Kathmandu to Lukla Flight: Now from Ramechhap Airport

Before October 1, 2022, trekkers used to take Kathmandu to Lukla Flight for Everest Region Trekking. The flight time used to be 40 minutes on a clear weather day.

However, from October 1, 2022, all the flights to Lukla got shifted to Manthali Airport. As stated by the Civil Nepal Aviation Authority, the primary reason is to make more flights with shorter round trips and avoid the congested air traffic of Kathmandu airport.

But there are a few other reasons for the flight from Ramechhap to Lukla airport. Here in this blog, we’ll put forth some topics that sum up the reason behind the flight shift.

Increased air traffic in Kathmandu Airport

Kathmandu Airport is the only international airport in operation in Nepal. Sitting in the capital, almost all domestic flights departs only depart from this airport. And so are the flights to Lukla from Kathmandu.

It makes the flight congested in Kathmandu airport and delays every flight. The flight delays due to increased air traffic cause severe delays for Lukla flights.

Effect on Lukla flights

On a stable weather day at Lukla, most flights land before 1 pm. Past 1 pm, the wind picks up, making the landing difficult. Moreover, the overcast at Lukla can happen anytime past midday. It’s even valid during the most stable times, from March to May and September to November. Even during these times, the weather at Lukla becomes unfavourable for takeoffs and landing past mid-day.

Upon flying from Kathmandu airport, it takes 40-50 minutes for a flight to land at Lukla. As every flight makes 5-6 Kathmandu-Lukla round trips without delays, a flight takes 100 minutes to complete. And only three airlines are operating this flight with 5-6 aircraft.

Given the number of fleets, trekkers flying, the weather window at Lukla, round trips, and delays, it becomes incredibly challenging to complete scheduled flights from Kathmandu.

Thus, air traffic at Kathmandu airport was causing a severe impact on every flight to Lukla.

Flight Time: From Manthali and Kathmandu airport

Lukla from Kathmandu is 138 km, whereas from Manthali is 73.7 km, almost half.

The flight time from Kathmandu to Lukla airport is 40-50 minutes and from Manthali is 15-20 minutes. It shows that the flight time significantly reduced from Manthali airport. Mathematically, one round trip from Kathmandu-Lukla equals two round trips from Manthali airport.

With shorter flight times, more flights from Manthali airport benefit the ideal weather window of Lukla. Almost all Everest region trekkers can reach Phakding for overnight accommodation without delays.

Flight cost: From Kathmandu airport vs Manthali airport

Previously, the Ramechhap to Lukla flight cost USD 180 for foreigners. Likewise, Indian nationals used to pay INR 17,500, and Nepali used to pay Rs. 7,000.

There’s been an update in Ramechhap to Lukla flight cost. Previously, it was USD 180 per one-way flight per person. But now, the updated flight cost is USD 207 (nett) and USD 214 (gross). Similarly, the price for SAARC and Nepali nationals increased by a few thousand rupees.

With the increased flight cost, trekkers may now have to pay more for Everest region trekking. Every Everest trekking package cost will increase by USD 100 at most.

Helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla: Affordable, quick, and safe

If you feel Ramechhap to Lukla flight cost is expensive, you can also fly on a helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla. Kathmandu to Lukla helicopter flight costs USD 400-500. However, if you have a group and all want to fly to Lukla, you’ll benefit from group sharing flight. With group sharing, you’ll pay less than the standard fare.

During Everest trekking season from September to November, you’ll quickly find a group joining helicopter flights. As many trekkers don’t prefer driving to Ramechhap, they instead fly on a helicopter with affordable fees.

Moreover, the helicopter can be ideal if you fear Lukla airport’s scary tales. The helicopter’s swift landing at the helipad at Lukla assures you the utmost comfort, luxury, and panoramic viewing.

Direct Kathmandu to Lukla Flight Till September 25, 2023

Till September 25, 2023, there’ll be direct flights from Kathmandu to Lukla and Lukla to Kathmandu flight. Since the Everest region gets filled with trekkers in October, the flights will operate from Manthali airport.

From September 26 till the end of November, there’ll be no direct Lukla flights from Kathmandu. Thus, trekkers must drive to Ramechhap a day before taking the flight.

With Everest trekking season from September, more flights to Lukla will be on demand in October and November. And to avoid flight delays by air traffic at Kathmandu airport, all flights will get shifted to Manthali airport.

Support local economy at Manthali

Manthali Airport got renovated in 2015 with a concrete runway. Its purpose was to make it the best domestic airport to fly to Lukla. It was destined to be a crucial airport for Everest region trekkers.

With every flight to/from Lukla, Ramechhap airport sees nearly 300 trekkers daily. To serve this volume of trekkers, the locals upgraded their restaurants, cafes, and hotels. Now, every restaurant at Manthali airport serves cappuccino and pizza. And every hotel here gets busier every day during Everest trekking season.

The shift in flight has uplifted the local economy of the region. Around 9000 trekkers spend a few hundred to thousands of Nepali rupees during the three months. Taking it into account, every restaurants and cafes earn a decent amount.

Similarly, the transportation service provider is also earning a handsome sum with the shift in flight. Trekkers have to take a drive to/from Kathmandu/Ramechhap. Even on a public bus, the fare is Rs. 1000. And tourist bus fares are pretty high. Around 300 trekkers take the drive, which also contributes to the transportation business.