So, you’ve just decided to book a trek to the Everest Base Camp. Congratulations!
We’re sure there are a lot of questions running through your mind. One of the most common questions we get asked is, “how do I get from Kathmandu to Lukla?”. And this is one of the most important questions to answer, as Lukla is the gateway to the Everest Base Camp Trek.
This high-altitude trek is one of the most life-enriching experiences in the world. And we’re sure you’ll come back with a ton of memories. The Everest Base Camp sits at a height of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) above sea level, and provides spectacular views of the Himalayan mountains. It’s a very special way to enjoy the Khumbu Valley, near the highest mountain in the world.
For most international travelers heading to Everest Base Camp, the journey begins at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. As Nepal’s biggest international airport, Kathmandu serves as the entry point for trekkers arriving to embark on this legendary adventure. Kathmandu is a vibrant city filled with history, culture, and adventure gear shops in the bustling district of Thamel. Here, trekkers often spend a day or two before heading to the mountains. It’s a great place to get used to Nepal’s culture and begin acclimatizing to the altitude.
A briefing at the hotel in Kathmandu.
But the real adventure starts from Lukla, a small town located at 2,860 meters (9,383 feet) above sea level. Lukla is the main gateway for trekkers heading to Everest Base Camp, as the town is home to the Tenzing-Hillary Airport. It also happens to be one of the most famous airports in the world, and one of the tricker ones to get to.
Challenges of Getting to Lukla
Getting to Lukla can be challenging, because the flights are highly weather dependent. If the weather is good, then it could be a smooth plane ride. However, in cases of bad weather, you could be stuck in the city of Kathmandu for days. Surrounded by Himalayan slopes, Lukla airport has only one runway of just 527m. This technical landing calls for highly skilled pilots. Even at the smallest indications of bad weather conditions, the Lukla airport is closed, and things can get chaotic.
If the airport is closed for a day, all the flights get pushed to the next day, but there is no system to organize the new flight schedule, or categorize which flyers should get preference. Therefore, we recommend planning your travels with an experienced and reputed travel company, who is able to help you navigate these persistent logistical challenges.
Can I fly from Kathmandu to Lukla?
Till 2019, there was the option of flying directly from Kathmandu to Lukla. However, this option does not exist anymore, and Lukla-bound flights take off only from the Ramechhap airport. The international airport at Kathmandu has only one runway – which is used by both major airlines flying to international destinations like Delhi, Bangkok and London, as well as smaller aircraft flying to Lukla. In case of bad weather and emergency re-scheduling, preference is always given to larger airlines flying internationally — so the Lukla-bound traveler could very easily get trapped for days, if he or she is relying on clear passage from Kathmandu.
In order to deal with the massive rise in popularity of Lukla and the Everest Base Camp trail, the government started to route all Lukla-bound flights from Ramechhap, not Kathmandu. Hence, it is not possible to fly from Kathmandu directly to Lukla.
Though flying from Ramechhap is the most recommended option, it is not the only one!
Getting to Lukla: Best Routes
There are several routes from Kathmandu to Lukla, each with its own set of benefits and challenges. Let’s explore the best options for getting to Lukla:
Option 1: Direct Flight from Ramechhap
The most popular and convenient option for trekkers is the flight from Ramechhap to Lukla as there are no direct flights from Kathmandu to lukla. therefore this is a route that’s become increasingly favored due to its reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Where is Ramechhap?
Ramechhap is a small town located around 130 kilometers (about 4-5 hours’ drive) east of Kathmandu. The airport in Ramechhap has become the main departure point for many Lukla-bound flights. This airport only operates Lukla-Kathmandu-Lukla flights, therefore the frequency is higher. Bad weather days are common – but even with a small window of good weather, there’s a high probability of flying smoothly from Ramechhap to Lukla.
How Do I get to Ramechhap?
The drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap is about 4-5 hours, of driving through hilly mountain terrain. As all the flights to Lukla leave in the early morning, you would need to leave Kathmandu as early as 1am, to ensure a smooth and safe flight. While this may seem a little unpleasant, it is by far the most reliable way of travelling to Lukla.
The flight from Ramechhap to Lukla typically takes about 20-25 minutes. Typically some of the airlines are – Yeti Airlines, Tara Air, Summit Air and Sita Air. These flights are not the large commercial flights that you may be used to – instead Short Takeoff And Landing (STOL) aircraft are preferred, to navigate the tricky mountainsides. These aircraft typically fit 14-19 people. Some common aircraft models are DHC-6 Twin Otter, Dornier 228, L-410 Turbolet, and Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter.
Scenic Views on the Flight from Ramechhap
Flying from Ramechhap offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan foothills, villages, and lush terraced fields below. During your flight, you’ll get a unique perspective of the region, with views of several iconic mountains like Makalu, Lhotse, and the towering Everest peak itself. As your plane banks toward Lukla, you’ll catch a glimpse of the rugged and dramatic terrain.
Flying from Ramechhap also allows you to get a closer view of the majestic mountain landscapes without being rushed, unlike some shorter flights. On clear days, the flight offers panoramic views that are unmatched anywhere else in the world.
Why Choose the Ramechhap Route?
- The only way to fly: The Ramechhap airport is much less crowded than Kathmandu, reducing the chances of delays or long waits for your flight.
- Cost-Effective: Commercial flights from Ramechhap are generally cheaper than taking helicopters or charters, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious trekkers.
- Safety: The flight is operated by experienced pilots who are highly trained in navigating the often tricky mountain weather conditions.
Accommodation in Ramechhap
Since the town of Ramechhap has only come up a few years back, to help ease the influx of travellers headed to Everest Base Camp, there are no major hotels near the airport. There are a few guest-houses and lodges like Hotel Himalaya View and Hotel Ramechhap, but they do not have the level of amenities and services that one would expect from a modern hotel in the city. This small town is not very developed, leaving trekkers with limited options to stay near the airport.
For this reason, majority of trekkers prefer to spend their night in Thamel in Kathmandu, which has various options of shopping food, and hotels; and they end up driving to Ramechap early to catch their flight.
Option 2: Helicopter to Lukla
For a quicker (and more luxurious) way to reach Lukla, you can take a helicopter. Helicopter services to Lukla are available, and they offer a stunning aerial view of the Everest region. However, they are significantly more expensive than regular flights.
Why Choose a Helicopter?
- Speed: Helicopter flights are much faster, taking around 15 minutes compared to the 25-minute plane flight.
- Scenic Views: You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the Himalayas, which is an unforgettable experience.
- Flexibility: Helicopters are a less popular option than flights, reducing the risk of delays.
Challenges
- Cost: Helicopter flights are a premium option, with prices typically ranging from $500 to $1,000 per person, depending on the season and availability.
- Availability: Helicopter services are weather-dependent and often less frequent, so they might not always be a viable option, especially during peak season.
Option 3: Drive and Trek
This is not a recommended option at all, as you would have to budget for 3 days of travel over and above the existing Everest Base Camp itinerary. This option involves 2 days of off-roading, through tricky mountain terrain, and an additional day of trekking to reach the town of Phakding.
Traveling by road and then trekking to Lukla offers a more traditional and immersive approach. Before the airport in Lukla opened, driving to Jiri and trekking onwards to Everest Base Camp was the most popular route. Thankfully today, the option of flights means that one has options that are more comfortable and less time-consuming.
Challenges
- Time-Consuming: The journey from Kathmandu takes 2 full days of driving, and one full day of trekking.
- Physically Demanding: This option is best suited for trekkers with more time and stamina. It’s a longer and physically demanding route.
Lukla and its iconic airport
Lukla, often referred to as the “Gateway to Everest,” has a rich history. It is intertwined with the development of tourism and mountaineering in Nepal. The town’s modern history began in the early 1960s, when Sir Edmund Hillary recognized the need for a reliable access route to the Everest region.
Before the airport was constructed, reaching the Khumbu region was a long and arduous journey. It also involved multiple days of walking from Jiri. In 1964, Sir Hillary helped fund the construction of Tenzing-Hillary Airport, which was designed to provide quicker access to the Everest area. The airport was built in collaboration with the local Sherpa community, who played a key role in the airport’s construction. It also helped the growth of Lukla as a central hub for trekkers and climbers heading toward Everest Base Camp.
Since its establishment, Lukla has evolved from a small Sherpa village into a bustling gateway town. With the opening of the airport, Lukla quickly became a crucial stop for trekkers and climbers. The town then began to thrive due to its tourism-driven economy.
Today, Lukla serves as the primary entry point for Everest trekkers. It has a steady influx of mountaineers and trekkers passing through every year. The town still retains much of its traditional Sherpa culture, with local homes and businesses showcasing the region’s distinct architecture and hospitality. Despite its modern role as a trekking hub, Lukla remains deeply connected to its roots.
The airstrip at Lukla – one of the highlights of the Everest Base Camp adventure!
Trekking to Phakding
After landing at Lukla and making your way through the town’s bustling streets, the trek to Everest Base Camp officially begins!
The first leg of the journey, from Lukla to Phakding, is relatively short but offers a wonderful introduction to the landscapes and villages of the Khumbu region. The trail descends through the valley of the Dudh Koshi River, following well-worn paths that are easy to navigate. The trek covers a distance of about 8 kilometers (5 miles) and typically takes 3-4 hours, making it an excellent way to ease into the trek without exerting too much effort on the first day.
As you approach Phakding, a small village located at 2,610 meters (8,563 feet), you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the surrounding peaks and the river valley. Phakding is a popular stop for trekkers, offering several teahouses and lodges where you can rest and enjoy a hearty meal. The village is known for its relaxed atmosphere and provides a good spot for trekkers to acclimatize to the higher altitudes before continuing on their journey. While the trek from Lukla to Phakding is relatively easy, it’s important to take your time, drink plenty of water, and rest when needed, ensuring that you’re in good shape for the more challenging portions of the trek that lie ahead.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Route for You
The journey to Lukla is an essential part of the Everest Base Camp trek. The route you choose can set the tone for your entire experience, so choose carefully!
For most trekkers, the direct flight from Ramechhap is a popular choice, providing a good balance of cost, convenience, and reliability. There is the option of driving and trekking, but this isn’t for the faint of heart. And, if budget isn’t an issue, a helicopter ride will offer an unparalleled experience.
No matter which route you take, getting to Lukla marks the start of your incredible Everest Base Camp journey. Happy trekking!
