Lukla - at an elevation of 2,840m above sea level, the airport here is a hub of trekking, climbing, and shipping activity all year. Almost all trekkers, climbers, and equipment pass through this airport, and visitor numbers have been increasing every year.
The Spectacular Flight to Lukla from Kathmandu is a short mountain flight. It usually takes 30 minutes, but sometimes it may take longer if the regular route is covered by clouds and you need to take the southern route. While flying, you will enjoy great views of Langtang, Gaurishankar, Everest, and other massifs, along with beautiful landscapes and traditional villages.
Check the Packages:
- Everest Base Camp Trek
- Gokyo Lake Trek
- Everest View Trek
How Safe To Fly To Lukla?
Lukla Airport is known as one of the most dangerous airports in the world because of its short runway, location on a ridge at the end of the runway, and unusual weather conditions. However, 20 – 30 aircraft land daily during the peak trekking and climbing season, and more than 30,000 trekkers pass through this airport annually. Although it is more dangerous than regular commercial airports, it is still pretty safe.
After a severe crash involving passengers in October 2008, aviation officials, airline companies, and pilots became stricter and more careful about applicable weather and Flight conditions, making flying safer and more trustworthy. However, the weather and wind can still make flying to Lukla nerve-wracking.
To avoid suffering, we aim to book tickets to Lukla for our clients on the first Flight. You must arrive in Kathmandu before the trip with us and send the booking amount and a copy of your passport. We will then book a flight to Lukla immediately.
Typically, we manage the Flight if clients book the Everest Base Camp 9 Days Trek and other Everest Trek packages with us a few months before departure. The first and second flights have a better chance of flying. These flights are less scary because visibility is usually straightforward, and there is no wind in the morning.
About Lukla Flight Delays
Because of bad and unpredictable weather conditions, the Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu Flights may sometimes be delayed by a few minutes or hours. According to air traffic, this happens mainly at the beginning and end of the rainy season.
Lukla Airport has a short runway, with a cliff ahead at the end. Because it is a single runway with a narrow area, only small aircraft like Dorniers, twin otters, and helicopters can fly. Weather and visibility can change rapidly in Lukla, making it difficult to maintain a regular flight schedule. Even if a Flight has taken off from Kathmandu to Lukla, it sometimes has to turn back to Kathmandu because of clouds lifting over the airport.
Delaying flights to Lukla is very common. It can happen at any time of the year, especially at the beginning and end of the monsoon season (Late May and early September).
Related:
- Everest Base Camp Trek
- Everest View Trek
- Gokyo Lake Trek
What Happens If The Flight Has Been Canceled?
Lukla flght alternative
After waiting a couple of hours at the airport, the airline may cancel the Flight or book you on the next day's flight. There is very little chance of getting the next day's first and second flights. Other passengers may have already booked the scheduled flights, so you may be left with later flights. So you must wait for the later Flight, a helicopter Flight on the same day. Alternatively, you may change your trekking route to the Annapurna Base Camp or Langtang Gosainkunda Lake Trek if you are not ready to pay extra for the helicopter Flight to Lukla.
If you decide to take a helicopter flight, it costs an extra 500 – 700 USD compared to a regular flight ticket. This amount applies to a joint flight with other passengers. If you charter a Flight, it may cost 2500 - 3000 USD.
We recommend adding extra days to the Everest Trek, as this makes it easier to reschedule your itinerary. Always buy an international ticket to avoid missing your Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
Weight Limit For The Flight To Lukla
You can fly with only 15 kg of luggage, including hand luggage. You may pay an extra fee, but sometimes you may reach Lukla while your luggage doesn't. The airline may put the bag on the next plane. If you fly to Lukla and the aircraft doesn't take your bag, you'll arrive with no equipment. So take the equipment you need most to stay within the weight limit.
Options for Getting Out From Lukla
If regular flights are canceled from Lukla, you might take a helicopter flight from Lukla or Surke. Surke is about a 2-hour walk down from Lukla. If you have a few more days, you may trek to Salleri, which takes two more long days from Lukla, and then drive 8–9 hrs by jeep.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Emergency Flights?
Some insurance policies cover emergency flights, cancellations, or changes to international flight fares due to problems caused by strikes in Lukla. Check all insurance policies, terms, and conditions before buying travel insurance. Frolic Adventure can provide the required documents to support a genuine insurance claim.
Adventure Packages:
- Everest High Passes Trek
- Cho La Pass Trek
- Renjo La Pass Trek
Why Travel To Lukla With Frolic Adventure?
Getting a flight to Lukla is usually straightforward, but bad weather can make it a serious problem. We will do our best to make your journey to Lukla easier by booking the first or second Flight. If you are planning a trek to the Everest region with Frolic Adventure, or are already booked, you must confirm a few things.
- We will book your Lukla Flight before you arrive in Kathmandu. We book the first and second flights to improve your chances of flying. We need a copy of your passport and booking payment for the earlier booking.
- If the Flight is canceled or delayed, we prioritize getting you an earlier flight for the following day because we have a good relationship with the airline companies.
- We regularly follow up on weather conditions with airline and airport representatives in Lukla and Kathmandu and provide our valued customers with the best options.
Lukla Leads To:
- Everest Base Camp Trek
- Gokyo Valley Trek
- Everest Panorama Trek
We want you to have a great Everest trek with us.
Our goal is your satisfaction and safety in Lukla and on your way home after a beautiful Everest journey.
