Last Updated on June 1, 2023 by Treks Planner Nepal
Check out everything you should know about Lukla flights and delays. The Everest region offers some of the most breathtaking trekking in the world, and getting there is an adventure of a lifetime. Almost all treks start with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary airport, a tiny airport with a single runway situated high in the Himalayas. At a height of 2,860 meters (9400 feet), Lukla is a popular destination for trekking all year round. This airport receives many trekkers and traffic has been steadily increasing over the years.
It takes about 25 to 30 minutes to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and only 12 minutes from Ramechhap. As you fly over one solitary mountain valley after another, observing the terraced scenery of Nepal’s interconnecting mountain ranges pass below you, you will be able to personally witness why overland travel in Nepal can be so challenging.
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Is the Lukla Flight Safe?
The Lukla airport is known for being the most risky in the entire world. To put things in perspective, however, during the busiest season, 20 to 30 flights take place in Lukla each day, and the vast majority of the trekkers who travel to the region each year arrive by flight in Lukla. Although statistically more risky than a regular commercial airport, it is nonetheless rather safe. The most recent incident involving a passenger aircraft occurred in October 2008, and since then, airlines and aviation authorities have tightened their standards for what constitutes an appropriate flying environment. Although passenger safety has significantly increased as a result, the trip to Lukla may still be unsettling.
When it comes to safety, getting the customers on one of the morning flights is the top priority. It’s crucial to provide information right away after making payment because once you book a trek and provide passport information, we will immediately schedule your flight.
We operate several trekking groups in the Everest region, thus we are given high priority to the airlines for the benefit of our visitors. Our groups typically board either the first or second batch of departing aircraft each day. We choose these flights since the weather is usually considerably more consistent and the landing visibility is greater early in the morning.
One of the main things we focus on in ensuring the safety of our clients and working to reduce delays in their itineraries is getting early flights.
Preparing for Lukla’s Flight delays
The flight to Lukla is extremely difficult since the landing strip is narrow and stretches to the brink of a large cliff. Only tiny planes and helicopters may access the airport since there is only one possible approach path through the windy valley it overlooks. Its position and height make it prone to sudden changes in the weather and visibility. This makes it challenging to plan or anticipate the flight. Airlines don’t gamble with the weather; if circumstances have altered after departure, they will return an aircraft to Kathmandu at any point in the trip rather than take the possibility of a hazardous landing.
Lukla airplane delays are quite common. These can occur at any time of year, despite the monsoon season (late May to early September) being when they are most likely to happen. We will reschedule you on the earliest flight if your flight is delayed. It is very difficult to estimate when this will be because things can change so quickly. It can be right after your scheduled departure or even a few days later. Although it might be a bit frustrating, this is simply a part of the journey to the Everest area. To give yourself a little flexibility in case of delays, we strongly advise that you extend your trip by at least one or two days.
Helicopter flight to Lukla
In their approach to Lukla, helicopters have a bit greater flexibility and may frequently complete the flight in conditions that would prevent a small plane from taking off. It is occasionally feasible to switch your flight plan to a helicopter, but this can be pricey and there is no assurance that you will leave on time. If you want to travel this way, we will assist you in contacting the helicopter provider and reimburse you for your airline ticket when you return to Kathmandu. In order to make sure that our visitors can depart as quickly and smoothly as possible, we have a close working connection with both helicopter and airline companies.
What is the price of the Lukla Helicopter?
One can expect to pay an additional USD 500 to USD 600 per person if one decides to use a helicopter. In general, helicopter prices fluctuate and rise as demand rises. This implies that the cost of the helicopter will be highest when everyone requires one and lowest on pleasant bright days when the flights are operating properly. The prices our staff in Kathmandu quotes might not necessarily be the same as those found locally on the mountain. It could be worthwhile to inquire at the regional office in Lukla if you’re awaiting a flight back to Kathmandu.
When the flights to Lukla are canceled, what other ways are there to return to Kathmandu?
The simplest plan to take is to simply add extra days to your itinerary and wait for clear skies, but if you find yourself stranded in Lukla, you will likely find yourself considering other possibilities as well.
How to get to Lukla from Phaplu/Salleri?
The lengthier alternative is to hike from Phaplu to Lukla. It is considered to be beautiful and safe. It takes nine to 10 hours to go from Kathmandu to Palphu or Salleri, the Solu district’s administrative hub. You must spend the night in Salleri before taking another jeep through Kharikhola to reach Thame Danda. The trek will start from Thame Danda and it will take approximately 5 to 6 hours to reach Lukla, which is the usual hiking route to Everest Base Camp.
You can travel over the Himalayas in a cheaper way by avoiding a flight to Lukla. Trekkers who desire longer vacations yet wish to go on a budget might use the EBC route from Salleri,
How to get to Lukla from Jiri/Shivalaya?
As a backup plan to go from Jiri to Lukla, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay decided to take a well-known mountain track in Nepal’s Khumbu area. It is a popular pick for anyone who chooses to go to the Everest Base Camp for more exciting, or rewarding routes. Take a thrilling lengthy bus ride to the picturesque Jiri village to begin the hike. The addition of roughly 3-5 days of hiking to the trip as you pass through rural and hilly regions as you make your way there on foot.
Will Travel Insurance Cover Lukla Flight Delays?
Some insurance plans may pay for “trip delay” caused by a postponed or canceled flight and will compensate you for any missed international flights or additional travel costs. If you need to submit a claim with your insurance provider, we can provide the necessary paperwork. Before traveling to Nepal, we advise you to call your insurance provider to find out exactly what is covered.