Flying to Lukla is a highlight for those coming to the Everest region. Lukla Airport is one of the most exciting airports on Earth.
If you wish to trek in the mountains or reach Everest Base Camp in Nepal, you will go through Lukla Airport. The Lukla flight gives a chance to look at green hills, winding rivers, and snow-covered mountains from above.
Yet, before you board the Lukla Flight, make sure you know a few key points. Traveling to Lukla by plane involves potential flight delays, visiting multiple airports, and navigating varying weather conditions.
The blog will help you learn about the two main ways to reach Lukla, why you might be diverted to Ramechhap, and what you can expect.
About Lukla Airport
Lukla Airport, also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport, is known for its high altitude and very different terrain, which other airports do to offer. At 2,860 meters (9,400 feet), it is the point of entry and start of the adventure into the Everest region.
An unusual and difficult-to-access location is Lukla Airport, which has a short and sloped runway. Due to its high-altitude site and runway issues, only very skilled pilots in small aircraft can land there.
In Lukla, flights are very much at the mercy of the unpredictable mountain weather, which is a big issue. We see that even small weather changes may cause delays or cancellations at a moment's notice.
Two Routes to Fly to Lukla
Most trekking in the Everest region starts when you fly into Lukla. The route can be from Kathmandu or from Ramechhap. Because each route offers different pros and cons, it's good to check ahead of time what your flight might include.
1. Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
The major option for most trekkers is to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla takes around 25 to 35 minutes by air.
During the flight, you will catch great views of the Himalayas and the beautiful valleys below.
During spring and autumn, when many people go trekking in Nepal, Kathmandu airport gets very busy with flights.
A lot of Lukla flights are often delayed or even cancelled because of the lack of long runways and bad weather in the mountains.
Usually, those flights in the morning time window, between 6 AM and 9 AM, are most likely to take off on schedule.
The cost to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla one way is usually between $220 and $260, which depends on the airline, the period you travel, and if you book early. Tara Air, Summit Air, and Sita Air are some of the carriers that fly on this route.
2. Flight from Ramechhap (Manthali) to Lukla
Many Lukla flights divert to Manthali airport in Ramechhap rather than Kathmandu airport to minimize traffic congestion.
The Manthal airport is about 82 miles (132 kilometres) east of Kathmandu, and the drive time on the hilly road by car or bus is around 4 to 5 hours.
The distance between Ramechhap and Lukla is shorter, and as a result, flights arrive on time more often with fewer delays.
But, since flights from Ramechhap usually take off early in the morning (between 6 and 9 AM), people need to set out from Kathmandu very early, often leaving at 1 AM to 2 AM. The cost of flying from Ramechhap to Lukla is usually somewhere between $180 and $200, which is in the same range as Kathmandu tickets.
The Ramechhap option can cut down on delayed and cancelled flights because of Kathmandu, yet the very early start and longer road journey might make some feel weary. But numerous trekkers choose the alternative route to skip the long waits at Kathmandu airport.
Why Flights Divert to Ramechhap during Peak Seasons?
The main reason most Lukla flights now start from Ramechhap rather than Kathmandu is due to airport congestion.
At present, Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is the only one that operates international services and has flight connections to Nepal.
During the peak trekking months of spring and autumn, we see a great increase in flights to Lukla. This, in turn, causes runways to become very busy, which in turn results in more flight delays and cancellations.
In addition to that, at present, work and improvements are going on at Kathmandu airport. For the betterment of the runways and facilities, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has reported stopping early morning domestic flights in the high season.
In peak times out of Lukla, we see that most flights go through Ramechhap Airport, which has less traffic. At Ramechhap, your flights will usually leave on time. Also, we see that the short flight from Ramechhap to Lukla, in turn, is a very reliable connection.
Usually, during the travel months of March to May and September to November, this change takes place.
At these times of the year, when you go on a trek, you will need to fly in from Ramechhap to Lukla, which is also instead of the road that goes out of Kathmandu.
Safety Measures and Flight Operations
Lukla, one of the world's most dangerous airports, has seen great safety improvements recently. Also, pilots who fly to Lukla go through special training and report to have gained much experience in this route.
To improve safety, flight schedules are in the early morning, which is when we see the best weather stability and visibility. Also, if the weather doesn't permit a safe take-off and landing, airlines will cancel the flight instead of taking the risk.
Nepal's Civil Aviation Authority, in coordination with domestic airlines, reports in real-time, which in turn ensures that only safe flights are operated.
Lukla Flight Delays and Cancellations
If, on your trip to Lukla, you experience a delay or cancellation, that is to be expected as part of the adventure. The mountain weather is very fickle, and we put safety first.
If at Ramechhap your flight is cancelled, you may be able to take a helicopter to Lukla, which will set you back around $400 one way. This is a quicker, though also more expensive option.
In the event of delays, you can also stay for some extra days in Ramechhap. There are plenty of accommodation options.
Also, you may choose to go back to Kathmandu and try to fly out the next morning, which you may prefer based on your schedule.
It is a good idea to have a flexible itinerary and to add an extra day or two to your trekking plan in case your flight is delayed.
Can Luggage Get Delayed at Lukla?
Luggage delays do happen at times, particularly during the high trekking seasons. Also, during the low and high season, when we see small aircraft flying into Lukla, which have set weight limits.
At that time, your luggage may go on a later flight. Don't stress if it does; most of the time, your bags do show up within a few hours or the next day.
Also, it is a good idea to put in your hand baggage what you can't do without, like warm clothes, documents, and medication, in case.
Are Helicopter Flights Available to Lukla?
Helicopter services are a solution that we see put in place when the weather plays havoc with regular flight plans.
In Lukla, helicopters are also used for the fact that they can operate in a variety of weather conditions and require much smaller runways, which in turn makes them a very reliable option.
Helicopters are a great option for travellers with limited time or who prefer to forgo the long drive to Ramechhap. But they do have their limitations, which is that they aren't always available and tend to book up in the high season in advance.
What is the cost of a helicopter to Lukla?
A shared helicopter to Lukla costs about USD 500 to 600 per person. If you are travelling by yourself and decide to go with a private helicopter, the price can go from USD 4,000 to 5,000 for the whole chopper, which is enough for up to 5 people.
Prices will fluctuate based on the season, weather, and demand. Also, some trekking companies put together group share options, which divide the cost among many travellers.
What to do if your flight to Kathmandu is cancelled?
If your departure flight from Lukla is cancelled, you have a few options:
Wait for the next flight: This is what usually happens; at times, you may end up staying in Lukla for an extra night or two.
Take a helicopter: If the weather permits, there is also an option of getting back to Kathmandu by helicopter, which comes at a higher price.
Trek down to Phaplu or Salleri: In the event of flight delays or cancellations, some trekkers choose to walk, which is a 2 to 3-day journey to lower-altitude towns. From there, you may take a jeep or local bus back to Kathmandu. This option is of a longer duration but does guarantee a solution.
