About Lukla Flight: Due to the increased volume of traffic at Tribhuvan International Airport during the peak trekking seasons (March–May and September–November), all flights to and from Lukla will be routed through Manthali Airport in Ramechhap during those months.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) came to this conclusion in order to prevent air traffic holds, which can lead to aircraft delays and a significant increase in the likelihood of flights being canceled. In spite of this, it is possible to take a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla in almost any other season except the peak trekking season.
You would need to take a flight to the Lukla before beginning vast majority of the treks in the Everest region. One of the most exciting flights available anywhere in the globe is the one that goes to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla.
The Best Time for Visiting Everest Region
The springtime (March to May) and autumn (September to December) are the two seasons that offer the most favorable conditions for hiking in the Everest region. When you come at this time, the weather is perfect. It enables you to take pleasure in your hike while providing a view of the mountains that is both captivating and unobstructed. Having said that, one thing that should not be overlooked is the fact that the weather in the highlands is notoriously difficult to anticipate.
These two times of the year are considered to be the best times to go hiking in Nepal. As a result, you should prepare yourself to interact with people hailing from all regions of the world and share your experiences with them.
Note that you can also consider going on a trek to the Everest Region during the monsoon or winter season if you want to escape the crowds but don’t mind a little rain or chilly weather.
Lukla can be access via two airports: Kathmandu and Manthali.
There are only two airports in the world from which it is possible to fly to Lukla. Either straight from Kathmandu, or alternatively, from the Manthali airport, which is around three to four hours of driving from Kathmandu.
In order to catch the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla:
You will need to get up between the hours of 5 and 6 in the morning. Drive to the domestic airport in Kathmandu, and then board the plane to Lukla, which will take around 35 minutes. Only fifteen minutes are need to go to the airport. This holds true for the remaining months, with the exception of the peak hiking months.
For those flying between Manthali and Lukla:
The Manthali Airport in Ramechhap is located 135 kilometers outside of Kathmandu. In addition, you will need around four hours to travel here by car or any other vehicle. As a result, in order to catch the flight leaving Manthali airport for Lukla, you will need to get up at two in the morning and take a tourist car to get to Manthali airport. This holds true for the months of March through May which considered to be prime trekking months. As well as the months of September through November.
Best Alternative Choice Is Helicopter:
If you want to avoid driving to Ramechhap, you have the option of taking a helicopter flight to Lukla as an alternative to driving there. In addition to the cost of the trip, you must have to pay USD 500 per person for a one-way ride on a shared helicopter.
The chopper has enough for a total of five people at once. From the Kathmandu airport, it will take you 45 Min to 1 Hours, depending on the weather to reach Lukla or vice versa. Please be aware that the option of flying by helicopter only recommended for groups that are quite small.
Stay The Night In Manthali:
You can avoid driving at night by staying the night in Manthali before flying to Lukla. The airport is located in Manthali or a nearby town. Please keep in mind that the lodges at the Ramechhap airport is very simple. Because it is a new airport with few resources and services.
Keep in Mind about Lukla Flight:
The airport is prone to cancellation and delays due to the inclement weather in remote areas like; Lukla, or any other remote airstrips in Nepal. As this can happen either toward the begin or end of the trek or even both. It is always advisable to make some layover days (one or two spare days in Kathmandu) while planning a flight that involves such flight to / from Lukla.
What should I do?
You can arrive one or two days before beginning of the trip. This will allow you to reduce the affects of jet lag as well as you’ll have plenty of time to shop for any necessary trekking equipment. Additionally, you can consider including a day of relaxation and leisure into your schedule after completing the trekking. This day designate as a buffer day. Which help minimize any potential delays that may occur during your travel to or from the Khumbu region.
By adhering to the guidance provided, you will have the capability to reduce any unforeseen circumstances. That may potentially lead to your inability to catch your prearranged flight for international travel.
There are several factors that frequently lead to delays or cancellations of Lukla flight.
Lukla is situated at an elevation of 2,845 meters. And features one of the shortest runways seen anywhere in the entire world. As a result, there are number of circumstances that could result in a delay or cancellation of the trip to Lukla.
The following is a list of some of them:
- Lukla Airport, which is often refer as Tenzing Hillary Airport. It is the only airfield in the Khumbu region that is in the operation.
- Consequently, during the high travel times, it may get quite crowd, which may cause airport congestion. This is one of the many factors that might contribute to flight delays.
- The runway at Lukla airport is so small. Arriving flights have to handles with extreme attention, which can cause departure times to push back.
Finally, the airport in Luka is at a high level, there is a good chance that flights will be delayed or even canceled. Because the weather in the mountains is unpredictable and changes quickly. The flight’s schedule may change because of bad weather. Such as high winds, poor vision, and low-lying clouds during the monsoon and winter.
