Now You Can Skip Lukla Airport for Everest Base Camp TreK

Regarded as the world's most terrifying airport, Lukla Airport is the gateway to the Everest Region. It is at an altitude of 9,383 feet. A 25-30 minute flight from Kathmandu takes us to Lukla.

Lukla Airport came into operation in September 1971. Since then, it has provided services to a lot of people from all around the world. A flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is the best if you are going for the Everest Base Camp Trek. The scenic flight adds the essence of natural gorgeousness to the travelers' soul. There are various mysteries and facts about Lukla Airport regarding the runway, crashes, and distance that we are going to disclose here.

Lukla Airport Runway

The runway is the landing field of the aircraft. The structure and dimension of the runway is the critical point regarding the safety of the airport. The Lukla Airport runway is perched a little more on the mountains. It is way too short compared to other international airports.

The runways at most international airports are more than 10,000 feet long. Meanwhile, the length of the Lukla Runway is 1,729 feet. From this fact, you can have an idea about the dangerous runway that Lukla has.

The Lukla Airport runway does not satisfy the threshold safety level. The Lukla Runway dimension is 527 m x 20 m and slopes uphill with a 12% gradient descent. An average of 30 flights take off from and land on the Lukla Runway. Above all, the pilot needs to be extra careful while landing the aircraft. As there is a drop of above 2000 feet and the runway end is a huge mountainous wall. A simple mistake can be extremely dangerous. Source: CAAN

As of December 2024, trekkers no longer need to rely on the risky Lukla flight. A new road track to Lukla makes the Everest Base Camp Trek possible without flying. Now, you can reach Lukla with a two-day drive—one day to Salleri or Tham Danda, followed by a local drive and short hike. This safer and flexible option opens the door for more adventurers to experience Everest by road.”

Weather in Lukla Airport

The weather at Lukla is too fluctuating. It can deteriorate in a matter of minutes. As the altitude is too high, clouds can build up very quickly. Moreover, it makes the visibility very low. As a result, crashes happen often. The authority conducts flights following Visual Flight Rules. But sometimes mishaps can happen. The air pressure is also very low. Consequently, it makes the handling of planes very difficult.

Lukla Airport Crash Statistics

As we have already discussed, the unsafe runway, fluctuating weather, and uneven topography affect the safety of flights. Lukla Airport crashes are not new. They have happened. There have been some major crashes in Lukla Airport that make your heart shiver whenever you think about them.

Lukla Airport Crash 2008

A few feet below the start of the runway, Yeti Airlines Flight 106 crashed into the mountain. 16 passengers and two of the three crew members died. The reason for the crash was due to unclear visibility because of dense fog. However, the pilot survived the crash. He said in an interview that he still gets shivers down his spine when he thinks about the black day. Even though pre-weather checkings are done. The fluctuation in weather conditions is too scary.

Lukla Airport Crash 2017

On 25th March 2017, a cargo flight of Goma Air crashed when it was trying to land at Lukla Airport. The captain of the flight, Mr. Paras Rai, was killed in the sudden mishap. According to the reports, the crash took place when the pilot was trying to land it. The plane made a low approach, and in 10 seconds, the plane got slammed.

Lukla Airport to Everest Base Camp Trek Distance

The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. The gateway of the Everest Region is Lukla. If you are coming to explore the Everest Region, Lukla is the place you have to visit. There have been many misconceptions regarding the EBC trek distance from Lukla Airport. The one-way trek distance is about 65 kilometers, making it 130 kilometers two-way. Also, You get 11-15 days to trek around the world's most incredible trekking spot.

Lukla To Everest Base Camp by Helicopter

If you are going from Kathmandu to Lukla, a magnificent scenic flight is inevitable. However, some people like to try things differently. Taking a helicopter to EBC from Lukla is a great experience to have. It is normally a 4-5 hour flight from the capital to the region that has Everest in its heart.

The best trek for those who have limited time but still want to have the cloud-nine experience of appreciating Everest through the naked eye. Everest Base Camp Heli Trek is one of the best short treks in Nepal. Having less holiday time? Don't worry. Trekking Trail Nepal has got you covered. In addition to this, Trekking Trail Nepal arranges only the best things for you. From the best travel services to the best accommodation, you will fall in love all over again.

Trekking Trail Nepal has been conducting Everest Heli Tours for a very long time. And all travelers have loved it. However, if you want to complete the EBC Trek in a short time, there are other options too. The Short Everest Base Camp Trek is an economical short trek to try. It doesn’t matter which treks you go on. The fun and excitement you have on your trip are unparalleled by any riches.