Looking to book your Kathmandu to Lukla flight for 2024 or 2025? Secure your Lukla flight ticket now at the best available price. Seats are limited—especially during the trekking season—so book early to guarantee your spot on one of the world’s most scenic and adventurous mountain flights.
The Kathmandu to Lukla flight is the first and most important leg of your Everest journey. Whether you're heading for the legendary Everest Base Camp Trek or exploring the high-altitude beauty of the Khumbu region, the Lukla flight is your gateway to the Himalayas.
Landing at Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport, perched at 2,860 meters, is both thrilling and breathtaking. Surrounded by towering peaks and nestled on a short runway, the airport sets the tone for your adventure.
Flight Duration: 25 to 35 minutes
Departure Window: From 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM
Flight Type: Direct, weather-dependent
Best Time to Fly: Early morning for fewer delays
The Kathmandu to Lukla flight schedule is heavily influenced by weather conditions. Morning flights are more reliable due to clearer skies and lower wind activity. Always keep a flexible itinerary to accommodate potential delays or cancellations.
✈️ Pro Tip: Arrive at the airport early and book your flight as early in the day as possible.
Several airlines operate daily Lukla flights from Kathmandu, offering experienced pilots and reliable service. The most popular carriers include:
Tara Air
Summit Air
Sita Air
These airlines specialize in mountain flights to Lukla and prioritize safety and comfort for trekkers flying into one of the world's most challenging airports.
The cost of a Lukla flight ticket varies depending on the route and passenger nationality.
| Route | Price |
|---|---|
| Kathmandu to Lukla (One Way) | USD 217.00 per person |
| Kathmandu to Lukla (Round Trip) | USD 434.00 per person |
| For Indian Nationals (Kathmandu) | NPR 17,796.00 per person |
| For Indian Nationals (Ramechhap) | NPR 13,541.00 per person |
| Guide Fare | NPR 6,602.00 per person |
| Nepali Citizen Fare | NPR 10,602.00 per person |
🎫 Book your Lukla flight now via Everest Lukla Flight for the best rates and easy online reservations.
Booking your Lukla flight is easy, but high demand during peak trekking seasons means early reservations are essential.
Directly via airline websites
Through trekking agencies
With tour operators (as part of a trek package)
If you're planning a full Everest Base Camp Trek, it's highly recommended to book your Kathmandu to Lukla flight as part of the package. This ensures seamless coordination between flights, permits, guides, and accommodations.
A flight to Lukla isn’t just transportation—it’s a highlight of your Himalayan journey.
Aircraft Type: Small 16–20 seater twin-otters
Seating: No pre-assigned seats; arrive early for mountain-view seats (left side when flying to Lukla)
Views: Panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and more
Thrill: Experience the exhilarating landing at one of the world’s most adventurous airstrips
🌄 Looking for stunning mountain views without trekking? Check out the Mountain Flight with Buddha Air for a scenic Everest experience from the skies.
Check Weather Forecasts – Flights are extremely weather-sensitive.
Be Flexible – Keep 1–2 buffer days in your travel itinerary.
Travel Light – There are strict weight limits (10 kg luggage + 5 kg hand carry).
Book Morning Flights – Better weather, lower cancellation risks.
Have Insurance – Choose travel insurance that covers flight cancellations.
Travelers describe the Kathmandu to Lukla flight as "unforgettable," "thrilling," and "a bucket-list experience." While the short runway and mountain setting can make some passengers nervous, most feel reassured by the professionalism of pilots and the safety standards upheld by airlines.
🧳 Delays are common—bring patience, snacks, and a good book.
Flight Ticket (One-Way or Round-Trip)
Domestic Airport Tax
Booking Assistance
Some trekking companies may also include hotel transfers, guides, and porters as part of a larger Everest trek package.
5:00 AM – Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport
6:30 AM – Scheduled departure for Lukla Airport
7:00 AM – Arrival in Lukla, ready to begin your trek!
The Kathmandu to Lukla flight is not just a way to reach the Everest region—it's the beginning of your Himalayan adventure. With stunning views, a thrilling landing, and the excitement of being so close to the world’s highest peaks, this flight is truly one-of-a-kind.
Book your Lukla flight ticket in advance to secure your place and ensure a smooth start to your trek. Whether you're heading to Everest Base Camp or simply exploring Nepal’s mountain beauty, your journey starts in the skies.
The Lukla flight is a short domestic flight in Nepal that connects Kathmandu, the capital city, to Lukla, a gateway town for trekkers heading to Everest Base Camp and other Himalayan destinations.
The flight duration from Kathmandu to Lukla is approximately 30 to 40 minutes, depending on weather conditions and air traffic.
Several airlines operate flights to Lukla, including Tara Air, Summit Air, and Sita Air.
While Lukla flights have a good safety record, the region's challenging terrain and weather conditions can sometimes pose risks. However, airlines follow strict safety protocols, and pilots are experienced in navigating the mountainous terrain.
Typically, small fixed-wing aircraft such as the Twin Otter or Dornier 228 are used for flights to Lukla due to the short and rugged airstrip.
Passengers on Lukla flights are usually allowed around 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of checked baggage and a small amount of carry-on luggage. Excess baggage may incur additional charges.
Lukla Airport, also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport, is situated at an elevation of approximately 2,800 meters (9,200 feet) above sea level.
Yes, many airlines offer online booking services for Lukla flights through their official websites or third-party travel agencies.
Yes, Lukla flights are often affected by adverse weather conditions, particularly during the monsoon season (June to September) and winter months. Flights may be delayed, rescheduled, or canceled due to poor visibility, strong winds, or heavy precipitation.
To prepare for the Lukla flight, travelers should pack essential items in their carry-on luggage, dress in layers for changing weather conditions, and arrive at the airport well in advance of the scheduled departure time.
While there are no specific age restrictions, parents should consider the high altitude and potentially turbulent conditions when deciding whether to bring young children on the flight.
In the event of flight cancellations due to weather or other operational reasons, airlines typically offer the option to reschedule the flight or provide a refund, subject to their refund policies.
While flying is the most common way to reach Lukla quickly, some travelers opt for alternative methods such as trekking from Jiri or Salleri, which takes several days but avoids the need for a flight.
Lukla Airport has limited parking facilities, primarily for airport staff and vehicles associated with flight operations. Travelers arriving by private vehicle typically arrange for parking in nearby towns or villages.
Yes, passengers are allowed to bring trekking gear such as hiking poles, boots, and backpacks on the Lukla flight, provided they adhere to the airline's baggage restrictions and safety regulations.
The cost of a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla varies depending on the airline, time of booking, and season. On average, for 2024, Lukla flight is cost $200 USD for a one-way ticket.
The price for a flight from Lukla to Kathmandu is generally similar to the cost of the outbound flight, ranging from $200 USD for a one-way ticket.
There are no direct flights from Kathmandu to Lukla primarily due to the geographical challenges and the short and challenging airstrip at Lukla Airport. The airport's location in the mountainous terrain makes it unsuitable for large commercial aircraft.
Typically, there are multiple flights to Lukla from Kathmandu each day, especially during the peak trekking seasons. The exact number of flights can vary depending on factors such as weather conditions and demand.
Helicopter charters from Kathmandu to Lukla are considerably more expensive than regular flights, with prices ranging from $2,800 to $3,000 USD or more for a one-way trip, depending on various factors such as the type of helicopter and availability.
Yes, it is possible to reach Lukla without flying. One alternative is trekking from nearby towns such as Jiri or Salleri, which takes several days but allows travelers to experience the scenic beauty of the region and acclimatize to the altitude gradually.