Flight to Lukla: Tips and Tricks for a Safe and Smooth Travel Experience
22 Mar 2023 hillaryadmin
Trekking enthusiasts from all around the world most probably have the Everest region trek on their bucket list. Trekking to Everest Base camp, in particular, is immensely popular for highly adventurous yet thrilling experiences. The trekking trail starts from Lukla, the gateway to the world-renowned Everest Base Camp trek, and the flight to Lukla itself is an adventurous trip.
Imagine yourself in a small plane taking about half an hour of bumpy flight as you soar over the rolling hills and deep valleys to land at the airport, which has the reputation of being the world’s most dangerous airport. Right after taking off from Kathmandu, you will feel a sense of anticipation and excitement building within you. The experience is like no other. Though the flight is a short one, it is packed with excitement from taking off from Kathmandu to landing at Lukla airport.
But despite its reputation, Kathmandu to Lukla flight is an incredibly fascinating way to reach the Everest Base Camp trek starting point. The flight offers stunning views of the Himalayas, including the majestic Mount Everest to introduce you to the exceptional natural beauty of Nepal.
In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about taking a flight to Lukla. From the logistics of getting to Lukla airport to tips for a smooth and safe travel experience, we’ve got you covered.
Preparation for the Flight
Your safe and smooth journey to fly to Lukla starts with preparing yourself by taking the necessary steps to ensure a safe and comfortable flight. The preparation consideration helps to ensure that you are ready to overcome any possible challenges that you may face during your flight to Lukla. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your flight.
Researching and booking your flight
Several airlines offer the service for flights to Lukla airport, and we encourage you to do some research on them. Check for the safety rules, precaution measures, and policies of the airline before selecting one.
We also recommend booking the tickets in advance. Flying to Lukla is one of the busiest air routes as it is a starting point for popular trekking destinations in Nepal and booking the tickets in advance makes sure that you get to visit at your desired time. And, you get to choose your preferred seat too.
Plus, you should also consider the time of year to fly to Lukla. This is because the weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable, and flights are often delayed or canceled due to poor visibility or strong winds. It is best to avoid the monsoon season from June to August when the risk of flight cancellations is higher.
Packing essentials for the flight
Of course, you want to make sure that you carry all the essential gear and equipment for flying and trekking. However, it is also important to pack light. Most airlines with flights to Lukla from Kathmandu have strict weight restrictions, and you don’t want to be carrying unnecessary weight on your trek and miss out on the essential ones. So, what are the essentials that you should pack for your flight to Lukla? Here we have compiled a list. Let’s check on them.
- Valid passport and visa
- Warm clothing
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunglasses
- Travel Insurance
- Trekking clothes
- Snacks (there are limited food options at the airport)
Safety Tips to take off
Once you are well prepared with the essentials, you are ready to board the flight to Lukla. After going through the check-in procedures, board the planes following announcements or instructions from the airline staff.
Before take-off, the flight crew will provide safety instructions and demonstrate the use of safety equipment such as oxygen masks and seat belts. The flight crew will also provide instructions in detail regarding the location of emergency exits and procedures to follow in case of an emergency. It is important to pay attention to these instructions, as they can be life-saving.
Also, be mindful, the plane may experience turbulence during takeoff. However, you do not need to panic if this type of situation occurs as they are common. So, stay calm and follow the flight crew’s instructions to ensure a safe takeoff.
Safety Tips During the Flight
After take-off, it is important that you continue to follow safety measures to ensure safety while you are in the air. To make your flight to Lukla a comfortable one, you can make use of helpful essentials such as noise-canceling headphones, a neck pillow, and an eye mask. We encourage you to stay hydrated all the time and not over-consume alcohol or caffeine as they may lead to sickness and uncomfortableness.
During your flight, the airline may take certain measures such as reducing cabin pressure, providing supplemental oxygen, and using turbulence avoidance systems to ensure safety. This will aid to provide you with a smooth flight experience. While doing so, the airlines may make announcements or provide instructions in the air. Be attentive to those instructions.
Though it is unlikely that there will be an emergency during the flight, it is important to remain calm and follow the flight crew’s instructions. The crew will guide on how to use safety equipment and evacuate the plane in case of emergency. Be attentive.
While it is important to consider the safety measure, do not forget to enjoy the incredible scenic view from the top. The flight to Lukla offers some of the most stunning views of the Himalayas to mesmerize you. Make sure to use the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Safety Tips to land at Lukla
Lukla Airport, Nepal is known for its short and steep runway, which makes landing here a bit more challenging than other typical commercial airports. As you come near to landing, it is crucial to be attentive to announcements and follow the crew’s instructions. Do not stand up and remain seated where you are until the plane has come to a complete stop to avoid falls and trips.
After landing, exit the plane and then airport to meet with your trekking group. To do so, follow airport staff’s signals and directions, and also be mindful of the other passengers as you make your way out.
After arriving outside of the airport, look for your trekking group and make sure everyone is accounted for. Assist each other if required and follow the guidance of your trekking guide to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek.
Conclusion
A flight to Lukla is an adventurous and thrilling experience, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas and an unforgettable experience. As Lukla airport has a reputation as one of the most challenging airports in the world, it is common to get a bit anxious before flights to Lukla. However, with the right preparation taking necessary safety precautions helps to ensure a smooth and safe travel experience. Additionally, our travel agency in Nepal – Hillary Step Treks is committed to providing you with a safe and enjoyable trekking experience, from start to finish.
As a part of our commitment to safety, we are the best travel agency in Nepal to arrange the best possible logistics for travel and trek while ensuring safety throughout your journey. Our experienced guides will help you navigate Kathmandu airport, board the plane, and ensure your safety during the flight. Upon arrival in Lukla, we’ll be there to guide you through exiting the airport and begin your journey to amazing trekking destinations in Nepal starting from Lukla.
Choose Hillary Step Treks for your next trek from Lukla, and let us take care of the rest, from safety to adventure.
FAQs
How safe is a flight to Lukla?
Despite Lukla airport being considered the most dangerous in the world, flight to Lukla is adventurous but safe. Every day, approximately 20 to 30 flights safely land at Lukla airport during the busy trekking season. Therefore, we can consider flights to Lukla decently safe though the statistics are somehow not good compared to other exemplary airports.
Which airline is best for Lukla?
Several airlines in Nepal provide flights from Kathmandu to Lukla service. Some popular airlines to offer the best flight service to Lukla include Yeti Airlines, Tara Airlines, Goma Airlines, and Simrik Airlines.
How do I prepare my body for a flight?
During a flight, feeling uncomfortable or sick is common for many. So, it is important to take care of your health and prepare your body for a flight. Some useful tips to prepare your body for a comfortable flight are staying hydrated, avoiding excess alcohol, stretching your body, and dressing comfortably.
What not to do before a flight?
Long flights can be hectic at times. So, taking safety precautions for health and comfort becomes crucial. One of the important factors to consider is avoiding unhealthy foods. This is because high altitudes affect your digestion which may make you sick upon consuming unhygienic foods. Some types of foods and beverages to exclude are salty or processed foods, cruciferous vegetables, caffeine, and alcohol.