The most popular way to reach Lukla, the gateway of Everest treks, is by a domestic flight from Kathmandu. It takes around 35 minutes to reach Lukla from Kathmandu by air. Besides, taking a domestic flight there are two other options. The first is to travel in the comfort of a helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla. And the next option is to drive and then trek from the lower Everest region for a few days to Lukla. Keep reading to find out more information.
Take a picturesque flight from Kathmandu to Lukla on a domestic flight. In about 35 minutes you will reach a beautiful Sherpa settlement of Lukla. You will get to enjoy the stunning view of verdant hills and snowcapped mountains on your way to Lukla. Sit on the right side of the aircraft to enjoy the stunning view of Himalayas.
One way ticket to Lukla from Kathmandu takes around US $180 per person for a foreigner and an Indian is charged NRP 14,700 per person. The airfare of Lukla from Kathmandu is NRP 5,500 per person for Nepalese. The flights to Lukla are scheduled in the morning from 6:30 am to 12 pm and there are mostly 10 flights in a day. Tara Air, Sita Air, Summit Air, and Simrik Airlines are popular airlines offering Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flights.
Recommended Read : 5 Tips For Kathmandu To Lukla Flight
If you have a flexible budget and prefer to travel in comfort then choose a helicopter ride from Kathmandu to Lukla. Keep a helicopter ride as an alternative as it is more reliable than domestic flights when flight delays or cancels due to bad weather. Enjoy a thrilling helicopter ride and savor the aerial beauty of the Everest region.
It takes approximately 45 minutes to reach Lukla via helicopter from Kathmandu. Chartering a helicopter cost somewhere between US $2200 to US $3000. The helicopter can accommodate up to 5 people and you can split the cost of charting a helicopter with your fellow passengers.
Explore the lower Everest region when trekking on foot to Lukla which is also known as Pioneer’s route. You will be following the footsteps of Sir, Edmund Hillary, and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa when trekking to Lukla. Enjoy trekking in solitude as fewer people take the trekking route. You will be driving from Kathmandu to either Jiri or Phalpu.
When starting your trek from Phalpu you will be adding 4 days to your trip. You will start trekking from Phalpu and will be trekking past villages of Nunthala, Bupsa, Surke before reaching Phakding. Enjoy a trek in seclusion as it is a trekking route less taken. Get an insight into the ethnic diversity of Nepal and you will come across people from Rai, Gurung, Sherpa, and Chhetri communities.
Earlier trekkers used to start trekking from Jiri before the establishment of Lukla Airport. Take a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Bhandara via Jiri. You will be adding 6 days more when trekking from Bhandara to Lukla. Moreover, you will be stopping by the villages of Sete, Beshi, Nunthala, Bupsa, Surke before reaching Phakding. It is a longer route preferred by adventurers and nature lovers. The trekking route has steep ascends and descends which will be a testament of your fitness. The trail features stunning views of snowy mountains, verdant hills, terraced farms, and monasteries.
Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla diverted to Ramechhap because of traffic congestion and a high influx of visitors in peak season. Click here to find out more about a flight from Ramechhap to Lukla.
[ More : Getting Flight From Ramechhap To Lukla ]
Watch Video: