24th May, 2022

Flying to Lukla What You Need to Know

Flying to Lukla.

The most adventures journey of the world has an adventurous gateway. Almost all of the Treks in Everest Region begin with an exciting flight from Kathmandu to Tenzing-Hillary airport Lukla. The flight is short, scenic, exciting and adventurous. On the other hand this short flight takes your breath out, flying out from the TIA it directly lands on a small airstrip over an isolated mountain valley tucked in between the mountains of Khumbu region also known as world’s most dangerous airport in just 40 minutes approx.

Since, there is no road transportation; the Flight to Lukla is the sole vehicle approach to Everest Region. The market here can be possible only by Flight or several days of walking. Thus, Lukla Airport is a hub for all the local people and trekkers in the Everest Region.

Tenzing-Hillary Airport Lukla

Tenzing-Hillary Airport Lukla or Lukla Airport stands at an altitude of 2845m above the sea level. The Route to Lukla airport from Kathmandu is short but it is often it is interrupted by unpredictable weather conditions which causes delay and flight cancellation. The flight to Lukla offers you with most amazing view of the mountains and picturesque landscapes of Everest Region passing over interconnected mountain ranges of Nepal.

History of Tenzing-Hillary Airport Lukla

The Tenzing Hillary Airport was called Lukla Airport until 2008. The airport was meant to be built in the flat farmlands but the villagers refused to give their lands and thus, the airport was built at its current position in 1964 under the supervision of Edmund Hillary. Hillary bought the land from local Sherpa’s for US$2,650 and involved them in building the facilities. Because Hillary was unhappy with the runway's soil resistance, and he made a solution was to buy local liquor for the Sherpa’s and asked them to perform a foot-stomping dance to flatten the land that served as the runway. The runway was not paved until 2001. The airport was renamed as Tenzing-Hillary Airport in January 2008 in the honor of Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary to mark their efforts in the construction of airport and celebrate their victory of being the first people to successfully climb Mt.Everest.

Is the flight to Lukla Safe?

Having had a reputation of being the most dangerous airport in this could be injustice to say the flight to Lukla is completely safe. The Lukla airport is said the world’s most dangerous airport because of its difficult topography and small airstrips. However, it is one of the busiest domestic airports of Nepal and flying there is pretty safe. The aviation officials and airlines of Nepal have become stricter on the acceptable flight conditions and regulations for aircraft making the journey to Lukla. The airlines and officials have been more concise regarding passenger safety and safely landing of the aircrafts.

During peak tourist seasons about 20 or 30 aircraft land in Lukla every day and almost all of the trekkers who visit the Everest Region annually fly into Lukla. Due to the difficulties of successfully landing at the airport, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal sets high standards, for which only experienced pilots, who completed at least 100 short-takeoff-and-landing (STOL) missions, have over one year of STOL experience in Nepal and completed ten missions into Lukla with a certified instructor pilot, are allowed to land at the airport.

Actual Adventure Pvt.Ltd has been organizing Everest Trekking since its starting. Each year several trekking groups trek to Everest Region from our company and we highly focus on giving either first or second flight to our guests. The first or second flight to Lukla is more stable, safer and has better visibility. For this, we request our customer to send their deposits and information as early as possible.

Planning for Delays at Lukla

Lukla Airport is situated on a wonderful valley surrounded by high mountains. Landing and taking off from Lukla is considered to be difficult and technical. Therefore, Lukla is considered as the most dangerous airstrips in the world.

We request our customers to schedule some extra days at the end of the trip; this gives you flexibility with your trekking itinerary in case of any weather delays. It will be better if you have at least three extra days other than your trek schedule.

Twin Otter and Dornier planes are the primary mode of transport to and from the airstrip at Lukla. This service is fairly dependable. However, if flight to and from Lukla are cancelled in case of bad weather conditions in Everest region, we can help you charter a helicopter upon your request to ensure you are on schedule for your trip and international flight connections. The helicopter charge is to be paid by the passengers themselves and can be reimbursed from their travel insurance later. The helicopter charges USD 2,500 to USD 3,000 per helicopter. The helicopter can carry up to 4 to 6 passengers at a time and the cost can be shared among the passengers. The company can help by providing necessary documents required to claim the amount from insurance company.

The payment for helicopter must be paid at time of service by participant. US dollars cash or credit cards (Visa Cards, Master Cards, and American Express) are accepted for helicopter transport. Any card payment requires a 4% bank fee, which goes directly to the bank.

The helicopter can fly if the visibility is 1500m or greater, while the twin otter and Dornier planes can fly if the visibility is 5000m or greater, as per Nepal’s Civil Aviation rules. If the weather is extreme and the visibility is lesser than 1,500m helicopters cannot be operated. In such case we will reschedule your flight for next day depending on the availability. If this situation keeps on getting repeated for many days then we will provide you with the alternative trek options.

What About Luggage Delays at Lukla?

Luggage Delays in Lukla are very rare .However it is not impossible and your luggage can be shifted to another flight or delayed by the airline. We suggest you to keep all your valuables and important things that you might need on an urgent basis like medicines or any other things to keep in your hand carry. Although, luggage misplaced or delays by the airlines are out of our control we will try our best to get your gears on the trial.

What are the options to get back to Kathmandu when the Lukla flights are canceled?

Since, flight delays are very common in Lukla the best idea is to have some extra days and wait for the flight. However, you can also look for the following options as well.

Flying to Lukla by helicopter can be the best alternatives to avoid the delay and cancel of the Lukla Flights by fixed wing. Lukla is the main gateway to the trekkers trekking in the Everest Region. Since, Lukla flight is the sloe vehicle in the Everest Region Lukla is the main hub for traders and trekkers in the Everest Region. Lukla airport gets super busy during the peak tourist seasons landing about 20 to 30 aircrafts every day in March to May and September to December. During seasons it is very difficult to get the flights in a short notice. You need to book the tickets before one month or earlier during peak seasons. To reach to Lukla on your scheduled time flying by Helicopters can be another option to flight.

Why fly by Helicopters to Lukla from Kathmandu?

Less Chance of Cancellation

Helicopters are the best alternative to Lukla flights. The helicopter flight can be booked easily and are less cancelled. The helicopter can fly if the visibility is 1500m or greater, while the twin otter and Dornier planes can fly if the visibility is 5000m or greater, as per Nepal’s Civil Aviation rules. However, if the weather is extreme and the visibility is lesser than 1500m helicopters cannot be operated.

Safer than the regular flights.

Flying to Lukla by helicopter is safer than the regular flights. Although there has not been any serious accidents in recent years the Lukla airport is regarded as one of the most dangerous airstrips in the world because of its difficult topography and short runway. Flying to Lukla by helicopter is safer because it can land anywhere and can fly in less visibility as well.

Don’t have to miss International Flights

Flying to Lukla by helicopters is the best option to complete your trek as per your itinerary without wasting any extra days waiting for the flight. Since, the Lukla weather is unpredictable and the flight can be delayed for several hours or several days. Flying to Lukla by helicopter reduces your risk of missing your international flight and helps you to complete the trek as planned.

No need to drive to Manthali

Helicopters Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

Are you worried about the cancellation and delay of your Lukla Flight? Don’t worry we can arrange helicopter tour for you and you don’t have to miss your international flights. If you miss your flight to Kathmandu by any reason or your flights get delayed for several hours or days then you can contact Actual Adventure Pvt.Ltd. We can arrange helicopter for you and help you to get Kathmandu on time.

Helicopters Flight from Manthali to Lukla

The flights to Lukla are being operated by Manthali Airport because of the re-construction process going on in Tribhuvan International Airport. Manthali Airport is the closest airport from Kathmandu. It is located in Ramechaap District of Nepal in Province no.3. It takes about 4 hours to reach Manthali Airport from Kathmandu. Since the condition of the road is not so good you may not reach there in exact time. The bus departs at early 2am from Kathmandu and since the accommodations are less in Manthali driving from Kathmandu is an only option. Since it is a long route there is possibility of missing the flight. In case you miss the flight or your flight gets cancelled you can contact Actual Adventure Pvt.Ltd. We will help you to arrange helicopter flights and complete your trek in the scheduled time.

How many people can fly in a helicopter at a time?

The helicopter can carry up to 5 passengers at a time. The maximum weight that a helicopter can carry is up to 500kg.

Group Joining Helicopter Flight

If you are travelling to Lukla alone and want to fly by helicopter then we can also arrange group joining helicopter flight to Lukla. Since there are regular helicopter flights to Lukla during peak tourist seasons we can book a flight for you from Kathmandu – Lukla or Lukla- Kathmandu.

Kathmandu to Lukla Helicopter Cost.

Kathmandu- Lukla- Kathmandu Helicopter Flight Cost

Destination Private Helicopter Cost and Weight Sharing Helicopter Cost

Kathmandu – Lukla USD 2500 (Maximum 5 people inclusive weight 500 kg) USD 500 Per Person

Lukla – Kathmandu USD 2500 (Maximum 5 people inclusive weight 500 kg) USD 500 Per Person

How to Book a Helicopter to Lukla?

To book a helicopter flight to Lukla to Kathmandu or Kathmandu to Lukla from Actual Adventure Pvt. Ltd you will need to pay 50 percent of the total amount as advance for the confirmation of booking. The remaining amount can be paid before the flight. It will be our first priority to provide immediate service to our customers. There are only limited helicopters in Nepal and the demand highly increases during peak tourist season. In such case, it may not be possible for your instant helicopter flight.

Cancellation Policy.

If you have to cancel your flight due to any reasons then please kindly inform us. The flight cancellation should be made before 48 hours. USD 100 is charged as cancellation charge and the remaining amount will be returned back.

Trekking from Jiri

One option to get back to Kathmandu if the flight gets delayed is to trek back via Jiri. The trek via Jiri is the original route used by Sir Edmund Hillary in his Everest Expedition and it was the only gate way to this region until the Tenzing Hillary Airport was built. You can reach to Kathmandu after trekking about 5 days and a long bus ride.

Hike out to Salleri

After trekking about two days from Lukla you will reach Salleri from here you can to get a jeep to Kathmandu. After a long drive of about 10 to 12 hours you will reach to Kathmandu.

Helicopter to Paphlu

Phaplu is an airstrip lower in the valley close to Salleri. If helicopters are limited in availability they may only be available to shuttle guests to Phaplu. You can also get a jeep from Phaplu. It takes about 2-3 days to reach to Phaplu from Lukla.

Helicopter to Surkhe

It takes about an hour or half from Lukla to reach Surkhe. It is a small village below Lukla where helicopters sometimes land as the visibility is better.

Will Travel Insurance Cover Flight Delays to Lukla?

Make sure your travel insurance covers “trip interruption” that is a result of a rescheduled or canceled flight and will reimburse you for missed international connections or extra travel expenses. Actual Adventure Pvt.Ltd can help you to provide the necessary documents for your insurance company to make a claim. It is better to see exactly what your policy covers before you arrive in Nepal.

What about Helicopters to Lukla?

We can help you charter a helicopter upon your request to ensure you are on schedule for your trip and international flight connections. The helicopter charge is to be paid by the passengers themselves and can be reimbursed from their travel insurance later.

How Much Does the Lukla Helicopter Cost?

The helicopter charges USD 2,500 to USD 3,000 per helicopter. The helicopter can carry up to 4 to 6 passengers at a time and the cost can be shared among the passengers. The company can help by providing necessary documents required to claim the amount from insurance company.

Why Travel to Lukla with Actual Adventure

With Several years of experience of organizing Everest Trekking we can assure the following things while travelling with us.

We book the flights immediately after getting your deposits and passport copies. We prioritize on giving the early flights to our customers as far as possible. Since there is less chance of getting flight delay on the first or second flights to Lukla. We make sure the flights are booked before your arrival.
As an established Travel Agency we have higher priority than independent trekkers or independent guides when it comes to rebooking if your flight is delayed or canceled.
We provide pick-up and drop facilitates and take care of our customers need during their stay in Nepal with us. So you will not need to worry about anything while you are travelling with us. We work on providing a better travel experience to our valuable customers.

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