The trek itself can be exactly ten days, but the trip should not be. Flights in and out of Lukla are delayed by weather often enough that a plan with no spare time is a gamble. This page explains how to protect your plane home.
Why flights slip
Lukla has a short, sloped airstrip and is surrounded by high terrain. Flights depend on clear morning visibility. Cloud, rain or wind at either end cancels them. Delays of a day or two are common in all seasons.
Where the 10 days are fragile
- Day 1: a delayed flight in pushes the plan back and removes days.
- Day 10: a missed flight out can strand you in Lukla. See what to do if you are stuck in Lukla.
Buffer rules
- Keep at least two days between your last planned Lukla flight and your international departure.
- Do not book tight connections on the same day as your Lukla return.
- Book a flexible or changeable onward ticket if you can.
Ramechhap departures
In busy seasons, some flights leave from Ramechhap rather than Kathmandu, which means an early morning drive. See the Ramechhap diversion.
Helicopter as plan B
A helicopter can bridge a gap when flights are blocked, and it is a common fallback when time runs short. Costs and rules are on our helicopter page and who pays for delays.
A booking checklist
- Buy international tickets that allow a date change.
- Book Kathmandu hotels with a flexible final night.
- Keep your passport, permits and insurance numbers on your phone and on paper.
- Ask your operator what the plan is if a Lukla flight is cancelled on day one.
If you only have exactly ten days
Then pick the first walking day carefully. Many people prefer to leave Kathmandu on a Monday or Tuesday so that a one-day delay still leaves a weekend of buffer at the end. Another good habit is to treat the last day as optional and not plan a same-day connection.
Common questions
How many spare days should I keep?
At least two between your Lukla return and your international flight.
Can a 10-day trek be done with no buffer?
It can, but a delayed flight could cost you your onward ticket.
Does the helicopter always fly?
No. It also depends on weather and visibility.
