How many airlines operate flights from Kathmandu to Lukla, and how many flights are scheduled daily?

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.

What is the cost of a round-trip flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, and do different airlines offer varying prices?

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.

Why are there no direct flights from Kathmandu to Lukla during the peak season, and which month is considered the busy season?

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).

How many planes can land at a single time, and what is the duration of the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla?

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.

Are there alternative methods to reach Lukla from Kathmandu, and are there both cheaper and more expensive options available?

Yes, Kathmandu to Lukla can be reached in different ways, including land transportation, sharing a helicopter, or chartering a helicopter.

Is it possible to book flights online, and can payments be made using cards or cash?

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.

Do we fly from Ramechhap to Lukla and back in the peak season, and what is the approximate duration of the round trip?

Yes, during the peak season, approximately 90% of flights operate from Ramechhap to Lukla and return. The flight duration is approximately 15 minutes.

How can one travel from a hotel in Kathmandu to the domestic airport, and what is the transportation method and duration from Kathmandu to Ramechhap airport?

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.

What is the cost of a one-way ticket and a round-trip ticket from Ramechhap to Lukla?

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 the event of adverse weather conditions in Lukla, what type of food and accommodation options are available in Ramechhap?

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.

How challenging is the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, and why is Lukla often referred to as one of the most dangerous airports in the world?

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.

Why is Lukla airport referred to as Hillary Airport?

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.

How many people typically fly in a single flight, and what documents are required for the flight?

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.

How busy does Kathmandu airport get during the season, and what about Ramechhap airport?

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.

How many kilograms of luggage is a single passenger allowed to carry during the Kathmandu to Lukla flight?

The luggage allowance is 10 kilograms, and the day bag should weigh between 3 to 4 kilograms.

Is it possible to carry additional luggage, and if so, what is the associated cost?

Yes, it is possible. The cost will be 1 dollar for every kilogram.

At what time does the morning flight typically commence, and when does it conclude in the afternoon?

Flights typically commence at 6 AM in the morning and continue until 5 PM in the afternoon, depending on the weather conditions.

What is the cost of the mountain flight, what views can be observed from the airplane, and how long is the duration of the flight?

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.

What are the possibilities for a helicopter tour, what is the associated cost, and how long does the tour typically last?

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 there is no direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, is it possible to travel by helicopter, and what is the estimated duration and cost for both shared and chartered options?

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.

How many passengers can one helicopter accommodate, and what is the allowance for luggage per passenger?

One helicopter can accommodate five people, and each person is allowed to bring a 15 kg bag.

During the peak season, are there direct helicopter flights available, and how many flights are typically scheduled?

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.

What are the cancellation rules?

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.

How does the weather in the Khumbu region typically vary during different seasons such as winter, spring, summer, and autumn?

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.