Kathmandu To Lukla Vs. Ramechhap To Lukla Flights
The decision between Kathmandu to Lukla and Ramechhap to Lukla mostly depends on your travel dates and the departure airport allocated for your flight. Flights departing directly from Kathmandu are more convenient as it saves you an additional road trip. However, during the busy trekking seasons in Everest region Nepal, most of the flights to Lukla depart from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap.
If you are going to the Everest Base Camp trekking solo, with friends or family or as a group, either of the flight routes will get you to Lukla closer to the Himalayas. The main difference is that the former involves less ground travel while the latter requires you to get up earlier, take a road trip and then a short flight.
Why Do Flights To Lukla Depart From Ramechhap Manthali?
Ever wondered why your Everest trek might involve a road trip instead of a direct flight from Kathmandu? Well, it is because of the peak season!
During the busy trekking seasons in Nepal, a large number of hikers and trekkers flock towards the Everest region, causing an increase in air traffic. To de-clutter the airways, most of the Lukla-bound flights operate from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap.
This usually means you will have to leave earlier. Although the road trip adds to your travel time, the flight from Ramechhap to Lukla is shorter compared to the one from Kathmandu.
How To Get From Kathmandu To Manthali Airport?
If your Lukla flight departs from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap, your Everest Base Camp Trek begins with a road tour before reaching mountainous heights! The drive from Kathmandu takes typically around 4 to 5 hours, depending on how smooth and busy the road is.
You can take a shared bus, a shared jeep or have a private car at your disposal. Shared transport is a good value option for solo trekkers or if you don't mind sharing the journey with other hikers. If you are walking the EBC trail with friends, family or trekking companions, a private jeep will give you more freedom and room for your gear.
As Lukla flights tend to depart very early in the morning during peak season, transport usually leaves Kathmandu late at night, or very early in the morning.
Lukla Flight Schedules, Delays, And Cancellations
There is always an important thing to know about the Lukla flight in Nepal; the most common time for the flights is early in the morning due to the good visibility. This is especially the case with planes that fly to mountainous regions. For this reason, the flights are subject to weather conditions and can be delayed if clouds, winds, or other weather problems occur.
Since Lukla is a hilly region, the Lukla flight is especially dependent on the weather and visibility. Besides the cloudiness, winds, rains, and other adverse weather conditions, the number of aeroplanes and their traffic might also delay the departure. Thus, it is not uncommon that the flights are cancelled due to poor weather conditions in Kathmandu or around the Lukla region.
However, what to do if your Lukla flight is delayed or cancelled? Do not worry! The delayed Lukla flight does not necessarily mean that your trek to Everest Base Camp will be cancelled as well. A short-term delay might last only a few hours, while a long-term delay can extend for a day or two. So buffer extra days during the Everest base camp trek is highly recommended.
The following tips might be helpful for you in such a situation.
- Contact the airline or trekking company, as they can provide you with the exact information regarding the cancellation or delay of your Lukla flight.
- Leave one or two extra days for Lukla in your travel plan if possible, and do not book your return flight home from Kathmandu right after the trek.
- Consider the option of a helicopter flight if available; note that the helicopter service can also be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, but it might be helpful if you are in a hurry. However, be aware that helicopter flights are significantly more expensive.
- Both Kathmandu and Lukla have numerous guesthouses, restaurants, and other services for tourists. Manthali Airport also has some local guesthouses and food, although there are fewer options for accommodation and meals there during peak seasons.
- Whatever the case is, always remember to leave your phone charged and to be in contact with your friend, guide, or airline in case of any changes. Moreover, double-check the flight’s departure time before heading to the airport since there are no guarantees for any flights in the Himalayas.
Return Flights From Lukla During Peak Season
Have you just finished your trek to Everest Base Camp? Well done! Now it is time to return and jump into a hot shower. However, before you embark on your way back, make sure to keep in mind that the flights from Lukla to Kathmandu can also get cancelled or delayed due to weather conditions during the trekking peak season
So, during the busy trekking seasons, i.e., spring and autumn, you might find that some of the return flights from Lukla are diverted to Manthali Airport in Ramechhap. From there, you will have to take a road back to Kathmandu. On the other hand, if you manage to catch a flight to Kathmandu, you can skip the road travel back to the city
Therefore, to prevent yourself from disappointment, remember not to schedule your international flight back home on the same day as your flight from Lukla. After all, bad weather can always delay your return flight from Lukla, which, in turn, can leave you stranded in Nepal without a place to stay if your international flight back home departs the same day as your flight from Lukla.
Tips For Planning Your Lukla Flight
- Check whether your flight leaves from Kathmandu or Manthali Airport in Ramechhap. You will not necessarily be flying out of Kathmandu, depending on the time of year you decide to go on a Everest trek.
- If your flight leaves from Ramechhap, book a shared bus, shared jeep or private vehicle to Ramechhap from Kathmandu, as you need to know when you will be picked up, and may need to drive at night if you arrive early in the morning.
- Allow an extra day or two for any flight delays or cancellations.
- You should keep in touch with your airline or trekking agency on the day of departure, as things can change.
- Check the baggage allowance of your airline.
- Flights from Lukla are heavily reliant on the weather, so it is important that you bring a warm jacket with you to keep you warm on the day of your departure, keep your phone charged in case of delays, and be prepared to potentially wait for the next day's departure.
- Make sure you have an trekking insurance policy that covers the activities you will be doing, and any delays or cancellations of your flight.
- If your return flight is to Ramechhap, make sure you leave enough time for a road trip to Kathmandu, and do not book your international flight to leave on the same day as your trek home.
FAQs
Why are Lukla flights cancelled, and how often does it happen?
Lukla flights are often cancelled or delayed due to poor visibility, clouds, strong winds, rain, and changing mountain weather. There’s no fixed cancellation rate, so keep buffer days in your Everest trekking itinerary.
What happens if your Lukla flight is cancelled?
You may be rebooked on another flight or have to stay overnight in Kathmandu, Ramechhap or Lukla, so it's always good to have flexible plans.
Why do Lukla flights depart from Ramechhap?
During busy trekking seasons in spring and autumn, many Lukla-bound flights depart from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap to ease traffic congestion at Kathmandu Airport.
How much does a flight to Lukla cost?
A one-way Lukla flight costs roughly USD 250 to 253, depending on the departure airport, airline, time of year, and availability.
Is Lukla Airport dangerous?
Lukla airport is one of the most challenging airports to land and take off from in the world due to its short runway, hilly ground, and variable weather, but it is generally safe so long as you follow proper airline procedures.
What is the baggage allowance for Lukla flights?
Most Lukla-bound flights have a baggage allowance of around 10 kg of checked baggage and 5 kg of hand luggage per person.
Can I get to Lukla by road or on foot rather than by plane?
There is no road leading directly to Lukla, but you can get to the trailheads of Salleri and Thamdanda by road, and then walk the remaining distance to Lukla.
When is the best time of year to fly to Lukla to avoid cancellations?
The best time of year to fly to Lukla is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months, when the trekking and flying weather is at its best.
Can I book Lukla flights online?
Yes! You can book Lukla flights online with various airlines and trekking companies. It's best to book well in advance, especially if you plan on travelling during peak season.
Can Luka flights operate in rainy or cloudy conditions?
Lukla flights are subject to cancellation due to bad weather conditions such as rain, fog, low clounds and high winds. Flights to Lukla are often cancelled even when the skies are clear in Kathmandu.
How early should I arrive for my Lukla flight?
You should always arrive at least one hour prior to your Lukla flight's departure time. Note that if you are departing from Ramechhap, you will need to book a separate transfer from Kathmandu to Ramechhap in advance.
How much does a helicopter ride to Lukla cost?
A Helicopter ride to Lukla usually costs about USD 500 to 600 per person per ride (one-way). Prices can vary greatly depending on the availability of the helicopters, so make sure to double-check current prices before booking.
Can I take a helicopter to Lukla instead of a plane?
Yes! You can choose to take a helicopter to Lukla as an alternative to the scheduled propeller flights. These helicopter rides are much more expensive, however.
How long does a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla take?
A direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla takes 25 to 35 minutes, while a flight from Ramechhap to Lukla takes 15 to 20 minutes on average. You should know that if you are going to take a flight from Ramechhap, you will need to take a road transfer from Kathmandu to Ramechhap.
