All About Flying to Lukla

Tenzing Hillary Airport of Lukla is considered to be one of the most dangerous airports of the world yet is deemed to be worth it as it offers the passengers stunning views of the great Himalayan Peaks including Mount Everest (Highest Peak). The flight to Lukla is a perfect way to begin the jaw-dropping adventures within the Everest region as the stunning views of the Himalayan Terrain and the lush green hills of the Midlands of Nepal hypes up the traveler giving them an adrenaline hit. The stunning flight takes us through high lush green hills which the pilot meticulously maneuvers during which the settlement of Lukla becomes visible. The total flight time is around 40 minutes and during the peak season of trekking and expeditions at the Everest Region the airport sees 50 aircrafts take off and land in a single day.

The flights to Lukla are mostly operated during the morning time as the weather is stable. The weather of the Himalayan region is unpredictable and can change in an instant. The Tenzing Hillary Airport is located at an elevation of 2847 M amidst the hills of the lower Everest region. There is a single runway inclined by about 11.7 % gradient and the runway stretches 527 Meter in length and breadth of 20M making the runway one of the smallest in the entire world. The Lukla  Airport was named Tenzing Hillary Airport by the Government of Nepal in 2008 recognizing the first successful summiters of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and his Sherpa Guide Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in 1953 AD, May 29.

The Tenzing Hillary Airport has been seeing a steady increase in inflow of travelers over the years as the indemand trekking destinations like the Everest Base Camp Trek , Gokyo Lake Trek and Chola Pass Trek  are growing massively popular. The Lukla airport not just serves as the starting point of the adventures to the Everest region but also is a port for the local Sherpa settlements as daily groceries, clothes, and other essentials are brought to Lukla and nearby settlements through the commercial flights as the only other way is via trekking through steep ascends for a minimum of  two days. Lukla airport serves as a pivotal point for the Everest Expedition as all the camping essentials are transferred from/to Lukla to the base camp of Everest.

About Lukla

Lukla is a small Sherpa town located at an altitude of 2860 M in the PasangLhamu rural municipality of the Solukhumbu District of Eastern Nepal. Lukla means “place with a herd of goats and sheeps” as there used to be many goats and sheep in the region but nowadays the population has drastically dwindled as the trend of cattle grazing shifted more towards tourism as locals started building cafes, restaurants and accommodations for the travelers. Lukla offers breathtaking views of Mount Karyolung (6465 M), Mount Khatang (6776 M) and Nupla (5869 M). The settlement of Lukla is around 140 KM east from the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu.   

Questionnaires:

1. Safety of the flight?
   Even though the Lukla airport is considered to be one of the most dangerous airports in the world, the flights to Lukla are safe. Since the inauguration of the airport in 1964 only 10 accidents including small incidents with no fatality have occurred. The aircrafts are operated by experienced and qualified pilots as the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has imposed a criteria for pilots to operate flight to the Lukla airport. The cabin crew of the airlines are also well skilled and can handle any internal matters with great precision. During any sudden change in the weather condition of Lukla  the pilot turns the flight back towards Kathmandu or Manthali without taking any risk.
   
   
2. Pilots qualification to fly in Lukla?
   The airport of Lukla is a dangerous one where the pilots should have enough experience to takeoff and land in the airport. As of July 2024,  the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has set a quite high standard for pilots to be qualified to fly from/to Lukla, the pilots must have completed 100 short takeoff and landing flight tests, completed at least 10 flights to Lukla with a certified instructor on board and at least a year of experience in Nepal as a pilot. As the airport is situated at an elevation of 9340 Ft (2847M) where the air pressure is quite low making it much more difficult for pilots to maneuver for landing the aircraft and the small runway of the airport increasing the challenge significantly.The criteria has ensured that only qualified and able pilots operate the flights to Lukla ensuring the safety of the passengers and the crew.     
   
   
3. Helicopter to Lukla?
   The Helicopter flight to Lukla is considered to be the safest way to Lukla. The cost of chartering a Helicopter is more expensive than regular flights yet is reliable and even when flights to Lukla are canceled due to less visibility the Helicopter can navigate through it in some cases. The visibility should be at least 1.5 KM for the Helicopter to operate. The Helicopter flights are not scheduled and require pre-booking during peak season. The Helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla takes around 30-40 Minutes during which the views of the Mahalangur Peaks are mesmerizing.
   
   The Mountain Ram Adventures can make necessary arrangements for the clients according to the clients travel preferences as we have established a great long lasting partnership with the flight operators to Lukla.          
   
   
4. Delay of flights or Luggages?
   Most of the flights to the Tenzing Hillary airport are conducted during the morning time as the weather in the Himalayan region fluctuates a lot during the noon and evening. The wind currents are strong during the afternoon time and due to fog the visibility is also low making it risky. The flights to Lukla are conducted only if the weather is clear if during the flight the weather changes the pilots head back towards Kathmandu as they don’t tend to take any risk during the flight as the runway is quite small making it much more difficult.  Mostly during the “Off-Season” which covers the Monsoon season (June-August) and Winter season (December-February) the delays and cancellations of flights can be noticed much more frequently as during this time the weather tends to fluctuate greatly in the Himalayan region. The baggage of the passengers can also be hauled in the next flight to maintain the weight limit which can also cause delay in some cases. 
   
   The Mountain Ram Adventures highly suggest the travelers to have a day or two extra as even during the ideal season for flights the weather can fluctuate as the Himalayan weather is unpredictable.  Having a day or two extra ensures that the trekkers have enough time to complete their trip without compromising or changing the whole itinerary. During the off season the travelers are suggested to have 3-4 days extra as usually the weather condition often causes delay or cancellation.       
   
   
5. Flight Routes to Lukla Airport?
   The flights to Lukla are conducted from two airports which are the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and Manthali Airport in Ramechhap district which is towards the eastern side of Kathmandu valley. During the peak season usually in the months of September-November and March to May the air traffic is quite high in Kathmandu city so the CAAN routes some of the flights from Manthali airport to Lukla to maintain the air traffic in Kathmandu.
   
   The Manthali Airport is around 120 KM east of Kathmandu and takes around 3-4 hours to reach there. The flights from Manthali airport are quite short in comparison to the flight from Kathmandu as it takes just around 20 minutes. The flights from Manthali airport are also usually conducted during the Morning time so the travelers should head towards the Manthali airport quite early in the morning from Kathmandu. The takeoff and landing is also possible from Manthali Airport even in less favorable conditions as the flight duration is quite short making it slightly less risky however the flight can be diverted towards the Manthali airport if deemed risky to land in Lukla.
   
   
6. Alternative to Lukla flight?
   The alternative way to reach Lukla without flight is via trekking. The construction of Lukla airport has reduced the time required to reach Lukla significantly. The locals are also hugely dependent on the flights as the commercial flights transport essentials groceries, medicines, clothing etc to the local settlements.
   
   Via Trek
   Trekking from Jiri: Jiri is a small settlement in the Dolakha district of Nepal which lies around 180 KM away from Kathmandu and takes around 5-6 hours to reach there after which the trek towards Lukla begins. The route from Jiri to Lukla is the same route Sir Edmund Hillary and his expedition team took during their summit of Mount Everest. The trek from jiri takes additional 3-4 days taking us through different beautiful settlements of the region which are only accessible through trekking.
   
   Trek from Salleri: Salleri is a small settlement in the Solukhumbu district from where Lukla is 2-3 days of Hiking away.To reach Salleri from Kathmandu it takes us around 9 hours as we will be covering around 298 KM in total. The road at the later half is quite intense and is off road so the preferable vehicle is a 4WD one.  Salleri is also the ending point of the Pikey Peak Trek also known as the Everest view trek. The Pikey peak is the best place to view the Himalayan Range of Nepal according to Sir Edmund Hillary.
   
   Via Helicopter
   Helicopter flight to Phaplu
   Phaplu Airport is within the Salleri region which is also the administrative head of the Solukhumbu district. The alternative to Lukla flight is a helicopter ride to Phaplu which is at a lower elevation than Lukla and is much safer. The helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Phaplu takes around 20 minutes in total. The settlement of Lukla is around 2 days of Hiking away from Phaplu.
   
   Helicopter to Surke: Surke is a small settlement which is below the settlement of Lukla. There is a Helipad in Surke which is an alternative to the Lukla light. To reach Lukla from Surke the traveler must ascend for around 2 hours covering a total distance of 2.3 KM. The path consists mostly of uneven stoned steps making it much easier.
   
   
7. Bookings?
   During the Peak season of trekking in the Everest Region, Lukla airport sees more than 50 aircrafts taking off and landing in a single day. During the season it can be a hassle to purchase the ticket on short notice, so at Mountain Ram Adventures we pre-book the tickets for the clients before their arrival to ensure the clients will travel in the morning flight cluster during which the weather is stable and the views are glorious making the trip enjoyable. During the off season the flight tickets can be purchased easily even though less flights operate during the time but can be stressful as delays are regular due to unfavorable and risky weather conditions.
   
   The booking of Lukla flight is open at Mountain Ram Adventures make sure to contact us on info@mountainramadventures.com for ticket inquiry. 
   
   
8. Why is it considered as a dangerous airport?
   Tenzing Hillary airport of Lukla is considered to be one of the most dangerous airports of the world due to its location. Situated at an elevation of 2487 M  is a small airport with a single runway of just 527M for both takeoff and landing. The airport is constructed in a cliffside meaning there is no room for error by the crew as there is a sturdy wall adjacent to the mountain on one side and a straight drop of 600 M on the other side. During the flight the traveler can experience turbulence from the strong winds of the Himalayas as well as they will be passing through the lush green mountains of the Khumbu region which are skillfully navigated by the pilots. Due to various reasons including the location of the airport and the sudden changing weather cognition of the Khumbu region Tenzing Hillary airport is considered to be a dangerous airport. Even though the Lukla airport is considered dangerous the flights are conducted if only the weather conditions are favorable and only experienced and skilled pilots are allowed to fly to Lukla as it is heavily regulated by the CAAN (Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal). 
   
   
9. History of Lukla airport?
   
   Lukla airport has an interesting history as it was built by Sir Edmund Hilary who was the first person to summit Mount Everest successfully. The construction of the Airport began in 1963 AD and was completed in 1974 AD. The Land was purchased by Sir Edmund from the local Sherpas at around 2700 USD. Sir Edmund was not happy with the location as the Sherpas were not willing to sell their land and the resistance of the soil was also low. It is said that Sir Edmund purchased local spirits from the sherpas and requested them to dance on the runway to make the runway firm and steady for the planes to land. The runway was asphalted for the first time in 2001 AD. The government of Nepal changed the name of Lukla Airport to Tenzing Hillary Airport in 2008 AD to honor Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa for their contribution.
   
   
10. Airlines to Lukla airport?
    Lukla airport has one of the shortest runways of any commercial airport of the world stretching for just 527 M (1729 Ft) making it only possible for small winged propeller planes to land. As of 2024 July Goma (Summit Airlines), Sita air, Yeti airlines and Tara airlines operate flights to Lukla on a regular basis.  
    
    
11. Best time for the Lukla flight?
    The months of September to early November (Autumn Season) and March to Early May (Spring season) are considered to be the best time for flights to Lukla or any adventurous activities in the Himalayan region. During this time the weather of the Himalayas doesn't tend to fluctuate much and the views of the Himalayas seen are just mesmerizing. During this time Lukla airport hosts more than 50 flights per day as well as the flights during this time don’t get delayed due to favorable weather conditions. The booking of tickets for Lukla flight during peak season on a short notice can be tough so if you are planning to catch a flight to Lukla during the season pre-book the flights to get the best offer and the early morning flights as the weather is pleasant during the morning and offer stunning views of the Great Himalayan Trail.
    
    
12. Mountains seen during the Lukla flight?
    During the flight to Lukla the traveler will be greeted by the spectacular views of the snow capped peaks of the Great Himalayan Trail. If the weather is clear the views of the Himalayas from the North-Central Nepal to the North-East Nepal are visible. The peaks of Ganesh Himal range,  Jugal Himalayan Range and Mount Manaslu will be visible at the beginning of the journey whereas for the majority of the journey the Rolwaling Himalayan Range and the Khumbu Himalayan Range will be visible.
    
    Major peaks seen during the Lukla flight from Kathmandu (chronological order from West to East) : Mount Manaslu (8163M), Ganesh Himal (7422M), Langtang Lirung (7234M), Shishapangma (8027M), GauriShankar (7135M), Cho Oyu (8188M), Everest (8848.68M).
    
    
13. Insurance and other aspects description
    The flights to Lukla can be delayed or in some cases even canceled due to the unpredictable weather conditions of the Himalayan region. So in order to be safe from any monetary loss the clients should get travel insurance which will cover the cost of the canceled trip. The term used in insurance policies is “trip interruption” which covers the refund for canceled trip or reimburse the rescheduled ticket amount in some cases.
    
    
14. Travel restriction after Covid-19?
    As of 2024 July visiting Lukla or Nepal as a whole for any travelers is completely open as there are no restrictions of Covid-19 pandemic. However the traveler should carry the necessary health documents with them (Vaccination card) just in case.

Facts about Lukla airport

1. The Lukla Airport was Named Tenzing Hillary Airport in 2008 AD and is named after Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgey Sherpa who summited the Mighty Mount Everest for the first time in May 29, 1953 AD. 
2. The Airport was constructed by the initiative of Sir Edmund Hillary. He purchased the land for the project from the local  Sherpas for around 2700 USD in 1963 AD. The construction of Lukla Airport commenced in 1963 AD and was completed in 1974 AD.
3. The Runway of the Lukla Airport was Asphalted for the first time in 2001 AD and before it the Runway was not paved and during the construction of the airport the local Sherpas used to walk, run, dance in the runway to make the runway firm for the planes to land.
4. The Local Sherpas of the Lukla and Nearby settlement rely hugely on the airport for transportation, clothing, medicine and daily groceries as the only other alternative way is trekking which is challenging as the locals have to carry goods for more than 3-4 days.
5. The luggage limit per passenger is just 15 KG to maintain the weight limit as certain cargo space is allocated for the resources for the locals.   
6. There is only a single runway for both takeoff and landing.
7. The airport of Lukla is situated on a hillside and the runway is inclined by about 11.7 %. The airport has one of the smallest runways of any commercial airport in the world at just 527M (1729 ft).
8. There have been a total of 10 accidents (including minor accidents with no fatalities as well) in Lukla Airport since its opening in 1964 AD.
9. Radio communication is used during the Takeoff and Landing of aircrafts only as there are no radar or air navigation systems installed in the Lukla Airport.
10. Considered as one of the dangerous airports mathematically, the mortality rate is one per thousand passengers over a span of 10 years since the inauguration in 1974 AD.   
11. Lukla Airport has been named one of the World's most extreme airports continuously for more than 20 years due to its location, runway and weather fluctuation.