Lukla is a quaint town nestled in the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality of the Solukhumbu District, within Province No. 1 of northeastern Nepal. Perched at an elevation of 2,860 meters (9,383 feet) above sea level, it serves as a gateway for adventurers heading to the majestic Himalayas and the iconic Mount Everest.
This charming village is home to a small yet vital airport that connects the region to the outside world. The village itself is dotted with a variety of shops and lodges, offering Western-style meals and essential trail supplies to the throngs of tourists and trekkers who pass through. From Lukla, it takes travelers approximately two days to reach Namche Bazaar, a crucial stop for altitude acclimatization before continuing their journey.
The airport in Lukla boasts a single asphalt runway measuring 527 meters (1,729 feet), making it one of the shortest commercial runways globally. In August 2014, the Nepalese government unveiled plans to construct the first tarmac road linking Kathmandu to Lukla, a significant development for the region.
Lukla is served by the Tenzing-Hillary Airport, where, weather permitting, twin-engine Dornier 228s and de Havilland Canada Twin Otters make frequent daylight flights between Lukla and Kathmandu. The airport's short and steep airstrip, combined with often treacherous weather conditions, has earned it the reputation of being the most dangerous airport in the world, with several fatal accidents recorded over the years.
This scenery addon is an improvement in and outside Lukla extending all the way to Thulo Gumela, Tok Tok, and Yeti Mountain Home in Kongde. Bring out your Helicopter landing skills as there are a lot of places to challenge yourself along the way.
