Socially responsible tourism in Nepal

Rating: 5 out of 5.

One of the most stunning nations on the planet is Nepal. Nearly every moment in the nation is accompanied by the Himalayas. And the people of Nepal are friendly and inviting. They have embraced tourism as a nation and the revenue it brings in. In addition, it is one of the poorest nations on earth, and the demands of tourists frequently tramp on traditional best practices. Beautiful scenery, a welcoming culture, and a huge demand for tourists have combined to produce some very serious problems. However, there are advantages as well; even subpar tourism has helped disadvantaged rural areas by bringing in much-needed funds.

Finding areas where tourism can be changed into a more positive force for good in the country rather than abandoning Nepal because it has some problems is what responsible travel is all about. A responsible tourist should be aware of the challenges Nepal confronts in terms of development—especially in light of the tragic earthquake. Let’s examine a few areas where responsible tourists must make choices when heading to Nepal.

Giving back in Nepal

Another challenging problem. Although Nepal’s assistance sector is thriving, there are severe problems with volunteering and volunteerism in this nation due to the general lack of government oversight and restrictions. Don’t typically think about helping at an orphanage. Additionally, if you intend to teach English, make sure you have a minimum of 4-6 weeks to dedicate to a region. In addition to these two sorts of volunteer labor, there are many additional jobs that are less “sexy” but nevertheless necessary. If you have a skill you can spend time teaching locals, that is a beneficial type of volunteering because Nepal needs trained labor in practically any kind. Construction, medicine, or agriculture could all fall under this category. When looking for volunteer opportunities, think outside the box and invest as much time as you can in the cause. If your timetable is flexible, go to Kathmandu and ask around; there are a ton of options available. In addition to saving money, arriving and taking a look around typically eliminates the confusing middleman and allows you to more thoroughly assess the organization’s moral character and effectiveness. Choosing from among these well screened volunteer opportunities is another possibility.

Elephant/Animal Tourism

The main purpose of the elephants in Chitwan National Park is to enable visitors to see the critically endangered one-horned rhino. In Chitwan, there is a wide variety of wildlife as well as unusual plants and animals. Beyond the rhino, Chitwan is also home to a critically endangered vulture species and the last remaining wild Bengal tiger population. This park is significant, and the elephants that shuttle visitors to the rhinos give priceless revenue for anti-poaching efforts. If you truly insist on riding an elephant someplace in the globe, this is one of the few times when you might maybe argue that doing it here would be more environmentally friendly than elsewhere. This is for individuals who intend to ride elephants despite the fact that it is not their intended function. Aside from the elephant issue, I also very, strongly advise visiting the national park. Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO site, a cultural center for the Terai people, and an incredibly beautiful location on earth.

Going to religious sites

The people of Nepal are deeply spiritual. Any journey to Nepal is undoubtedly made more memorable by seeing the temples, stupas, and other holy monuments, but there are a few rules of conduct to follow. On any day that you want to visit temples and holy locations, show respect by dressing modestly. Although you should always dress appropriately, visiting sacred sites are especially crucial. Shoulders and knees should be covered by women. Men should wear long shorts or slacks, never a singlet, and make sure their shirts have sleeves. Be mindful when using your camera; many temples forbid photography inside. Ask first if you are unsure. Before entering a temple, take off your shoes, and remember not to step on someone or point your feet at the altar. People will move their legs if you need to pass because they perceive feet to be filthy. To have less of an influence on the locations you visit, take into account some additional general responsible travel suggestions. This page also contains comprehensive information on additional responsible tourism concerns in Nepal. You will encounter this dilemma; therefore, it is wise to be ready. I also recommend that all tourists read this excellent post on contributing to child beggars.

Nepal trekking

One of the most popular activities in Nepal is trekking, but there are a few unique problems that are involved with and related to your excursion. The effect that hikers have on isolated alpine habitats is a major problem. Trekkers should prepare to produce the least amount of waste possible. This includes plastic water bottles as well as packaging from food or products you’ve packed. All trash must be either transported off the mountain or burned, which is not ideal. Carry a reusable bottle and a SteriPen or Life Straw on your journey to show that you care. Menstrual cups are recommended for women to use as they are convenient for travel and environmentally beneficial. On your trek, reduce your baggage. Leave all the unnecessary items behind and carry the smallest knapsack you can. It’s bad form for some trekkers to pay their porters to carry a bigger burden. Although the extra pay may be accepted, the porters are jeopardizing their livelihoods by carrying too much weight. Generally speaking, a porter should only be able to carry up to 12.5 kilos per person. Maintain this weight restriction; you won’t need the extra clothing you’re bringing. Make sure you are paying all porters and guides a fair wage in order to achieve this. The good effects that tourism has on bringing money into rural communities in the Himalayas are among the most compelling arguments in favor of it. Avoid excessive haggling and be sure you tip and distribute money properly.

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Teej: The Festival of Women in Nepal

Rating: 5 out of 5.

The festival of women’s fasting is known as Teej, or Haritalika Teej. It typically lasts three days and occurs in the Nepali Bhadra month (August to September on the solar calendar). Pashupatinath holds a special Teej Puja to remember the reunification of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Nepalese women wear their stunning red saris during the Teej Festival, observe a fast in homage to Lord Shiva, and offer prayers for a successful union.

Teej is observed throughout a three-day period. The first day is referred to as “Dar Khani deen” or is a large feast. All of the women receive it from their other family members, particularly the guys. Women are excused from work on this day so they can attend a separate program put on by other women. It’s fasting day on the second day. All women observe a fast on this day in the hope that their devotion to God will grant them long life, wealth, and harmony with their spouse and family. Women who are not married watch with the hopes of finding a decent husband. The third or final day is crucial for the woman. The name of this day is Rishi Panchami. After doing the Puja from the previous day, the woman honors seven saints or sages, prays to the gods, and bathes in crimson mud that is found beneath the revered Datiwan tree together with its leaves. After they are thought to have atoned for all of their crimes, this act serves to purify the festival’s final ceremony.

Haritalika Teej: History and Legend

A long time ago, the ruler of the Himalayas had a lovely daughter named Parvati. Parvati was exceptionally bright and had a strong admiration for Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and creation. But the king made the choice to wed Parvati to the prosperous Vishnu. Parvati managed to leave the house with the help of her companions, hiding in the dense forest. She subsequently started living a hermitic lifestyle. Shiva was shocked to learn this and made the decision to verify her genuineness. In an effort to entice Parvati to marry him, he pretended to be the wealthy Vishnu and rode in a luxurious chariot to meet her. Parvati, however, remained unfazed. Her tenacity so impressed Shiva that he revealed himself. Parvati wed Shiva, fulfilling her desire at last. Parvati was able to avoid the planned marriage thanks to the assistance of her friends. She was incredibly appreciative to them and threw a party to commemorate the successful outcome. This is where the Teej Festival began.

What is the purpose of Haritalika Teej?

Women fast on Teej and worship Lord Shiva in the hopes that single women will find a husband like Lord Shiva himself and that married women will have husbands who will live long and fruitful lives. Since Lord Shiva and Parvati’s reunion is celebrated on Teej, it holds religious significance. On Teej, married women worship their husbands as deities and get the first bite of food and the first sip of water from their husbands after a strict fast. For blessings, they bowed before their husband’s feet.

When celebrating Teej, why do women dress in red?

In Nepal, married women wear red exclusively. Although everyone can wear red whenever they wish, red has special significance in Nepali tradition and culture. For married ladies, red is regarded as a “Shubha” or lucky hue. A married woman typically dons red, whether it is a tika, a bangle, or clothing after marriage. As a result, they dress in red during Teej to resemble brides. Women are eager to purchase new clothing and accessories to wear during Teej. Red, green, and yellow are occasionally combined to enhance their beauty.

Teej at the Pashupatinath Temple

The well-known Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath, which is devoted to Lord Shiva, is a significant Hindu holy monument. According to popular belief, Shiva (the Hindu God), also known as the God of Gods and the one who possesses the power of both creation and destruction, is the most potent deity. Pashupati is the animal form of Lord Shiva, according to Hindu mythology. People visit Pashupatinath Temple to worship Lord Shiva and to pray for the wellbeing of their families because Teej is all about Mahadev Shiva and Devi Parvati. During the Teej festival, more than 500,000 Nepali women go to Pashupatinath Temple. To please Lord Shiva, people travel from all over the Indian subcontinent to Pashupatinath.

Types of Teej Festival

Different varieties of Teej are celebrated differently from one another. They are Kajari, Haritalika, and Hariyali Teej.

Haritalika Teej:

The festival of Haritalika Teej honors the goddess Parvati. The word “Haritalika” is a mix of the words “harit” and “aalika,” which respectively indicate “abduction” and “female friend.” According to tradition, Goddess Parvati took on the form of Himavat, a ruler of the Himalayas. At Narad’s advice, King Himavat pledged to wed his daughter to Lord Vishnu. Goddess Parvati disagreed with her father’s choice, and after telling a friend about it, the friend led Goddess Parvati into a deep forest so that King Himavat couldn’t find her and force her to wed Lord Vishnu against her will. After that, Goddess Parvati prayed to Lord Shiva while creating a Shiva lingam out of her hair. Lord Shiva was moved by her love and devotion to him, and with her father’s approval, they were eventually wedded. Since then, Haritailka Teej has been observed since Goddess Parvati’s female friend (aalika) had to kidnap (harit) her in order for her to wed the man she intended to marry. The same Haritalika Teej custom is followed by female Nepalis.

Hariyali Teej:

During the monsoon or rainy season, when the surroundings are lush, Hariyali Teej is observed. “Green Teej” is what Hariyali Teej is. This day is commemorated as the day Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were reunited and accepted Parvati as his wife. When women observe Hariyali Teej, they observe a fast during which they concentrate on the moon. States like Rajasthan and Punjab in India practice it.

Kajari Teej:

Boorhi Teej/Kajali Teej is another name for Kajari Teej. Women perform kajris, or folk melodies, while they dance, sing, and pray to Lord Shiva. The songs’ lyrics discuss the suffering that women experience when they are sent away from their parents’ home to celebrate Teej or about the hope that they have been holding onto to be picked up by their brothers to celebrate Teej. This Teej, women celebrate without eating or drinking. They eat sattu to break their fast and pray to the moon (flour with amixture of cereals and ground pulses). Kajari Teej shares some similarities with the Nepali festival of Teej. Nepali parents or brothers have a tradition of calling or collecting their married daughter or sister on Dar Khane Din (Feast Day) to celebrate her day.

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Saribung Peak Climbing 

Rating: 5 out of 5.

A complete mountain experience, ascending Saribung Peak, which has a top elevation of 6387 meters, offers a breathtaking vista of many snow-capped Himalayan giants. Although no prior mountaineering expertise is necessary for the trip, it is physically strenuous due to the steep, icy trails that must be ascended in order to pass through the Saribung La pass, which is located at a height of 5600 m. The journey to the different breathtaking vistas of the Land Beyond the Mountains is part of the experience of climbing a Himalayan peak. The traditional ways of the people in the Mustang and Nar Villages, the arid and mountainous landscapes, the blue Damodar Kunda, and the magnificent views of the Tibetan Plateau are all unique aspects of the ancient Tibetan culture.

Those who have already reached the summit of a peak of 6000 meters or higher can easily climb Saribung Peak. There are a few steep passes between Lomangthang and Damodar Kunda on the route to Saribung peak climbing. The first phase of the caravan route entails a 6-hour drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a 20-minute flight from Pokhara to the Annapurna region and the settlement of Jomsom. Through Kagbeni, Chele, and Charang, the trail ascends to Lo-Manthang. Following your exploration of the Lo-manthang and Luri cave monasteries, you will continue to travel through an area that features beautiful landscapes, diverse cultures, and religious practices. Trekkers encounter various Tibetan communities, monasteries, cultures, and faiths while on their journey.

Saribung Peak Climbing: Difficulty

Although mountaineering is a difficult activity in and of itself, some peaks are more appropriate and simpler to scale than others. In the case of the Saribung Peak Climb Adventure, it is one of the ideal peaks for beginners to learn about climbing and utilize it as a practice for reaching higher heights. The Saribung Peak Climb Difficulty Level is not extreme, and any nomadic person may successfully complete it. And the Sarbung Peak Climb Package makes this incredible experience available. The Saribung peak, at 6328 meters, offers breathtaking views of the Nilgiri Himal (7,061 meters), the Himlung Himal (7,126 meters), the Lamjung Himal (6,983 meters), the Mt. Manaslu (8,156 meters), and the Annapurna II (7,937 meters) throughout this walk. Along with getting to connect with the locals and see their way of life, you will also visit some of the oldest monasteries in the area. This hike has all the necessary components, from treacherous passes to old culture, making it ideal for any travel enthusiast. March through May and September through November are the ideal months to embark on this walk. You must be in good physical condition to complete this walk due to the difficulty of the trail.

Saribung Peak Climbing: Best Season

Even though Saribung Peak Climb is doable for beginners, one should not undervalue the difficulty it could pose if not properly prepared. The Saribung Peak Climbing Season, which offers mountaineers an incredible experience in all respects, is the ideal time to complete the ascent. The optimum times to reach Saribung Peak’s summit are in the spring and fall. However, one is undoubtedly free to choose to climb during monsoon and winter seasons as well. The best times to travel are also from February to May and from September to December. The route has a little more color in the Spring, while the skies are typically clearer in the Autumn. The ascent is dangerous during the winter because it is so much colder. To prevent extreme mountain sickness, the Upper Mustang Saribung Peak Climbing demands moderate fitness and acclimatization.

Saribung Peak Climbing: Permits

Saribung Peak Climbing needs the following permissions:

  • Immigration Documentation and Permits for Saribung Expedition
  • Saribung Peak climbing fees/Royalty
  • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
  • ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
  • Upper Mustang Special Permit

Saribung Peak Climbing: Cost

The cost of Saribung Peak Climbing is influenced by a number of variables. Some of them include how many days you spend there, the kinds of lodging you stay in, the routes you travel, and so forth. The first time you climb Saribung Peak, it will cost you $4200. All transfers, meals, round-trip flights from Kathmandu to Jomsom, lodging, climbing permits for Saribung Peak, sleeping bags, down jackets, and the majority of climbing equipment, such as boots, helmets, crampons, harnesses, and ascenders, are included. We strongly advise you to finish your homework before attempting to climb Saribung Peak because it’s no joke and your life can’t be valued at anything. Never cut corners to save a few dollars.

Saribung Peak Climbing: Altitude Sickness (AMS)

The carefully thought-out itinerary for the Saribung Peak Climbing includes two useful and advantageous acclimatization days as well as pre-climb training, which aids in adjusting to the thin air and lowers the risk of mountain sickness. However, we advise that you drink plenty of water and walk slowly to prevent developing AMS. Since our guides are constantly outfitted with a first-aid kit and a pulse oximeter, please alert them right away if any symptoms are noticed (which measures the amount of oxygen in your blood).

Saribung Peak Climbing: Route

The Upper Mustang Trekking mostly revolves around upper Mustang, the hidden and enigmatic valley that makes up the Saribung Trekking Trail, as well as around Lo Manthang, an ancient walled city and the palace with Monastery. The Saribung Trekking Trail also passes through lovely villages, terraced farm fields, and green valleys. Amazing views of the Annapurna Himalayan range, breathtaking landscapes, and other breathtaking natural beauties of western Nepal can all be seen from this location. Due to its distant location and rugged terrain, the Saribung Peak Climbing Route is difficult.

Saribung Peak Climbing: Accommodations

Full-board meals will be provided to you while on the hike and at the camping sites. You will be staying at the finest mountainside lodgings that serve traditional Nepalese and Western cuisine. Additionally, at tented camps above 4,000 meters, you may enjoy freshly prepared, healthy meals prepared by climbing cooks. In terms of lodging options, Kathmandu offers a wide range. We will plan and make sure you have access to the best local teahouses while trekking. Teahouses typically have two mattresses, each with a mattress, pillows, and a blanket, as well as flush toilets. You will spend the evenings in a tent with a mattress if you are climbing.

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Getting to Lukla without Flying

Rating: 5 out of 5.

It is feasible to hike to Lukla from Kathmandu, or at the at least, take a Jeep for a day to get to the towns of Jiri or Phaplu, from which you can climb to Lukla. However, this is a far less usual method of travel.

Because it was the first method used by early mountaineers to reach Lukla before the airport was built in the 1960s, the journey from Jiri is known as the “Pioneers’ Route.

” Three days are needed to hike from Phaplu to Lukla, compared to five days from Jiri. Nowadays, few people travel these trails, but those who do tend to like the slower approach to the Everest region and getting to see the subtle changes in the local scenery and culture.

In Nepal, walking is undoubtedly an option to flying or taking a bus. Compared to flying to Lukla, it takes around 7 more days to walk in from Jiri (which is not along the main trail, thus no need to go there).

possibly one day fewer of walking out. The bus ticket is practically free, making this the most affordable choice.

How to Get to Lukla without Flying?

In order to reach Lukla, there are a number of hiking routes.

Route 1:

The traditional hiking way to Everest Base Camp is to drive from Kathmandu to Jiri/Bhandara and then hike there. Along this trail, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa had begun their historic ascent to the summit of the world.

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Route 2:

Drive the BP Highway from Kathmandu to Salleri for 8 to 9 hours on a black-topped road, then take the road from Kathmandu to Lukla through Andheri, Kharikhola, and Bupsa. From there, you can walk for a day in Lukla. Salleri to Everest Base Camp Trek is the name of the journey.

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Route 3:

Drive all the way to Dharan and Tumlingtar, then embark on the 6- to 7-day Aruna Valley Trek, which takes you through authentic rural Nepal.

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Everest Base Camp via Road 18 Days Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Drive Kathmandu to Salleri

Altitude: 2362 m | Drive: 98/10 (Depends in road/traffic situation) | Overnight at Salleri

Day 03: Drive Salleri to Thame Danda (2326 m) and Trek to Paiya.

Altitude: 2,730 | Drive: 9/10 (Depends in road/traffic situation) | Trek: 2hrs | Overnight at Paiya

Day 04: Trek from Paiya to Phakding

Altitude: 2,620 m | Trek: 5-6 hrs | Meal: BLD

DAY 05: Trek to Namche

Altitude: 3440 m | Trek: 5/6 hrs | Meal: BLD

DAY 06: Hike to Khumjung and Acclimatization in Khumjung

Altitude: 3,790 m| Trek: 1 hr | Meal: BLD

DAY 07: Trek Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

Altitude: 3860 m | Trek: 5/6 hrs | Meal: BLD

DAY 08: Trek to Dingboche

Altitude: 4410 m | Trek: 5/6 hrs. | Meal: BLD

DAY 09: Rest day for acclimatization

Altitude: 4410 m | Hike to Nangkartshang Peak – Altitude: 5,083 m | Trek: 4 hours. | Meal: BLD

DAY 10: Trek to Lobuche

Altitude: 4910 m | Trek: 5/6 hrs | Meal: BLD

DAY 11: Trek to Everest Base Camp

Altitude: 5357m, back to Gorakshep – Altitude: 5140 m | Trek: 6/7 hrs. | Meal: BLD

DAY 12: Hike Up to Kala Patthar (5,555 m) Early in the Morning and then Trek Down to Pheriche

Altitude:4,200 m | Trek: 7 hours | Meal: BLD

DAY 13: Trek to Tengboche

Altitude: 3,860 m | Trek: 3 hours. | Meal: BLD

DAY 14: Trek to Namche

Altitude: 3440 m | Trek: 5/6 hrs. | Meal: BLD

DAY 15: Trek to Chaurikharka

Altitude: 2,694m | Trek: 6/7 hrs | Meal: BLD

Day 16: Trek to Thamdanda | Drive to Salleri

Meal: BLD

Day 17: Drive Salleri to Kathmandu

Meal: BL

Day 18: Departure

Meal: B

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How to reach Lukla by bus from kathmandu?

From KTM to Lukla, there are no buses. Buses are available to Salleri/Phaplu and Jiri/Shivalaya. There is no need to travel to Lukla itself; a few days’ hike will take you to a location close by.

Buses from Kathmandu to Jiri and Shivalaya take a little over nine hours and cost between 600 and 700 Nepali rupees each. Depending on the bus, some may travel on to Bhandar, while others will have more recent information. From there, the main EBC trek is around six days away.

There is a public jeep that travels to Salleri;.The journey to the main trail from there will probably take three days.

A TIMS card and a national park admission ticket are both necessary for this trek. If you don’t have a guide or porter, the TIMS card will cost you about 600 NPR, or about 300 NPR if you do (plus a possible charge by the agency).

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Can you drive to Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu?

Do you have any doubts about making the trip from Kathmandu to the base camp of Mount Everest by car? Ask again: Is it possible to drive to Everest Base Camp? As the Everest Express Highway/Tourism Highway, the route from Salleri to Lukla has been neatly constricting.

The road will cease between Lukla and Chaurikhara in response to locals’ demands and the advice of tourism industry leaders. As a result, if you were planning to drive from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp, it would not be feasible because the route ends at Lukla.

However, the Everest Base Camp Trek by Road can be a life-changing adventure. Recently, it was possible to travel from Kathmandu to the Solukhumbu villages of Salleri and Kharikhola and Bupsa.

Note: Due to Weather uncertainty and traffic at the TIA, all the flights to Lukla will be operated from Ramechhap Airport.

It is about 4 hours’ drive from Kathmandu. Below is the updated byroad route to reach Ramechhap and additional fare for the vehicle to use:

Car– $37 per person with maximum 4 passengers

Jeep– $50 per person with maximum 5 passengers

Van– $17 per person with maximum 14 passengers PS: Price are subject to change if the seat capacity is not met.

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How much does a Jeep ride from Kathmandu to Lukla or Thamboda cost?

Regular Jeep transportation is offered between Kathmandu and Thamdanda. After a 14 to 15-hour picturesque trip from Kathmandu, with daily jeep departures early in the morning, one arrives in Thamdanda.

From Kathmandu to Thamdanda, a Jeep costs between $40 and $50 per passenger.Make it private if you already have a group of 5 to 7 people. A private Jeep will cost between USD 450 and USD 500 to travel to Thamdanda.

You must change to a different Jeep from Solu to Salleri, operated by the same operator, since there is no direct Jeep from Kathmandu to Thamdanda. Therefore, you are not need to look for another Jeep on your own. The Sumo Jeep departs from Chabahil Chowk in Kathmandu around 4 or 5 in the morning and arrives in Thamdanda at 8 or 9 in the evening.

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Taking a Helicopter to Get to Lukla from Kathmandu

If money is not an issue, traveling to Lukla by helicopter is an incredible experience. You will leave from the domestic terminal of Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport and get to Lukla in less than an hour.

The hilly, agricultural scenery of Kathmandu rises to higher altitudes in the cooler, less fertile mountain ranges as you travel. Take a thrilling helicopter trip and take in the Everest region’s aerial splendor. Helicopter trip from Kathmandu to Lukla takes about 45 minutes.

The cost of renting a helicopter ranged from US $2200 to US $3000. You can split the expense of renting a helicopter with your other passengers; it can hold up to five persons.

The majority of passengers taking a helicopter from Lukla to Everest Base Camp do so in order to take a sightseeing flight and return to Kathmandu the same day.

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Lukla Airport- The Entry Point to Mount Everest

Rating: 5 out of 5.

In the Nepalese town of Lukla, in the Khumbu Pasanglhamu, Solukhumbu District, Province No. 1 of the country, is Tenzing-Hillary Airport, also known as Lukla Airport. In 2010, a show called Most Extreme Airports, which was carried on The History Channel, rated it as the most dangerous airport in the world for more than 20 years. The runway at Lukla, Nepal, is perched on a slope and offers breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas as well as a strong sense of risk. Because it serves as the beginning point for treks to Mount Everest Base Camp, the airport is well-known. In excellent weather, there are regular flights between Lukla and Kathmandu during the day. Despite the short flight distance, it frequently rains in Lukla when it’s sunny in Kathmandu.

But like the mountain itself, the airport’s peculiarities and the sometimes shifting weather make it one of the most hazardous of its sort in the world; since the airport’s construction in 1964, more than 12 crashes have been reported there. With a height of 2,860 meters (9,383 feet), Lukla Airport is not among the top ten highest airports in the world. Nevertheless, Lukla Airport is situated at a height that poses a challenge for pilots. Because the air density is smaller as altitude increases, aircraft must fly faster to maintain altitude. The runway at Lukla is especially challenging because it is so tiny—just 1,729 feet long. The runway at a typical international airport is over 10,000 feet long.

Lukla Airport: History

Sir Edmund Hillary, who had originally intended to construct the airport on flat farmlands, oversaw its construction in 1964. The airport was established where it is now because local farmers did not want to give up their property. Hillary employed the local Sherpas in the construction of the facilities after purchasing the property from them for US$2,650. According to rumors, Hillary’s answer to the runway’s soil resistance was to buy local alcohol for the Sherpas and instruct them to engage in a foot-stomping dance in order to level the runway’s serving ground. In 2001, the runway was finally paved. The airport was renamed in January 2008 to honor Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, the first climbers whose ascent of Mount Everest was verified, as well as to recognize their contributions to the building of this airport.

Why is the Lukla airport called an extreme airport?

The airport, which is among the highest in the world (9500 feet above sea level), presents difficulties for flights due to the ever-changing weather. The runway is another factor that is uneven. All of these factors add up to a feeling of uneasiness when it comes to airplane operations at this airfield in the high Himalayas. Its runway is just 1729 feet long, although a length of 6000 feet is ideal in most locations. The Tenzing Hillary Airport can only accommodate light aircraft because of its narrow runway. Due to the strong south-west winds, this unusual airport is renowned for remaining closed from mid- to late morning. Only experienced pilots with at least 100 successful short takeoff and landing (STOL) flights can land at this special airport. Additionally, these pilots must have over a year of STOL experience in Nepal and have flown into Lukla ten times with a licensed pilot.

When is the most advantageous time to visit Lukla?

During the busiest trekking and adventure season, hundreds of hikers fly into and out of Lukla, the hub of the Everest Khumbu region. The seasons have an impact on the weather in Lukla. Typically, the ideal times to visit Lukla town and the Everest region are in the fall (Sept.-Nov.) and spring (March-May). Since the sky is nearly always clear during this time of year, planes are both on time and less dangerous. Spring and autumn are the greatest times to visit Lukla because there are less clouds, the wind is less strong, the airport becomes dry, making landings more secure, and the pilots have excellent vision.

How much does a flight to Lukla cost?

The cost of the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is only 180 USD per person. 10 kilos of checked baggage and 5 kg of hand luggage are allowed for the 25-minute trip. Indian and SAARC nationals pay only about 147 USD per person for the flight. The cost varies daily, though, and if you’re lucky, you might also find some deals. You can also ask for discounts if your party size is two or greater.

Is there an alternative route to Lukla?

You can also take a vehicle or public bus from Kathmandu to Jiri, a town in the Lower Everest region, and begin your trek from there if you don’t like flying or want to keep it authentic. The journey to Lukla typically takes 3–4 days, during which time you’ll see significantly fewer other hikers, have the majority of the trail to yourself, and pass through picturesque Sherpa communities. The Upper Everest region is home to many of the porters and guides you’ll encounter there.

Is it safe to fly to Lukla?

Lukla Airport, the most hazardous airport in the world, safely handled more than 50 aircraft per day during the busiest hiking and adventure season. Nearly half of the trekkers who travel to Nepal each year typically fly into Lukla airport. Although the Lukla airport is statistically more dangerous than a regular Nepali commercial domestic airport, it is nonetheless relatively secure. The permitted flight conditions and rules for aircraft traveling to Lukla are a major worry for Nepalese aviation authority and regional airlines. A pilot with 100 short-takeoff and landing (STOL) and at least one year of experience in Nepal is given high priority by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal because to the country’s challenging landing and takeoff conditions, weather, and other risk considerations are permitted to land in this airport, as long as they have completed 10 trips to Lukla with a licensed instructor pilot.

Lukla Airport FAQs.


Why Lukla Airport is dangerous?

The topography and runway layout at Lukla Airport restrict emergency responses. Takeoff and landing at Lukla Airport are more challenging and dangerous than at many other airports because to the runway’s elevation, slope, and length, as well as the terrain’s surrounding the airport’s steep and constricting features.

How many planes have crashed at Lukla Airport?

There has been 10 crashes up to date at lukla Airport.
Can you see Everest from Lukla?
Ans: Yes, you can witness the great view of Mount Everest and surrounding peaks from Lukla.

When was the last crash at Lukla Airport?

On October 8, 2008, Yeti Airlines Aircraft 103, an internal flight in Nepal, crashed as it was making its final approach to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in the eastern town of Lukla.

Can you get to Lukla without flying?

Yes, you can get to lukla via Bus, Jeep and Walking from Jiri.

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