Lukla is a busy mountain town in the Everest Region and the place where most trekkers land before walking into the Khumbu. At about 2,860 m, it has a short sloping airstrip, lodges, shops and a trail that drops gently towards Phakding. It marks day one of nearly every Everest, Gokyo and Three Passes itinerary we run.
Altitude: about 2,860 m. Heights quoted for villages and camps vary by source, so treat this as a guide.
Where Lukla is and why trekkers stop
Lukla sits on a hillside above the Dudh Kosi valley, and the flight from Kathmandu is the usual way to reach it. Almost everyone passes through, because it saves several days of walking compared with the road and trail approach from lower down. Trekkers stop here to meet porters, sort luggage, eat a first meal and wait for the walk to begin. Many itineraries, including our ten day Everest Base Camp plan, start and end here. From Lukla the stages to Phakding, Monjo, Namche Bazaar and Khumjung all begin on the same trail.
What to expect at Lukla
Expect a lively main street of lodges, bakeries, gear shops and money changers, all close to the airstrip. Planes arrive and leave through the morning, and the noise and bustle are part of the experience. Weather decides everything, since morning fog in autumn and afternoon cloud in spring can delay flights. Our own guides treat a spare day at each end of the trek as sensible planning, not a luxury. The walk out of town begins with a stone gate and a gentle descent, so you rarely feel rushed on arrival day.
Altitude and how you may feel
Flying from Kathmandu lifts you from a low city to about 2,860 m in under an hour, which is faster than your body can adjust to fully. Most people feel fine at Lukla, though a mild headache or light breathlessness on the stairs is not unusual. Walking down to Phakding on day one helps, because your sleeping altitude falls slightly. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol on the first night and go slowly. Altitude illness can strike at any elevation above roughly 2,500 m, and if symptoms worsen you should descend and tell your guide.
Lodging, food and practical tips
Lodges in Lukla range from simple rooms to places with attached bathrooms, and the town has a wider choice than anywhere higher up. Menus usually cover dal bhat, noodles, eggs, pasta and baked goods. Pack a small day bag with documents, water and a warm layer, since checked luggage can arrive later than you. Keep your onward flight home flexible, because delayed Lukla departures are common. Park permits and entry fees are handled before the trail, so carry your passport copies. Reading our guide to flying to Lukla before you book is well worth the time.
Stage guides that pass through Lukla
These day-by-day guides start or end at Lukla, with walking times, ascent and where to sleep.
- Lukla to Namche Bazaar trek: stages, altitude and time
- Lukla to Khumjung trek: stages, altitude and time
- Lukla to Phakding trek: altitude, time and route
- Lukla to Monjo trek: stages, altitude and time
Common questions
Why do most Everest treks start at Lukla?
Lukla has the airstrip that cuts the approach to the Khumbu down to a short flight from Kathmandu. From there the trail runs straight into the Dudh Kosi valley, so it is the practical starting point for Everest, Gokyo and passes treks.
Can Lukla flights be delayed?
Yes. Weather is the main cause, with fog in autumn mornings and cloud in spring afternoons. We advise a spare day at the start and the end of your trek so a delay does not cost you your international flight.
Do I need to stay overnight in Lukla?
Not usually. Most groups walk down to Phakding on arrival day, which is a short stage and lowers your sleeping altitude. You may stay in Lukla if your flight lands late or the weather turns.
