Tourism  September 7, 2023      By Himalayan Hero

Lukla airport ranks among the world's most dangerous airports, rated as one of the most spine-chilling experiences in the Khumbu region. Lukla's landing experience was exhilarating, according to travelers.

Consequently, Lukla airport is one of the world's most exciting airports. One of the most exciting attractions in the Everest region is Lukla airport, also known as Tenzing Hillary Airport. Several hiking expeditions start in Lukla, a small town in the Everest region. Consequently, those interested in hiking in the Khumbu valley or trekking to Everest Base Camp must pass through Lukla village.
 
Lukla Airport and the village of Lukla are both discussed in this article. Have a pleasant trip to Lukla by reading this article.

What is the history of Lukla airport? 

The runway at Lukla Airport was built in 1964. Only under Sir Edmund Hillary's supervision was the runway graded adequately in 2001. As the first person to climb Mount Everest's summit, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa were honored with its name in 2008. There is a 527-meter and 30-meter-wide runway at the Lukla airport. As there is no road access in Khumbu valley, the airport is primarily used by passengers and freight transiting to Lukla.

What makes Lukla airport popular amongst visitors?

Every person passing through Lukla en route to or from Mt. Everest or other vantage points in the region passes through the Everest region. Province No. 1, or Eastern Nepal, is known as Tenzing Hillary Airport, located in Lukla, Khumbu, in Solukhumbu District.

An almost 2,900-meter-high mountain face surrounds the airport. One side drops 600 meters off a cliff face; a stone wall encloses the other.


 
There is a 2,000-foot cliff above the airport runway, which rises to 9,400 feet. The airport is rated as one of the world's most dangerous because of its risky location and length.
 
Located at the foot of Mount Everest, Lukla Airport is in a small town. The highest point in Nepal is in its northeastern region at 2,640 meters above sea level. Besides raising goats and sheep, it is also known for trading mountain products with Nepal, India, and Tibet.

Even though it is a small town, the place is buzzing with the sounds of adventure trekkers preparing for their treks or finishing off their well-deserved beers after finishing an adventurous Everest Region expedition. After landing at Lukla Airport, most Everest Base Camp Trekkers start their journey.
 
However, taking off and landing is a gut-wrenching experience due to the short runway, extreme altitude, and often adverse weather conditions. There is, however, a reasonable chance of success. Throughout the program's history, there have only been three fatal accidents, all of which were weather-related. The fact that there are several flights a day between Kathmandu and Lukla makes the airport relatively safe, considering that there are multiple flights every day.

Is there a good time of year to visit Lukla?

Every day during the peak trekking and expedition season, hundreds of trekkers fly into and out of Lukla in the Everest Khumbu region. Depending on the season, Lukla's weather varies. The best time to travel to the Everest region and Luka town is Autumn (Sept-Nov) and Spring (March-May).

Flying is more accessible and less risky this season because the skies are clear almost daily. In Lukla, spring and autumn are the best seasons for travel because the weather is less cloudy, the wind speed is lower, the airport becomes dry, which is relatively safe during landing, and visibility is excellent for pilots.

What to do if you are stuck in Lukla?

With the building of the airport in 1964, Lukla became available to the world, and trekkers began using it as a base for expeditions to Mt Everest. 

Because it is used for sleeping before or after hikes, little has been done to accommodate those staying longer than expected.

You might struggle to find something to do if the changing weather conditions cause flights to be cancelled or delayed. For your convenience, we've put together a few ideas:

1. Take the opportunity to experience some of the region's rich cultures by visiting one of the local villages.
2. It would be best if you didn't miss the sight of the flights arriving and departing from Lukla airport. It's an extreme airport that's definitely worth watching. 
3. Donate some money or take gifts to the local school or hospital to brighten somebody's day.
4. If you like photography, make sure you check out Kemgon Gompa. 
5. The local cuisine is delicious - Sherpa Stew is a comforting dish to start with, and meat is flown in so vegetarian options may be your best bet.

It's also a good idea to spend a day/night in Lukla before heading off on your treks, it's a great time to begin your acclimatization regime, and there are some short walks from the town for you to enjoy. Lukla is what you make of it, and although delayed flights and bad weather can give new meaning to the word stress, safety is more important. So ease out, relax, and enjoy as much as you can!
 

What are the other options for getting to Lukla?

The cheapest way to reach Jiri, a town in the Lower Everest region, is by jeep or public bus from Kathmandu. There are far fewer trekkers in Lukla, and you'll have most of the trail to yourself and pass through beautiful Sherpa villages along the way. In the Upper Everest region, you will often see guides and porters living here. 

 

Itinerary of Everest Base Camp Trek

 

What is the safety of flights to Lukla?

During the peak trekking and expedition season, Lukla airport safely handled about 50+ flights a day despite being the world's most dangerous airport.

Nepal's Lukla airport is a popular destination for trekkers who visit Nepal every year. Despite the relatively higher level of danger in Lukla airport than typical domestic airports in Nepal, it is still relatively safe. There is a lot of concern among the aviation officials of Nepal and the local airlines regarding the acceptable flight conditions and regulations for aircraft flying into Lukla.  

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal prioritizes landings at this airport for pilots with 100 short-takeoff and landing (STOL) operations, at least one year of experience in Nepal, and at least ten flights with an instructor pilot because it is difficult to take off and land at this airport due to the weather challenges and other risks.

Are any other additional facts of Lukla airport?

 Well, apart from the information given above, we have few of the rarest thrilling fact of Lukla, that is certain to keep your eyes awake.

• As a tribute to Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, who ascended Mt. Everest for the first time in 2008, Lukla Airport was named Tenzing-Hillary Airport. Trekking and expeditions in the Everest Region can be reached in 35 minutes by flight from Kathmandu. 
• As part of the construction of Lukla airport, the Sherpas used their mountaineering skills. 
• Under the leadership of Sir Edmund Hillary, the airport was constructed in 1964. 
• The airport's runway is 527m long and 30min wide, making taking off and landing difficult. 
• Views of mountains, landscapes, and valleys can be seen on the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. It will be a scenic flight of the highest level. 
• It is one of Nepal's busiest domestic airports during the trekking season, with at least 60+ flights per day. 
• Considering the small size of the plane to/from Lukla, there are no fixed seats, so if you're traveling to Lukla, sit on the left. If you're traveling to Kathmandu, sit on the right. You'll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Everest mountain range. 
• Using radar at Lukla Airport is not possible, but a radio communication system is available.
• Flights to Lukla airport allow 15 kg of baggage.
• Due to its status as one of the most dangerous airports in the world, Lukla airport was broadcast on The History Channel in 2010 and by Forbes in 2019. 
• Flights are inevitably canceled frequently due to the weather in Lukla changing frequently. 
• Only one type of plane can land at the Lukla airport: the Twin Otter. Companies such as Nepal Airlines, Sita Air, Summit Air, and Tara Air conduct commercial flights in this airport. 
• The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal gives a high priority for landing at this airport due to the difficulty of landing there. Pilots with 100 short-takeoff and landing (STOL) flights, experience in Nepal, and a certified instructor pilot who has completed ten flights to Lukla are permitted to land there. 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION (FAQ)

1) What makes Lukla Airport so famous?

Mount Everest Base Camp treks begin at the airport, which makes it one of the most popular airports. Lukla to Kathmandu flights are available daily during daylight hours. While the flying distance is short, Lukla often experiences rain, while Kathmandu enjoys bright sunshine.
 

2) Do you have cars in Lukla?

Takeoffs and landings of aircraft are commonly witnessed by aircraft enthusiasts. There is no physical separation between the airfield and the town. In Lukla, there are absolutely no cars!

3) When was the last crash in Lukla?

On the evening of 8 October 2008, Yeti Airlines Flight 103 crashed as it was approaching Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, eastern Nepal.

4) What types of aircraft can land in Lukla?

Due to the surrounding mountains, there is little opportunity to miss an approach, so there is no go-around procedure. A plane must touch down once it starts its process. The only aircraft permitted to land are helicopters and small fixed-wing propeller planes.

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