Ramechap to Lukla Flights: How does this affect your travel experience?

During peak trekking seasons (March End-May and September End-November), all STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) flights to and from Lukla will be operated from Ramechap/Manthali Airport, making Ramechap airport a base for all Lukla flights. This change in the flight base for Lukla flights is being introduced to ensure smooth flight operation without any air traffic and delays.

With around 35 daily flights to Lukla during these busy months, the single runway at Kathmandu Airport struggles to manage the high volume of air traffic. On April 3, 2023, a record-breaking 57 flights to Lukla were dispatched from Ramechap Airport, underscoring the need for an alternative base.

If you’re planning to visit Everest during these peak periods, your flights to Lukla will now depart from Ramechap Airport, which is about a 4-hour drive from Kathmandu.

Ramechap Airport Overview

Ramechap Airport, also known as Manthali Airport, is located in Manthali Municipality, Ramechap District, approximately 130 km / 4-5 hrs from Kathmandu. This small airport, operational since October 1979, is situated at an elevation of 474 meters (1,560 feet) and features a 518-meter asphalt-concrete runway.

The airport, located along the banks of the Tama Koshi River, is the closest airport in the eastern region for connecting flights to Kathmandu.

Why Ramechap as a Base for Lukla Flights?

During peak seasons, about 35 daily flights are scheduled for Lukla every day. Kathmandu Airport, which handles over 400 flights daily (both domestic and international), often faces congestion issues. Small aircraft, such as Twin Otters, Dorniers, and LET L410s, must wait alongside larger international flights, leading to significant delays. In the case of air traffic and poor weather at Kathmandu airport, small plane such as Twin Otters/Dorniers/LET L140 that flies to Lukla are forced to circle next to large international flights that are waiting to land.

A 35-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla can sometimes stretch to 1.5 hours due to this air traffic, reducing the number of flights that can be completed before the mid-morning winds make Lukla’s airfield inaccessible.

Ramechap Airport was first used as an alternative base for Lukla flights in 2019 when Kathmandu Airport underwent runway repairs. The success of this operation led to the continued use of Ramechap during peak trekking seasons.

Also Read: More about Lukla Airport 

Current Status of Lukla Flights

At present, three airlines—Tara Air, Summit Air, and Sita Air—operate flights to Lukla, each dedicating two aircraft to this route.

With the rise of tourists visiting Nepal now after the COVID pandemic, the number of trekkers going to Everest has increased too. With tourism rebounding after the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of trekkers heading to the Everest region has surged, leading to the continued use of Ramechap Airport as the primary base for Lukla flights during peak seasons.

Tentative Dates for Ramechap-Lukla Operations:

• Spring: March 25 to May 20
• Fall: September 20 to November 20

What to Expect on the Ramechap to Lukla Flight

While reaching Ramechap involves a challenging 4 to 5 hour drive from Kathmandu, the flight from Ramechap to Lukla is quicker—just 15 minutes, compared to the 35-minute flight from Kathmandu. Even though it is difficult to travel to Ramechhap and the airport lacks even the most basic amenities, Ramechap airport is a more reliable alternative for Lukla flights.

This implies that many flights may take off quickly and transport lots of visitors to Lukla if the weather is good. Even if the weather is fine in Lukla, planes in Kathmandu can frequently be delayed by air traffic right before takeoff, causing passengers to miss their chance to get to Lukla.

From Ramechap airport to Lukla airport, the flight time is only 15 minutes. Compared to the 35-minute flight from Kathmandu, Ramechap Airport allows a much shorter flight time to Lukla. This shorter flight time allows for more frequent departures and reduces the likelihood of cancellations and delays.

Flight Cancellations and Delays at Ramechap airport

While weather-related cancellations can still occur, the risk of delays due to air traffic is minimal at Ramechap Airport. If the weather improves even briefly, flights can proceed, given the short 15-minute journey to Lukla. Since Ramechap Airport will solely serve as a base for Lukla flights, the delays due to air traffic are low. The flights will operate smoothly without air traffic and delays unless the weather impedes the flight movements. The chances of flight cancellation and delays due to weather factors are still present even if you are flying from Ramechap, however, in the case of Ramechap if we have a slight improvement in the weather for a brief amount of time, the flights will be conducted as it will take only 14 mins to reach Lukla from Ramechap and vice versa.

Return Flights from Lukla

Your return journey from Lukla will also be to Ramechap Airport. Just like the outbound flight, the return flight from Lukla to Ramechap will take only 15 minutes. This shorter duration makes it easier to manage flights even with brief weather windows. However, after landing in Ramechap, you will need to embark on a 4 to 5 hour drive back to Kathmandu.  The scenic drive through the countryside is a nice way to wind down after your trek, though it does add extra travel time to your itinerary. If you’re doing the Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Three High Passes Trek etc both your flights to and from Lukla will be via Ramechap Airport.

Getting to and from Ramechap

To reach Ramechap from Kathmandu, you’ll need to embark on a 4-hour drive along a two-lane highway. Plan to arrive at the airport at least an hour before your flight. The road is in good condition but its winding, and vehicles like cars, vans, and buses can easily access the airport.

After your return flight from Lukla, you’ll have the same 4 to 5 hour drive to get back to Kathmandu. It’s essential to plan your travel times accordingly, especially if you have onward flights or other commitments. Your return drive could take longer than 4 to 5 hours if there is traffic, which is usually the case as you approach Kathmandu.

Accommodations in Ramechap

Tourism in Ramechap was minimal until the airport became a base for Lukla flights. While there are hotels near the airport, they offer basic amenities. As tourism increases, new accommodations are being built, but for now, keep your expectations modest.

What If Your Flight is Cancelled at Ramechap Airport?

Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly, leaving the Lukla flights to be delayed for several hours and even cancelled for that day. This can lead to a change in our itinerary.

In the event of a flight cancellation at Ramechap, we can rebook your flight for the next day or arrange a helicopter transfer. Helicopters, which require less visibility than fixed-wing planes, can often fly when other aircraft cannot. The cost of a helicopter flight ranges from USD 500 to USD 600 per person, depending on the number of passengers. The additional cost would be charged, but your plane fare would be fully credited in case of cancellation.

What about Helicopter Flights?

Ramechap Airport is exclusively used for fixed-wing aircraft, so this change does not affect helicopter flights to and from Lukla. If you’re flying by helicopter, you’ll continue to use Kathmandu Airport. If you are flying in and out on a helicopter then you will not have to go through Ramechap Airport. Its only the Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) aircraft that will operate from Ramechap airport.

The helicopter flights are being conducted from Kathmandu airport’s east helipad and it will take only 20-30 mins to reach the airport from the center of Kathmandu. If you are doing the Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek or Everest Base Camp Heli Trek, then you will return straight to Kathmandu on a helicopter.

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