Lukla Nepal

Lukla is a gateway to the Everest base camp trek and other trekking in the Everest region. It is a small town at 2860 m above sea level in Solukhumbu district, Koshi Province, Nepal. Lukla is a Sherpa village where we can explore Buddhist culture, architecture, and the beauty of Himalaya. The newly developed hotels and tea houses have increased facilities in Lukla for trekkers. It is most famous for the conjunction point of trekking to Everest base camp. The Lukla airport is another attraction that has played a significant role in increasing tourism in Khumbu. 

Lukla airport

Lukla airport is the one and only transportation route that allows flights to Lukla from Kathmandu or Ramechap. It is also known as Tenjing Hillary Airport since it was built by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1964 AD. Hillary airport is a dangerous airport having a small runway of 527 m length and 20 m width with a 12 degree slope from north to south. A small aircraft with 16 seats can only land at Lukla airport. Flights do not take place in bad weather. There should be a clear sky for helicopter flights to prevent uncertain crashes. The flight to Lukla occurs until 12 pm every day. Flights after 12 pm will be distracted due to the bad winter. 

History of Lukla airport

Lukla airport was built by buying local Sherpas land and involving them in building the airport. The Sherpa contributed to developing the airport by performing foot-stomping dances to flatten the land. The runway was developed by Sherpa in 1964 AD, whereas it was paved in 2001 AD. Later, the airport was renamed as Hillary airport on 2008 AD. The airport has played a significant role in increasing tourism, developing the Khumbu region, and shortening the difficult trekking route to Lukla. 

Interesting facts of Lukla airport

• World’s most dangerous airport
• Amazing view of Himalayan range
• Only Tiny aircraft landing capacity
• Domestic airport with small runway
• Weather must be good for flight
• Gateway to Everest region
• Sherpa town

Culture and tradition of Lukla

Sherpas are the residents of Lukla village. Buddhist culture is the major culture, whereas Mani Rimdu and Loshar are major festivals celebrated by Sherpa in the Everest region. Mani Rimdu is the most popular festival in Lukla village, which is celebrated for 19 days. It is the popular festival of Buddhist society in memory of Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava, the founder of Buddhism. The Sherpas and Lama celebrate the festival from mid-October to mid-November.

Sherpa Lhosar is another popular festival of Sherpa community in Lukla and other villages of Everest region. It is also known as Gyalpo Loshar which is celebrated every year during the month of February every year. Losar resembles new year in Gurung, Tamang and Sherpa community. Gyalpo Losar falls on the second day of waxing moon to the full moon of Falgun Shukla Prati pada. They worship Lord Buddha, perform cultural dances, songs, shares happiness and sadness with relatives during festivals. 

How to reach Lukla?

We can reach Lukla either by flight or road.  Lukla flight from Kathmandu is the easiest mode of transportation to Lukla. It takes only 29 minutes to reach Lukla from Kathmandu. Getting direct flight to Lukla in peak trekking season of Nepal is difficult due to high air traffic. The flight takes place from Manthali airport to Ramechap to overcome the traffic load on Tribhuvan International airport. It takes 20 minutes to reach Lukla from Manthali airport. 

The alternative route to Lukla flight is driving from Kathmandu to Lukla by road or by helicopter. It takes two days to reach Lukla via bus from Kathmandu.

Challenges to reach Lukla

• Flight does not occur in bad weather conditions, so we must have buffer day during the trek
• Road transportation is challenging with turning and hills
• landslide and floods can disturb the way
• Strong winds after 12 pm distract the flight, so Lukla flight occurs in the morning only.

What is Lukla famous for?

Lukla is famous as a starting point of Everest base camp trek. Lukla airport, Sherpa culture, monasteries, and Gumba are the identities of Lukla. Besides, the trekking route of Everest Expedition, Island Peak climbing, Louche Peak climbing, Everest Panorama Trek, and many trekking in Khumbu region, Nepal. 

Conclusions

Lukla Nepal is a famous destination of eastern Nepal. It is developing Sherpa town that houses the Tamang, Rai, and Limbu communities in harmony. We can enjoy the mountain view and hospitality in Lukla during the trek.