Lukla Weather Delays & Tourist Routes

For some days, unfavorable weather conditions have disrupted to and fro flights at Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla, leaving hundreds of tourists stranded and seeking alternative routes to their destinations. Many have chosen to fly to Phaplu Airport from Ramechhap Airport at Manthali instead, while others have opted for jeep rides to Phaplu before embarking on hikes from there to reach Lukla. Some tourists have even canceled their treks to the Khumbu region due to time constraints, according to tour operators.

In an effort to alleviate air traffic congestion at Tribhuvan International Airport, regular flights from Kathmandu to Lukla have been relocated to Ramechhap, Manthali from just over a year ago. Several airways now operate regular flights from this location. A flight from Ramechhap to Lukla takes about 18-21 minutes, and the surge in air traffic has contributed to regional development.

Autumn is the peak season for Tenzing-Hillary Airport, as it serves as the gateway to the Khumbu region and the base camp of Sagarmatha, the world's tallest mountain. After two days of unsuccessful flight attempts from Ramechhap Airport due to poor weather, airlines started redirecting flights to Phaplu Airport, shortening the distance between Ramechhap and Lukla for eager tourists.

Locals report that multiple flights have been landing at Phaplu Airport over the past four days. Tourists have also been increasingly renting four-wheelers or arranging helicopter flights from Phaplu to Lukla. Approximately 500 tourists arrive in Ramechhap daily from Kathmandu in hopes of catching a flight to Lukla.

Tour operators state that many clients are short on time and struggle to arrange helicopter flights amid adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, flying commercial planes is currently not an option for reaching Lukla. This issue extends in both directions, as numerous tourists remain stuck in Lukla awaiting their return flights.

The number of tourists trapped in Ramechhap has dropped in recent days, as many have sought alternative means of reaching Lukla or even returned to Kathmandu. Around 1,200 tourists were reported stuck in Ramechhap just days ago, but the ongoing weather conditions have limited both plane and helicopter flights to the region.

Interestingly, this trekking season has seen an increase in the number of tourists, particularly among Indians and Europeans visiting Sagarmatha National Park (SNP). The number of Chinese tourists, conversely, has slightly decreased compared to previous years. Notwithstanding weather-related delays, tourist arrival estimates in the Khumbu region for this year are expected to surpass those of last year.

Overall, between 2017 and 2022, over 225,000 tourists visited the region, generating revenue exceeding Rs 450 million. These figures come from a report by the Khumbu Pasangalhamu Rural Municipality, which also notes that the majority of households in the area are directly involved in tourism-related businesses such as hotels/lodges, tea shops, tourist shops, trekking guides, and mountaineering products.