Flying into the Gateway of Mount Everest
Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla is the starting point for most Everest trekking adventures. Famous for its short, inclined runway, it has a reputation that scares some travelers. Here is the reality of flying to Lukla.
Safety is the priority. Flights only run when visibility is perfect. Be prepared for delays. Buffer days in your itinerary are essential for any Mount Everest expedition plan.
In peak season, flights often operate from Ramechhap (a 4-hour drive from Kathmandu) to reduce air traffic. This actually increases the chance of flying on time for your Everest Base Camp trek.
If planes are grounded, helicopters often still fly. It costs more ($400-$600), but ensures you start or end your Everest trekking journey on schedule.
The pilots flying this route are elites. While the landing is adrenaline-pumping, it is the gateway to the adventure of a lifetime.
