Lukla Flights now Rerouting from Manthali for the Trekking Season

Where is Manthali Airport?

Manthali airport lies in the Ramechhap district of Nepal. The airport is at a distance of 132 kilometers from Kathmandu. It is a small domestic airport that is situated near the bank of a river. From Kathmandu, the drive to Manthali, Ramechhap, will take around 5 to 6 hours. You can get there on a bus or a jeep.

We will drive along the BP highway eastwards from Kathmandu. All our itineraries for Everest region trekking and climbing start with the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. But now that the flights are rerouted, we drive our clients to Manthali airport at 2:00 am in the morning on the day of the flight. If you think that you don’t want to drive so early, you can drive to Manthali or Mulkot a day before the flight. 

Accommodations in Manthali

Manthali is a small town. But since Lukla flights are rerouted from Manthali airport, it is growing into a busy town. In the town of Manthali, there are a few lodges where you can stay overnight.

There is a place called Mulkot, at a driving distance of 1 hour from Manthali airport, and it has better accommodation than Manthali. You can stay here overnight and drive to Manthali airport in a jeep. Please feel free to contact us for more information about the rerouted flight to Lukla from Manthali.

Lukla Flights now rerouting from Manthali for the Trekking Season

From March to November, there is a peak trekking season in Nepal. During this time, flights from Lukla are normally rerouted from Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) to Manthali Airport in Ramechhap.

Well, this change in the route is normally for the travel issues in Kathmandu Airport. This is a smart move to reduce an air traffic congestion at Kathmandu's airport.

Traveling to Manthali Airport is a short and enjoyable journey. The place is about 132 km east of Kathmandu. You can reach there in 4 or 5 hours by driving. Further, the trekkers need to start early while departing Kathmandu. Soon they should reach Manthali and take a flight to Lukla. The flight time is just 20 minutes.

Interestingly, multiple flights operate daily on this route. Ramechhap and Lukla reroute has been a popular option for trekkers. Normally, the departure time remains 6:15 am for the flight. However, the weather condition and demand also matters.

Why Flights from Manthali to Lukla and Not From Kathmandu?

You might be thinking, why Manthali to Lukla? And not the Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla? Well, the answer is a better option to deal with many issues in the trekking season. Here are some of the main reasons for choosing Manthali over Kathmandu, have a look:

Too Much Air Traffic in Kathmandu

Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu remains busy with domestic and international flights. It is the main point of huge fights daily. Similarly, the trekking season in Nepal causes air traffic at Kathmandu Airport. From March to November, the Airport remains crowded, being the peak trekking season.

As there is just one runway, it creates much confusion and delays. You may have to face many obstacles in your Lukla flight. So, to avoid such a crowd and possible issues, you can opt for Manthali flights.

Lukla Flights Are Early

You may not have an idea, but Lukla flights must be early. Flights to Lukla are only possible during the early morning. The rest of the day often faces strong mountain winds and poor visibility.

If your flight gets delayed in Kathmandu, you have to cancel your flight to Lukla. So, to avoid such a mess, Manthali Airport is a better option.

Manthali Solves Issues

Manthali Airport, located in Ramechhap, is somewhat close to Lukla. Further, this airport handles only domestic flights. So, there will be fewer crowds, creating a safe journey. With less traffic, the planes take off very smoothly.

With Manthali Airport, there is a high chance of on-time performance. Also, there will be fewer flight cancellations. So, you should go for the Manthali reroute to Lukla.

Benefits Trekkers

Though you need to drive for 4 to 5 hours to reach Manthali from Kathmandu, it will take you to Lukla on time. The tour operating company manages this schedule so smoothly that there will be very little chance of flight cancellation or delay. Trekkers will benefit highly benefited in Lukla flights from Manthali.

Tips for Flying to Lukla Via Manthali

While flying to Lukla via Manthali, you can focus on the following things to make your trip better:

• You can plan the buffer days. Always keep 1 or 2 days extra before and after your flight days. This makes sure you enjoy your trip even if the flight gets cancelled.
• You should leave early for Manthali. You need to depart from Kathmandu early morning. Around 2 AM is a better time to catch the flight on time, later. You can also stay overnight at Manthali for a better flight experience.
• Pack your bags light. You are allowed only 15 kg in weight. Excess than this can cost you an extra charge. The extra charges are quite costly.
• Though you have the idea, let me remind you about the urgent need. You can carry a handbag to put cash, medicines, and necessary papers.
• Trekking agencies and flights are very packed during the peak trekking season. So, make sure you book trekking and flight before a month before. This ensures a smooth journey.
• Lukla is a remote Nepal, and there are fewer health facilities. Also, there is a high chance of altitude sickness and emergency evacuation. So, you must have insurance to cover emergency costs and rescue.
• As you land in the Himalayas, you will soon experience thrilling nature. So, brace yourself with confidence and patience. You may have to face delays and unpredictable weather.
• Last but not least, contact a trusted company. Breeze Adventures is an experienced and famous travel company in Kathmandu. With many years of experience, the company ensures a safe and fun-filled journey. You can contact us for a better trekking experience in this reroute journey to Lukla.

Lukla Flights Manthali Price

The one-way price from Manthali to Lukla is around $180 per person. Similarly, a round-trip cost in this route is around $360. Also, the cost depends on the season and demand. Normally, this route is favorable for October and November. Whereas, from March to half of May is suitable from Kathmandu. 

What is the alternative to Manthali Flight?

Kathmandu to Lukle flight is an alternative to the Manthali flight. This costs around $400-$500 per person via helicopter. The cost includes additional charges, making your journey smooth and enjoyable.  Additional charges mean unpredictable weather conditions and possible hurdles on the way. The price to Lukla depends on the weather conditions and flight demand.