A trek in the Everest Region can be some of the most beautiful in the world, and getting there can be just as exciting. Almost every trek begins with a flight from Kathmandu to the Tenzing-Hillary airport in Lukla, a small airport high in the Himalayan mountains with a single landing strip. This route is the only vehicle access to Everest Base Camp and many other treks in the region.

It is located at an elevation of 9400 feet (2,860 meters), and almost all trekkers and shipping companies use its airport throughout the Year. The airport has grown steadily over the years, attracting a steady flow of tourists.

Lukla is only about 30 to 45 minutes away from Kathmandu (only 12 minutes from Ramechhap). You will witness first-hand why overland travel in Nepal can be so challenging as you pass over isolated mountain valleys after isolated mountain valleys, passing beneath the terraced landscape of Nepal’s interconnected mountain ranges.

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It has a reputation as the most dangerous airport in the world, so is the flight to Lukla safe? In contrast, about 20 or 30 aircraft land in Lukla daily during peak season. Most of the trekkers who visit Lukla annually fly there. The airport is still relatively safe, although statistically, it is more dangerous than most commercial airports. Since October 2008, aviation officials and airlines have been serious about the acceptable flight conditions and regulations for aircraft. The last accident involving a passenger aircraft occurred in October 2008. Although this has dramatically improved passenger safety, the flight to Lukla can still be a nervous experience.

We will immediately book your flight once you book a trek and send us your passport details. So once you make your deposit, you must send us this information immediately.

Due to the number of trekking groups we have in the Everest region, we get good priority with the airlines flying to Lukla for our guests. Our groups generally take the first or second flights leaving each day except if it’s our unlucky day. We chose these flights because the weather tends to be much more stable, and the visibility is better for landing first thing in the morning. To ensure our guests’ safety and minimize delays in their itineraries, we ensure they get early flights.

In Lukla, delays are common because the landing strip runs along the edge of a large cliff, making the approach very difficult. Aircraft and helicopters are not allowed to approach the airstrip because there is only one possible approach path through the windy valley it overlooks. Because of its position and elevation, weather conditions and visibility can change rapidly, so scheduling or predicting the flight is brutal. Flights are returned to Kathmandu if weather conditions have changed since takeoff rather than risk an unsafe landing.

The Lukla flights are often delayed. These can happen any time of year but are particularly likely around the monsoon season (late May to early September). If your flight is delayed, we will reschedule you for the next day available. Due to the rapid change in conditions, this may happen as soon as your departure date or as much as a few days later – it is difficult to predict. Nothing is wrong with this, but it is just another part of the journey to the Everest region. To give yourself some flexibility in case of delays, we strongly recommend adding a day or two to the end of your trip.

If you want to give yourself flexibility in your trekking itinerary, here are the suggested numbers of extra days based on the trekking season.

Sept. 10 to May 10: 2 extra days

May 10 to June 1: 3 extra days

Sept. 1 to Sept. 10: 3 extra days

June 1 to June 15: 4 extra days

Aug. 10 to Aug. 30: 4 extra days

It’s up to the weather, but these guidelines are good, and we have found them to be sufficient nearly always.

What About Luggage Delays at Lukla?

You may encounter luggage delays at Lukla. It’s uncommon, but the airline may shift your luggage to another flight or delay it. Carry-on bags should contain your valuables and anything you might need urgently, such as prescription medications. While we cannot control luggage delays or bags misplaced by airlines, we will do our best to get your gear on the trail as soon as possible.

What About Helicopters to Lukla?

When the weather or visibility of a small plane is poor, helicopters can frequently reach Lukla. It is possible to shift the flight plan when flying by helicopter, but this is costly and does not guarantee a timely departure. Helicopters are more flexible in their approach to Lukla. As part of our assistance with making arrangements with the helicopter company, we will refund your plane ticket when you return to Kathmandu if you choose to go this route. We work closely with airlines and helicopters to ensure our guests have the most efficient trip possible.

How Much Does the Lukla Helicopter Cost?

You can expect to pay $400 to $600 more per person for a helicopter if you choose to take it. Helicopter rates vary as a rule and are influenced by demand. Therefore, the most expensive helicopters are those that everyone needs, while the cheapest are those that usually run on lovely sunny days. We may not always be able to match the rates offered by our team in Kathmandu with those on the mountain. You can also ask at the local office in Lukla if you’re waiting on a flight back to Kathmandu. The extra seats are practically a waste, so prices constantly change.

What are the options for turning to Kathmandu when the Lukla flights are canceled?

Planning extra days on your trip and waiting for clear weather is probably the best option, but if you find yourself stuck in Lukla, you may have to look into other options.

Trekking from Jiri: If you prefer to avoid flying to Lukla, you can trek overland to Everest Base Camp from Jiri. Before the airport’s construction in 1964, this path was the only one used by Sir Edmund Hillary’s expedition. On your way to Kathmandu by foot, you will travel through rural and mountainous villages, adding about five days of reasonably rugged trekking. The bus ride from Kathmandu takes about three hours.

Hike out to Salleri: The hike from Lukla to Salleri is long and complex. From Salleri, it takes 10-14 hours by jeep to get to Kathmandu.

Helicopter to Paphlu: If helicopters are limited, they may only be able to shuttle guests to Phaplu, located lower in the valley and close to Salleri. The jeep ride from Phaplu to Kathmandu on rough roads can take 10 to 14 hours. If you have extra time in Nepal, you might want to wait until the weather clears at Lukla for another day.

Helicopter to Surkhe: Hiking from Surkhe to Lukla by helicopter takes about an hour since the visibility is better below Lukla.

Staying at Lukla Hotel: You can stay at Various Hotels in Lukla unit the flight resumes. If you have extra days and are not in a rush, accommodation in Lukla is also one of the options for you.

Can Travel Insurance Cover Delays to Lukla?

You may be covered if your flight is rescheduled or canceled, resulting in “trip interruption”, and you may be reimbursed for missed international connections or additional expenses incurred as a result. We Flight to Lukla can provide the required documents if you need to file a claim with your insurance company. We suggest you contact your insurance company before you arrive in Nepal to find out what they cover.

Why Travel To Lukla with Us from Flights to Lukla?

If you have flights to Lukla, getting there can be relatively straightforward, or it can be a real headache if the weather is terrible. No matter the situation, we will do our best to make your trip enjoyable. If you plan to do the trek with Flights to Lukla or have already booked it, you can be assured of several things.

Your flight will be booked before you arrive, and you’ll be on the first or second batch of flights, depending on when you book.
When it comes to rebooking, tour companies have priority over independent trekkers and independent guides. This is one of the reasons you should book with an established tour company.
During flight delays, we will have a staff member on hand at the airport in Kathmandu to ensure everything is handled and you are kept updated.

We care about your safety and timely arrival in Lukla and do everything we can to ensure a wonderful trek.