Changes in Flights to Lukla Autumn 2023

It has been notified by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) that from 1 October 2023, all flights to Lukla (LUA) will be operated from Ramechhap Airport (RCH) rather than from Kathmandu (KTM). This decision is made to avoid traffic congestion at Kathmandu Airport and for smooth flight operation to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region for trekkers.

Ramechhap has a small airstrip that lies in the town of Manthali, the headquarters of the Ramechhap district. Manthali is around 135 km in distance from Kathmandu with few existing tourist facilities. The drive to the airport from Kathmandu normally takes around 4-5 hours. This doesn't change anything regarding your trekking schedule. Although it adds a challenge to get up early in the morning at around 2-3 AM and travel by road through a winding mountain road to reach the airport.