Kathmandu to Everest Region (Khumbu)
Your options
Ways to make the journey
35 min (plus 4–5 h drive if via Ramechhap)
Small aircraft fly to Lukla's short, sloping runway at 2,860 m in about 35 minutes from Kathmandu. In the busy spring and autumn seasons, many Lukla flights operate from Manthali airport in Ramechhap instead, about 130 km and 4–5 hours by road from Kathmandu, usually starting before dawn. Weather often delays flights in both directions, so we always build a spare day. Check current status before you travel.
45–60 min
A helicopter from Kathmandu to Lukla avoids the Ramechhap drive and the queue for fixed-wing flights, and can often fly when small planes are grounded. It can also bring you down from Namche or higher at the end of a walk. Charters are priced per aircraft and shared seats are sometimes available. Luggage limits are strict and depend on altitude, weather and passenger weight.
4–6 days
Before the airstrip, expeditions walked in from Jiri, and today a road reaches Salleri and beyond in the Solu, from where trails lead north to the Khumbu over several days. It is a long, rough route through Sherpa and Rai villages, used by trekkers with time rather than by luxury travellers. We recommend it only for experienced walkers with an extra week.
Worth a stop
- Manthali (Ramechhap) airport
- Phakding on the Dudh Koshi
- Monjo and the Sagarmatha National Park gate
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How do I get from Kathmandu to the Everest region?
Fly to Lukla, about 35 minutes, or take a helicopter. In spring and autumn many Lukla flights depart from Manthali airport in Ramechhap, a pre-dawn drive of 4–5 hours from Kathmandu, to ease congestion at Kathmandu airport. From Lukla, the trail leads up the Dudh Koshi valley to Phakding and Namche Bazaar. Check current status before you travel.
Why do Lukla flights leave from Ramechhap?
To reduce congestion at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan airport, authorities have moved many Lukla flights to Manthali airport in Ramechhap during the busy seasons. That means a drive of about 130 km, 4–5 hours, usually starting around 2–3 am. Arrangements change from season to season, so check current status before you travel. A helicopter from Kathmandu avoids the drive.
How often are Lukla flights cancelled?
Delays are common and cancellations happen several times a season, when cloud or wind closes Lukla or the route. Mornings are most reliable. In the monsoon and in unsettled spring weather, flights can be grounded for days. We always keep a spare day and can arrange a helicopter when fixed-wing flights are stopped and weather allows rotary flights.
Is a helicopter to Lukla worth it?
Often, yes, for travellers with limited time. It avoids the pre-dawn drive to Ramechhap, is less affected by the fixed-wing queue and can fly in conditions that ground small planes. It is far more expensive than a scheduled flight, especially as a private charter. Many of our guests fly in by plane and return by helicopter from Namche.