Flight Change in Lukla: This Is What Professionals Do
All Lukla flights (from/to Lukla) are rerouted from Kathmandu Airport to Ramechhap Airport from April 1, 2019, to July 30, 2019, due to runway maintenance at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. The airlines have already circulated a formal declaration to this effect.
The date and time of the flights shall be the same as those given for the issued tickets. However, it will require you to travel from Kathmandu to Ramechhap on your way up to Lukla. And on your way back to Kathmandu, travelers bound for Lukla on the same flights must plan accordingly.
It affects all international and domestic flights, but flights to Lukla are the most severely impacted. Every season, thousands of tourists fly to Lukla to fulfill the dream of hiking to Everest Base Camp, Mera Peak, Lobuche Peak, or Island Peak. Also, all expeditions to Everest from the south operate via Lukla.
All flights from and to Lukla Airport, via Kathmandu to Manthali Airport, Ramechhap, will be rerouted during this period. Additionally, Kathmandu Airport will be shut down completely every day between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. This new arrangement allows you to learn certain things before flying to Lukla.
Key Takeaways
- Lukla flights are rerouted from Kathmandu to Ramechhap Airport from April 1 to July 30, 2019, due to runway maintenance at TIA.
- Travelers must transit through Kathmandu to Ramechhap for flights to Lukla, which will impact all flights during this period.
- Manthali Airport has limited accommodations, particularly during peak seasons such as April and May.
- Himalayan Exploration suggests staying overnight in Mulkot for better comfort before flying to Lukla.
- Private transfers are available; plan ahead to avoid last-minute transport issues.
Where is Manthali Airport, Ramechhap?
The airport of Manthali is located at 474 m in the valley of the Tamakoshi River in Manthali. It is located 132 km east of Kathmandu, and the road from Kathmandu takes 4.5 hours. It is a small town that typically does not receive many visitors. Therefore, accommodation availability is limited, and the level of service is not very high.
As there are so many trekkers coming to catch their Lukla flights, it is very likely that during the peak seasons, April – May, you won’t find accommodation in Manthali.
What are the best options for managing transportation to Manthali Airport?
If you have booked your travel arrangements either directly with the airlines or travel agencies, they must take over your transport, which will most likely be a private transfer.
Getting to Manthali, Ramechhap.
- Get a cab to Koteshwor from your hotel.
- Catch a local bus or regular jeep to Manthali from Koteshwor Bus Station. The local buses or vehicles usually depart between 6:00 and 13:00.
Kathmandu to Manthali Route Map
How do we approach this situation?
Here’s a better option for people who have booked their trips with Himalayan Exploration:
Himalayan Exploration has recently visited Manthali to plan our activities and find the best solution to deal with this situation. We believe it would be highly uncomfortable for our clients to drive to Manthali early in the morning for 4-5 hours and then board a flight to Lukla to sleep. It will make your day extremely hectic and won’t let you start your walk to Phakding or Monjo in a great spirit.
One day earlier is the best way to deal with this change. Mulkot is a small town, located 37 km (approximately 1 hour’s drive) from Manthali Airport. It not only breaks down the monotonous drive but also makes you comfortable, as Mulkot offers high-quality lodging that Manthali lacks. You can stay at a Mulkot hotel comfortably.
If the flight is canceled for any reason, you can use our tent facility at no additional cost. However, you will have to manage your sleeping bags on your own. Himalayan Exploration Treks will assign staff and organize tents in the region as a backup.
We hope you found this blog helpful. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Himalayan Exploration Treks at + 9779841023371, or write to us at lama@himalayanexploration.com for further information on these Lukla flights.
