Due to heavy air traffic at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has announced that regular flights to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla will temporarily operate from Manthali Airport in Ramechhap. This change will take effect from September 20 and remain in place until mid-December.
The decision comes as TIA faces congestion, especially during the peak trekking season when the demand for flights to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region, surges. By shifting operations to Manthali, CAAN aims to ease traffic and improve the efficiency of flight schedules.
Manthali, a municipality and the headquarters of Ramechhap in Bagmati Province, is located approximately 143.1 kilometers from Kathmandu. While flights from Manthali to Lukla take only 15 minutes by fixed-wing aircraft, travelers must first embark on a roughly 4-hour and 30-minute drive from the capital to reach Manthali Airport.
For those looking to avoid the long drive or potential delays, there is still the option of a direct helicopter flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. However, this convenience comes at an extra cost, providing a faster alternative for those seeking to start their adventure without the additional road journey.
With this seasonal shift, travelers are advised to plan accordingly, ensuring they arrive in Manthali in time for their scheduled flights to Lukla, one of the most thrilling and scenic air routes in the world.
For more information, do not hesitate to contact us at info@altitudexperts.com or visit our website for regular updates and news. Stay informed about flight schedules, trekking tips, and the latest developments to ensure a smooth and memorable adventure.
