What happens if flights to Lukla are delayed or canceled during trekking season?

There are lots of concerns about Lukla flights among trekkers from across the globe that is planning to reach the Everest Base Camp. In fact, the Lukla Airport is the gateway to Everest. One question always remains in their hearts. What happens if flights to Lukla are delayed or canceled during trekking season? Yes, this is the common question. Today’s blog is about finding out the things surrounding this question. Finding answer to this question will surely helps travelers to be confident and prepare well in times of emergencies.

Why Lukla Flight is very important for Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal?

The gateway to the Everest region of Nepal is the Lukla airport. This is the lifeline of the People of Khumbu and any kinds of touristic activities in the region. If you are to take the road trip to Lukla, it costs similar to the flight and it is still not safe. The road is off road and newly opened tracks are not suitable for commercial transportations. However, people are using it in four wheel jeep. Even if the road is open, travelers can’t reach Lukla. Instead, they travel to Surke Village which is about 1 to 2 hours from Lukla by foot. Therefore, the Lukla Flight is very important for the successful Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal.

Tenzing Hillary Airport Lukla: World’s Most Extreme Airport

Before 1964, trekkers used to do the classical Everest Base Camp Trek from Jiri. After the construction of airport in 1964, the face of the Everest trekking changed dramatically. The airport is named as the Tenzing Hillary Airport in 2008 to honor the first successful summit of Mt. Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Sir Edmund Hillary purchased the land from the locals in 2640 $ and built the airport. The contributions of Sir Edmund Hillary are great to enhance the tourism activities in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Therefore, he is also the honorary citizen of Nepal but unfortunately he has died already. His sons and daughters are still running the foundation under his name.

The airport is regarded as the world’s most extreme airport due to its geographical location and short uphill runway of about 527 m. Unpredictable weather conditions, VFR system, and geographical terrain make this airport the world’s most extreme airport.

What happens if flights to Lukla are delayed or canceled during trekking season?

Now, let’s answer the question “what happens if flights to Lukla are delayed or canceled during trekking season?” and help you relieve tensions. It is the utmost important to know the alternatives that you can do during the flight cancellations. Remember that the travel agency is not responsible for any kinds of flight cancellations or delays. In fact, all these cancellations and delays are caused due to the unpredictable mountain weather and geographical terrain of the airport. Therefore, you can’t fully blame the competency of the company.

Please do not worry! This blogger recommends you to do the following four things according to your preferences if flight cancels.

Road to Lukla for Everest Base Camp Trek

Nowadays, it is possible to reach Surke village which is about 1 to 2 hours from Lukla by road. The road is still under construction and it is possible only by using four wheel jeeps. Even if it is not highly recommended from safety point of view, it is the best option to choose if the flight cancels. Travelers have to take a road trip to Phaplu which takes about 8 to 9 hours from Kathmandu. The next day, travelers can take on the four wheel jeep and travel to Surke via famous villages like Bupsa and Nunthala.

Kathmandu Valley Tour during Lukla flights cancellations

Always be in the high spirit. We don’t have any strength to overcome the flight cancellation situation due to natural things. Therefore, you can utilize the time and do the Kathmandu Valley Tour if the flight cancels. Wait for the flight to take place the following day and explore the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES of the valley. You can visit the century’s old palaces and sacred pilgrimage places of Buddhists and Hindus.

Reroute to Other Treks in Nepal

Some trekkers even prefer to reroute to other treks in Nepal. This may sound odd and you will surely miss out to reach the Everest Base Camp but it is to utilize the time. There are countless mesmerizing treks to do in Nepal. Choose the guaranteed trekking departure trails to avoid any kinds of flights cancellations. The blogger recommends you to do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the Annapurna Circuit Trek, and the Langtang Valley Trek as reroute trek after flight cancellation.

Helicopter Flight to Lukla

The airplane flight to Lukla is highly dependent upon the weather conditions. However, helicopter can fly low and it is less affected by the weather conditions of the Lukla Airport. Therefore, taking the helicopter is also an ideal option. Please note down that the cost of the helicopter flight is comparatively higher than the cost of the airplane flight. The cost starts from 600 $ per person on a shared flight to 3600 $ for a chartered flight. A helicopter accommodates maximum 5 persons.

How much does Lukla Flight Ticket cost?

The Lukla flight ticket costs around 450 $ for foreigners and around INR 11500 to Indian nationals. During the peak season, most of the flights take place from Ramechhap’s Manthali Airport. The ticket price to Lukla from Manthali is about 188 $ to 195 $.

I think the blog has answered your question “what happens if flights to Lukla are delayed or canceled during trekking season” and if not contact us. Find the best trekking company like the Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd. and stay assured. The reliable travel company can surely come up with one or two solutions in times of emergencies.