What’s happening on Lukla flights???

Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)/(Kathmandu Airport ) will close from 10 pm to 8 am every day for runway maintenance from April 1st to June 30th 2019. This operation is going to impact all international and domestic flights but the most affected will be the flights to Lukla where more than 20 thousand trekkers and climbers are waiting for that flight for this period of time.  These huge number of trekkers and mountaineers fly to Lukla to complete their dream trip to Everest Base Camp walk, climbing Mera Peak, Island Peak or Lobuche Peak. Besides, all Everest expeditions from the south side also operate via Lukla.

Why does this affect every trekker and climbers?

All flights to Lukla starts form 6am due to the weather issues in the Himalayas. Thus 2 hours means a lot. There are several flights from 6am to 8am. After 8 am it is not sure of air avation will give first priority for Lukla flights. There are several international and domestic flights that should get permissions to land.

What are options

1. Drive and flight

Early morning drive to Ramechap which is 4 hours drive (135km) from Kathmandu). There will be regular flights to Lukla which is only 15 minutes flight. There will be many small planes waiting for peoples arrival from Kathmandu. Manthali airport located in the valley.

2. Take helicopter ride to Lukla

Helipad will not affect with the runway maintenance. Thus one can take helicopter ride to Lukla instead of other options. It is costly but the easiest way to get there. It cost based on number of people. A helicopter can carry only 5 person. Thus more or less USD350 (based on demand) cost per person for heli flight to Lukla from Kathmandu.

3. Drive to Phaplu and take a helicopter

10 hours drive to Phaplu and take short heli ride to Lukla is another option. There are       no planes in Lhaplu so need to take a heli which cost USD150 to IUSD200 per person. It is also based on number of people. A helicopter can carry 5 people. If there are less people then the cost will be more than USD200.

Why not stay overnight in Ramechap for early flight instead early morning drive?

Accommodations in Manthali is not suitable. They are really basic and specially not good size bed for you. They are made for locals and really thin mattress, no attached toiled etc. We think this is not for you.

What we think is best for you?

To tackle this situation, AME Treks Expert team made a recent trip to Manthali to plan our operations and find the best solution for you. We think that driving early morning to Manthali for 4-5 hours and then boarding the Lukla flight is the best solution. We also know that this is very inconvenient for our clients but we sleep early in the evening and wake up at 3am for 4 hours ride to Ramechap. First day walk is not too long as we just make to Phakding which is 4 hours walk. This this is not too tough.

Our effort
Our people will have easy day here in Kathmandu before drive to Ramechap. Finish early tour of Kathmandu and go to bed early. We will have take away breakfast ready for you which you can eat in van. The views are amazing on the way to Ramechap. It is hectic but worth as per the views. We also have no options unless your pocket is full to pay for the expensive helicopter.