Lukla Airport in Everest Himalaya

 LUKLA AIRPORT: Located at elevation of 2845m. in Everest Himalyas

Lukla airport also known as Hilary Tensing Airport is built on steep incline of a hillside. The airport is 450m long and 20m wide and the runway incline is a staggering 12%.

Earlier it was Tenzing-Hillary airport named after Sir Edmund Hillary (KIWI Mountaineer) and Tenzing Norgay, the two first men to set foot on the Mount Everest. They both also, initiated the construction of the airport in 1964.

SOME FASCINATING EYE-OPENING FACTS:

The runway of the Lukla airport is measured by 460m (1,510ft) in length and by 20m (66ft) in width. With a sloped runway just 20 meters wide and less than a tenth of the length of the standard 5,500 metres at international airports, this is one of the steepest approach pathways in the world.

Situated in the Himalayas at 9000 feet above the sea, the Lukla airport has the tendency to operate over 50 flights a day. Only small planes and private jets which are capable of landing at Lukla are issued certifications for short landing and take-off.

As an international airport, the Lukla airport does not have a control tower, a radar mechanism nor even a navigation system. The flight operation is exclusively for the day time, since there is no electricity in the airport premises and nearby areas.

In fact, Pilots are required to rely on the view from their cockpit to land and to take-off. It seems like there won’t be a second chance once there is a panic situation to deal with because the plane either lands or it hits a mountain or drops off a cliff.

THINGS TO CONSIDER:

For those who are looking to climb the Mount Everest, the Lukla airport is the nerve rattling start for many expeditions. The Lukla airport also caters way to thousands of travellers each day from across the world.

Most of the travellers peril their lives in order to climb the magnificent avalanches of the Mount Everest. Interestingly, the Lukla airport with all its peculiarities, is a sight to admire. With its setting of Himalayan peaks and breathtaking mountainous sight, the Lukla airport is with a doubt, a place to explore.

The engagement of this airport is sky high as there are times when there is hardly a minute between a landing and the next take-off.
Now, this suggests that the Lukla airport is one of the world’s – busiest airports.

Lukla, a small Sherpa settlement, is located at an altitude of 2,800m where many trekking starts their trekking to Khumbu region. Lukla is gaining popularity with many lodging options, shops and trekking gears to buy and rent. It is the major gateway that leads us to exotic Khumbu region including majestic Everest. Kathmandu-Lukla flight offers the spectacular view of 18 highest peaks among which 4 of them are above 8,000m (subject to clear weather). Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla takes about 35 minutes through Trans-Himalayan route of Nepal.  

Flight Duration

It takes 30 minutes of scenic flight from Kathmandu to reach Lukla via aircraft. Note- the landing at Lukla airport is thrilling. Simrik Airlines, Goma Airlines and Tara Airlines are the best operating domestic airline which schedules (Kathmandu – Lukla) and (Lukla-Kathmandu) flights on daily basis. These airlines holds great safety records despite of having dangerous flight routes and treacherous runway in Lukla.

Baggage
The domestic airlines allow you to carry 10 kg luggage with 5kg hand carry bag. If you wish to carry more than 10 kg, the airline charges you nominal cost per kg. The extra luggage charge varies from airlines to airlines. If you are willing to trek or climb Everest, 10 kg luggage and 5 kg hand carry might cover all the necessary gears and equipment.