Lukla Airport Interesting Facts

Interesting Facts About Lukla Tenzing Hilary Airport 

Lukla Airport is known as the most scenic and thrilling Himalayan airport in the Everest region of Nepal. The Lukla airport is also known as the most sensitive and technical airport in the world. Due to the short runway, narrow way, and high-altitude runway nestled in the mountains, the Lukla airport is considered the world's most sensitive airport. The airport was built by the popular mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary and supported by Mr. Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. So, the Lukla airport is named the Tenzing-Hillary Airport. On 29th May 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Sherpa first climbed Mt. Everest, and then in 1963, they built the tiny mountain airport in Lukla. Primarily, the Lukla Airport was built by the locals’ hands without using heavy machinery equipment. The Lukla airport was hand-built in the beginning.

Sir Edmund Hillary wanted to build the airport in Lukla at that time. He gathers the local sherpas, offering them local alcohol, and asks them to stomp their feet on the ground. So that the airport ground peach will be harder and stronger. The Lukla airport's interesting fact is that it was built by veteran Everest climber Sir Edmund Hillary and the Himalayan Trust in 1964. The plane landed in Lukla airport in 1964 AD, but the official operation began in 1971 AD. The runway of the Lukla airport has an upward slope of about 12 percent, which helps the natural braking system while landing the plane. Hence, the Lukla airport, also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport, is one of the Himalayas' scenic and adventurous high-altitude airports in the world.

The cool facts about Lukla airport are interesting, and you will be amazed by them. The airport in Lukla, Nepal, was built in 1964 under the supervision of the veteran mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary. Sir Edmund Hillary is also the first man to summit the world's tallest mountain, Mount Everest. The world’s highest Himalayan airport, Lukla, Nepal, also looks scenic and beautiful.

Major Facts About the Lukla Airport

• The Lukla airport is elevated at 2,845 m / 9,333 ft above sea level.
• Lukla Airport's go-around for pilots while landing is not there; once you approach, you have to land.
• At first, Lukla airport was built by hand and did not use modern machinery equipment.
• Local Sherpa and other people offered the alcohol and asked to dance above the airport, pitched to make the ground harder.
• For the short runway, which is 527 m./1729 ft. long and 30 m./98 ft. wide, a highly skilled pilot is required for the landing.
• The Lukla airport is named after the Mount Everest heroes Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa as the Tenzing Hillary Airport.
• Lukla Airport is built on a 12 percent slope up the runway, which helps planes slow down their speed while landing.
• Lukla Airport is the main getaway to Mt. Everest and the beautiful Khumbu region of Nepal.
• Due to the high altitude, there will be unpredictable weather and short-term weather changes.
• During the flight to Lukla, you will have wonderful mountain views, including Mt. Everest.
• Travelers will have scenic mountain views and adventure vibes.
• Onaway take-off and landing runway at the Lukla airport
• Tribute to Everest Legends Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa
• The manual construction began in 1961 and was completed in 1964 by the local people and the Himalayan Trust under the supervision of Sir Edmund Hillary.

Weather of Lukla Airport

Lukla is located in the high-altitude Himalayan region at the getaway of Mt. Everest and the Khumbu ranges of Nepal. Lukla has a cold subarctic climate with an average annual temperature of 3.5 degrees Celsius. The altitude of Lukla is 2,845 meters, and the temperature would drop below 1°C in the winter, and during the autumn and summer seasons, it will drop 5 to 6°C in the nighttime. However, the temperature of Lukla could drop up to -12°C during the winter season, like in January. During the other season, it will be 8 to 15°C, the average temperature. The wind pleasure will be about 050° at 4 knots, but it will be varied according to the weather conditions.

Due to the high altitude, it is cloudy and frequently changing the weather. The Lukla airport weather condition is another interesting fact about the Lukla airport. Generally early morning, it will be clear weather compared to the day. The visibility will be good in the morning; thus, mostly the flight schedules will be early in the morning. Sometimes the flight could be delayed or cancelled due to bad weather; travelers need to be prepared for alternatives.

Fly to Lukla Airport Facts

Kathmandu to Lukla airport is about a 25-minute short scenic flight, on which you will have a beautiful exploration of the Himalayan ranges. Indeed, the Lukla airport is the gateway for the Everest base camp trek, the entire Everest region, and the Khumbu region. Due to frequent weather issues, it will be challenging to have a smooth flight to Lukla. Mostly early in the morning, the flight schedule will be held. The small-sized Twin Otter plane can land in Lukla Airport. The flight ticket cost to Lukla is about USD 220 for a one-way and USD 420 to 440 for a two-way flight from Kathmandu.

Those Himalaya-enthusiastic travelers who are unable to trek at high altitudes due to health issues can have the Lukla flight to Namche Bazaar, hike to the Everest View Hotel, and get back to Lukla. Also, travelers can have a flight to Lukla, stay overnight at a hotel in Lukla, and come back to Kathmandu. You will have beautiful Himalayas exploration experiences with the adventure and thrilling mountain views. Lukla offers you a variety of hotels, including luxury hotels with the best Himalayan views.

How Safe Is the Lukla Flight?

Lukla flights are the most serene and adventurous flights around the Himalayas region of Mt. Everest. Because of the high-altitude mountain and short runway, the Lukla airport became the most sensitive airport in the world, which is a major interesting fact about Lukla. However, the flight will be an adventure and thrilling, where you will be exploring panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest. Flying to Lukla airport will be scary and challenging, but it will be a safe flight. There will be dozens of flights every day. Many tourists and locals are travelling via the Lukla airport every day. So, we can say the Lukla flightsare safe. The statistics say that there have been 3 major plane accidents since 1990. The notable crash occurred in 2008 with Yeti Airlines; all 19 people were killed.

In 2012, Sita crashed near the runway, and 19 people were killed on the spot. Moreover, in 2019, there was a Summit Air crash while taking off; it collided with Manang Air, in which 3 people were killed, and both aircraft were destroyed. The miner delayed, and the cancellation of the flights is normal for Lukla airport. Due to difficult terrain and high-altitude mountains, there will be frequent weather changes so that the Lukla flight can be operated by a well-experienced pilot only. So, the safety of the Lukla flight always follows the standard operating procedures with international standards. Travelers will have flight safety and ICAO standards during the Lukla flight.

About Lukla Airport Interesting Facts

• Lukla Airport's elevation is about 2,845 m./9,333 ft above sea level.
• In 1964, the Lukla airport was built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Himalayan Trust.
• The major credit for building Lukla Airport goes to Sir Edmund Hillary.
• The local farmers did not want to use their farmland for an airport in the beginning.
• Sir Edmund Hillary bought the locals’ farmland by paying USD 2,650 in 1961.
• The Lukla airport is built by hand, so it is called the handmade airport in Nepal.
• Local Sherpas were offered the local liquors, and they were asked to foot stomp to make flat ground.
• Due to the short and narrow runway, there is a 12 percent slope up to natural to reduce the speed while landing the plane.
• In Lukla airport, there is no flight radar system, and it relies on radio communication for air traffic control.
• Lukla Airport is one of the world’s highest airports, and it’s also known as Tenzing-Hillary Lukla Airport.

Lukla Airport to Namche Bazaar Trek

Once Lukla Airport is approached, you will be landing in Lukla, and you can have a trek to Namche Bazaar. Indeed, trekking to Namche Bazaar from Lukla will be a 2-day itinerary, where you will trek to Phakding and Namche Bazaar. Furthermore, travellers can have a day trek to the Everest View Hotel, where they will be exploring Mount Everest. You will be having a short Everest viewing trek from the Everest View Hotel, and within three days, you can come back to Lukla. The Lukla airport to Everest base camp trek will be about 8 to 9 days via Namche Bazaar. Travellers can have a Lukla flight booking from Kathmandu and start the trek from Lukla or overnight stay at Lukla and get back to Kathmandu. The Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Everest is the most beautiful place to visit in the world.

The Lukla airport building is small and beautiful, but it looks stunning. The Tenzing Hillary Airport in the Everest Trek, the Ama Dablam Trek, the entire Khumbu region, and the Everest region trek are the most popular. Hence, the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in the Mt. Everest region will offer short and scenic mountain flights over the Himalayas. Travelers can go for the Everest trek, the Khumbu region, or the Namche Bazaar hike, which fulfill their Himalayan and mountaineering desires.

Conclusion of Lukla Airport and It’s Facts

Lukla is one of the highest-altitude airports in the world, located in the Khumbu Everest region in Nepal. You will have a scenic flight from Kathmandu, which will take around 25 minutes to reach Lukla airport, flying over the Himalayas. During the Lukla flight, you will be exploring the beautiful Himalayas, including Mt. Everest. The Lukla airport base camp trek to Everest and other regions is most popular. The Lukla Airport Interesting facts are amazing, and there are many unrevealed things to know.

The airport was built in 1964 by popular climber Sir Edmund Hillary, and it’s known as the handmade airport. And it’s also considered the world’s highest airport, with a thrilling and scary airport. The ground of the Lukla airport was bought from the local farmers for USD 2,650, which was farmland before the airport. Indeed, the Lukla airport is the most thrilling, historical, and beautiful airport in the world.

FAQs of Lukla Airport Nepal

When was Lukla airport built?

The Lukla airport was built in 1964 by the veteran mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary, who was the first Everest summiteer. However, the Lukla airport began construction in 1961 using local equipment, so it’s known as the handmade airport. In 2008, the Lukla airport was renamed Tenzing-Hillary Airport as a tribute to the legendary Everest climbers Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Sherpa.

why is lukla airport so dangerous?

Lukla airport is challenging and difficult to land and take off from, but it is not so dangerous. However, due to high-altitude terrain, unpredictable weather conditions, and a narrow runway, approaching the Lukla airport is difficult. Only well-experienced pilots can handle the flight operation at the Lukla airport. The Lukla airport go-around facility is not available; once approached, the plane has to land at the airport. So, pilots will make sure of visibility and other safety conditions while landing and taking off the planes.

Lukla airport to base camp distance?

In the EBC trek, the Lukla airport to base camp distance is about 130 km to 140 km for a round-trip. The Lukla to Everest Base Camp trek will take about 9 to 12 days to complete, and you will reach Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.

Why is Lukla the most adventurous airport?

Well, the Lukla airport is the most difficult, challenging, and adventurous airport in the world. Why is Lukla the most adventurous airport? The reason is that it’s the most thrilling and scenic Himalayan mountain flight in the world. Travellers will be exploring the high-altitude Himalayas, Mt. Everest, the Khumbu glacier, Ama Dablam, and beautiful towering peaks, so the Lukla airport is one of the most beautiful and adventurous airport.

What are the facts about Lukla airport?

The world's most beautiful high-altitude airport, built in 1964 under the supervision of Sir Edmund Hillary, is handmade, has an altitude of 2,845 meters, has a 12 percent slope up the runway, and is the world's most challenging for landing and takeoff. These are the facts about Lukla Airport. Moreover, the airport was built by Sir Edmund Hillary, and he bought the land from local Sherpas for USD 2,650. The runway was paved in 2001, and in 2008, the Lukla airport was renamed Tenzing-Hillary Airport to honour Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary.

What Lukla is famous for?

Lukla is famous for the most stunning airport, thrilling Himalayan landscapes, beautiful nature, the world’s highest Mt. Everest getaway, and the best tourist destination in Nepal. Travelers in Lukla will be exploring the beautiful local cultures, Buddhist traditions, and Tibetan-influenced local community. Moreover, the scenic mountain flight over the Himalayas makes Lukla most famous.

Is Lukla flight during Everest trekking safe?

Yes, the flight to Lukla airport is safe; hundreds of travelers will be traveling through Lukla airport every day. There will be around 150 thousand travelers flying to Lukla from Kathmandu every year. So, the Lukla flight is safe during the Everest base camp trek. However, the Lukla airport is the most difficult and challenging airport in the world, yet it is one of the most scenic and beautiful airports.

Can I go on the Everest trek with the Overland to Lukla flight?

Yes, you can go on the Everest trek without flying to Lukla airport. You can go via Jiri to Everest Base Camp and from Kathmandu to Salleri to Thamdanda by jeep. Trekkers can go to Lukla overland, which will take extra days from the trek itinerary. From Kathmandu to Sallary and Thamdanda will take 9 to 10 hours by jeep. While taking flight, it will be just a 25-minute flight from Kathmandu airport.

What is the history of Lukla airport?

The most demanding and historical Himalayan airport, Lukla, has a rich history and many interesting facts. The airport was first built in 1964 by the veteran mountaineer Sir Edmond Hillary. The construction began in 1961, right after the summit of Everest by Mr. Hillary, and Mt. Everest became popular. It was the farmland of the local Sherpa people before the airport was built. Mr. Hillary realized that for the potential of the local airport building in Lukla, he started to be concerned with the local Sherpa people. But the local people denied providing their farmlands, which were their lifeline. So, Sir Edmund Hillary offers them the money to buy their land, and they agree. The cost of land was USD 2650 at that time.

Hence, Sir Hillary offers the liquors to the local people and asks them to dig, step on their feet, and make flat ground and a strong foundation. Finally, in 1964, the Lukla airport was completed at the local level. In 2008, the Lukla airport was renamed Tenzing Hillary, which honours Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, the first Everest climbers.

Can a tourist go to Lukla Airport and Namche Bazaar without a trek guide?

Yes, you can go from Lukla Airport to Namche Bazaar without a trek guide from Kathmandu. However, for further treks to Everest base camp, Ama Dablam base camp, the Gokyo valley trek, and any other Everest trek, you need to bring a local mountain trek guide. Moreover, even to the Lukla airport and Namche Bazaar, if you go with a local guide, it will be safe, and you will have authentic information and hassle-free travel experiences. Hence, we will always recommend trekking to the mountains with a local guide. Touch Planet Treks will be arranging the best trekking guide in Nepal.