The airport in Kathmandu is busy, and during construction or at peak periods flights to Lukla are sometimes moved to a smaller airstrip at Ramechhap, a few hours' drive to the east. It does not happen every season, but it is worth understanding.
What changes for you
Ramechhap is roughly a four to five hour drive from Kathmandu, depending on traffic. To make an early flight, trekkers leave their hotel in the middle of the night, often around two or three in the morning. Your operator should tell you the exact time at your briefing and normally arranges the transfer by road.
Why the early start matters
Flights to Lukla depend on good weather at both ends, and clouds build as the day goes on. The earliest flights are the most likely to go. If bad weather stops flying, an operator will usually wait until about early afternoon, then bring you back to the hotel and rebook for the next day.
Helicopter alternatives
If flights are stopped, some trekkers hire a helicopter, which has been quoted at around USD 500 or more for a charter in recent seasons, and which also cannot fly in bad weather. Coming down by helicopter from higher points costs much more than from Namche. Prices vary, so ask for a written estimate. Sharing a helicopter with other trekkers can lower the cost.
How to plan
- Keep at least one spare day in the trek and ideally two at the end.
- Do not book an international flight the day after your planned return.
- Pack a snack, water and a warm layer for the long early drive.
- Ask whether the transfer cost is included in your package.
Check before you travel
Airport arrangements change from season to season. Ask your operator whether your dates are likely to use Ramechhap.
What the day looks like
If your flight leaves from Ramechhap, you will be woken in the middle of the night, driven for several hours on mountain roads and arrive at a small airfield before sunrise. Flights depart in a short window, as planes shuttle back and forth between the airstrip and Lukla. Facilities at the airfield are basic, and there can be queues. Bring warm clothing, snacks, water and patience, and try to sleep in the vehicle if you can.
Making the journey easier
Ask your operator about the quality of the vehicle and the timing of the drive. A comfortable seat, a break at a roadside stop and a plan for breakfast make the journey more bearable. Motion sickness is common on winding roads, so take advice from your doctor if you are prone to it. Carry a small snack and a thermos, and wear layers that you can adjust as the temperature changes.
Alternatives and trade-offs
Some operators offer helicopter transfers between Kathmandu and Lukla when flights from Ramechhap are not convenient. These cost more but save time and allow a later start. Others arrange an overnight stay near the airfield, which shortens the morning but reduces the comfort of a Kathmandu hotel. Think about the budget, time and comfort that matter most to you, and ask for a clear explanation of each option.
Good questions to ask
- Will my flight be from Kathmandu or Ramechhap on my dates?
- How long is the drive, and what time do we leave?
- What are the options if the flight is cancelled after we arrive at the airfield?
- Is breakfast provided, and what happens to my luggage?
What our guests say
Excerpts from guest reviews of Himalayan Wonders, our parent company, on Tripadvisor.
“I had an incredible experience with Himalayan Wonders on my Everest Base Camp trek.”
