What to know about flying to Lukla
Update: Flights are currently operating directly from Kathmandu to Lukla until Sept 28th, then all Lukla flights operate out of Ramechhap.
Lukla (2,860m) is the gateway to the Khumbu, as most trekkers will fly here from Kathmandu to start any trek along the EBC trail.
Is it Safe? Lukla has a bad reputation, but taking into account the location and flying conditions, I have to give it to the pilots and Nepalese airlines that it is as safe as possible. The last crash involving passengers was back in 2008. Lukla is not the most dangerous airport in the world, or even in Nepal, that title goes to the Pokhara to Jomsom route. Not because of Jomsom itself, but because of the route from Pokhara is through a narrow pass between Annapurna I (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) to get to Jomsom. Weather moves in these tight passes extremely fast as most trekkers in the Himalayas have witnessed. During the main tourist seasons in Spring and Fall, Lukla averages 25 flights per day and around 28,000 trekkers per year.
Duration: 30 - 45 minutes.
Delays: Every time I've been to the domestic airport in Kathmandu the flights to Lukla have been delayed or cancelled. Plan on about 3 extra days for this, you can use them wisely for acclimation if you happen to get out without cancellation. I recommend getting the first flight out in the morning, that way if a flight does go you will be on it.
Luggage: On most flights to Lukla the baggage allowance is 10kg, plus 5kg hand baggage. It's not uncommon for your bags to be on another flight than you are on due to weight restrictions for the aircraft. Plan accordingly, keep important documentation such as passports and permits, money and medications with you in your carry-on.
Cost: The typical cost of this flight is around $200 USD per person each way. Prices have gone up for the fall 2023 season.
Airlines that fly to Lukla:
** Sita Air
** Summit Air
** Tara Air
** indicates you can currently book a flight for Fall 2023 trekking season.
Other Options: A helicopter flight to Lukla has a little bit more flexibility regarding the weather but will still not fly in really bad conditions. You can shop around for a flight and find them for about $800-$1000. You can also trek from Jiri (the true classic route) as long as you have about 5 extra days for trekking. This part of the trek may be at a lower elevation but is not a joke, it's fairly taxing. Hiking to Jiri seems like a better option to me if you get stuck in Lukla on the way out, not going in.