Eurasian stayover in Istanbul

Many passengers flying west from Kathmandu have to change planes in Istanbul. This usually means a transit at the city’s busy airport, but a new deal now allows passengers a free stopover to experience this historic city that straddles Asia and Europe.

Passengers with 6-24 hour transit can now opt for free daytime Istanbul sightseeing, and those with longer overnight layovers enjoy free accommodation while waiting for onward flights on Turkish Airlines. 

Turkish Airlines has four flights a week leaving Kathmandu on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and the summer schedule means a pleasant early morning departure when Kathmandu airport is relatively less congested.

In addition, the carrier has announced special fares to and from Kathmandu for the rest of the year till 24 December. Inbound passengers can also avail themselves of the free stopover offer, and sample Istanbul’s architecture, culture, food, shopping and the mandatory Bosphorus cruise. The USD exchange rate makes Türkiye quite affordable.

Most nationals do not need a visa for Türkiye, Nepalis with Schengen, British or US visas can apply for Turkish e-visa, which is an easy online process that just takes a few minutes and costs $35. Nepalis without onward visas can apply for Turkish visa through VFS centre.

Passengers with a connection of at least 20 hours are eligible for the free Stopover program with partner hotels of Turkish Airlines. Reservations have to be made at least 72 hours before the flight by sending name, PNR reservation code and ticket number as well as the preferred accommodation dates. 

Economy Class passengers can stay one night in a 4-star hotel while those in Business Class can stay two nights in a 5-star hotel free of charge. It is even better for Economy Class passengers starting their journey from the United States who get two nights free accommodation, while Business Class passengers can opt for 3 nights.

Turkish is the only European airline flying regularly to Kathmandu, and connects Nepal to 266 international destinations in 130 countries arond the world — the largest network in the world. 

“Global Nepalis have discovered that the Istanbul Stopover gives them a unique opportunity to enjoy the culture and shopping that Istanbul and Türkiye have to offer,” says Turkish Airlines Country Manager for Nepal Serkan Başar. “And the Stopover offer comes with free accommodation.”

The free stopover initially sounds too good to be true, but it is becoming a popular option for Turkish Airlines passengers to and from Kathmandu. Türkiye also offers other adventures beyond  Istanbul for those who want to stay longer.

There are some terms and conditions: passengers can check eligibility for the stopovers on the Turkish Airlines website, but for passengers from Nepal most final destinations including the US, UK, rest of Europe, Australia, and most countries in Africa are entitled to the stopover package. 

Passengers can use the free accomodation only once during a roundtrip on Turkish Airlines, and the trip must start and end in Nepal. Passengers have to bear the cost of visa fees, transport between city and airport and other expenses.

Aside from the free stopover, Turkish Airlines also offers the free TourIstanbul service for transit passengers with long layovers to tour the city’s highlights. There are several options available from three hour sightseeing tours, half-day excursions, full day tours and a 6-hour Turkish history outing.

Passengers can take in the Dolmabahçe Palace, Taksim Square, Galata Bridge and Tower, the Golden Horn, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and other highlights. Passengers can make their bookings here.