Lukla Airport and Weather for Nepal Flights<<>> Lukla airport is a half hour flight from Kathmandu.
This very small airport is where most people begin and end their Everest region treks. It can get extremely crowded, in the airport building, as one set of hikers arrive and another are leaving. Also there are many groups with all their baggage. And most goods are flown into here to be transported up the mountain. Most of the walkers who reach here will arrive by air and the remainder will usually trek in from Jiri, which is about a seven to eight day walk.
As you stand on the tarmac at Kathmandu's domestic airport waiting to board your plane a little apprehension, as well as excitement, fills your mind. Because you’ve heard the stories about lukla airstrip, the winds and the slope etc. If you can, sit on the left hand seats of your aircraft because on your short thirty to thirty five minute flight you will have terrific scenery. And from that side of the plane you will be able to see the snowy peaks of the Langkang Mountains. The flight approach requires flying up long, narrow valleys and then quickly descending on to the narrow strip of tarmac below. The Nepal Lukla airport has one of the steepest runways in the world with an upward slope of about 10 degrees as you land you will feel the deceleration and the aircraft will turn a sharp right to avoid the rock wall at the end of the runway. And hey presto, you’re here ! When you disembark be sure to savour your surrounding in what has to be one of the the most beautiful places in the world. Take in the lukla airport setting and the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.Then make your way to the arrivals to meet your guide or tour party. If you can watch the other Lukla flights arrive and see how flawless the landings are. Also watch an aircraft take off. It appears as if it will drop off into the valley below but the slope which slowed you down, now helps them to quickly take off.
The town name means the place with many goats and sheep, but nowadays that should be changed to the place of many trekkers and hikers as people jostle round the airstrip either greetin or saying goodbye to various groups. At 2,860 metres above sea level this is the place where most people visiting the Himalayas start their treks. And those who started in Jiri will also pass through here. The town has a variety of shops, cafes and lodges offering accommodation, local dishes and basic western style meals. It’s very busy at the height of the trekking season as people come and go every day and then there is the Lukla weather and wind. If the weather turns for the worst or it’s very windy flights can be stopped for safety reasons. So that means more people waiting to catch their flight.
Here the closest road is a seven-day hike to Jiri. So everything has to be carried. The trail up to Namche Bazaar is also the main road, as you will see as the trains of Dzos (half yak, half cow) laden with goods sets the pace for everyone. As you walk up the hill with your light daypack you will be amazed at what the porters carry on their backs. Beer, meat, water, supplies for base camp and furniture. Add to that a few packhorses and you have a high traffic trail. So take your time and enjoy your stroll up the hill listening to the bells of the Dzos and the packhorses. <<>> From here, most trekking groups take two days to reach Namche Bazaar, to lessen the risk of any altitude sickness. Distance wise, it’s one long day walk of 8 to 10 hours but not advised due to increased risk of altitude sickness.. It's a downhill walk to Monjo or Phakding, passing many mani stones and stupas and local villages. Then after a nights rest in a teahouse or a campsite, you begin your trek up the hill! And before you know where you are, you are on your way back to catch your flight from Lukla Airport to Kathmandu.
|
