Lukla - at the height of 2,860m above sea level, the airport here is a hub of trekking, climbing, and shipping activity all year. Almost all the trekkers, climbers, and equipment come from this airport, and it has been increasing visitors 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 has clouds and you need to take the southern route. While flying, you will enjoy the great view of Langtang, Gaurishankar, Everest, and other massifs 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 and location, the 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 have become more strict and careful about the 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-face flights have more chances to fly. These flights are less scary because visibility is usually straightforward, and there is no wind in the morning.
About Lukla Flight Delays
Due to evil and unpredictable weather conditions, the Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu Flights may sometimes be delayed for a few minutes or hours. According to air traffic, this happens mainly at the beginning and end of the rainy season.
The runway at Lukla airport is short, with a cliff facing 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. The weather and visibility can change rapidly in Lukla, making maintaining a regular flight schedule demanding. Even if a Flight has been taken off from Kathmandu to Lukla, it sometimes has to turn back to Kathmandu because of the clouds lifting over the airport.
Delaying Fights with Lukla is very acceptable. 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 Cancelled?
Lukla flght alternative
After waiting a couple of hours at the airport, the airline companies may cancel the Flight or book the next Flight the next day. There is very little chance of getting the next day's first and second flights. There are scheduled flights booked by other passengers so that you may get the letter 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 300 – 500 USD compared to a regular flight ticket. This amount applies in a joint fight with other passengers. If you charter a Flight, it may cost 2500 - 3000 USD.
We recommend having extra days for the Everest Trek, as this will make 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
Only 15 kg of weight can fly with a passenger, including hand luggage. You may pay an extra amount charged, but sometimes, you may reach Lukla, but your luggage does not. The airline may put the bag on the next plane. If you take your Flight to Lukla and the aircraft with your bag doesn't, you will have no equipment. So take the most needed equipment with you to minimize the weight limit.
Options Getting Out From Lukla
If regular flights are cancelled from Lukla, you might take a helicopter flight from Lukla or Surke. Surke is a place that walks about 2 hours downwards from Lukla. If you have a few more days, you may trek to Salleri, which takes two more long days to trek from Lukla, and drive 8 – 9 hrs with a jeep.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Emergency Flights?
Some insurance policies will cover emergency flights, cancellations, or changing international flight fares due to problems caused by strikes in Lukla. You need to check all the insurance policies, terms, and conditions before buying travel insurance. Frolic Adventure can provide the required documents to claim your insurance if you need to make a genuine 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 it can be a severe problem with bad weather. We will do our best for you to make your journey to Lukla easier by booking the flights on the first or second Flight. If you are planning a trek to the Everest region with Frolic Adventure or are already booked, you must be sure of several things.
- We will book your Lukla Flight before you arrive in Kathmandu. We book the first and second flights, offering better flying chances. We need a copy of your passport and booking payment for the earlier booking.
- If the Flight is canceled or delayed, we prioritize getting as much of 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 valuable 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 back home after a beautiful Everest journey.
