Best Alternative Options for Lukla Flight

Best Alternative Options for Lukla Flight Cancelation

Last-minute cancellations of Lukla flights are common. Lukla-Kathmandu-Lukla flights are inconsistent due to bad and unpredictable weather in the Himalayas. This usually happens during the onset of the monsoon season until the beginning of autumn.

Rapid changes in weather conditions can lead to changes in the originally planned itinerary. During the monsoon season, flight delays are common throughout Nepal. However, in most high-altitude areas, delays or cancelations have become regular and habitual.

Plan (B)– Alternative Options

In the first place, we always recommend that our customers allow at least 2 to 3 days extra time before travel in case of unforeseen events such as flight delays or cancellations. These delays or cancellations are likely to cause changes to tour departure dates. In the event of inclement weather that may disrupt flights to and from Lukla, which is why we have outlined our contingency plans below.

• If for any reason the flight is cancelled, you will be returned to your hotel for an additional night.
• You may need to use your emergency fund to cover the cost of a chartered helicopter or form a group of up to 5 people, who will have to pay up to $500 per person. Chartering a helicopter yourself is an expensive affair and they can charge you anywhere from $2000 to $2500.
• Alternatively, you can change your trekking destination to Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang Valley Trek, Mardi Himal Trek or Khopra Ridge Trek.

Helicopters – the best alternative for Lukla Flight Cancelation
Helicopter flights ensure maximum chances of getting into Lukla and back during the daylight time.

What happens if my flight is canceled and not delayed?

Flight delays are common in the Himalayan regions, especially during the monsoon season. Therefore, if you have limited time, taking a helicopter to Lukla is the only option if your flight is cancelled. From Lukla, you will follow the same itinerary as previously planned. If you are unable to fly by heli on the same day and fly the next day instead, your desired itinerary will be delayed by one day.

AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions is flexible to accommodate the interests of those who are going on private treks. However, in group treks, all trekkers should discuss the possibilities and make a joint decision. If you are already delayed by a day or two due to bad weather, the pre-planned itinerary will be moved forward by the same day.

To avoid missing your international flight back home, we recommend that you have a few extra days after your trek. Flights from Lukla to Kathmandu may be delayed or cancelled. We will try to stick to our targeted itinerary as much as possible. If you don’t have extra days after your trek and Lukla flights are canceled, you will need to change the date of your international flight to your return home date.

Driving option to Ramechhap Airport

If you have to get to Ramechhap to catch a flight to Lukla, it is very busy, but worth it! You will probably have to wake up very early (maybe by 2 am). You will then board a private vehicle that will take you to Ramechhap, which is about 130 km from Kathmandu. It is about a 5-hour drive through winding roads and lush countryside. This ride comes at no extra cost to you.

Ramechhap Airport

If you feel uncomfortable waking up so early, you can travel to Ramechhap a day earlier, starting around 2 or 3 pm and spending the night in a tourist hotel near the airport in Ramechhap. However, the hotels in Ramechhap are not as comfortable as those in Kathmandu. The next morning, you will have to drive about half an hour to reach the airport and catch a flight to Lukla. Fortunately, the chances of flight cancellations from Ramechhap are much lower than from Kathmandu.

Important Notice: Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a representative from AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions will meet and greet you. He will also inform you about the pre-trip briefing meeting at our office or in your hotel lobby. Do not miss this session as it is very important for you to be well informed about your upcoming trip! However; your trek leader will provide you with updated information about flight delays or cancellations.