Lukla flight route changes

Because of runway repair in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, all flights to and from Lukla is being diverted from Kathmandu Airport to Manthali Airport in Ramechhap district effective from April 1, 2019, to July 30, 2019.

An announcement and circulation has already been sent by the airlines. The date and tentative time of the flights will remain the same as per the tickets issued. However, this will require you to travel to Ramechhap from Kathmandu on your way to Lukla and retrace the exact same route on your way back to Kathmandu.

Lukla Airport - the main gateway to Everest Base Camp Trek

What if your flight is delayed at Manthali:

Manthali Airport is located in the Tamakoshi River Valley in Manthali, the head quarter of Ramechhap District at an altitude of 474 m. It is located 132 kilo meters from Kathmandu to the east and it takes 4.5 hours to get there from Kathmandu by road transportation.

It is a small town less visited by travelers usually. Thus, lodging facilities available are limited and the service level is basic. With the large number of trekkers who will come here to catch their flights, it is highly likely that you not find accommodation in Manthali during the peak season of April- May.

What are your options to manage the transport to and accommodation In Manthali Airport?

If you have directly booked your Lukla flights through Airlines website or travel agencies, please coordinate with the respective parties. In all likelihood, they will take care of the transportation to Manthali Airport. In the unlikely event that you have to arrange transportation and accommodation on your own, here is what you can do:

Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu

Getting to Manthali, Ramechhap.

You will be provided transporation to Manthali if you book your ticket through a travel/trekking agency.

If you have booked your ticket on your own. Get a cab to Koteshwor, catch a local bus or regular jeep from Koteshwor Bus Park to Manthali. Vehicles usually depart starting 6:30 am until 1 pm. This option will need you to staying overnight at Manthali.

Note: 

It is to inform trekkers that CAAN (Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal) has decided to operate all Lukla flights from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap for upcoming season to control increasing air traffic in Tribhuvan International Airport. Formerly it was planned to operate the flights from Manthli – Lukla till July 2019. Even after the completion of the runway rehabilitation works of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). After operating flights smoothly in this spring season CAAN has decided to give continuity to regular flights on the sector in the coming days. For more information read "CAAN to continue Ramechhap-Lukla flights"