Visit Lukla, Nepal

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.