Every year, thousands of travellers come to Nepal on vacation. The unmatched natural aesthetic of the Himalayas even lures most of these travellers. One such destination, Everest, is the most picked one. And to get to Everest and tour around it, a Kathmandu to Lukla flight is a must. To get an idea about flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, it is good to understand the background of the Everest tour style back in the day. Also, you'll get information about flight benefits, availability, and cost. In this Kathmandu to Lukla flight travel blog, I will also take you through all the FAQs and related informations.
First Everest expedition and trekking to Everest
The first expedition to Everest began in 1921. The two Everest expeditions led by British climbers in 1921 and 1922 failed. But, this paved a foundation for people's attraction to trekking and climbing in Everest. The first successful expedition by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hilary made the impossible possible. Since then, more than four thousand people have summited Everest. Before 1964, people used to reach the Everest base camp via Kathmandu-Jiri-Lukla-Namche. The magnificent trail from Jiri to Lukla is still the best among trekkers. The places like Deurali and Bhandar are the best places on the way to Lukla from Jiri. The beautiful settlement of Kenja and farmlands are scenic. Also, the panoramic Lamjura La, Junibesi, and Trakshindu La are popular spots en route to Lukla from Jiri. Thus, for these reasons, people still love this trekking style.
History of Kathmandu to Lukla flight
In 1964, Sir Edmund Hilary, the first summiteer of Everest with Tenzing Norgay, inaugurated the first-ever flight to Lukla airport. To honour these two legendary climbers, this airport is named Tenzing-Hilary airport. Since then, the trekking to the Everest region has been less strenuous. It lessened a week-long walk from Jiri to Lukla. Still, people love the rustic trekking style from Jiri to Lukla through Bhandar, Kenjam, and Goyem. But for the past two decades, the flight to Lukla from Kathmandu has been the most loved style of reaching Lukla. Also, the thrilling yet affordable flight to Lukla is utterly scenic. Let's explore why the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is best for travellers.
Why helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
First, a regular flight from Kathmandu to Lukla reduces the time of Everest Base Camp trekking. The previous route from Jiri to Lukla takes almost seven days for trekking. Thus, on flight, you'll start the trek from Lukla. Second, the flight cost to Lukla from Kathmandu is affordable. The regular flight cost for foreign nationals is USD 18. For the Indian people, the flight cost averages NPR 14,600, and For Nepal nationals, the price of a flight to Lukla is NPR 5,500. At the peak time, the fare decreases to some amount. Compared to the seven days of trekking, this flight fare is nothing. If you trek from Jiri to Lukla, the price reaches $400, $500. Further, the flight to Lukla is utterly scenic. People often opt for mountain flights, but a regular flight to Lukla comes close to mountain flights. The beautiful alpine landscape, snow-capped mountains, and local settlements make this flight one of the best.
Why book a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla early?
On the best day, the flight to Lukla from Kathmandu is 23, and approximately 23 return flights to Kathmandu. But this number can vary on a given day. You must book the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla at least before a week because the reservation in a short window makes the flight pack. It is the only way now people prefer to travel to Lukla. As of which, the ticket sells early. Thus, to follow up with the schedules of your trekking, you must book the flight early.
Airlines that operate flights from Kathmandu to Lukla
There are around eight domestic airlines in Nepal. Among these eight airline companies, Tara Air, Sita Air, Goma Air, and Nepal Airlines have regular flights from Kathmandu to Lukla. The most this aircraft carries is 16 passengers at most. The airplane flying to Lukla tries to maintain few passengers and luggage while flying as the luggage for Everest tour usually gets heavier.
Cost of flights from Kathmandu to Lukla
The ticket price of a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is affordable. Considering the difficulty and availability of the flight, most of the USD 180 for foreign nationals is affordable. However, the flight fares for Indian and Nepal nationals are somewhat low. Here is a table that shows the ticket price for different nationals.
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Nationals
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Ticket Price
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Foreign Nationals (European and American)
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USD 180
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India and SAARC Nationals
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INR 9,200
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Nepal Nationals
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NPR 5,500
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Ticket price for Kathmandu to Lukla flight
Documents needed for booking Kathmandu to Lukla flight
You have to submit some Government-issued documents for acquiring a Kathmandu to Lukla flight ticket. Here's a list of documents you have to show for obtaining a flight ticket to Lukla. For foreign nationals: A biography page of a passport is a must to get a flight ticket from Kathmandu to Lukla. For Indian nationals: Voter Id or biography page of the passport is a must. For Nepal nationals: Any Nepal Government-issued identification that includes citizenship, licence, passport, etc.
Luggage and hand bag weight in Kathmandu to Lukla flight
The flight to Lukla is somewhat arduous. Thus, aeroplanes try to carry the least weight while flying. So, all the passengers have to follow the handbag and luggage weight policy. The most luggage on Kathmandu to Lukla flight can weigh 10kg. For a handbag, it shouldn't be more than 5kg. If you want to carry extra than these, you have to pay as set by the airlines.
Flight cancelation policy for Kathmandu to Lukla flight
The flight from Kathmandu to Luka often gets cancelled during winter and monsoon. The unpredictable weather in these months makes the flight difficult. In winter, thick snow deposits on the runway cause issues in take-off and landing. In monsoon, the overcast and frequent rain make the visibility poor. But, the months of Spring and Autumn are best for Kathmandu to Lukla flight. There's a rare chance of flight cancellation. It would be easier to book the flight from a travel company. We, at Actual Adventure, book Kathmandu to Lukla flight tickets for our valued customers. By any means, if you have to cancel the flight, you can inform us. We will reschedule the flight for the preferred date. If you have to cancel it anyway, we will also make the refund possible. Contact our tour manager Mr. Kedar Neupane at +977 9851012358 or e-mail to info@actual-adventure.com or adventure.actual@gmail.com to know the availability and booking of flights from Kathmandu to Lukla.
Helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla : An option
What if you miss your flight to Lukla? Or, what if the flight is postponed? Well! In such cases, a helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla would be the best pick. A forty-minute scenic flight in a helicopter would give an unmatched viewing experience. Some travellers often get scared to land at Lukla on the plane. The arduous Tenzing-Hilary airport to land scares the travellers. Thus, those who want a relaxed helicopter flight often choose a helicopter to Lukla. Also, if you wish to take a helicopter flight further to Everest Base Camp, or Kala Patthar, you can customise the tour with a helicopter option. The helicopter sightseeing of Everest from Lukla and Kathmandu would also be another option for you. Both group sharing and private helicopter flights from Kathmandu to Lukla are available. The maximum of 5 pax in a helicopter lets you share seating with other travelers heading to Everest.
FAQs for Kathmandu to Lukla flight
Lets explore all the FAQs related with Kathmandu to Lukla flight.
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What is the flight cost from Kathmandu to Lukla?
The Kathmandu to Lukla flight cost depends on your nationality. If you are a foreign national, you have to pay around USD 180 for the ticket. The Kathmandu to Lukla flight cost for Indians is INR 9,000. For Nepali, the ticket price for the flight to Lukla is NPR 5,500.
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How can I reach Lukla from Kathmandu?
There are many ways with which you can reach Lukla from Kathmandu. First, the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is the most popular. The 30-minute scenic flight takes you to Lukla with utmost comfort. Another way of being at Lukla is week-long trekking from Jiri. People love to walk on the trail to Lukla. The majestic landscape throughout the trekking route is what the wanderers admire most. However, the trekking from Jiri to Lukla is almost seven days. If you have enough time for trekking, this is a recommended hike. Also, helicopter flights from Kathmandu to Lukla are the best way to reach Lukla from kathmandu. The scenic, affordable, and hassle-free 30 minutes helicopter flight is also the best choice. For those, who feel landing at Lukla in an aeroplane would be dangerous, helicopter flight stands out.
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What is the flight time from Kathmandu to Lukla?
The Kathmandu to Lukla flight time is 30 minutes. This flight is utterly scenic as you’ll get a chance to see the beautiful Himalayan range and alpine landscape.
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What is the best time for Kathmandu Lukla flight?
Flight to Lukla is often arduous as Lukla airstrip is one of the most difficult to land. On a perfect weather day, the flight to Lukla lands at Lukla airport at ease. The months like March, April, and May are the best times for flying to Lukla. Also, in Autumn is the best time for Kathmandu To Lukla flight. But, the winter snow and monsoon rain make it difficult for flights to take off and land.
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Can I reach Lukla from Kathmandu by bus?
Well, No! You cannot reach Lukla directly by bus. Even if you want to go from the Jiri route, the bus can go as far as Salleri. You have to trek for an extra three days from Salleri to Lukla. It is why travellers prefer regular flights from Kathmandu to Lukla.
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How much luggage can I carry in Kathmandu to Lukla flight?
The numbers of luggage are not limited, but the weights are. The most you are allowed to carry is 15kg. It includes 5kg of handbags and 10 kg of luggage. You have to pay the additional cost if you wish to take extra baggage.
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What is the distance from Kathmandu to Lukla?
The distance from Kathmandu to Lukla, from the flight, is 138 kilometres or 84 miles. If you want to go to Salleri first and then trek to Lukla, the distance from Kathmandu to Salleri is 267 km.
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What documents are needed for booking a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla?
For foreign nationals, the biography page of the passport is a must. For Indians, the Voter Id or passport can work. In the case of Nepal nationals, any Nepal Government-issued ID as passport, citizenship, or driving licence would work.
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What is the cost of Kathmandu to Lukla flight for Indians?
For Indian nationals, the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is around INR 9,000. This price may vary on a given day. Also, Indian nationals must submit a Voter Id or biography page of passport to get the flight ticket to Lukla.
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How often does the flight to Lukla get cancelled?
The flight cancellation depends on the weather conditions. Many times, the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla gets postponed. But if the weather turns bad for several days, you have to cancel the flight. In such a case, if you book the ticket with a tour company, you’ll be able to get a full refund. You can also go for a helicopter flight to Lukla if the weather turns bad for flight takeoff. Contact our tour manager Mr. Kedar Neupane at +977 9851012358 (available 24 hours in whatsapp) to reserve the helicopter tour for you.
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Is flying to Lukla from Kathmandu dangerous?
No! Flying to Lukla from Kathmandu is not as dangerous as you thought it to be. Landing at Lukla is not as dangerous as you perceive. What scares the passengers is the runway of Lukla airport. The short 527m (1,729ft) long runway surrounded by peaks makes it arduous to land. The last aircraft fatality was in 2008 due to a sudden weather change and the pilot's mistake. But since then, all the aircraft have been following utmost safety guidance.
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What is the altitude of Lukla airport?
The beautiful airport of Lukla, also known as Tenzing-Hilary airport, sits at an altitude of 2,846 metres.
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Can I see Everest from Lukla?
The answer is yes. You can see some glimpses of Everest not from Lukla town but from the flight as it approaches for landing. For the best sightseeing of Everest, you have to trek to Kala Patthar or Gokyo Ri. People also take a helicopter flight from Lukla to Everest Base Camp for sightseeing.
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What is the cost of helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla?
The cost of a helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is USD 400 for an individual when flying in a group-sharing flight. On the private helicopter flight to Lukla, the total cost for five passengers is USD 2500. If you wish to go for one day Everest helicopter sightseeing tour, contact us. Contact to our tour manager Mr. Kedar Neupane at +977 9851012358 (available 24 hours in whatsapp) or e-mail to info@actual-adventure.com or adventure.actual@gmail.com to know the availability and cost of helicopter tours from Kathmandu to Lukla and for Everest sightseeing tour.
