Ramechhap to Lukla Flight

Ramechhap airport
Trip Information
  • Duration1 Hours
  • DestinationNepal
  • Difficulty Level Difficult
  • Max Altitude2,860 m/ 9,383 ft
  • ActivityFlight
  • Group Size+1
  • Trip StartManthali
  • Trip EndLukla
Highlights
  • Take an alternative flight from Manthali towards the Himalayan region of Nepal with aerial views of snow-capped mountains.
  • Experience the thrilling airplane flight to Lukla, considered one of the world's most challenging airports.
  • Flying from Ramechhap to Lukla offers a different perspective of the picturesque villages, terraced fields, rivers, glaciers, and waterfalls of the Everest region.
  • There is no other close or completely immersive flying experience like the one the trip from Ramechhap to Lukla offers.
  • Learn about the history of Lukla's mountaineering and trekking, which marks an epic adventure in the Everest region.

Introduction

Holiday Tours Nepal, in collaboration with Sita Air, Tara Air, and Summit Air, has now begun accepting bookings for flights to Lukla from Ramechhap. For all passengers flying to Lukla, booking with us will be a straightforward process, and our airport representative in Ramechhap will make things even easier for you. For foreigners planning to reach Lukla, this process will be concise, as passengers only need to provide their passport details, and the rest will be taken care of by our company representative.

So book your Lukla flight ticket with us and enjoy a hassle-free trip.

Ramechhap to Lukla flight facts

  • A valid document with a photo attached is required for all passengers.
  • Flight time: 18-20 minutes
  • Baggage allowance: 15 kilograms (33 pounds)
  • Main baggage must weigh no more than 10 kilograms (22 pounds).
  • Hand carry must be 5 kilograms (11 pounds).
  • Time to reach the Airport: one hour before the flight.
  • Flight frequency: Diversion from Kathmandu during the peak season time
  • The total number of airlines operating the flight is 3, with each airline operating two planes.
  • Passengers will be notified in the event of a flight delay or cancellation.
  • A 100% refund will be provided if the flight is cancelled by the airline.
  • Seventy-five percent of the refund will be provided if the passenger cancels the flight.

History of Manthali, Ramechhap Airport

Ramechhap Airport, also known as Manthali Airport, is located in the eastern region of Nepal and commenced operations in October 1979. In 2019, the runway at TIA was being renovated, which led to the Airport's closure for a while, significantly affecting Lukla's flights. Therefore, as an alternative, all flights to Lukla were operated from Ramechhap Airport, as it was the closest Airport to Kathmandu. Similarly, all flights to Lukla had to be conducted early in the morning due to the harsh climate, including high-velocity winds, so an alternative Lukla flight from Manthali was developed.

During peak season, the Ramechhap Manthali Airport conducted up to 20-25 flights per day; however, the heavy influx of tourists required a significant amount of work to handle. Thus, appropriate plans to upgrade the Airport were underway. By 2020, the flights to Lukla were operated again from Kathmandu, and in 2022, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal decided to operate the Lukla flight from Manthali; however, the infrastructure around the Airport is still under construction.

Details of Ramechhap Airport, Manthali

Ramechhap Airport is located in Manthali Municipality, Ramechhap District, Province No. 3. The following details about Ramechhap Airport are provided below. The information is extracted from the Ramechhap Airport PDF supplied by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.

Manthali is located in the Ramechhap district of Nepal, where flights to Lukla are conducted. Ramechhap to Lukla flight is a 20-minute flight that takes passengers from Ramechhap Airport towards the Tenzing-Hillary Airport of Lukla. Lukla is said to be the "Gateway of the Khumbu region" due to its proximity to Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain. Similarly, Lukla serves as the starting point for numerous trekking routes and expedition options in the Khumbu region.

Manthali, Ramechhap, is an alternative destination for a flight to Lukla. The primary route to Lukla is from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu. However, due to an increase in traffic and the number of individuals willing to travel to this pristine location, the Government of Nepal provided a flight schedule from Manthali as an alternative to the Kathmandu-Lukla flight for the Everest region.

A twin otter plane operates the 20-minute flight from Manthali to Lukla. It is the shortest and easiest option to reach Lukla. However, it is essential to understand that Manthali Lukla flights are affected by weather conditions. Frequent wind or cold temperatures, followed by dense cloud cover, affect Lukla's flight schedule. If the weather is terrible, there can be a significant flight delay, as the flight to Lukla is considered one of the most thrilling flights in the world.

Similarly, in good weather conditions, a flight from Manthali can be a great option to skip the hassle of crowded flight booking, as it serves as a good alternative. This allows for booking flights at peak season without delay or waiting longer. Individuals residing in Kathmandu can take a short and scenic private jeep drive to Manthali, which takes about four hours. After reaching Manthali, people can book a plane to Lukla.

General Information about Ramechhap Manthali Airport 

General Information about Ramechhap Manthali Airport 

Name

Ramechhap Airport

Location

Manthali, Ramechhap, Province-03

Location Indicator

VNRC

Aerodrome Reference Point

27 23 38N/086 03 41E

Elevation

493 m. /1617 ft. (Ref. Topographical base map of SurveyA  Dept.)

Contact

Off: 977-48540087 Tower: 977-48540087 Fax: 977-48540087 AFS: VNRCYDYX E-mail: [email protected]

Operation Hours

Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec

0645LT-1230LT

Mar, Apr, Sept, Oct

0615LT-1230LT

May, Jun, July, Aug

0600LT-1230LT

Status

Operational

Year of Start of Operation

October,1979

Re-Fueling Facilities

Available, Provided by Nepal Oil Corporation

Type of Aircraft

D228, DHC6, L410, Y12, C208

Runway

Type of Surface

Bituminous Paved (Asphalt Concrete)

Runway Dimension

530 m x 20 m

Runway Designation

03/21

Parking Capacity

Three Small Aircraft

Passenger Facilities

Facilities available for passengers at Ramechhap Manthali Airport

Hotels

Yes, outside the airport area

Restaurants

Available inside and outside the Airport.

Transportations

Jeep, Van

Banks/ATMS

No

Internet Facility

No

Cable TV

No

Baggage Trolley

Available but limited in numbers

 Note: The above-provided information is extracted from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal under Ramechhap Airport.pdf, retrieved 26th March 26, 2024.

How to Book a Flight from Ramechhap to Lukla?

The flight to Lukla experiences high demand, making it challenging to secure tickets promptly. Direct booking for flights to and from Lukla is not available. Customers are encouraged to utilize the "Book Now" feature provided by Holiday Tours Nepal to submit their booking requests.

Upon receipt, the airline will arrange the flight and provide the customer with the relevant schedule information. There are mainly three types of flights that can be conducted and booked from Manthali to Lukla, which are listed below:

Ramechhap to Lukla One Way Flight

Book Now

Lukla to Ramechhap Return Flight   

Book Now

Ramechhap, Manthali - Lukla - Manthali (Round Trip)

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What Airlines are involved in the Lukla Flight from Ramechhap?

The airlines that mainly conduct flights to Lukla from Ramechhap include Sita Air, Summit Air, and Tara Air. The time and cost of flights differ according to the airlines and should be consulted individually. Holiday Planner Nepal can help individuals willing to travel from Manthali to Lukla select the appropriate airline based on their personal preference. From more luxury options to budget-friendly travel seats, we can help book the flight according to personal preference.

How to reach Ramechhap from Kathmandu?

Well, reaching Manthali from Kathmandu could be a lot better. The travel route is via road, using a private jeep, van, or car. The total distance of travel is 130 kilometers (80.77 miles), which takes at least four hours, depending on the road conditions and traffic situation. During the road trip, passengers can view the hilly terrain along the Tama Koshi River. Similarly, the view of cascading waterfalls, remote villages, and mountain ranges welcomes visitors to Ramechhap.

Drive to Manthali with Holiday Tour Nepal

Holiday Planner Nepal provides a private or shared vehicle transfer service to transport people from Kathmandu to Ramechhap. The road trip can be conducted in a car, jeep, or van. We can arrange a private vehicle for those who want to travel in style and luxury. Similarly, for those who wish to travel on a budget-friendly basis, we also offer a shared vehicle facility with other travelers who share a common destination, which can help minimize travel costs.

Is it safe to fly from Manthali to Lukla?

Flying from Manthali to Lukla is generally safe, but there are factors to consider that can impact the safety of the trip. The weather around Lukla can change rapidly and pose a challenge for pilots, with frequent fog, clouds, strong winds, and air turbulence. Additionally, Lukla Airport is situated high in the mountains, so pilots require specialized training to operate there. Selecting airlines known for their safety and experienced pilots can make the flight safer. Even so, travelers should be cautious, monitor the weather, and be prepared for potential delays or cancellations due to adverse weather conditions.

Cost Details
What's Included
  • Manthali to Lukla flight ticket.
Availability

Group Departure
Book a spot on one of our groups of up to 15 people, which run daily from February to mid-June and mid-September to December. To ensure the safety and comfort of our guests, we do not operate during the monsoon season. Group discounts are available as per group size. Choose a date from the calendar to reserve your spot. If there is any confusion, don't hesitate to get in touch with us (call or email now for a private or group trip: [email protected]/ mobile: +977 9818178630 (24 hrs); WhatsApp and Viber) so we can happily manage your trip as per your interest.

Private Trip
Are you looking for a personalized Everest base camp Trek? We organize privately guided journeys mainly designed to fit your tastes and interests. Please get in touch with us (call or email now for a private trip: [email protected]/, mobile: +977-9818178630 (24 hrs); WhatsApp and Viber) so we can happily manage your trip as per your interest.

Add-ons & Options

  • A private vehicle for transportation to the airport from the desired location and to the desired place from the airport is available at an additional cost.
Useful Information

Step by step process to get the Visa after landing in Nepal and what is the cost for visa in 2025?

  • Follow the signs or the instructions of the persons and proceed to the arrival hall first.
  • Fill out the arrival card that is provided at the immigration area or use the kiosk machine.
  • Staffs and there are signs that will guide you to fill the form, paying the fees and getting visa.
  • After filling the form procced to the dedicated counter to pay the visa fee.
  • Visa fees can be paid in dollars, euro, pound and Nepali rupees is also accepted.
  • For 2025 there is a on arrival visa, and the cost for a visa is USD 30 for 15 days. For 30 days the visa cost is USD 50; for 90 days, the visa cost is USD 125.
  • After paying the fees present your passport, visa application, arrival card and payment receipt at the immigration counter.
  • After all this process the immigration officer will issue the visa.
  • After getting the visa you can come out of the airport and meet our representatives who will be waiting with a name plate outside the airport.
  • As you walk out of the airport and cross the road you will meet our airport representative who will take you to the hotel and after that we will meet and talk in detail about the trip.

Why doesn’t Holiday Planner Nepal encourage joining groups or traveling with other travelers?

What we believe in is when you book the trek solo or with the group you know the solo traveler or the group book it solo because you don’t want to join a group and want to enjoy the trek by yourself and the cost is the same so why to join a group and ruin the experience.

Everyone has different mentality according to which the chemistry may not match up when joining a group which may lead to bad experience.

What is the difference between joining a group, going solo or with group you know?

Aspect

Trekking solo

Group you know

Group of strangers

Flexibility

Set you own pace and schedule your trip freely

Decisions are made by collaboration

A preplanned itinerary should be followed.

Comfort level

Sometimes can be felt lonely when the guides and porters are not there

Familiar companions who offer physical and emotional support

Requires getting adapted to new personalities and characters can be frustrating sometimes

Safety

Immediate help if guides and porters are around but in case of night time can be a problem.

Trusted companion with you in the twin room can provide support

Group leaders and members will provide safety.

Cost

Maybe higher compared to group

Shared cost reduces a bit of expenses

Economical as group discounts are provided in big groups

Social interaction

Limited unless meeting new people

Familiar environment with the person and travelers we know

Opportunity to make new friend but sometimes characters may cause problems

Planning

Fully flexible and the plan can be changed anytime

Group planning and then a final decision

Pre arrange itineraries by the organizer

Adaptability

Full freedom for changing plans

Adjustments can be made with a member or the team

Must stick to the group plans and schedule.

Experience rated and provided till date

Peaceful, freedom and flexibility

Quality time well spent with the persons we know

Unknown peoples and characters outcome can be both good or bad.

Ramechhap to Lukla Flight FAQs

  • Ramechhap Airport is a domestic airport located in the Ramechhap district of Nepal and is 145 kilometers away from Kathmandu.

  • The altitude of Ramechhap airport is around 474 meters, which is around 1555 feet from sea level.

  • The temperature generally at the airport and around Ramechhap Manthali is very hot when compared to Lukla and the Khumbu region, so it's better to keep your jackets in your handbag as you will need them after landing at Lukla.

  • Ramechhap Manthali airport is not digitalized and is relatively basic, and it reminds trekkers and travelers of how the airports used to be around 4–50 years ago.

  • Ramechhap Manthali airport has hotels nearby for accommodation in case of flight delays or when accommodation is required for the flight the next day, but the accommodations are very basic.

  • The fare from Ramechhap to Lukla for foreigners is around 177 dollars.

  • The flight cost from Ramechhap to Lukla for Indian citizens is around 13641 rupees.

  • The flight cost from Ramechhap Manthali to Lukla for Nepali is around 12000 rupees.

  • The flight status can be checked live on YouTube by typing Lukla airport live. The flights can be monitored when they fly and land, but the place and time when the plane will fly and land cannot be seen online; only the landing and takeoff can be seen.

  • The flights are diverted from Ramechhap due to air traffic, and since the runway of Kathmandu airport is occupied by international planes, to make it favorable and to avoid flight delays, the flights are diverted from Ramechhap Manthali.

  • Usually, flights are not cancelled, even if they are cancelled due to the issue of wind, clouds, or bad weather. The flights only get cancelled in the case of bad weather, or else they are not cancelled.

  • The baggage limit is 15 kilos, of which 5 kilos must be placed in the day bag or hand carry, which the clients will carry, and 10 kilos will go inside the main luggage of the plane, for a total of 15 kilos.

  • The helicopter flight from Ramechhap to Lukla costs around 350–400 dollars and takes about 24-28 minutes to get to Lukla from Ramechhap.

  • All the airlines are the same, and using a Boeing plane, there are 3 airlines operating, so to tell the truth, it’s the same; it doesn’t matter which airline you're flying from.

  • The flights are operating from Ramechhap and not from Kathmandu due to the limited time window. As the air traffic in Kathmandu is very busy due to the international flights, it interferes with the Lukla flight. That’s why the flights are transferred from Kathmandu to Ramechhap.

  • The flight time from Ramechhap to Lukla airport takes around 19–23 minutes in total, depending on the airline, pilot, and wind, but in total, it takes 19–23 minutes.

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