Trekking season kicks off: Flights to Everest Base Camp begin

Kathmandu, September 22: Flights have begun for tourists heading to Everest Base Camp, the largest trekking destination in Nepal. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has officially granted permission for six aircraft from three airlines to operate flights from Manthali in Ramechhap to Lukla and Phaplu airports in Solukhumbu, starting Saturday.

The formal launch of flights began a week ago, on September 16, when these aircraft had been conducting preparatory flights. According to CAAN's information officer Gyanendra Bhul, flights officially commenced on Saturday, coinciding with the start of the autumn trekking season to Everest Base Camp.

Which airlines are operating flights?

For flights from Manthali to Lukla and Phaplu airports, Sita Air, Summit Air, and Tara Air have each received permission for two aircraft.

Among the airlines operating short-distance flights, Summit Airlines currently has four aircraft. One of these operates flights from Nepalgunj and Dhangadhi to hilly districts, while one flies from Pokhara airport, and two operate from Kathmandu. The aircraft flying from Kathmandu have now been redirected to Manthali.

Tara Airlines also has three aircraft, with one flying to hilly destinations from Pokhara and Nepalgunj. The schedule allows for five flights from Pokhara and two from Nepalgunj each week. The remaining two aircraft are assigned to Lukla flights.

Similarly, Sita Airlines has three aircraft, but currently only two are in operation. These aircraft fly twice a week from Nepalgunj and the rest of the days from Kathmandu. While the flights from Nepalgunj remain unchanged, those from Kathmandu have been shifted to Manthali. Now, Sita's two aircraft will also serve Lukla.

According to CAAN, all six aircraft from these three companies will operate flights to Lukla. Four of these aircraft will operate flights twice a week. Due to congestion at Kathmandu airport, flights to Lukla or Phaplu airports have been redirected to Manthali.

Approximately 1,000 tourists arrive daily in Lukla

Typically, one aircraft conducts around ten flights daily, though this can increase to fifteen based on passenger demand. The authority allows a crew to operate a maximum of five flights a day.

Among the currently flying aircraft, Summit Air can carry 18 passengers at a time, while Sita and Tara Air can carry 16 passengers each. This means that with ten flights a day, nearly 1,000 tourists can reach Lukla airport. If the weather cooperates, up to 1,500 tourists can arrive daily based on passenger demand.

Currently, a flight from Manthali to Lukla costs around NPR 6,000 for Nepalis, while foreign tourists are charged USD 187 (approximately NPR 24,800). This rate can vary, as noted by Bishnu Lamsal, senior vice president of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN).

Half of trekking is to Everest Base Camp

Lamsal states that during the autumn season alone, nearly 150,000 tourists trek to Everest Base Camp, most of whom start their journey from Lukla. A significant number of them travel there by plane.

Typically, a trekking package from Kathmandu to Lukla and then to Everest Base Camp lasts about 12 days. However, it can be completed in as little as ten days. Lamsal mentions that the 12-day duration is considered standard due to the need to acclimatize to high altitude.

He estimates that more than 150,000 tourists will undertake this trek during the season. Of the tourists arriving in Nepal, around 60% come specifically for trekking, with half of them targeting Everest. Lamsal explains that if one million foreign tourists visit annually, about 600,000 come for trekking, with around 300,000 aiming for Everest Base Camp. "This season is even more popular than the summer, so we can expect more than 150,000 tourists to go there," he adds.

Some tourists choose to start their trek from Dolakha or Salleri instead of Lukla. Solukhumbu district is divided into Solu and Khumbu regions, with Salleri located in the Solu area. Tourists often trek from there to reach the Everest Base Camp in the Khumbu region. TAAN states that Everest trekking alone provides direct and indirect employment for about 70,000 to 80,000 people.

Foreign tourists spend at least $1,500

According to Lamsal, a foreign tourist trekking from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp typically spends around USD 1,500. This cost includes airfare, transportation, trekking guides, food, and accommodation.

Health conditions during the trek and other expenses can increase this amount. If a health issue arises during the trek, emergency air evacuation may be necessary. However, such costs are usually covered by insurance.