Flying to Lukla, You Need to Know

It lies about 138 km away from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. It is at an altitude of about 2,860 meters above sea level and thus known as the “world’s most dangerous airport”. It is so named because the runway is short and devoid of oxygen at high altitude and has irregular weather conditions. The length of the runway is about 527 meters (1,729 feet) and thus landing and takeoff become very challenging.

This airport rests on the edge of a cliff. It’s enclosed on two sides by a cliff slope and a mountain face. The pilots must be experienced enough to make a landing here. There is no room for mistakes here. Lukla Airport lacks a control tower and hence the pilots will depend on their experience and weather forecast before flying off. Weather conditions are also a cause of threat since high winds, poor visibility, and sudden rain make flying dangerous. Since there’s no radar system through which aeroplanes can be guided in adverse weather conditions, the pilots themselves will make sure visibility will be good enough for a secure landing. Because of this, sometimes flights cannot land or take off for a few hours or even days.

Despite all the risks, thousands of travellers take flights every year to Lukla Airport. The flight takes about 30 minutes but is not always certain to happen – for sometimes flights are delayed or cancelled because of the weather conditions. Pilots here undergo extensive training and safety precautions are very strictly followed. It is, however, expected of travellers to be patient and adaptable as postponements take place very often. Lukla airport is exhilarating but a bit terrifying at times for some travellers. At least for me, the actual experience starts when you’re landing. So many travellers capture the landing so they can relive such a memorable experience at some later time.

Others prefer walking up from a lower altitude level but it takes on a few days.

Which Airline is the Best for Lukla Flight?

There are a number of airlines serving between Kathmandu and Lukla, e.g., Tara Air, Summit Air, and Sita Air. They fly small aircraft well suited for the altitude of Lukla and short runway. Twin Otters and Dorniers are flown mainly because they are designed for adverse conditions like these.

If you’re planning a trip, you should compare airline schedules, fares, and safety records. It’s also a good idea to read reviews by other passengers, which can be helpful in choosing the right airline for your journey.

In spite of the challenging runway at Lukla, these two airlines have a good safety record to show. This provides a sense of security for many a trekker when they fly in. The daily Kathmandu to Lukla flights continue the important task of ferrying trekkers safely to the Everest region.

Can you walk from Kathmandu to Lukla?

You cannot trek from Kathmandu to Lukla. There aren’t any walking trails directly. While there are roads, it’s not continuous till Lukla. The only three options of travelling from Kathmandu to Lukla are either by a direct flight, helicopter or a road and trekking combined.

How do I travel from Kathmandu to Lukla?

Except for flying directly, we also have the following choices:

1. Manthali to Lukla Flight Option

Manthali Airport would be a good alternative for flying to Lukla. Manthali flights will be used in the off-season for trekking or when the Kathmandu airport closes temporarily for upkeep.

The airport is in Ramechhap district and lies about 132 kilometres east of Kathmandu and would take approximately 4-5 hours by road. Road travel time depends on the weather conditions and if monsoon season has set in. The flight from Lukla is a stunningly scenic flight and lasts a brief 20 minutes.

There are a few airlines offering shuttle services as part of the ticket fare from Kathmandu to Manthali. Shuttles also operate early morning from the hotel to take the early flights. It can also be reached by private car, taxi or local bus.

2. Treks from Phaplu or Jiri

The other option from Kathmandu to Lukla would be walking in through Jiri or Phaplu.

• Trekking from Jiri

Jiri lies about 190 kilometres from the city of Kathmandu. It has also been referred to as the “classic route” to Everest Base Camp as it used to be the route taken by trekking enthusiasts who came to see Everest before Lukla Airport came into existence. It has also been the route taken by Sir Edmund Hillary on his inaugural trekking trip. The route of the Jiri trek takes about 7-10 days and is the perfect way of acclimatising yourself before venturing onward to the higher altitude areas.

• Trek from Phaplu

Phaplu trekking also lies nearby Lukla. It’s a long road journey from Kathmandu, however. Phaplu Everest Base Camp trekking will take approximately 8-12 days. It’s a perfect route for a peaceful trip and avoiding busy trails.

Though the trek from EBC via Phaplu or Jiri would be longer and more challenging than the classic route, it would be an excellent experience for anyone looking for a bit of a thrill on their trekking holiday. There would be a lot of local scenery and cultures in between.

3. Helicopter Flights

You can also fly from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport by helicopter. It’s faster and also gives you the experience of viewing wonderful mountain scenery from a bird’s eye view. Helicopter flights can also be used in case of medical evacuation in case of any urgency. Some tourists also avail of it as a substitute for a regular Lukla flight. 

Helicopter flights would be costlier than regular flights. The fare depends on demand, weather conditions, and availability of seats, etc. It may be a good option for those who don’t like waiting at crowded Lukla airport or who don’t have enough time at disposal. 

Remember, however, that helicopters also depend on weather conditions, whereas flights might be delayed or even cancelled if weather conditions are unfavourable. Helicopters become the only option in the event of flight cancellation and when the trekkers remain stuck at Lukla. Refund of the flight ticket and helicopter booking can usually be arranged through the tour agencies. 

Can You Still Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla? 

Yup, one can indeed take a plane from Kathmandu to Lukla even today. The flights operate all through the year, making it quite convenient for the trekking groups to reach the Everest region. In contrast, at the peak time, from March through May and September through November, are defined as such periods when flights depart not from Kathmandu Airport but Manthali Airport (Ramechhap). From March to mid-May 2025, the Ramechhap Airport will be used instead of TIA.

What’s the Latest Flight Duration from Kathmandu to Pokhara for today?

You might want to keep the crowds away from Kathmandu high season flights and Manthali, so Pokhara presents a good option by giving you the option to fly to Lukla from there. Both way flights are operated by Shree, Buddha and Yeti airlines. The last flights of the day usually take off at 7 p.m., depending upon the airlines. Tickets can be purchased at flightsnepal.com.