Himalaya Airlines launched a new direct route connecting Kathmandu, Nepal, to Hangzhou in China’s Zhejiang province on September 30, 2026. The airline also resumed its Kathmandu–Shanghai service on September 28, 2026, both routes operating twice weekly initially.
Flight Schedules for Kathmandu–Hangzhou and Kathmandu–Shanghai
The Kathmandu–Hangzhou route operates with flight H9225 departing Kathmandu at 5:15 pm every Wednesday and Sunday, arriving in Hangzhou at 1:05 am the next day. The return flight H9226 leaves Hangzhou at 2:05 am on Mondays and Thursdays, landing in Kathmandu at 6:20 am the same day. The resumed Kathmandu–Shanghai service runs outbound flights on Mondays and Fridays, with return flights from Shanghai
on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Frequency for both routes is set at twice weekly initially, with potential increases depending on demand.
Strategic Importance and Tourism Goals
These routes form part of Himalaya Airlines’ strategy to connect ten major tourism and economic hubs in China. Hangzhou is notable for its cultural heritage, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the West Lake Cultural Landscape, the Grand Canal, and the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City. The Kathmandu–Shanghai route links Nepal’s capital to China’s largest city and financial center. The airline aims to attract one million Chinese tourists to Nepal through these connections. The launch and resumption coincide with Nepal’s
peak autumn tourism season, intended to bolster inbound tourism and support the country’s hospitality sector.
Himalaya Airlines’ Commitment to Bilateral Links
Himalaya Airlines Vice-President Vijay Shrestha described the new Kathmandu–Hangzhou route and the Kathmandu–Shanghai service resumption as a demonstration of the airline’s dedication to connecting culturally and economically significant cities. The airline positions itself as a pioneer in linking Nepal and China, aiming to facilitate trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. The carrier plans to maintain high standards of safety and service quality on these routes.
