect to Himalaya’s Dubai–Kathmandu flight in one itinerary, all booked through FTO’s system.
Booking Himalaya Airlines: Tickets and Fares
Himalaya Airlines ticket price is generally lower than what full-service carriers charge on the same routes. One way to think of it is like a low-cost ticket: you get a seat and (free) cabin luggage, and everything else is a la carte. FTO Travel’s agents note that base fares from Dhaka to Kathmandu on Himalaya often undercut legacy airlines, especially during off-peak seasons. For example, midweek one-way tickets on Himalaya can fall well under $300 (USD) if booked in advance. When calculating fares, remember to factor in extras: checked baggage, seat selection, and meals all cost extra on Himalaya, whereas some full-service tickets might include them. However, even with add-ons, the overall cost usually remains competitive.
Booking your ticket is easy through FTO. The agency uses a real-time online travel portal (powered by IVTrip) that shows current Himalaya Airlines prices and availability. This means you can compare routes and dates instantly. To secure the best deals:
- Book Early: Aim to purchase 2–3 months ahead of your departure. Data shows the lowest international fares often appear several weeks before travel. Booking too late (within a few weeks of travel) can lead to high last-minute prices.
- Fly Midweek: Choose travel days like Tuesday or Wednesday whenever possible. Midweek flights are frequently much cheaper – “Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest days to depart,” says FTO.
- Set Price Alerts: Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to watch Dhaka–Kathmandu fares. These platforms can alert you to price drops. (In fact, the FTO team recommends setting up alerts so you don’t miss flash sales or last-minute deals.)
- Check Multiple Airports: On return trips, compare Dhaka–Kathmandu with Dhaka–Doha–Kathmandu via a Middle Eastern hub. Sometimes connecting flights via Doha (on a partner airline) plus a separate Himalaya segment offer savings.
In practice, booking through FTO adds extra advantages. FTO partners directly with Himalaya Airlines and can often access special fares not visible to the public. They can also include any frequent-flyer programs (like Himalaya’s, or its codeshare partner’s) when issuing your ticket. Plus, FTO’s Bangladeshi office offers 24/7 support in Bengali and English, helping with everything from seat upgrades to changes or visa assistance. In short, using FTO for booking gives you local expertise and real-time tools to snag the lowest Himalaya Airlines ticket prices available.
Why Himalaya Airlines is Budget-Friendly
Himalaya Airlines is not a luxury carrier – and that’s by design. Instead, it models itself on the low-cost carrier approach, emphasizing efficiency and volume over frills. Here’s how Himalaya keeps travel affordable:
- Streamlined Fleet and Operations: Himalaya uses only Airbus A320 family jets. Operating a single aircraft type simplifies maintenance and training, reducing costs. The airline also flies mostly point-to-point routes, avoiding expensive hub transfers.
- Optional Extras: As mentioned, Himalaya’s base fares include only essentials (seat and carry-on luggage). Everything else is extra. This à-la-carte style allows passengers to pick and choose: if you want just a no-frills ride, you can skip the add-ons and save money. If you need more comfort (extra legroom, meal service), you can pay for those perks.
- Efficient Service: Onboard service is minimal (water and tea on request, food for purchase), which shortens turnaround times and cuts catering costs. In Bangladesh, tickets can be sold online or through FTO with minimal commission, so the agency passes many savings directly to you.
- No Hidden Fees: Unlike some budget airlines in Bangladesh, Himalaya is known for transparent pricing. You see exactly how much baggage or service costs during booking, and there are no surprise fuel surcharges or “administrative fees.” This transparency helps travelers budget accurately and trust that their “Himalaya Airlines ticket price” is final once they add desired options.
- Promotions and Partnerships: Occasionally, Himalaya runs sales (for example, discounted Dhaka–Kathmandu fares during off-season). FTO automatically monitors these offers. Because FTO is a preferred partner, customers may get early access to promo codes or bulk-fare specials, making travel even more economic.
Overall, by combining low base fares with a pay-for-what-you-need model, Himalaya enables Bangladeshis to fly to Nepal or beyond on a budget. It’s a bit like hiring a no-frills flight to the mountains: you get where you need to go safely and reliably, while paying less than a traditional carrier would charge.
Tips for the Cheapest Himalaya Airlines Flights
Travelling smart can stretch your budget even further. Here are some expert tips to keep your Himalaya Airlines trip ultra-affordable:
- Plan Ahead, But Book at the Right Time: Studies and FTO’s experience show the sweet spot is 2–3 months before departure. If you book too late, prices skyrocket. But booking too early (over 6 months ahead) might cause you to miss intermittent sale fares. Keep an eye on fares and strike when rates dip.
- Fly Mid-Week: As a rule of thumb, aim to book flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays and fly on those days. Weekends are typically pricier. FTO’s flight-tip guide notes that flying on weekdays is “almost always cheaper than weekends”.
- Stay Flexible: Use flexible-date search tools. Sometimes shifting your trip by a day or two (even a red-eye flight) can save hundreds. FTO’s blog suggests being flexible and using calendar views on Google Flights or Skyscanner to see the cheapest combinations.
- Set Price Alerts: Don’t just search once – set up alerts on Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak. These sites will email you when Dhaka–Kathmandu fares drop. This way you can pounce on deals the moment they appear.
- Be Aware of Peak Seasons: Avoid flying during Bangladeshi holidays (e.g. Eid, Puja) or Nepal’s peak trekking season if possible. Demand spikes then. Instead, target “shoulder” seasons or mid-year lull periods for lower fares. FTO can advise on specific date ranges.
- Check Add-On Fees: Calculate the total cost including baggage and seat fees. Sometimes a slightly higher base fare is worthwhile if it includes 30kg baggage, compared to a lower fare that charges heavy extras. Buying baggage online in advance (rather than at the airport) is always cheaper.
- Compare Nearby Airports: For multi-destination trips, see if flying to Kathmandu via another country could be cheaper. For instance, Dhaka–Doha and then a separate Doha–Kathmandu ticket might undercut a direct Dhaka–Kathmandu round-trip. FTO’s system can compare both scenarios.
- Join Loyalty or Promo Programs: Himalaya Airlines’ frequent flyer program (if available) or its interline partners’ programs can yield points. FTO can help enroll you and apply any points for future discounts. Even if not immediately cheap, this pays off if you travel often.
By combining Himalaya’s inherently low fares with these smart strategies, Bangladesh travelers can often save 20–40% on a typical international trip. The end result: more budget left for trekking gear and hotel stays.
Booking Himalaya Airlines Flights with FTO Travels
When you’re ready to fly, FTO Travels is your one-stop solution for booking Himalaya Airlines. FTO’s online portal (powered by IVTrip) lets you search and book Himalaya flights instantly, with full visibility into schedules, fares, and add-ons. Our agents use the latest GDS and OTA technology, ensuring they see the same prices as the airline in real-time. This means no surprises: what you see is what you pay.
Booking through FTO adds convenience and peace of mind. Beyond just issuing a ticket, FTO’s local office in Dhaka provides 24/7 support in Bangla and English. Need to change your flight? We handle it. Require a visa invitation letter for Nepal? We take care of that too. For complex itineraries (for example, connecting multiple destinations or airlines), FTO’s travel experts weave together the best routing. As FTO’s Air Arabia guide explains for similar bookings, our system “compares prices from hundreds of airlines (including low-cost carriers) in real time” – Himalaya included.
Finally, FTO often has access to bundles and promotions. For instance, booking a Himalaya flight plus a hotel or tour package may unlock bundled savings. We also run our own loyalty points and discounts, so frequent FTO bookers earn points on every Himalaya ticket. In short, booking your Himalaya Airlines flight with FTO means you benefit from global technology and local care combined: competitive fares, a smooth booking process, and expert support, all tailored for Bangladeshi travelers.
Himalaya Airlines offers an excellent way to travel affordably in South Asia. As a Nepalese low-cost carrier, it combines competitive base fares with flexible add-ons, making it ideal for price-conscious flyers. By following smart booking strategies (like flying mid-week and watching for deals) and using a knowledgeable partner like FTO Travels, you can maximize savings on Himalaya Airlines tickets. Whether you’re trekking in the Everest region or visiting family in Dhaka, Himalaya Airlines makes the journey budget-friendly without sacrificing reliability.
Ready to explore the Himalayas on a budget?
Contact FTO Travels today to check Himalaya Airlines schedules, or visit our Flights page to start booking. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more travel tips, or read our related guide on international flight booking tips to sharpen your travel planning skills. Your next affordable adventure with Himalaya Airlines awaits – book now and save!
FAQ
Q1: What destinations does Himalaya Airlines fly to?
A: Himalaya Airlines serves Kathmandu (Nepal) as its hub, and connects to cities like Dhaka (Bangladesh), Doha (Qatar), Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait City, Abu Dhabi, and several Chinese airports (Beijing Daxing, Chongqing, Kunming, Lhasa, etc.). It began Kathmandu–Dhaka service in 2019 and now offers 2–3 flights per week on that route.
Q2: How can I book cheap Himalaya Airlines tickets?
A: Use comparison tools (Google Flights, Skyscanner) and set fare alerts for Dhaka–Kathmandu. Book 2–3 months in advance and fly mid-week (Tues/Wed) to find the lowest prices. Also check for FTO Travels promotions and bundle deals, as FTO often has access to discounted fares on Himalaya Airlines.
Q3: How do I book a Himalaya Airlines flight?
A: You can book directly on Himalaya’s website, but we recommend booking through FTO Travels. FTO’s system shows real-time Himalaya fares and handles all payment, seat selection, and add-ons in one place. After booking, FTO’s local support team can assist with ticket changes, special requests, and visa services if needed.
Q4: Is Himalaya Airlines the same as “Himalayan Airways”?
A: No. The Nepali carrier is called Himalaya Airlines (IATA code H9). “Himalayan Airways” is a common misnomer/search term. Always search for Himalaya Airlines to find accurate information and the official sites.
Q5: What does a Himalaya Airlines ticket price include?
A: Base fares include your seat and one free carry-on bag. Checked baggage, meals, seat selection, and other services must be purchased separately. For example, adding a 30 kg checked bag is an extra fee at booking. FTO’s booking engine shows these fees clearly so you know the total ticket price before purchase.
Q6: What is Himalaya Airlines’ baggage allowance?
A: By default, economy-class tickets include one small personal item (like a backpack or handbag). Checked baggage is extra: typically you can buy 20 kg, 30 kg, etc., depending on your needs. Buying bags online in advance is cheaper than at the airport. Always check your ticket type, as special promotional fares may have reduced baggage allowances.
Q7: Does Himalaya Airlines have a loyalty program?
A: Himalaya Airlines offers a frequent flyer program that lets you earn miles on Himalaya and partner flights. If you book through FTO, our agents can help you join this program or any codeshare partner’s program to collect rewards. These miles can lead to future discounts or free tickets.
Q8: How can I contact Himalaya Airlines or find its Bangladesh office?
A: Himalaya Airlines has an office in Dhaka for ticketing and customer service. (For example, the Dhaka office address and contact details were published in early 2024.) For booking or support, it’s easiest to use FTO’s service: our agents can provide all up-to-date contact info and assist you directly in Bangla or English.
Q9: What are Himalaya Airlines’ refund and cancellation rules?
A: Himalaya’s basic economy fares are usually non-refundable and changeable for a fee. If you expect possible changes, consider buying a flexible fare or travel insurance. FTO will help with cancellations and rebooking, but policies vary by fare class. Always read the fare rules at booking, and consider FTO’s travel insurance plans for protection against unexpected trip changes.
Q10: Any final tips for budget travel on Himalaya Airlines?
A: Yes – pack light to avoid baggage fees, fly off-peak days, and keep an eye on FTO’s travel deals page. Signing up for FTO’s newsletter or Himalaya’s updates can alert you to flash sales. And remember: clear your browser cookies or use incognito mode when searching, so you see unbiased prices. With a little savvy planning and FTO’s support, you’ll enjoy very affordable Himalaya Airlines flights to the breathtaking Himalayan region.