We like to let you know all of you that the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has announced Kathmandu to Lukla flight was changed from Ramechhap Airport to Lukla airport, starting from 1st October 2019. So it means all Lukla flight will be Operated from Ramechhap airport.
About Kathmandu to Lukla Flight
A flight to Lukla Airport is the main route and an essential thing for those who are willing to trek in Everest Region including Everest Base Camp Trek popularly known as Khumbu Region. The first step to reach Lukla for a beautiful, exciting adventure in Khumbu Valley. Tribhuvan International Airport being renovated for a certain time and flight to Lukla is a major concern for tour organizers, and trekkers going to Khumbu Region. Lukla Airport is itself a big challenge, and people love to have that exciting landing in Lukla surrounded by big mountains around this.
An exciting trip to Lukla from Kathmandu with backpacks is a bit difficult nowadays, travelers have the option of either going through the classical route used by Edmund Hillary & Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. Comparing both cases, Flight to Lukla it’s easier than the classical route from Jiri to reach Lukla. Having less time in Nepal and should get the possible adventure in a short period, people need to operate their trip fast. Therefore the best option to reach Lukla to take a flight.
Another thing is passengers taking Lukla Flight can see the beautiful aerial view of Kathmandu City, the beautiful greenery on the way, the majestic landscape of Mountain in the eastern part of Nepal. Including Gaurishankar, Everest and many other mountains. A close view of Mountain from a flying plane is just lit at its peak. View of the snow-capped mountain will make you more excited for trekking in the High Himalayas.
Lukla airport
Lukla Airport popularly known as Tenzing Hillary Airport is situated on the remote area of Khumbu in Everest Trekking Region in Nepal. A flight from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport takes about 25 minutes. The name was kept after the legendary people Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary for their successful summit of Mt. Everest on 29 May 1953 and the rest is history.
Hillary bought the Land for $2650 from the local Sherpa people to make the Airport. He made people dance on the floor flatten the surface where the runway made. The Tenzing Hillary Airport was named on the year of 2008 for its successful Everest climb for the first time in history and effort they have given to build this airport.
The place itself situated on the hilly region covered by the giant mountains around this which makes landing and take off more difficult than a normal airport. And surprisingly this one of the most dangerous airports in the world. Lukla Airport has already made more than 10 plane accidents in its periphery which is above the normal case. A high level of knowledge, experience, dare, and courage is necessary before making a flight to Lukla for passengers.
Lukla Airport is famous for its gateway to the Khumbu region for various purposes. Khumbu Region has the best trekking routes in Nepal supported by the world’s highest Mt. Everest. And other famous mountains over 8000m Cho Oyu, Makalu, & Lhotse. There are other major peaks below 8000m Like Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Island Peak, Pikey Peak, Mera Peak, & Lobuche. Lukla airports bring happiness for those people who are planning to go on a tour of the Everest Trekking Region.
Ramechhap Airport
Ramechhap airport is situated on the Manthali at about 133 Kms drive from Kathmandu which takes 4-5 hours depending upon the traffic, weather, and vehicle. The airport is 1555 feet (474m) above sea level with a runway of 518m long. This airport was built in October 1979 with the runway made up of clay/grass. The runway was upgraded to concrete in 2019 because of the renovation of the Tribhuvan International Airport domestic terminal.
All the flight to Lukla have to be operated from Ramechhap Airport in the early morning to prevent the strong wind in the Lukla at noon. Travelers have to either stay overnight in Ramechhap or take a 4-5 hour drive from Kathmandu to get the early morning flight from Ramechhap to Lukla. It’s challenging for the management team to handle the massive traffic of people to go to Lukla.
After the renovation of the TIA domestic terminal, this airport will not be used. Another thing about this airport and its surroundings is that travelers find it a little bit difficult to stay overnight in Ramechhap, Manthali. Is there no luxury proper Hotel/Guest House for foreigners to stay. But there are some local hotel fewer facilities, where you can stay.
Tribhuwan International Airport Condition
Tribhuvan International Airport comes with a new year every year, to minimize this problem and delay of flight, The government is in the process of renovating Kathmandu airport. The runway is outdated and cant operate flight as needed. So, it is good to have an alternative to this problem for a certain time.
This airport renovation task can be completed in the next few months, then there won’t be any hassle to take the flight to anywhere in Nepal. The better quality of the runway also decreases the chances of accidents in the airport because of the same runway.
How many airlines Companies do Kathmandu to Lukla Flight?
There are four airlines that operate the flight to Lukla. On the Timing of 6:15 am to 8:00 am. There won’t be any flight in the afternoon to Lukla to prevent strong wind in the Tenzing Hillary Airport. Every airline’s company has to take off in the morning for a safe landing in Lukla Airport. The 43airline operating Lukla Flights are:
Any other option instated of the plane?
By helicopter
For Kathmandu to Lukla flight, another best option is to take a Kathmandu to Lukla by Helicopter would take about 30-40 minutes. This will cost about 2500 USD, more expensive than the costing on a plane. This also allows travelers to fly in their own time not exceeding the morning time. Another advantage that slightly more exciting than Plane flight.
Usually, this option will be chosen when there is no flight to Lukla because of environmental conditions, cloudy weather, and rain. Helicopter flight to Lukla is suitable for immediate rescue, immediate flight in disaster.
The traveler may feel uneasy, because of height, the Oxygen level in the mountain and the helicopter can be operated for immediate rescue. The Heli flight is the best solution for altitude sickness in the Khumbu Region.
By Jeep
Another Alternative route reaches to Lukla, take a Jeep ride to Salleri from Kathmandu. This would take about 9-10 hours of the ride with an approximate distance of 265 Km. Salleri needs to trek another 3 days to reach Lukla. Jeep ride is not comfortable. Because of road conditions in the Hilly Region of Nepal. All the roads are not perfect for a regular ride and can easily be operated in the Winter season. In Rainy season, there might be road blocked because of off-road, floods, landslides and many more.
