The aerial gateway to Nepal’s Everest Himalaya region, and a trekkers’ hub, in the mountain town of Lukla
Stepping out of the plane at Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport, you can immediately sense the altitude. The air feels thinner, the sun brighter, or the shade more crisp. Flights arrive here daily from Kathmandu, and the airport (along with the town that has grown up around it) has served as a stepping stone for trekking in the Everest region since 1964. Flying here gives you immediate access to the mountains — the alternative is a one-week trek and long bus ride from Kathmandu.
In truth there’s little to keep you in Lukla, and you’re likely to spend only one night here, at the very most, either at the beginning or end of a trek, and then only for purely logistical reasons. Once a tiny farming community, it’s now a hive of commerce.
Within the narrow streets of the town, you’ll find the odd tongue-in-cheek local version of big-name Western chains (Yak Donald's springs to mind), along with the ubiquitous Irish pub as well as tea bars, bakeries, and internet cafes. Shops cater to trekkers’ needs, selling everything from batteries and soap to yak-hair gloves and copycat versions of big outdoor clothing brands.
Local porters carry goods and supplies on their backs through the town, en route to remote villages. As dawn breaks each morning, you might notice sightseeing helicopter flights to Mount Everest taking off from the airstrip. And, although your stay in Lukla will most likely be a functional one, it does give you a chance to get accustomed to being at altitude.
Best time to visit
Your stopover in Lukla is going to be governed by when the weather is best suited to trekking. November and October are rewarding months, with warm days and clear skies. February and March also have temperate weather and good visibility, while April and early May, though showery, see the mountainsides blossoming with rhododendrons.
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Suggested itinerary featuring Lukla
This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Lukla, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Lukla
- Monjo 6 miles away
- Namche Bazaar 9 miles away
- Mende 10 miles away
- Tashinga 10 miles away
- Pangboche 13 miles away
- Everest Base Camp 23 miles away
- The Everest region 24 miles away
- Dhulikhel 73 miles away
- Nagarkot 75 miles away
- Bhaktapur 80 miles away
- Kathmandu Valley 83 miles away
- Kathmandu 87 miles away
- Terai 115 miles away
- Kurintar 130 miles away
- Chitwan National Park 139 miles away
- Bandipur 144 miles away
- Seti River 146 miles away
- Pokhara 172 miles away
- Tanchock 179 miles away
- Annapurna 179 miles away
- Birethanti 180 miles away
- Dhampus 181 miles away
- Ghandruk 185 miles away
- Lumbini 214 miles away
Photos of Lukla
Our expert guides to exploring Lukla
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Lukla, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Lukla at its best.
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Nepal trekking: walking on the roof of the world Nepal trekking: walking on the roof of the world
Nepal trekking: walking on the roof of the world
Having first visited the country in the 80s, Nepal specialist Andy has re-visited multiple times. He shares his experiences of tackling a variety of Nepal’s trekking routes and explains why it’s the only way to access certain parts of the country.
Read this guide
Accommodation choices for Lukla
We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Lukla. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.