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Lukla Airport – Gateway to Himalayas

Lukla Airport, located at 2,846 m altitude, is an extreme airport that provides the thrilling flight experience from Kathmandu to Lukla and vice versa. Known as Tenzing Hillary Airport, it lies in Lukla, Khumbu, in Solukhumbu District of Province No. 1 or Eastern Nepal. Being the gateway to Everest Base Camp, Lukla is one of the most extreme airports of the world, having runway at 9,400 feet on top of a 2,000 feet cliff. 

 

Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla takes place every day during daylight hours if weather favors flying. There is frequent rainfall in Lukla while the Kathmandu is shining brightly, making visibility problems, causing delay and cancellation of flights.

 

The plane crash records make Lukla a frightening flight. Seven crashes have occurred after 2000, that have killed more than fifty passengers and crew. Having no safety cushion if the landing is missed or in case of an equipment failure, Lukla-bound flights do not have excellent safety.

 

If you are planning to take a flight to Lukla, keep extra days included as the cancellation of the trip is not uncommon. The airplane's alternative is the helicopter that you can charter for $1,500 to $2,500, which will carry 5 to 6 people. But helicopter crashes are also recorded. In 2013, a helicopter crashed that killed one passenger.

 

The beautiful Everest Base Camp trail makes trekker take Lukla-bound flights. If you are a die-hard trekker, you can trek instead of flying, which will add another ten days to your trip. No matter how dangerous the flight to Lukla is, the sight is marvelous. You will experience an outstanding view of the mountains, along with thrilling flight experience.

 

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