Fly to Lukla
Reserve your Lukla ticket for your upcoming Everest trip.
Notice: Starting from 1 Oct, 2024, all the Lukla flights will be diverted from Ramechhap.
KTM Lukla Flight is powered by Zed Travels. We as a team of young and travel enthusiastic team operating the KTM Lukla flight. Specially, we provide the service of Kathmandu to Lukla flight ticketing which includes Tara Air, Sita Air, and Summit Air, and the Helicopter tour on Everest Base Camp.
Our top notch services over domestic tourism allow every customer enjoy their holiday adventure in this small Himalayan country.
The Kathmandu-Lukla flight commences at Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. The prelude to an unforgettable journey, the city pulsates with a blend of history, culture, and chaos. Yet, within minutes of ascending, the urban landscape yields to Nepal’s untouched hinterlands. Rolling hills, terraced farms, and remote villages pass by as the aircraft pierces the clouded sky.
The Tenzing-Hillary Airport at Lukla, where the flight culminates, is renowned worldwide for its challenging location. Nestled precariously on a mountainside at 2,860 meters above sea level, it’s frequently touted as the world’s most dangerous airport. However, seasoned pilots with expert navigational skills ensure a safe arrival and departure.
Despite the brief duration—around 40 minutes—the Kathmandu-Lukla flight reveals a vivid tableau of the Himalayas. As the Dornier or Twin Otter aircraft rises above the emerald valleys, the vista opens to unveil snow-capped giants like Gaurishankar, Melungtse, and Cho Oyu. When the weather is clear, passengers are treated to the awe-inspiring sight of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak.
The experience aboard is no less thrilling. The flight is often filled with adventurers from around the globe, their palpable excitement permeating the small cabin. The aircraft’s low altitude allows for spectacular views, and the feeling of proximity to the towering peaks is indeed exhilarating. However, due to the region’s unpredictable weather, delays and cancellations are not uncommon, contributing to the flight’s adventurous reputation.
The Kathmandu-Lukla flight, despite the inherent challenges, remains the most efficient way to access the Everest region. Beyond its functional role, the flight weaves an exciting narrative of anticipation and adventure. It’s a soaring transition, lifting passengers from the urban sprawl of Kathmandu to the remote, rugged beauty of Lukla
A short 30–40-minute flight from Kathmandu drops would-be trekkers into Lukla, a small town nestled at the foot of Mt. Everest. Dubbed one of the world’s most challenging airports, Lukla—officially known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport—acts as the main entrance to the Everest region. This airport has a very short runway and is surrounded by steep mountains, so there are up to 50 landings and take-offs each day during peak trekking seasons.
Other routes into Lukla are several days of trekking. The great bulk of trekkers fly so as to save time; their trek commences from Lukla. The airport has been constructed amazingly by the local inhabitants with the help of Sir Edmund Hillary, driven by the urge to reduce the long and tedious trek to the trailhead. Because of this local initiative, Tenzing-Hillary Airport came into being in 1971.
Flights to Lukla are available from both Kathmandu and Ramechhap (Manthali) airports, depending on the travel date and traffic conditions:
Please send an email or complete the form on our website to check availability and finalize your booking.
If you’re looking for a reliable and timely flight from Kathmandu to Lukla or Lukla to Kathmandu, we offer competitive rates for helicopter flights:
For inquiries or to reserve your spot, please get in touch with us, and we’ll assist you with the booking process.
Named in 2008 in honour of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, it is located at an altitude of 2,800 meters (9,186 feet) with a runway of only 527 meters (1,729 feet) in length and 20 meters (65 feet) in width with a slope of 12 degrees. The combination of challenging topography and high altitude results in one of the most dangerous airports in the world.
Unpredictable weather severely affects the airport’s operations with many cancellations being commonplace. There is no radar and sophisticated navigation; all flights must depend on Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and the expertise of pilots. Flights are usually scheduled in the early morning when the skies are clear since the weather condition could degenerate quickly.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) applies very strict standards to pilots operating on the Kathmandu-Lukla route. To be qualified, one must have at least 100 short takeoff and landing (STOL) flights and ten observed landings in Lukla. Only small propellers and helicopters can fly here, guaranteeing both skill and safety.
There are three major airlines operating on the Kathmandu-Lukla route: Tara Air, Sita Air, and Summit Air. All three major airlines operate STOL aircraft with a maximum of 19 passengers. Tara Air, a subsidiary of Yeti Airlines, operates Twin Otter as well as Dornier aircraft; Summit Air operates LET-410 Turbolet planes. Sita Air offers scheduled as well as charter services using Dornier aircraft.
As many as 50 flights a day serve Lukla during peak trekking season.
Renamed to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in 2008 in honor of the first two climbers who scaled Mt. Everest.
One of the most dangerous airports in the world due to its altitude, short runway, and ever-changing weather.
The airport has a straight wall of mountains on one side and a sheer drop of the valley on the other.
Before it was built, Lukla was a five-day hike from Jiri.
Some people sometimes cross the runway to get to both sides of the airport. Sir Edmund Hillary bought the land from local Sherpas, as local farmers refused to sell their flat fields. There is no aeronautical navigation system at Lukla Airport; communication is only by radio. It’s been called the most dangerous in the world by the History Channel’s Most Extreme Airports for more than 20 years.
It is not free of risks flying to Lukla because of the unfriendly weather and short runway, but under clear skies with experienced pilots, it’s safe and a great experience. The Himalayan range can be appreciated through a scenic flight, showing rugged peaks and lively landscapes. For those going to Everest Base Camp or Gokyo Ri, Lukla Airport is almost inevitable unless one has the time and energy for a long trek from Jiri, Phaplu, or Salleri.
Normally, three airlines operate regular flights: Tara Airlines, Sita Airlines, and Summit Airlines. Due to the unpredictable weather conditions in the Nepal Himalayas, each flight has five schedules. Each schedule includes three flights, with a five-minute difference between each flight due to air traffic considerations. There is a half-hour break between each schedule.
The one-way flight cost from Kathmandu to Lukla for foreigners is $217 for a direct flight. For Indian citizens, the one-way cost is Rs 18,000. Nepalese citizens have varying prices, with Rs 6,500 for two plus one guide, and Rs 11,000 for Nepali tourists and local people. The round-trip cost per person is $430 for foreigners, and for Indian citizens, it is Rs 35,000. The round-trip cost for a trekking guide is Rs 12,000, while for Nepali tourists and local people, it is Rs 21,000.
Normally, Kathmandu airport serves both domestic and international flights. However, due to air traffic and unpredictable mountain weather, regular flights may not operate consistently. During the peak tourist season, there is an influx of visitors to the area, making it more accessible.
The busiest seasons are Autumn (October – November) and Spring (March – April).
At the same time, four airplanes can land at Lukla airport. The landing duration varies, taking around 27 to 30 minutes depending on the airline.
Yes, Kathmandu to Lukla can be reached in different ways, including land transportation, sharing a helicopter, or chartering a helicopter.
Our company sells tickets both online and offline. You can inquire through email (ktmluklaflight2023@gmail.com) or WhatsApp (+977-9849988926). Payment can be made using both methods—cash or card.
Yes, during the peak season, approximately 90% of flights operate from Ramechhap to Lukla and return. The flight duration is approximately 15 minutes.
The journey from Kathmandu hotel to the Domestic Airport takes 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the traffic, when using private transport. For the trip from Kathmandu to Ramechhap, private transport is utilized either in the midnight or one day before the flight, and the travel time is approximately 5 hours. It is advisable to arrive at every airport one hour before the scheduled flight.
The normal cost for a Ramechhap to Lukla flight for foreign nationals is $180 per person, with a round-trip cost of $360. For Indian citizens, the one-way cost is Rs 15,000 and the round-trip cost is Rs 30,000 per person. Trekking guides accompanying clients have a one-way cost of Rs 5,500, and the round-trip cost is Rs 11,000 per person. Local people and Nepali tourists incur a cost of Rs 9,000 per person for a one-way trip and Rs 18,000 for a round trip.
In case of emergencies, adverse weather conditions, or other unforeseen reasons, Ramechhap (Manthali Airport) is situated near local tea houses, approximately 10 to 15 km away. In the vicinity, there are also 3-star category resorts available.
In Nepal, undertaking a mountain flight in the Himalayan region is not easy due to the unpredictable weather conditions inherent in our Himalayas, where the weather changes approximately every thirty minutes. The flight from Kathmandu (1,300m) to Lukla (2,840m) involves passing over hills exceeding 4,000m in altitude, making the flight particularly challenging and difficult.
The geographical complexity arising from the presence of hills and mountains, coupled with the ever-changing weather conditions, makes landing on the short runway of Lukla Airport one of the most perilous in the world.
The concept of the airport was first introduced by Sir Edmund Hillary, and he played a key role in establishing the airport, which is why it is called Hillary Airport.
Depending on the airline, a single flight can accommodate 19 to 22 people, including crew members. A passport copy or the original passport, along with a domestic flight ticket, is necessary for the flight.
During the peak season, Kathmandu airport experiences high traffic due to both international and domestic flights sharing the same airport and runway. To manage the congestion caused by numerous international flights, Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu flights are often diverted to Ramechhap (Manthali airport), following the route Lukla – Ramechhap – Lukla. Both airports, Kathmandu and Ramechhap, are quite busy during this time.
The luggage allowance is 10 kilograms, and the day bag should weigh between 3 to 4 kilograms.
Yes, it is possible. The cost will be 1 dollar for every kilogram.
Flights typically commence at 6 AM in the morning and continue until 5 PM in the afternoon, depending on the weather conditions.
Every day, three airlines—Yeti, Buddha, and Shree Airlines—have a mountain flight schedule. The cost starts from 230 to 250 dollars. During the flight, passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of Kathmandu, the north of Kathmandu, Langtang, Surya Peak, Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shankar, Kangtangey, Thamserku, Kwangde, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Everest, Nuptse, Cholatse, Tabuche, Cho Oyu, and more. The entire flight takes approximately 30 minutes.
Yes, it is possible depending on your budget and time constraints. The entire helicopter charter for a full day in the Everest area will cost 10,000 USD. If you opt for a shared basis, the cost will be 2000 dollars per person. The journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, including segments from Kathmandu to Lukla, Lukla to Everest Base Camp/Kala Patthar, with a half-hour break for lunch and breakfast before returning to Kathmandu.
If a direct flight is not available, it is possible to travel by helicopter, and the journey takes one hour. The cost for a shared flight starts from 500 to 600 dollars per person. If you choose to charter a helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla, the cost will be 2700 dollars.
One helicopter can accommodate five people, and each person is allowed to bring a 15 kg bag.
Yes, there is a direct helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Depending on the airline and the number of passengers, we can make bookings for it.
Depending on the weather and other conditions, different companies have varying rules. In case of airline faults or cancellations due to weather conditions, a 20% cancellation charge will be deducted, and the remaining amount will be refunded.
During the summer, the Himalayan region between 2000m and 4000m is typically covered by clouds, experiencing heavy rainfall. Consequently, during this period, many airlines do not operate regular flights. In contrast, during autumn, spring, and winter, the weather can vary, and the experience largely depends on your luck for encountering favorable conditions.
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