Lukla is where your Everest Region trekking journey begins. It's a little town with a wild airport that has twin otter planes landing on a short, concrete runway. The weather can be uncertain, causing frequent flight changes, often from Manthali nowadays. It's a busy spot with shops and food for trekkers. The airport's runway is super short and sloped, making landings tricky. It's the gateway to your adventure, get ready for the mountains calling!
Lukla is a small village in the Solukhumbu district in the Pasang Lhamu rural municipality that lies at an altitude of 2860m (9,383 feet) above sea level, the gateway to the Everest Region which is also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport has a tough runway that's knowEn for being the world's most dangerous airport. It's the main door to the Himalayas, where you start your journey. Lukla itself is full of activity with trekkers and has many tea houses and shops. It's a special town high up in the mountains, for getting to the Everest Region, and shows what Sherpa culture is like. Mount Karyolung 6,465m (21,210ft), Mount Khatang 6,776m (22,230ft) and Nupla 5869m (19,255ft) . The settlement of Lukla village is around 140 KM east of the capital city Kathmandu.
The only airport that can be accessed by air in the Everest Region is Lukla's airport, making it your crucial first step. The runway itself is slightly short, which is only (527 meters), sloped, and carved into a mountainside. This makes landings and takeoffs a bit of a thrilling flight, but rest assured, the pilots are highly skilled and trained for these different conditions.
And now, here’s the most important: the weather. Like the fog, clouds, and winds that can affect flying, one of the biggest challenges posed is sudden turbulence. The rough mountain weather makes it more difficult to fly. This isn't just a minor inconvenience, it's a reality of mountain flying. So, be prepared to be flexible with your schedule. Have extra days built into your itinerary in case you get stuck. Also, understand that flights often shift to Manthali Airport, a few hours ( 3 to 4 hours) drive from Kathmandu.
You’ll be flying in small planes, like the Twin Otter, which is built for short runways and challenging conditions. These planes can handle the hilly terrain and altitude. Make sure you go easy on the first day by allowing your body to acclimatize to the altitude and drinking plenty of water. Remember, these are early morning flights, usually before 8:00 AM, because of calmer weather. Pack light, as luggage space is limited and there are strict weight restrictions. Airlines prioritize safety above all else, so if the weather is bad, they won't fly. This is for your own good, even if it's frustrating.
Booking your flight in advance is crucial during the busy trekking seasons of spring and autumn. These flights fill up fast, and you certainly don’t want to miss your chance. Lastly, keep in mind that the flight to Lukla is not just a means of getting there; it marks the start of your Himalayan adventure. It’s the first step on your adventure.
During the peak season from March to May and September to November, flights to Lukla are operated from the Manthali Airport from Ramechhap, which is 130 km from Tribhuvan International Airport, because of high traffic in the international airport. To get a flight from Manthali airport, you have to take a drive from Kathmandu to Ramechap, which will take approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on the road condition.
On the first day, you will be on a 4-hour bus journey with a scenic view of hills and snaky rivers, and you will reach Manthali airport. The flight from Manthali Airport to Tenzing Hillary Airport is too short, around 15 to 20 minutes, with the alluring mountain view.
However, the cost of a flight from Kathmandu or Manthali remains the same. The flight will cost around USD 225, but this can fluctuate in high and low seasons.
There are many options to get into Lukla as per your budget and time, the gateway to the Everest Region. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is the standard entry point. But what if the clouds roll in, flights get canceled, or flights get delayed? There's more than one way to reach Lukla and exploring these alternate routes to Lukla can transform your trek.
In addition, you have one of the best options to get to Lukla via jeep or bus drive from Kathmandu, you can minimize the flight risk and save money if you get to Phaplu by road. You have to take the drive for 8 to 9 hours from Kathmandu to reach Phaplu. One of the cons of this route is bumpy and rough road conditions, where you can enjoy a full mountain view if you take a road route to Phaplu. From Phaplu you have to take a 5 to 6-hour jeep ride to Puiyan, which is the last point after which you have to start trekking to Lukla or directly to Phakding and continue trekking to the Everest Region.
Surkhi is a small village that lies below the Lukla. Helicopter flights are operated during clear visibility only. It will take you around 25 to 30 minutes of helicopter flight from Kathmandu, and from Surkhi you have to hike for 2 to 3 hours to reach Lukla, which is almost 2.5km far from the helipad. After a short hike, you will reach Lukla. You may continue your trekking toward Pakhding or you may take a rest at Lukla. When flights are not available, helicopter flights are the best alternate option.
Flying into Lukla is certainly an adventure, and yes, it is known for being "dangerous." But let's take a closer look. The big challenge is the airport. It's situated on a mountainside with a very short runway, and unpredictable weather conditions are common.
Only experienced pilots who specialize in these kinds of landings are the only ones who fly to Lukla. They are highly trained for this high-altitude environment. Weather is the biggest factor; if it's not good, flights are simply canceled. This is a safety measure, not a sign of regular danger.
While the landing can face a bit of turbulence and the takeoff feels quick, the airlines prioritize safety. The flights will be canceled if they think it is safe enough. So, while it might feel a little nerve-wracking, especially if you're not familiar with small planes, it's generally considered safe when conditions are right. Just remember to relax, enjoy the incredible mountain views, and trust the expertise of the pilots.
As a trekking and expedition company, let's be honest, a little bit of hassle that comes with booking your flight to Lukla during the high season so View Nepal Treks and Expedition is here for proper guidance, we pre-book the flight to Lukla hassle-free your trek during the adventure journey to the roof of world.
For further information, you may feel free to contact us at tel: +977 9851029611 for booking and inquiry, mail us at viewnepaltreks@gmail.com.
Lukla airport is considered as one of the dangerous airports because of its geographic location, and the airport lies in between high hills where we feel little turbulence during landing.
Bad weather and mechanical issues in aircraft are the main causes of flight cancellations. You don't have to worry about flight cancellation; you can use an alternate route to Lukla.
Usually, flights depart from Kathmandu, whereas in high season, like in spring and autumn, flights depart from the Manthali airport, which takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
Weight limit in the Lukla flight is limited because of safety reasons, where each passenger is allowed only 15 kg including hand carry and luggage, 10kg luggage, and 5kg hand carry.
If your flight gets canceled, you can take an alternate option like a direct heli flight to Surkhe, or you may take a road journey to Puiyan or Thamedanda.
Yes, you can see Mount Everest from the Lukla flight, which depends on the weather, and you may take a window seat for the aerial view of the majestic mountain.
The Lukla flight is considered one of the dangerous airports, but it's safe to fly to Lukla. Flights are taken off during clear weather only.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) formulates flight rules, during peak season, flights are not allowed to take off because of high air traffic.
Yes, you can go to Lukla without a flight. You can trek from Jiri or you can trek from Phaplu. This path is the one originally used by Sir Edmund Hillary during the Everest expedition.
The best time for a flight is March to May and September to November when the weather is clear. Flights during the morning time will be the best time to take the Lukla flight.
