There is a reason why Lukla flights are diverted to Ramechhap rather than Kathmandu. Flight to Lukla from Ramechhap, Manthali Airport will be your starting point rather than TIA airport. The diversion occurs in peak season. Discover why there are so many reasons for this change.
Between peak Season (March 15 – May 15 and September 15 – November 15), Flights operate from Ramechap to Lukla. There are no direct flights from TIA. All the travelers must catch their Flight to Lukla from Ramechhap.
It will be our team member’s job to ensure everyone gets to their flights during Ramechhap trekking season by staying in Ramechhap. If flights from Ramechhap are canceled due to bad weather but helicopters are still permitted to fly, it may be possible to arrange helicopter rides from Ramechhap as well. You should expect to pay at least $600 extra for a helicopter, depending on the demand and the number of trekkers. Guests taking an aircraft will receive a refund for their $150 one-way flight fare to Lukla (Indian guests will receive an additional $80 refund).
If all flights are canceled and a helicopter cannot be arranged from Ramechhap, guests can either remain in Ramechhap or return to Kathmandu. It is essential to keep in mind that Ramechhap only offers basic accommodations. If guests return to Kathmandu, they will need to leave the hotel again at 3 a.m. to catch a flight the next day from Ramechhap. Several hotels in Ramechhap can accommodate your needs.
If you wish to avoid Ramechhap, you can go on Helicopter flights from Kathmandu to Lukla. If guests notify us in advance, we may be able to arrange a helicopter for an additional $600 one-way (we will refund your $150 flight fare), so after the refund, you will be paying $450 each way. We will confirm availability once you arrive in Nepal if you want us to arrange this. It is important to note that helicopters are chartered and are available daily. If you book a helicopter, it may not be available as evacuation flights take precedence over confirmed bookings.
We can guide you to book your ticket for Flights to Lukla From Ramechhap. Contact us at
Email: flightstolukla@gmail.com, info@flightstolukla.com
WhatsApp: +977 9803000442 (Aarjit)
If you plan a trek to Everest Base Camp, your flight to Lukla may be diverted to Ramechhap, Manthali Airport instead of Kathmandu. But why is this happening? There are several reasons, including safety concerns and airport congestion.
In the peak trekking season, Lukla Airport can become congested, and poor weather conditions often cause flights to be delayed or canceled. Airlines may divert flights to Ramechhap, which has a longer runway and is at a lower altitude, making landing and taking off safer.
Lukla Airport’s Location and Weather Conditions.
The Lukla Airport in the Himalayas has challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, making it one of the most dangerous airports in the world. It is located at an altitude of 2,860 meters and has a runway of only 527 meters long. Pilots may have difficulty landing and taking off safely in these conditions due to the unpredictable weather in the Himalayas, including fog, rain, and snow. Thus, flights to Lukla are sometimes diverted to Ramechhap, about 132 kilometers from Kathmandu.
Strong winds, fog, and cloud cover are common in the region during certain times of the year, resulting in highly variable weather conditions. Heavy rain and low visibility during the monsoon season can make the airport especially hazardous.
Despite these challenges, Lukla Airport is a vital gateway for trekkers and mountaineers wishing to explore the Everest region. As a critical entry point for climbers attempting to summit Mount Everest, the airport’s location provides stunning views of the Himalayan mountains.
The Nepalese government has taken several steps to improve safety conditions at Lukla Airport in recent years, including extending the runway and improving navigation and communication. Despite maintaining its unique character as one of the world’s most challenging airports, these upgrades have helped make the airport safer and more accessible to travelers.
Limited capacity of Kathmandu Airport.
There is only one international airport in Nepal, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), which serves as an important entry point for tourists and business travelers. However, the airport has limited capacity, resulting in significant difficulties for airlines and passengers.
One of the airport’s primary limitations is its single runway, which limits the number of flights per day. During peak travel seasons, such as September to November and March to May, the airport can become congested, leading to flight delays and cancellations.
As the terminal building is relatively small, overcrowding can occur, and passengers may have to wait long during peak travel seasons.
Because the Kathmandu Airport is limited, Lukla flights are diverted to Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu. Lukla’s airport can only handle a certain number of flights daily, and flights to Lukla increase significantly during trekking season. As a result, flights can sometimes be diverted to Ramechhap due to congestion and delays at the airport. Ramechhap Airport has also been upgraded in recent years to handle more flights and passengers, making it a viable alternative to Kathmandu.
Flight to Lukla From Ramechhap Airport’s proximity to Kathmandu.
An alternative to Lukla flights is Ramechhap Airport, located approximately 132 kilometers east of Kathmandu. Though trekkers may have to travel a bit longer, it allows for a smoother, more efficient flight process and reduces congestion at Kathmandu Airport. Ramechhap Airport’s lower altitude, compared to Lukla, can make flights more comfortable during inclement weather, as it is less affected by the high-altitude weather conditions that often cause Lukla flights to be diverted.
During peak travel seasons, when TIA can become congested, and flights are frequently delayed or canceled because of poor weather, Ramechhap Airport has become an essential alternative to TIA. Lukla is a popular destination for trekkers and mountaineers, and many airlines use Ramechhap Airport as a backup option. Passengers often travel to and from Kathmandu by bus or private car.
Government’s Efforts to Improve Lukla Airport.
Nepal has been improving Lukla Airport’s infrastructure and safety measures, which has an unpredictable climate and challenging terrain. Pilots have improved visibility by installing new navigational equipment in recent years and extending and widening the runway. Trekkers and climbers visiting the Everest Region will benefit from these efforts, which aim to make Lukla Airport a safer and more reliable option.
- Extending the runway by 200 meters will enable larger planes to land and take off in Nepal and increase safety margins.
- Pilots can navigate challenging terrain and land safely with the help of radar systems and Instrument Landing Systems (ILS).
- Government expansion of the terminal building has also improved the airport’s passenger experience and baggage handling.
- Through better training and monitoring, the government ensures that airport staff are competent in handling airport demands.
- The airport has also taken measures to make itself environmentally sustainable, such as installing solar panels to reduce its use of fossil fuels and implementing waste and pollution reduction measures.
Tips for Travelers to Prepare for the Lukla Flight Diversion.
The possibility of your flight to Lukla from Ramechhap airport being diverted from TIA is essential to consider if you plan a trek or climb in the Everest Region. If there are delays, pack extra snacks and water and wear warm clothing because Lukla is at a higher altitude and can be colder than Ramechhap. If you prefer not to take a long bus ride, consider booking a private jeep or helicopter from Ramechhap to Kathmandu. Having a flexible itinerary in case of unforeseen changes and staying on top of weather conditions and flight updates is also essential.
- Pack essential items in your carry-on luggage: When your flight is diverted, your checked baggage may not arrive at the final destination, so pack warm clothing, medication, and toiletry items in your carry-on bag.
- Check the weather forecast: Due to its location in the Himalayas, the weather in Lukla can be unpredictable. Before you fly, check the weather forecast and prepare for the possibility of a delayed flight.
- Be flexible with your itinerary: You may need to travel several hours by road from Ramechhap to Lukla, so you need to be flexible with your itinerary.
- It’s always a good idea to bring extra cash. If your flight is diverted, you may be required to pay for additional transportation or accommodations. The extra money will give you peace of mind for unforeseen expenses.
- Staying informed is critical: Provide your airline and tour operator with your contact information so they can reach you if any changes need to be made to your itinerary. This will ensure you’re always in the loop and can make necessary plan adjustments.
- Stay calm and be patient: Staying calm and patient during flight diversions can be difficult, but it is essential. Remember that your safety is the top priority, and your airline will make sure that you arrive safely at your destination. Follow the instructions given by the airline staff and be flexible with your plans.
Further, Ramechhap Airport, equipped with modern facilities, has been developed as an alternative to Lukla Airport. Airlines that operate flights to Lukla, especially during the trekking season, have made it a popular choice.
Since Ramechhap has modern facilities, it is a convenient alternative for airlines and passengers flying to Lukla.
