Know About Lukla – Gateway to Mt. Everest
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Lukla Which is located at an altitude of 2,860 meters from the sea level, has been popular place for the visitors to the Himalayas. Lukla is small and beautiful town of the Solukhumbu district in the Province No.1 of North-East Nepal. There, you can explore small settlement area of the Sherpa people. Recently Lukla is gaining popularity as number of lodges and shops for buying trekking gears has been increased. It is the major gateway that leads us to the Everest region including majestic view of 18 highest peaks among which 4 of them are above 8,000m. Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla takes about 25-30 minutes depending on weather condition through Trans-Himalayan route of Nepal. Lukla has been the initial trekking point for many trekkers.
Once, Lukla was a small community which was occupied by farmers. But now, Lukla has grown into the large trekker’s town with variety of facilities like shops where you can buy different trekking gears and many simplified accommodation options. Basically, Lukla is a small town with sole airport, Lukla airport. Lukla airport is the most popular airport in Solokhumbu for entering the Everest region. Officially, Lukla airport is also known as Tenzing Hillary airport. The airport is 450m long and 20m wide and the runway incline is a staggering 12%. It takes 25-30 minutes of scenic flight from Kathmandu (depending on whether condition) to reach Lukla via aircraft. Lukla airport is one of the most dangerous airport and you will be experiencing the most thrilling landing you will ever have.
Talking about the accommodation and shopping in Lukla, you can find several hotels, lodges, local eateries, banks, money exchange counters, gear shops, souvenir stores, coffee shops, Burger houses, pool places, pubs, and even barbershops in Lukla to cater the needs of trekkers. Now, Lukla has been accessible area in terms of labor and resources and Lukla has comparatively well-serviced hotels in terms of rooms and many more facilities. Complete information is given below:
Accommodation you will be finding in Lukla
In Lukla you can find variety of options for accommodation like teahouses, hotels as well as luxury hotels according to yours budget and preferences. Hotels, or lodges, have been built with many rooms, so that accommodation for a large number of trekkers would be easier. These hotels have all the facilities so that the trekkers can spend time more comfortably. You will find proper food menu and kind and dedicated staffs. Teahouses are the home of the local people but now it has been upgraded with the rooms having double beds and also variety in food options. Similarly, you’ll also find hotels designed for luxury like Yeti Mountain Home to serve you comfort like no less than hotels in Kathmandu. Generally, these hotels have sales offices in Kathmandu and rarely accept walk-in clients, and have high system of imposed duties.
Hotel rooms in Lukla
You can find two kinds of rooms in Lukla, one with attached bathroom in it and the other simple one without the attached bathroom.
Rooms with Attached Bathroom
These rooms are the standard and deluxe rooms with attached bathroom in it. Depending on the hotels you can find different civility inside it. However, all of these are designed for comfort and god experience to mark a high end to your trek. Hot showers are complementary.
Cost of such rooms= Starting USD 10- USD 50
Simple Rooms
You will find basic rooms without toilets attached in it. These rooms have twin beds, a table, dustbin, hanger, and charging ports inside and the rooms are pretty warm, with thick blankets and mattresses. You can always ask for extra blankets in case of need.
Cost of such rooms= Ranges from USD 5 – USD 10 depending on the number of beds in the room.
Services in Lukla hotels
Foods and drinks in Lukla is a luxury. In Lukla, most hotels have a wide variety of food and beverage options and dedicated cooks allocated for the kitchen.
Battery Charging
You can find many charging plots in rooms and in dining area where you can plug in your charger to charge you battery. Hotels in Lukla don’t take any charges for charging your batteries.
Hot Showers
You will get hot shower as a complementary service if you choose to stay at the room with attached bathroom in it. Hotels can either have a solar or geyser shower option available.
If you are staying in a basic room with a shared toilet, you have to pay an extra amount for hot showers, which cost you anything between USD 3- USD 5.
Cellular Network
Both NTC and Ncell networks work fine in Lukla.
Internet/ Wifi
In Lukla, you have wide options for wifi as follows
- Since both Ncell and NTC work fine, you can operate your own data pack easily from your mobile phones at a very reasonable rate starting USD 4 for a full day data pack.
- Most hotels provide you free wifi which works great in the dining area and even in your rooms depending on the distance. Besides, you’ll find free wifi in all the restaurants and coffee shops around.
- If you are looking for a single internet service that will serve you throughout your trip, you can go for the internet provided by Everest Link that works even when you are at higher altitudes, includingGorakshep,Gokyo, and most sections of Three Pass Trek.
The cost is as follows:
-10 GB, Validity: 30 days, Price: Nrs. 1999 ~ USD 18 [Not lodge specific, can use the date pack anywhere in the trail]
-20 GB, Validity: 30 days, Price: Nrs. 2999 ~ USD 25
Toilets
Hotels have western-style toilets. However, always carry toilet rolls as water may not be available inside toilets everywhere.
Other Civilities
The other civilities that you might find in hotels are POS machines that accept Credit Cards, Laundry services, etc.
Hotels can help you arrange flight tickets as well.
Below mentioned are some of the popular place for accommodation
Himalaya Lodge
Himalaya Lodge is the oldest hotel in Lukla located perfectly to serve you a great view of the Airport. The hotel offers accommodation for both budget and luxury trekkers. The interiors beautifully reflect local culture and hospitality offered by the hosts is unmatched.
Buddha Lodge
Situated right beside Tenzing Hillary Airport, Buddha lodge is one convenient lodge with nice and cozy rooms and great food. All the rooms in the hotels have twin beds with attached toilets and hot showers available. The hotel owner has contacts with Airlines which is a big plus.
Khumbu Lodge and Restaurant
Located in the middle of the town near restaurants and banks, this hotel is a great option for budget trekkers with reasonable rates.
North Face Resort
Another hotel situated in the town, North Face Resort is a big hotel with many rooms and a spacious dining hall to accommodate a large number of trekkers. It offers a wide range of room options for various prices.
Yeti Mountain Home
Yeti Mountain Home is your best option if you’re looking for a luxurious stay with services and a proper hotel staff like in hotels in Kathmandu. The tariffs are very high so perfect if you are not on a limited budget.
Also there are many other hotels and guest houses where you can stay comfortably. Some of them are luxurious whereas some are easily affordable. The rate varies according to the services they provide. Trekkers can select which favors their budget.
Pubs and Restaurant in Lukla
Apart from hotels, you can also find pubs and restaurant in Lukla. You can get refreshed after having a long trek. Some of the pubs are as follows:
The Irish Pub
This pub probably is the most remotest and the highest Irish pub in the world. This is one of the most outstanding place.
Namche Bazar Solukhumbu, Namche Bazaar 00977 ,Nepal
Bar, Pub, International Drinks,
Seating, Television, Serves Alcohol
Scottish Pub
- Liquid Bar and Restaurant
Namche Bazzar, Opposite The Hotel Namche, Namche Bazaar 56002 Nepal
Bar, Pub, Wine Bar, Italian, Mexican, Irish, International Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks ,Seating, Television, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards
ATM service in Lukla
In Lukla, banks such as RastriyaBanijaya Bank, Siddharth Bank, KumariBank,etc have been providing Banking, ATM as well as Money Exchange Facilities. But sometimes trekkers find difficulty on debating the money from the ATM machine due to technical problems. Trekkers are advised to carry extra amount of money in case of emergency use.
Lukla Airport: World’s most perilous airport
Lukla airport is taken as one if the most dangerous airport in the world. Death of more than 300 people have been recorded and countless injured from the accident. Flying high in the Himalaya in poor weather condition increases the possibility of accident.
Lukla airport is surrounded on all sides by steep hills and mountains. Lukla airport has a very short runway where one end consists of wall and at the other a steep drop into the valley below. Runways at many of the international airport in the world are more than 10000 feet long but the runway at the Lukla airport is only 1,729 feet long. So, to land on Lukla your pilot needs to be experienced and professional.Lukla airport could bring many challenges for most of the pilots due to many reasons.
It is very difficult to predict the weather in Himalayas. You can expect mist, fog, rainstorms or snow. Despite the short distance and short flight-time, the weather in Lukla can often be completely different from Kathmandu asthe weather keeps fluctuating in short interval of time. So you can see the change in weather on your way to Lukla.
Climate of Lukla
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average high °C (°F) | 1.0 (33.8) |
1.9 (35.4) |
4.7 (40.5) |
8.2 (46.8) |
11.6 (52.9) |
14.7 (58.5) |
14.4 (57.9) |
13.4 (56.1) |
12.7 (54.9) |
8.9 (48.0) |
5.5 (41.9) |
3.3 (37.9) |
8.4 (47.0) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | −5.9 (21.4) |
−4.8 (23.4) |
−1.6 (29.1) |
2.2 (36.0) |
5.6 (42.1) |
9.2 (48.6) |
10.3 (50.5) |
9.8 (49.6) |
8.0 (46.4) |
3.1 (37.6) |
−1.2 (29.8) |
−3.8 (25.2) |
2.6 (36.6) |
| Average low °C (°F) | −18.2 (−0.8) |
−16.3 (2.7) |
−12.1 (10.2) |
−7.4 (18.7) |
−3.4 (25.9) |
1.6 (34.9) |
3.9 (39.0) |
3.5 (38.3) |
0.8 (33.4) |
−6.5 (20.3) |
−12.5 (9.5) |
−16.3 (2.7) |
−6.9 (19.6) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 10.8 (0.43) |
18.0 (0.71) |
21.6 (0.85) |
28.3 (1.11) |
34.4 (1.35) |
96.1 (3.78) |
153.8 (6.06) |
144.7 (5.70) |
80.7 (3.18) |
37.4 (1.47) |
6.2 (0.24) |
13.0 (0.51) |
645 (25.39) |
| Average precipitation days | 2.6 | 2.7 | 3.6 | 5.0 | 9.5 | 16.1 | 22 | 21.8 | 15.0 | 4.5 | 1.9 | 1.4 | 106.1 |
Flight Cancellation and Delay
Kathmandu to Lukla flight is not 100% guaranteed to every time as the weather in mountain region is unpredictable and there is high chance of flight cancellation. There is high flow of tourist to Everest but there is less number of flights so it has been difficult to manage. So, early booking of Kathmandu Lukla flight is suggested to all of our clients.
Owing to its difficult mountain terrain and climatic variation, the domestic flights in Nepal, especially Lukla flight are more like to get delayed and cancelled.
Best trekking seasons, spring and autumn are recommended where the weather is dry, clear and stable. Possibility of flight cancellation is very less during spring and autumn. But during monsoon and winter season, there is thick fog, wind, rain, patchy cloud and unfavorable conditions resulting in high chance in flight delay and cancellation.
Safety and Security
Our client’s safety is our first concern, so we operate our flights through experienced and best domestic airlines in Nepal. They take the climatic factor in major account before departure. Unless the safety factor is 100% assured, they never depart.
Before 2004, only 3 accidents occurred during Kathmandu – Lukla flight. After 2004, there were 6 accidents, 2 fatal crashes in 2008 and 2010.
How can you travel to Lukla?
It takes 25-30 minutes of scenic flight from Kathmandu (depending on whether condition) to reach Lukla via aircraft. Lukla airport is one of the most dangerous airport and you will be experiencing the most thrilling landing you will ever have. Yeti Airlines, Simrik Airlines, Goma Airlines and Tara Airlines are the best operating domestic airline which schedules (Kathmandu – Lukla) and (Lukla-Kathmandu) flights on daily basis.These airlines holds great safety records despite of having dangerous flight routes and treacherous runway in Lukla.
Lukla airport is the most popular airport in Solokhumbu for entering the Everest region. Officially, Lukla airport is also known as Tenzing Hillary airport. The airport is 450m long and 20m wide and the runway incline is a staggering 12%. Due to the bad weather, maximum number of flight cancellation has been recorded. But we are always committed in arranging suitable flights and dealing with flight cancellation and weather condition. We also operate helicopter rescue facilities in any case of emergency. Since Lukla airport is one most dangerous airport in the world, Flight to Lukla is perfect for adrenaline lover and thrill seeker who wish to undertake an adventurous journey to witness the long fabled beauty of Khumbu region and Everest.
Information about this route
- Lukla is 84 miles from Kathmandu.
- There are 3 daily and 3 weekly flights from Kathmandu to Lukla.
- 3 non-stop flights are operating from Kathmandu to Lukla recently.
- Tara Airlines has been the most popular among other airlines for one stop flight (Kathmandu-Lukla).
- Kathmandu, Nepal - Tribhuvan is the most popular connection for one stop flights between Kathmandu, Nepal and Lukla.
In-flight information
- The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla takes about 25-30 minutes.
- The earliest flights leave around 6:15 NPT.
- Tara Airlines is today's earliest flight from Kathmandu, Nepal to Lukla.
- Tara Airlines is today's latest flight from Kathmandu, Nepal to Lukla (7:25 NPT)
Kathmandu – Lukla Flight Cost
For Nepali citizen, the flight fare for Kathmandu Lukla costs RS 6,280 and 140 USD for Indian citizen. The cost depends on the passport you hold. For foreigner, the price costs around 180 USD. As the price fluctuates from day to day it is hard to provide the direct answer regarding flight fare to Lukla.
Our strong networks with numerous domestic airlines in Nepal enables us to offers you the best flight with the best ticket rate. As Lukla is one of most crowded touristic hub in Nepal, we suggest you to book ticket at least 5-7 days prior the flight.
Kathmandu to Lukla via Helicopter
If you wish for the fastest and the easiest way for travelling to Lukla then Helicopter ride will be the best option for you. Among the various alternatives, Kathmandu Lukla helicopter flight is the best one for the trekkers. Kathmandu Lukla Helicopter flight can be done in your preferable and comfortable time period. As it is very difficult to predict the weather in Lukla, there is higher chance for the flight cancellation and delay helicopter flight will be the most suitable one for traveling to Lukla. Helicopter flight to Lukla helps in avoiding such issues due to the weather condition and also save your time as it takes less time compared to the airplane flight.
Kathmandu to Lukla Helicopter Flight Details
- Duration of Flight: 45 minutes.
- Max. Group Size: 5 people.
- Altitude: 2,860m
- Best Season: Autumn and Spring seasons.
- Flight costs: depends on group size.
Private Helicopter Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
There is also an option for private trip for the Lukla from Kathmandu. During this COVID19 pandemic, private trip can be a great choice.
It costs expensive as compared to a group helicopter flight trip, but a private helicopter flight is more comfortable and relaxing. You will also be providedwith private guide. With optioning private helicopter you can travel in your own time and even return to your own time. You can have your groups for this flight trip.
Group Joining Helicopter Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
It is a shared helicopter flight to Lukla. Those who have a group of 5 people then they can have a Group Kathmandu to Lukla Helicopter flight. If you don’t have groups then we will manage groups for you. The flight costs are divided equally between group members thus makes it cheaper.
Reason to choose Kathmandu Lukla Helicopter Flight
The reasons to choose Kathmandu to Lukla Helicopter Flight, as well as Lukla to Kathmandu helicopter flight are mentioned below:
- This is an alternative flight option to Lukla.
- One way to flight from Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu
- You can fly over Lukla on a helicopter on your predefined time.
- You can have remarkable views of the hilly region of Nepal which is not possible to view from the regular Lukla flight.
- To avoid the issues such as flight cancellation, helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is most preferred.
Kathmandu to Lukla by Land
If you are rich in time and mostly free living person then you can also travel to Lukla by land.You can take a jeep or public bus from Kathmandu to Jiri, which is a town located in the Lower Everest region, and start your trek from there. It often takes 3-4 days to reach Lukla, and you'll see far fewer trekkers, have most of the trail to yourself and pass through beautiful Sherpa villages along the way. This is the home of the many guides and porters that you will see in the Everest region.
