Lukla Flights: Cancellations, Best Alternatives, Time, and Costs

Lukla is the golden gate to Everest. Whether it be trekking to Everest Base Camp or summiting Mount Everest itself, your journey begins with a flight to Lukla. Lukla is a small village located in the Solukhumbu district of the Everest region at an elevation of 2,860 meters (9,383 feet) above sea level. And the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla is considered one of the most dangerous airports in the world. With the slope-down runway that stops with a vertical drop, it definitely will have you clutching your seat.

So, if you are planning a trip to Everest and have questions about the flights, then let us clear those away. Here is what you need to know about the Lukla flights, along with the time, schedule, costs, cancellations, the best alternatives, and other related questions!

Distance, Time, Schedule, Seasons, and Location of Flight to Lukla

The distance between the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla is approximately 138 kilometers. By road, it is a two-day drive and a few hours of trekking, while a flight from Kathmandu only takes about 45 minutes and 20 minutes from Manthali airport. Normally, the flight to Lukla is scheduled from 6 am to 10 am in the morning if the weather is good. There is always a chance of delays and cancellations if there is bad weather. Therefore, the delays can set the flight schedule back 2–3 hours.

The fly-out location of the flight to Lukla heavily depends on the season. There are two places the flight to Lukla is directed from: Kathmandu and Manthali. During the peak tourist seasons of spring (March-May) and autumn (September–November), the flight to Lukla is directed from Manthali, Ramechhap. And during the off-season, summer (June–August) and winter (December–February), the flight will take off directly from Kathmandu.

But the important thing to keep in mind is that during summer, winter, and early spring and autumn, the chances of flight delays and cancellations are very high. As the weather becomes very unpredictable and the runway of Lukla airport is one of the world’s most dangerous ones, the flight should be handled with high caution. Thus, we always suggest having an extra day or two at your disposal so there won’t be any hindrance to your main trek itinerary.

What are the chances of my flight being canceled in Lukla?

The flight to Lukla entirely depends on the weather. The weather, especially during the summer and monsoon, is unstable due to high-velocity wind along with rain, fog, and clouds covering the sky. The vision during this time is very low, and as the runway of the airport is constructed on a slope, there is a high risk of conducting a flight during this time.

During the peak season (spring and autumn), the weather is relatively good, and the chances of cancellation are low, but there are also chances of flight delays. However, during the off-season, especially during the summer, due to the rain, the chances of delays and cancellations are high. The flights will be limited to 1-2 per day.

The flights to Lukla generally operate from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. The time interval from 6–10 a.m. is the most appropriate and suitable for the flight in terms of weather. But if the weather remains good, flights past 10 a.m. are also possible. The delays of half an hour to a few hours are quite normal, as Lukla is very prone to weather changes in a span of minutes.

However, helicopter rides to Lukla are another alternative to flights, which have better chances of taking off on time as helis are technologically advanced and can still fly unless the weather turns extreme.

So, in the end, we do recommend that you be prepared for flight delays and cancellations, especially during summer and spring, as weather can be very unpredictable during these times. We have other alternative forms of transportation you can take should your flight be postponed or canceled.

What do I do if my flight to Lukla gets canceled?

Getting your flight canceled at the last moment is definitely not a good feeling, especially if the said flight was the ticket to Everest. But no one is at fault except for the frequent weather changes in Lukla. But now that the flight has been canceled, what next?

There are a few alternatives that we can seek out. The first one is, of course, rescheduling it to the next day. And again, it might not be a guaranteed flight, plus the chances of getting seats for the next day are very low, so you might have to take your chances.

But there are other viable options, such as a shared or chartered helicopter ride to Lukla. It is a bit costly, but you can reach Lukla the same day your flight was canceled.

The next option is driving to Phaplu and Tham Dada, which is an additional two days of driving and a day of trekking to Phakding. This is particularly not possible for people who have a fixed return flight. So it is highly emphasized that you should have a ticket from a flexible airline or have at least two days at your disposal.

What happens when the flight back from Lukla gets canceled?

There is also an equal chance that the flight back from Lukla will get canceled. And similar to the above situation, you can choose some of the alternatives: a helicopter ride or a drive to Kathmandu. A helicopter ride back to Kathmandu is the best option if you have a flexible budget and have to save time. But if you choose ground transportation, then you will have to walk to Tham Dada and then get on a jeep to Salleri or Phaplu. Then, the next day, drive back to Kathmandu.

Therefore, if you are planning to choose ground transportation, you will need two extra days at your disposal. So, in the event that both flights of your trip get canceled and you choose to take the ground option, you will need at least four extra days. It is not always the case, but it is possible, so you are advised to prepare accordingly.

Alternative Options for Lukla Flight in Detail

• Let's lay out the options first and discuss them individually!
• First alternative: Drive to Manthali Airport and fly to Lukla

As mentioned above, apart from Kathmandu, you can also catch a flight from Manthali to Ramechhap. During the peak season (spring and autumn), the flight is already departing from Manthali. But during the off-season (spring and winter), there are flights being operated from Kathmandu.

So, for those situations, when your flight gets canceled from Kathmandu, another alternative is to drive to Manthali airport and catch a flight to Lukla. The drive from Kathmandu to Manthali is about 4-5 hours, with an approximate distance of 132 km. The flights from Manthali are more reliable, considering it operates at least 15 flights per day and even more during the peak season.

Second alternative is a helicopter ride to Lukla

The helicopter ride from Kathmandu or Manthali is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to reach Lukla in situations where the flight to Lukla gets canceled. For those who have a fixed schedule but a flexible budget, a helicopter ride is the best option.

It is the best way to act on your itinerary without losing a day. The cost of chartering a helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla is around 2800 USD. And it costs 500 USD for a sharing-basis ride.

Third alternative: drive to Phaplu and Tham Dada, then trek to Phakding

The third alternative presents you with the option to do the Everest Base Camp Trek by road. The next day of the cancelled flight, you will take a jeep to Phaplu, which is around 8–9 hours by Jeep from Kathmandu. An overnight stay at Phaplu, then the following day, a drive to Tham Dada, which takes 5–6 hours. The ride will be bumpy, as the road is mostly off-road.

Once you get off the Jeep at Tham Dada, you will have to trek for 3–4 hours to reach a small village called Paiya. Then, the following day, it is a 5-hour trek to Phakding and you will officially catch the route of the Everest Base Camp Trek. You have the option to get a shared Jeep or hire a private one.

Fourth alternative: drive to Jiri and trek onward

This is the original route to Everest before all the other options were brought forth. Jiri to Everest Base Camp used to be the only way to Everest before the flight to Lukla began operating. Some people still prefer this route so they can get an authentic trekking experience.

The drive to Jiri from Kathmandu takes around 9–10 hours, which is in a distance of 190 km. It is a pleasant trek from Jiri, which is known as the Switzerland of Nepal because of its similar landscapes.

What do I do if my flight gets cancelled and I cannot extend more days and have a tight budget?

Having already arrived in Nepal to experience the tranquility of trekking in the mountains, having your flight to Lukla cancelled at the last minute is definitely not a good feeling. Especially if you are on a tight schedule and budget and cannot extend more days or spend extra money, at this point, if it is not possible to do the Everest Base Camp Trek, then we offer a different solution.

Nepal has many trekking destinations to offer, apart from Everest. Annapurna and the Langtang region are also popular and equally beautiful, with towering peaks and diverse cultures. Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Langtang Valley Trek are the treks you can do if you are in a pinch situation because of your flight cancellation to Lukla. Instead of canceling the entire trek altogether, you can opt for another trekking destination. Both destinations can be reached within 7-8 days. It will be right within your time and budget, and you will get awe-inspiring views of the mountains as well.

If the flight to Lukla gets cancelled, is it refundable?

You will be refunded if the flight is canceled. However, if you choose other alternatives for transport, then the refund money will be used for vehicle, accommodation, porter, and guide costs.

Can I reschedule my flight for the next day?

You can absolutely reschedule your flight in case of cancellation. If you have a flexible schedule and do not mind waiting a day or two in Kathmandu or Manthali, you can wait at your hotel.

As you are rescheduling and not canceling your flight, you will have to pay extra for food and accommodations. The hotel rooms cost roughly about $20, and the food prices are based on the menu.

Which airlines operate the flight to Lukla?

Currently, there are three airlines that operate flights to Lukla: Tara Air, Summit Air, and Sita Air.

Which helicopter companies operate in Lukla?

The best-known helicopter companies that operate helicopter flights to Lukla are Simrik Air, Air Dynasty, Kailash Heli, and Summit Helicopters.

Overall Cost List for Lukla (Flight, Jeep, and Helicopter ride)

For the costs discussed above for the flight to Lukla and other alternatives in case of cancellations, here is a comprehensive cost list:

Cost of Flight to Lukla

The cost of a flight to Lukla depends on the take-off location and is different for Indian tourists and foreign tourists.

From Kathmandu to Lukla Flight Cost

From Manthali to Lukla Flight Cost

Cost of Helicopter to Lukla

The cost of a helicopter ride to Lukla is the same for all tourists, regardless of their nationalities.

From Kathmandu to Lukla: Helicopter Cost

From Manthali to Lukla Helicopter Cost

Cost of Transportation by Road

Should there be a flight cancellation, the airfare cost will likely cover the cost of ground transportation, meals, and lodging for two days. You will not be required to pay an extra charge unless stated otherwise.

What are the accommodation services like in Manthali, Ramechhap?

Hotels can be easily found in case of a flight cancellation, but they are limited in number. It hasn’t been long since Manthali Airport began operating flights to Lukla, which is why the hotels are in small numbers and provide very basic services. They were usually designed to accommodate a few local travelers instead of tourists. Therefore, one should not expect high-end services or upgrades.

However, there are new hotels being built with better services that will be up and running in a few years. But for now, the only choice is an ordinary hotel with minimal services.

Why are the flights to Lukla being directed from Manthali?

As history indicates, Lukla is the gateway to Everest. The flight to Lukla from Kathmandu was the only viable flight option for many years. However, as the number of tourists began to increase, especially during the peak season, it became hard to handle a large number of flights from Tribhuvan International Airport alone. Thus, the government decided to move the flight to Lukla from Manthali.

The flight from Manthali is considered more reliable and offers a favorable weather pattern where the planes can take off without any hindrance.

At what time does the bus leave for Manthali airport from Kathmandu?

A very common time to leave for Manthali is around 1-2 am in the morning. It is a 3–4 hour drive via bus in the early mornings, and you can opt for a private jeep as well, which is faster than the bus. You will reach the airport by 6-7 a.m., just in time for your flight to Lukla.

And if you are not particularly enthusiastic about waking up in the middle of the night to take a bus, then you can, of course, take the morning bus. But you will need to stay at a hotel in Manthali and fly to Lukla the next day.

Should I be worried about cold temperatures and altitude sickness in Manthali, Ramechhap?

The Manthali airport in Ramechhap is located at an altitude of 474 meters above sea level. For context, the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla and the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu are located at an elevation of 2846 meters and 1338 meters, respectively. Therefore, Manthali is hotter than both places. At lower altitudes, it is very hot and humid, even during spring and autumn, but the winter season is quite cold.

And talking about altitude sickness, there is nothing to worry about as the elevation is too low to impact the oxygen levels.

How much weight am I allowed to carry on the flight?

You can carry 12 kg of luggage and a 5 kg hand-carry bag for free. You have to pay extra to cross the weight limit, but the airlines may refuse more than 17 kg, even if you are willing to pay the extra cost.

Thus, making sure your bag matches the weight limit of 17 kg for the Lukla flight is very important.

Note: If you are worried about having to carry your entire luggage to the trek, then you can relax because the company allows free luggage storage in one of the hotels. This way, you can only pack essential gear and clothes for the trek.

Will my insurance cover the flight cancellation cost?

Due to the cancellation of the Lukla flight, you might have to extend it by a day or two, which can lead you to reschedule your flight back home. If you have insurance with policies that help you cover flight cancellations and delays due to bad weather or other unforeseeable reasons, you can definitely have your money covered. This insurance policy helps cover your rescheduled flights as well. You ultimately need to make sure beforehand that your insurance will cover the cancellation cost.

Overall Conclusion

A trip to Everest, be it trekking to the Everest Base Camp or the Everest summit, begins with a thrilling flight to Lukla. There is, however, always a possibility of flight cancellations due to various reasons. But you can always navigate through it by taking the best alternative available to you. From rescheduling the flight to taking the alternative route by land or even a helicopter ride, there will always be a second option available.

With Alpine Ramble Treks, you can take pleasure in your trekking journey as we provide you with the best services and overall experience. We will plan out your schedule while taking your interests into consideration so you do not miss out on what you want to do. We will make the necessary decisions for flight cancellations so you do not have to lift a finger. All you need to do is sit back, enjoy your adventure, and let us do the work. Be sure to contact us for the trip to Everest.