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
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
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 | |
Lukla to Ramechhap Return Flight | |
Ramechhap, Manthali - Lukla - Manthali (Round Trip) |
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.