Reserve confirmed flights and helicopter seats from Kathmandu or Ramechhap to Lukla with transparent fares, daily schedules, and local support for all Everest treks.
View real airline schedules, compare prices by nationality, and get help with delays, weather changes, and last-minute helicopter upgrades.
Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport is the main air gateway to the Everest region and the starting point for popular treks such as Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes and Everest Panorama.
Booking your Kathmandu–Lukla flight early is essential. Seats are limited, weather can be unpredictable, and demand is high during spring and autumn. We help you compare schedules from multiple airlines, secure tickets in advance, and handle changes if flights are delayed or cancelled due to mountain weather.
You can book regular fixed-wing flights from Kathmandu or Ramechhap to Lukla, upgrade to a helicopter if needed, and even combine flights with guide/porter hire and hotel arrangements on request.
Morning flights with Tara, Summit and Sita Air with quick 25–35 minute journeys into the Khumbu region.
During peak trekking months, most Lukla flights operate from Manthali (Ramechhap), about 4 hours’ drive from Kathmandu.
When weather windows are tight or flights are full, helicopters offer flexible timing and a direct flight into Lukla.
Fares vary by departure airport and nationality. Below is a guideline based on recent airline pricing; we will confirm the exact cost for your date.
| Route | Passenger Type | Approx. Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu ➝ Lukla | Foreign Nationals | ≈ USD 220.00 | Updated high-season fare, subject to availability. |
| Ramechhap ➝ Lukla | Foreign Nationals | ≈ USD 180.00 | Often used during peak trekking season. |
| Kathmandu ➝ Lukla | Indian Citizens | ≈ INR 11,000 | Paid in NPR/INR equivalent as per airline rate. |
| Ramechhap ➝ Lukla | Indian Citizens | ≈ INR 13,500 | Budget-friendly option during busy months. |
| Kathmandu / Ramechhap ➝ Lukla | Nepali Citizens | ≈ NPR 10,600 | Special local fare set by airlines. |
| Kathmandu / Ramechhap ➝ Lukla | Guide / Staff | ≈ NPR 6,600 | Typical staff ticket for your trek crew. |
Fares can move up or down with fuel prices, season and last-minute demand. Group bookings of two or more travellers may qualify for a small discount.
Tara Air, Summit (Goma) Air, and Sita Air operate multiple morning flights between Kathmandu and Lukla. Flight timings depend on weather and air traffic conditions, especially during peak trekking seasons.
| Airline | Route | Flight No. | Departure | Arrival | Status |
|---|
Departure times are indicative. Final schedules and seat availability are confirmed by email after selecting your travel date and preferred airline.
For tight itineraries or repeated weather cancellations, a direct helicopter is the most reliable way to get between Kathmandu and Lukla. Kathmandu to Lukla by Helicopter Flight
Duration: Around 1 hour including boarding and landing.
Capacity: Up to 5 passengers (weight dependent).
Price Guide: From about USD 3000 per helicopter one-way; ideal for families, groups, and those on fixed departure dates.
Join other trekkers on a cost-sharing basis, usually early in the morning when a weather window opens.
Price Guide: Around USD 500 per person one-way, depending on group size and season.
Contact us for current availability and departures for your dates.
Only a few specialist airlines operate into Lukla due to the short, sloping runway and demanding approach. All use STOL aircraft designed for mountain airports.
One of the busiest carriers on the Kathmandu–Lukla route, operating Twin Otter and Dornier aircraft on multiple morning departures. Also serves Jomsom, Dolpa, Simikot and other hill airports.
A STOL specialist airline flying LET-410 aircraft, with a strong focus on short runways and mountain routes. Lukla remains one of its key destinations from Kathmandu.
A well-established domestic operator using Dornier 228 aircraft for Lukla and Jomsom flights, plus Beechcraft aircraft for mountain sightseeing routes across Nepal.
Lukla is a busy Sherpa town at around 2,800 m, serving as the main trailhead for treks into the Khumbu and Everest region. The airport is famous for its short runway and dramatic approach.
Complete your Lukla flight booking by arranging experienced local guides and porters for Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, Three Passes and other treks starting from Lukla.
| Role | Daily Rate (USD) | Supports | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Trekking Guide | 30–40 | Route finding, lodge booking, safety decisions, cultural insight. | Groups who want full support and flexible adjustments en route. |
| Porter-Guide | 28–35 | Light guiding plus carrying a smaller load (around 10–12 kg). | 2-person teams who want one person to help and carry bags. |
| Porter | 25–30 | Carrying 20–25 kg of shared trekking gear. | Trekkers who prefer to walk with a light day pack. |
The Lukla flight fare depends on nationality and season. Foreign nationals usually pay around USD 220 one way, while Nepali and Indian citizens receive local discounted fares.
You can book Lukla flight tickets online through our website, by email, or via WhatsApp. We handle ticket issuance, schedule confirmation, and follow-up support.
The flight time from Kathmandu to Lukla is approximately 30 to 35 minutes, offering stunning views of the Himalayan foothills.
During peak trekking seasons, many Lukla flights operate from Ramechhap due to congestion in Kathmandu. Kathmandu is more convenient, while Ramechhap may offer more flight availability.
Lukla flights typically operate early in the morning, usually between 6:00 AM and 11:00 AM, when weather conditions are most stable.
You should arrive at the domestic terminal at least one hour before departure for check-in, security screening, and weather briefing.
If a flight is cancelled, airlines usually rebook passengers on the next available flight. Helicopter options are also available for urgent travel needs.
Yes. Lukla flights are operated by experienced mountain pilots using STOL aircraft. Flights only operate when weather and visibility meet strict safety standards.
Small turboprop aircraft such as Twin Otter and Dornier 228 are used for Lukla flights due to the short runway and mountainous terrain.
Most airlines allow 15 kg of total baggage per passenger, including hand luggage. Excess baggage may require additional payment.
Date changes are usually possible, subject to seat availability and airline policy. Weather delays are handled with priority rebooking.
Yes, Lukla flights operate throughout the year, but winter and monsoon seasons experience more weather-related delays.
Helicopters are more flexible in marginal weather and are ideal for urgent travel, though they are more expensive than fixed-wing flights.
You need a valid passport for foreigners and a government-issued ID for Nepali citizens. Passport details are required to issue flight tickets.
Yes, return Lukla to Kathmandu or Ramechhap flights can be booked in advance or confirmed later depending on your trekking schedule.