Flying to and from Lukla Airport via Ramechhap – What You Need to Know

If you're heading to Everest Base Camp or any trek involving Lukla Airport, there's one part of the journey that often surprises people:

you likely won’t be flying from Kathmandu. Since 2019, the Government of Nepal and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) have required most flights to and from Lukla to operate out of Ramechhap (Manthali Airport), not Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport.

While this may sound like an inconvenience at first, it’s actually proven to be a smart move. Flights from Ramechhap are typically more reliable and experience fewer delays. Still, it’s important to know what to expect so you can prepare and embrace it as part of your adventure.

Why the change?
This switch was originally introduced due to construction and expansion works at Kathmandu airport. But the benefits soon became clear:

Reduced delays thanks to lower air traffic
More flight slots to Lukla
A smoother experience for trekkers in the long run

As a result, CAAN has continued to enforce this change most trekking seasons, with Ramechhap often becoming the dedicated airport for all Lukla flights from around mid-March in spring and late September in autumn.

Who arranges your internal flights?
All internal flights in Nepal, including to and from Lukla, are arranged by our trusted in-country supplier. While EverTrek coordinates the overall trek experience and provides full support, we do not book or sell these flights directly.

Our local partners are highly experienced and monitor weather conditions, airline operations, and flight availability constantly. They’ll make sure everything is sorted and that you get the best
chance of flying safely and on time.

What does this mean for your itinerary?
The good news: your trip duration doesn’t change. You can still book your international arrival and departure flights as usual.

However, the switch to Ramechhap does change the timing of your journey within Nepal, including an extra travel day by road.

Flying out to Lukla
On Day 2, after a morning of sightseeing in Kathmandu, you'll travel about 4 hours by road to Mulkot, where you’ll stay overnight. Mulkot is about 1 hour from Ramechhap Airport.

On Day 3, you’ll wake early (around 4–5am depending on flight schedules) to reach the airport for your flight to Lukla.

In rare cases, you may drive directly from Kathmandu to Ramechhap early on Day 3. This will be decided by our in-country team based on the latest operational updates, weather, and flight history.

Flying back from Lukla
After your trek, you’ll return to Ramechhap by plane, followed by a long but scenic drive (5–7 hours) back to Kathmandu. Our team will ensure you're comfortable, with breaks and support along the way.

What kind of transport is used?
We arrange private transport for all EverTrekkers travelling to and from Ramechhap. The size of vehicle depends on the number of trekkers flying that day:

1–2 people: Private car
Up to 12 people: Toyota minivan
More than 12 people: Larger bus or multiple vans

Please note: these numbers include all EverTrekkers travelling to Lukla that day, not just those on your specific trek.

The benefits of flying from Ramechhap
While the drive to Ramechhap adds some time and bumps to the journey, there are real advantages:

More flight availability
Shorter flight time (just 17 minutes to Lukla)
Minimal air traffic, so fewer delays
Better chance of getting in and out during the brief good-weather windows

Plus, it gives you a glimpse of rural Nepal that most travellers miss—a bonus adventure on the way to the big one.

What about weather delays?
Flying in the Himalayas means dealing with unpredictable weather. Delays are common, and they can happen from either Kathmandu or Ramechhap.

Our in-country supplier constantly monitors conditions and works hard to get you on the next available flight. However, in some cases, bad weather can ground flights for multiple days.

If needed, helicopters can be arranged. These often fly when planes can’t, though they come with an extra cost—typically between £400–£550 per person, depending on demand.

Make sure your travel insurance covers trip delays, as this can help cover helicopter or accommodation costs if things get stuck for a while.

Need help?
We’re here for you at every step. If you have questions about internal flights, itineraries, or anything else:

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Call: 02920 003216
Join our EverTrek Facebook Group to chat with fellow trekkers and our team of Yetis.

You’ll be supported by your EverTrek rep in Kathmandu, as well as your experienced guide, who will make sure you (and your bags!) arrive safely in Lukla and back again.

Important – Please Read
These internal flights are not sold by EverTrek and do not form part of your package with us. They are arranged and sold by our in-country supplier, under a separate contract between you and them. You will be contacted directly by the supplier 2–3 months before your trip to confirm your flight details and arrange payment directly to them.

The cost for your internal flight and transfers is approximately $450 USD per person (+4% transaction fee). We’ll send you a secure payment link around 2–3 months before your trip, and you’ll have until 30 days before departure to complete the payment.

EverTrek accepts no liability for the provision, cancellation, or amendment of these flight services, as they fall outside the scope of your contract with us.

We want to be transparent and make sure you're fully informed, and of course, we're always here to guide and support you before, during, and after your adventure.