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 flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is a must.
To get an idea about Kathmandu to Lukla flight, 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.
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 the 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 Everest base camp trek 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 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 to Lukla. The most this aircraft carries is 16 passengers at most. The aeroplane 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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Table: Kathmandu to Lukla Flight cost for different nationals
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 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.
Kathmandu to Lukla Helicopter Flight : 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 one day Everest base camp helicopter tour 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 travellers heading to Everest.
Booking and arranging helicopter flights from Kathmandu to Lukla?
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.
