Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla are a popular option for trekkers who are planning to go trekking in the Everest region or to the summit of Mount Everest. It became possible due to the construction of the Lukla airport. Since then, a large number of tourists have come to the Everest region for trekking purposes.
Due to the attraction of tourists to the Everest region, Kathmandu-Lukla flights have been busier than in previous decades. The arrival of tourists is huge in the months of October to November and March to April. It is due to the peak season.
Why is there more air traffic during the autumn and spring seasons?
Many people have been asking about the reason behind the huge air traffic during the autumn and spring seasons. The reason is simple. It is because this season is the peak trekking season.
The weather is stable, the skies are clear, there is less rainfall and mild temperatures are some of the features of these seasons behind the attractions of tourists. These conditions are perfect for trekking and other activities like photography, vlogging and so on.
How many tourists come to Lukla from Kathmandu via flight during peak season?
The peak season attracts a large number of tourists to the Everest region. During the autumn and spring seasons, around 600–700 tourists take entry to the Lukla airport from Kathmandu via flight. So, sometimes it becomes difficult to get flight tickets on time.
Difficulties faced by the tourists due to the limited availability of the Kathmandu Lukla flights
Due to the limited number of flights between Kathmandu and Lulkla, tourists face a variety of difficulties. Such as flight delays, flight cancellations, and so on. The airport in Kathmandu has a single runway. During the autumn and spring seasons, there are so many international as well as national flights that the flights have to wait longer or get delayed.
In addition, the unpredictable weather conditions of the mountain region cause flight delays or cancellations. Also, due to these conditions, there is disruption of the itineraries. Also, the Kathmandu to Lukla flight ticket price increased due to the heavy demand for the flights to Lukla.
Flight diversion: Flight from Ramechhap Airport to Lukla
Due to the difficulty in handling domestic as well as international flights at the Tribhuvan airport, the flights from Kathmandu to Lukla have been canceled for a short period. The decision was taken by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.
The Manthali airport in the Ramechhap district has been seen as an alternative to the Kathmandu airport. So, if you are taking flights to the Lukla airport from Kathmandu, then you must change your plan. The Kathmandu-Lukla flights are not operating.
To reach Lukla, you must first drive to the Manthali airport from Kathmandu. It will take 4-5 hours to reach Manthali airport in the Ramechhap district from Kathmandu. This decision has caused a little inconvenience but it was needed.
Now, you have to make a minor adjustment to the regular itinerary. You have to wake up early, around 2, and drive to the Manthali airport for the early flight. It can be uneasy but you have to make it anyway.
Important Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla dangerous?
The flight from Kathmandu to lukla is often called one of the most dangerous flights in the world. The reason is the challenging conditions associated with the Lukla airport. The runway of the Lukla airport is short, with a length of only 525 meters.
In addition, the runway is also steeply graded and ends at a cliff. It makes the landing challenging. Also, the weather conditions in the region change rapidly, affecting visibility and flight safety.
- Can you drive from Kathmandu to Lukla?
You cannot drive directly to Lukla town due to the challenging terrain and road conditions. However, you can drive from Kathmandu to Thamdanda, which takes 7-8 hours. Then, you need to trek to the lukla, which takes an additional 8–9 hours of walking.
- Can you walk from Kathmandu to Lukla?
Yes, you can walk to Lukla from Kathmandu. This process was previously adopted by trekkers and mountaineers before the construction of the Lukla airport. If you start from Jiri, it will take 6-7 days to reach Lukla. And if you trek from Phaplu, it will take 3 days to reach Lukla.
- How long is the flight from Ramechhap to Lukla?
The flights from the Manthali airport in Ramechhap district to Lukla airport typically last between 15 and 20 minutes.
- How much baggage is allowed on Lukla flights?
The baggage allowance on flights to Lukla is 10 kg for checked luggage and 5 kg for cabin baggage. It will cost you extra if you want to carry excess baggage.
