Lukla Airport

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all” -Helen Keller

The world-famous, thrilling Lukla Airport proves this quote. It is also known as Lukla Tenzing Hillary Airport and is the main gateway to Mt. Everest (8,849m), the world’s highest peak. Flying to Lukla is more than reaching the destination. Its tiny airstrip, location, and altitude give you the best thrill, along with some spiciness of nerve-wracking moments.

Lukla airport’s altitude is 2,845 meters (9,334 feet), which has earned it the title of the most dangerous airport in the world by Most Extreme Airports for more than 20 years. Another interesting fact is the Lukla Airport runway length, which is 527 m (1,729 ft) × 30 m (98 ft) with an 11.7% gradient. But don’t be scared! On average, 50 flights are operated daily by highly experienced pilots during the peak trek season, so the flight to Lukla is not that risky.

And you know what? At the north end of the runway, there is a mountain, and other end of the south end, there is a steep drop into a valley. There is no second chance, pilots have to land at once or not at all. Therefore, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has set strict rules, and only highly experienced pilots can land at the airport. So, no need to worry, Lukla Airport landing and takeoff are completely possible.

If you are planning for an Everest Base Camp trek or any other trek to the Everest region, just take it as if you’re staring at a real-action movie. However, if you are more laid-back and not into thrills, Everest Base Camp by road is a great option.

Lukla Airport Nepal: History, Location, & Altitude

Lukla Tenzing Hillary airport was built in the year 1964 by Sir Edmund Hillary. He is also the first person to summit Everest along with Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. The behind-the-scenes on making this thrilling airport come to life is all thanks to Hillary.

In the past, before this airport was built, trekkers and locals had only the option to reach Lukla by trekking for long and exhausting hours. The route used to go from Jiri (the first gateway to the Everest region) to Lukla. The Journey to the summit of Everest is already exhausting, and adding another tiring trek from Jiri was physically demanding. Therefore, Hillary brought an idea to build an Airport at Lukla to make it easy to commute.

The original plan of Hillary was to make Lukla Airport on flat land. However, local farmers were against the idea as they didn’t want to lose their agricultural land, which was their major source of income. Later on, Edumnd bought the land where is airport is now located for $2,650 US dollars.

Till 2001, the runway was just a dirt strip without proper management of litter and a system. Moving forward, the government allocated the budget and paved the runway. In 2007, it was renamed to Tenzing Hillary Airport to honour Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary, the first Everest climbers.

The Lukla Airport is located in the Solukhumbu District of the Khumbu region in Nepal. It is a traditional and remote Sherpa village known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Lukla Airport altitude is 2,860 meters (9,383 feet), making it the highest airport in Nepal. Surrounded by the green hills and snow-covered mountains, it doesn’t have an air traffic control tower. An open area with just one runway, which is also shorter than a football field, all it requires is high-skilled pilots and bravery to handle nail-biting landings.

Why is Lukla Airport Famous? Top 10 Interesting Facts

1. It is the hardest airport to land at in the world.
2. 50 flights operate daily during peak seasons.
3. It is one of the shortest runways in the world, with a runway length of 527 m (1,729 ft).
4. Pilots with over 1 year of short takeoff and landing (STOL), 100 STOL missions, and 10 flights in Lukla with a certified instructor pilot are only allowed.
5. To help planes land and take off, it has a 12% incline.
6. There is no go-around, and aircraft have to land on the first attempt because of the cliff and mountains.
7. The northern part of the runway ends at a mountain, and the southern runway ends with a drop-off into a valley.
8. It is located at an elevation of 2,860 meters (9,383 feet).
9. Flights are operated when visibility is 16,400 feet only.
10. Due to strong winds and bad weather, flights take off early in the morning and close by mid-morning.

Is Lukla Aiport Dangerous?

Yes, Lukla flight is dangerous, but not like to the extreme level you are thinking of. Though this airport has earned the title of the most dangerous airport in the world, the Lukla flight success rate is typically high. Many think it is an extreme level of challenge because of its short runway length, unstable weather, and topography, but it’s not as risky as you believe.

The weather at Lukla is the major challenge because the strong southwest wind changes after sunrise. This makes it difficult for the Lukla flight landing and take off during midday and afternoon. Another challenge is low visibility and unpredictable weather conditions.
Flights are generally safe in the early morning, which is also the usual time for flight schedules.

Furthermore, aircraft like Twin Otter, Dornier 228, Let L-410 Turbolet, and helicopters are only allowed to land at Lukla Airport. The planes that are designed to do short-takeoff-and-landing (STOL) are permitted for Tenzing Hillary Airport, Nepal.

You might think, what about its runway length? It is one of the shortest runway lengths, with only 527 meters. It’s because the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) only allows pilots who are highly experienced with 100 complete STOL, 1 year of STOL experience in Nepal, and 10 flights to Lukla with a certified instructor.

Can we go Lukla without Flying? Yes, you can. If you have a fear of height and flight the there are other alternative routes to Everest. Some of the traditional route options include a jeep/bus ride to Thamne Danda, Jiri, and Salleri. Keep in mind, it will be quite time-consuming and tiring.

Lukla flight is all about the experience, adventure, and thrill it brings. Since it’s the main gateway to the Everest region, you can’t ignore this flight, pretty much. Choose it depending on your preference and traveling style. If you are an adventure enthusiast, a bit of adrenaline rush is worth a shot.

Tenzing Hillary Airport Flight Schedule:

The Lukla Airport flight schedule generally depends on the weather and trekking seasons. The airlines that run the Lukla flight are Sita Air, Tara Air, and Summit Air. The Lukla Airport code is LUA. The flight schedule usually works from Kathmandu or Ramechhap airport, depending on the season

Kathmandu to Lukla Flight

Kathmandu to Lukla flight time is about 30 minutes. Due to unpredictable weather conditions and visibility problems, the flights from Kathmandu usually take off early in the morning. It is a short flight that takes you through the beautiful views of the Himalayas, hills, and surroundings. Therefore, the flight route involves twisting and turning paths.

Lukla Airport

The total Kathmandu to Lukla flight distance is 138 kilometers (86 miles). The Lukla flight price depends on your nationality, like if you are a Nepali citizen, it will cost around NPR 6,280. For Indian citizens and other nationalities, the Lukla flight ticket price is about 140 US dollars and 180 US dollars per person. However, prices may fluctuate based on the season and airline.

Interesting facts about the flights that operate to Lukla are that they all follow Visual Flight Rules (VFR). This rule requires all the pilots to follow the visual sight instead of instruments. Therefore, pilots have to be licensed to operate this type of flight.

Ramechhap To Lukla Flight

The peak season for trekking in Nepal is from March to May and September to November. During these seasons, the Lukla flight takes off from Ramechhap/Manthali Airport to avoid air traffic.

For the Ramechhap to Lukla flight, first of all, you will need to drive from Kathmandu to Manthali Airport, then take a flight to Lukla. In this type of case, the airport transfers are all included in packages if you are traveling with Access Nepal Tours and Trekking. The total drive duration from Kathmandu to Ramechhap takes about 4 to 5 hours, covering the distance of 142 km.

Additionally, you have to leave as early as 1 AM from Kathmandu to Manthali because the Lukla flight to Tenzing Hillary Airport departures operate early in the morning. In comparison to the Kathmandu to Lukla flight, Manthali to Lukla is short. Its flight time is only 20 minutes.

When is the Best Time to Visit Lukla?

The best time to visit Lukla is in March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn). This time of season offers great weather conditions and clear skies, leading low chance of getting flight delays or cancellations. Keep in mind, during the peak season Lukla flight will operate from Ramechhap/Manthali Airport to avoid high air traffic.

Spring (March to May): Spring is the best time to fly to Lukla. During these months, the weather gets warm with clear blue skies, ideal for trekking. The highlight part of this trek is the blooming rhododendron and wildflowers. Due to the great visibility, flights are also safe and will operate on time.

Autumn (September to November): This season is the peak season for trekking throughout the Nepal. It is the season after the post monsoon which brings fresh atmosphere, crisp air, and clear mountain views. The comfortable weather makes it ideal for trekking and exploring the Himalayas. Since it is also Nepal’s major festival time (Dashain and Tihar), it’s a perfect opportunity to learn about their culture, tradition, and festivals.

Monsoon (June to August): Flying to Luka during the Monsoon season is not recommended at all. Because of the foggy, cloudy, and rainy environment flight operates rarely and there is high risk of flight getting cancelled. Further, trails are also not favorable for trekking due to mud, slippery conditions, and lots of leeches. Trekking in this time is for challenge lovers only.

Winter (December to February): Though winter is cold, the surroundings and atmosphere are also quiet favorable. If you love to see the magic winter creates in the Himalayas, trekking in winter is completely possible. Except for some High Passes, there are lots of winter treks in Nepal to do. However, prepare yourself for flight delays and cancellations because of snow and poor visibility. Otherwise, it will be a peaceful trekking experience with some challenges

Safety Measures and Facilities for Lukla Airport:

As we have already learned about the flight thrill Tenzing Hillary Airport offers, it is also essential to learn about safety measures and guidelines. The airport follows strict safety rules to provide safe flights to the passengers. The short runway length, weather, and altitude make the flight operation challenging. Given below, we have listed some of the safety measures and guidelines followed by the Lukla Airport to ensure a safe flight:

• Highly Skilled Pilots: To fly to Lukla, only experienced pilots are allowed. The qualifications required to fly the airplanes include completing one year of STOL in Nepal airports, 100 STOL flights, and 10 times of landing experience with a certified instructor.
• Strict Weight Limit: Passengers are only allowed to carry baggage with a weight of up to 15kg. The weight includes both hand carry and checked luggage.
• Visual Flight Rules (VFR): All flights to Lukla follow Visual Flight Rules (VFR). There is no radar system, so pilots have to fly when there is great visibility of at least 16,400ft.
• Strict Monitoring of Weather: Since the flight follows VFR rules only, weather here is strictly monitored. Because of location and altitude, the weather here is unstable. Strong winds, cloudy or foggy skies, and poor visibility cause flight delay and cancellation.
• Air Traffic is Controlled: To land at Tenzing Hillary Airport, STOL planes and helicopters are allowed. To avoid accidents and traffic, these types of aircraft are used.
• No Turn-Around Procedure: The small size of the airport and the mountains surrounding Flights have to land on their first attempt. If you miss one chance, then they have to return back.
• Frequent Maintenance of Runway: To reduce the risk of accidents, the runways are frequently inspected frequently. They have to repeatedly check if there is any damage on the runway because it is short and there is a cliff below. This is required for safe landing and take off.
• Emergency Protocols: All the ground staff and flying crew at Loukla Airport are trained for any kind of emergency situations and accidents. They are always prepared.
• Flights are Limited depending on the Seasons: To avoid any accidents and risks, flights are limited in Monsoon (June–August) and cold winter (December–February).
• Limited Passenger Numbers: As the aircraft flying to Lukla are small and strict weight limit, only a small number of people can fly. The passenger numbers to fly at one time are between 13 to 19. They are totally dependent on the aircraft.

Heli Flight Options:

Due to the weather conditions, Lukla flights are often delayed and canceled. In case of emergency or you want to reach your destination quickly in comfort, there is also a heliflight option. They are faster, more flexible, and safer way to reach Lukla. The total duration to reach Lukla from Kathmandu is 45 minutes.

However, the heliflight prices are quite expensive, costing you around $500 US dollars per person to $3,500 US dollars per person. It depends on the group size. Another cheapest option to reach Lukla via Heliflight is from Ramechhap. This 20-minute heli flight costs you like $500 per person.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a flight of trek Lukla, Access Nepal Tours and Trekking can help you arrange everything. With our all-inclusive package, we offer you the best price and quality service to make your trip successful and real. Booking for 2025 and 2026 is now exclusively open. For any inquiries, you can directly contact us through our official email [email protected] or WhatsApp us at +977 9841021636.

FAQs

1. How High is Lukla Airport?

The Lukla Airport altitude is 2,860 meters (9,383 feet) above sea level. It is known for being one of the highest airports with the shortest runway length. This popular airport, officially known as Tenzing Hillary Airport, is located at the small Lukla Village in Nepal.

2. Is Lukla Airport Dangerous?

Yes, Lukla Airport is known for being one of the world’s most dangerous airports in the world. However, the skilled pilots, facilities, strict rules, and guidelines make it safe to take. Most of all, its advanced safety measures have a high success rate. If you are looking for a thrilling experience, then you can try taking a flight to Lukla.

3. Is Lukla airport safe?

Yes, Lukla Airport is safe to take. The airport follows strict safety measures to overcome the challenges like its location, short runway, and unpredictable weather. Therefore, pilots who have high experience in short takeoff and landing (STOL) airports are only allowed to operate the flight to Lukla. The flight schedules are also strictly monitored and regulated. Similarly, the airport works during good weather conditions and when there is great visibility only. The flight to Lukla is one of the great opportunities to experience a new adventure and challenge.

4. Where is Lukla Airport Located?

Tenzing-Hillary Airport is located in Lukla, Solukhumbu District of Nepal. It is one of the popular towns in the Khumbu region and a main gateway to the Everest region. Situated at an altitude of 2,860 meters (9,383 feet), it’s also a starting point for trekkers dreaming of reaching Everest Base Camp. You can reach Lukla by taking a flight from Kathmandu or Ramechhap/Manthali Airport. It takes about 30 and 20 minutes, respectively.

 5. How Long is Lukla Runway?

Lukla Airport’s runway length is 527 meters (1,729 feet) long. It is the 3rd shortest airport in the world. It’s short runway length makes it one of the hardest airports to land and take off the flight. The steeply angled runway requires only experienced pilots to operate the flight in and out of Lukla.

6. Which is the Hardest Airport to Land In?

One of the hardest airports to land in is Lukla Airport in Nepal. Some of the other hardest airport to land in Paro Airport in Bhutan and Madeira Airport in Portugal. The major reason for making the landing difficult are because of high-altitude, mountainous surrounding, runway length, weather condition. Therefore, pilots are required to be trained specifically for STOL flights.

7. In Which Country Lukla Airport Located?

Lukla Airport is located in Nepal. It is part of the small town called Lukla of Solukhumbu District in the Khumbu region.