Kathmandu to Lukla Flight – A Complete Guide

buddha-air-flight

Flight Facts 

  • Trip Start and End: Kathmandu – Lukla
  • Trip Area: Everest Region
  • Maximum Altitude: 2846m.|9337ft.
  • Flight duration: 25-35 minutes
  • Baggage Allowance: 15 kg 
  • Reporting Time: 1 hour before the flight
  • Frequency: Daily (In suitable weather conditions)

The flight from Lukla to Kathmandu is not just a journey but a thrilling episode in itself. Leaving the congested city of Kathmandu behind, climbers embark on an exciting flight to one of the most reputed airports in the world, Lukla Airport, known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport.

In the heart of the amazing Solukhumbu mountain range in Nepal, the Lukla Airport where the famous landing post of its short, uneven runway and unreliable weather, is located. Even this infamous flight enchants adventurers and trekkers from many far-off corners of the globe to behold the landscapes of these snowy mountains and the deep green valleys that surround them.

Lukla is your passage to the Everest area and this fact makes it a very important place for the trekkers who want to see Everest Base Camp and other popular places. From Lukla, which is the starting point of the trek, trekkers are led into the heart of the Himalayas, where they walk through quaint Sherpa villages, dense forests, and high-altitude scenery. It is just a humblest experience.

The flight to Lukla is a unique journey that inspires people to touch the incredible culture of the area and the snowy mountains crowning the skies. Lukla is not only limited to trekking but it is also the base for mountain expeditions. The village in the region is a magnet for climbers whose main goal of their lives is to climb the world’s highest summits, including the most famous one – Everest.

Highlights of Kathmandu to Lukla Flight

  • Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Mount Everest and the Himalayan peaks.
  • Experience the adrenaline rush of landing at Lukla’s challenging airport.
  • Begin your journey to Everest Base Camp from Lukla.
  • Explore traditional villages and immerse yourself in Sherpa culture.
  • Use Lukla as a base for Himalayan trekking and mountaineering expeditions.

Flight Information

The distance between Kathmandu and Lukla is about 135 kilometers, with an average flight time of around 30 minutes. You can book one-way or return flights from Kathmandu to Lukla starting from $216. 

Despite Lukla’s reputation as one of the most dangerous airports in the world, it is important to note that during peak season, around 20 to 30 aircraft land there every day. Nearly 30,000 trekkers who visit the region arrive by flying into Lukla annually.

Only small planes and helicopters, known as STOL aircraft (short take-off and landing), can land at Lukla due to their limited space, ruling out larger passenger planes like the A380.

Note: There are no direct bus services or jeeps from Kathmandu to Lukla due to the absence of roads leading to Lukla.

Popular Domestic Airlines that fly to Lukla Airport

  1. Tara Airlines
  2. Sita Air 
  3. Summit Air

Flight Schedule of Tara Airlines

Flight FromFlight ToAirlinesFlight No.Flight TimeArrival Time
Kathmandu LuklaTara AirlinesTA 09506:30:0007:00:00
Kathmandu LuklaTara AirlinesTA 10306:35:0007:10:00
Kathmandu LuklaTara AirlinesTA 20307:45:0008:10:00
Kathmandu LuklaTara AirlinesTA 09708:00:0008:30:00
Kathmandu LuklaTara AirlinesTA 10908:10:0008:45:00
Kathmandu LuklaTara AirlinesTA 11308:15:0008:50:00
Kathmandu LuklaTara AirlinesTA 09909:00:0009:25:00
Kathmandu LuklaTara AirlinesTA 09909:30:0010:00:00
Kathmandu LuklaTara AirlinesTA 11509:55:0010:30:00
Kathmandu LuklaTara AirlinesTA 12311:35:0012:10:00

Flight Schedule of Sita Airlines

SectorFlight NoDays of OperationDeparture.Arrival
KTM-LUASTA 601-630DAILY06:4507:10

Flight Schedule of Summit Airlines

SectorFlight NoDays of OperationDeparture.Arrival
KTM-LUASMA 301DAILY06:3007:00
KTM-LUASMA 301DAILY08:0008:30
KTM-LUASMA 305DAILY10:0010:30

Additional Information

Flight Duration

  • The flight duration is 25 min.
  • You need to check in at least one hour before the scheduled flight.

Documents Required

  • For foreign citizens, submission of passports is a must.
  • For Indian citizens, a passport or voter ID can be submitted.
  • For Nepalese citizens, the government issued documents like citizenship, passports, driving licenses, and trekking guide licenses.

Fare

  • Nepali citizens: 6280 Nrs per person.
  • Indian citizen: 140$ per person.
  • For foreign citizens: 180$ per person.

Note: Flight prices to Lukla may change daily, making it difficult to give a precise answer about the fare for a particular day.

Baggage

  • The baggage allowance for your flight to Lukla is 15kg. This includes both your Duffle bag and your day pack.
  • You need to pay an extra 10 for your main luggage.

Flight Cancellation and Delay

  • The airline will inform you if the flight is delayed or canceled. 
  • In case a flight is canceled, you will get a 100% refund, or the date shift can be conducted
  • We suggest you travel during the spring and the autumn season to avoid the delay. Also, this regular flight is conducted during peak seasons.

How to Book

  • Booking the Lukla flight is super easy. You can book from the Ktm Lukla Flight site. Also, if you like, we will assist or book on your behalf.
  • Fill up the form below to book your lukla flight.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name

Safety and Security

  • Safety is the number one priority, so the airlines will not have a flight unless the safety factor is 100% assured.

Conclusion

The flight between Kathmandu and Lukla is nothing less than an adventurous ride with the stunning Himalayan backdrop. Nevertheless, Lukla’s airport, with a complicated runaway and unstable weather, is what makes these mountain adventures unforgettable in Nepal. From jaw-dropping views to cultural immersion, it is the gateway to Everest Base Camp and beyond, donning the garb of adventure.

We hope that you get the complete information about Kathmandu-Lukla. If you want more information regarding the flight or any trekking, tour, climbing, or mountain expedition, then feel free to message us or WhatsApp us.

Posted on

Planning a Trip?

Our travel experts who are working in this industry for more than a decade will help you. Consult to get started.
Rajan Neupane

Born in a small village of Nuwakot, began his career in the tourism industry as a porter which helped him to become a professional experienced guide and now operating RP Treks sincerely.

Our Affiliations