Do you know that the Lukla airport is the gateway to Everest? Yes, Lukla airport is the backbone of the trekking activities inside the Khumbu region, especially the Everest Trekking scene. If you want to do any kinds of activities in the Everest region of Nepal then Lukla airport is the pillar or foundation of all the activities. The Lukla airport is the major gateway tothe Everest region trekking and climbing. From Lukla, many popular journeys begins to the Mount Everest BaseCamp, Gokyo Lake, Three High Passes and Climbing of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Amdadablam, Island Peak, Lobuche Peak, Mera Peak, and many more adventures!
Interesting Facts about Lukla Airport
There are many theories and stories related to Lukla airport in the internet. This blog will help you know in depth about the airport! Make sure to read all the blog contents if you are really interested in knowing the truly interesting facts about Lukla Airport. People say that the Lukla Airport is labeled as the world’s deadliest airport or the world’s most extreme airport! It may be a myth as well as a truth. In this blog we will try to know in depth about this airport of Nepal.
History of the Lukla Airport
Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay from Nepal successfully climbed Mt. Everest in 1953 A. D. Ever since Sir Edmund Hillary was so attached to the Khumbu region of Nepal. He thought that the place can attract many tourists which will eventually help to lift the life standard of the Khumbu people. In doing so, Sir Edmund Hillary thought that the establishment of airport can help the region to attract many trekkers or climbers to the region.
He searched a land to build an airport for more than a year. Finally, he got chance to build an airport in a flatland nearby today’s Chaurikharka area but due to cross wind issue the place deemed unfeasible to construct an airport. A local from Lukla suggested him about the current location. When he brought the team of experts to analyze the possibilities of airport site, he learned that the current location is the best place to construct an airport.
He bought the land from a local Sherpa. At that time he bought land in just 2610 $ back in 1964 A. D. After a decade of his Everest expedition, he finally got his wish to have an airport in Khumbu. The Nepal Government too helped him in his pursuit to open an airport in Lukla.
Hillary flattened the land of Lukla Airport by giving Alcohol to Locals
It is said that Sir Edmund Hillary gave alcohol to locals to perform a stomping dance in the field of the airport to flatten the ground! Yes, he hosted a program citing his birthday and asked all the locals to perform a dance in the site to flatten the land. The contribution of Sir Edmund Hillary for the construction of the Lukla airport is immense! He bought the land and constructed the airport on his own before handing it over to the Nepal Government.
When was Lukla Airport named as the Tenzing Hillary Airport?
In 2008, Nepal Government renamed the Lukla airport as the Tenzing Hillary Airport in recognition of the efforts made by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay! It is so fortunate for the people of Lukla that Sir Edmund Hillary chose to give back to the locals who made him famous. In his autobiography, Sir Edmund Hillary has said that Sherpa people are the true intrepid people who deserve better recognition. In order to make them stand out in the world circuit he established a hospital and a school in the Khumjung Village. The village is the nerve center of the Sherpa civilization.
Nowadays, lots of Sherpa people are getting lots recognition and they are able to do the presentation about their works to the world. It is all because of the efforts made by Sir Edmund Hillary!
What makes Lukla airport the world’s most extreme airport?
The airport is located at an altitude of 2800 m from sea level. The altitude is the biggest factor in making this airport the most extreme airport of the world. The runway is 527 m long and 20 m wide. Therefore, it is the shortest runway airport. There is no possibility of overshoot or undershoot in this airport.
Once you decide to land the procedures to land in this airport needs to be perfect otherwise you will have face consequences.
What kind of Planes can land at Lukla Airport?
Before the commercial flights began in 1971 A. D. the airport used to become the landing spot for Pilatus Porter planes only. Nowadays, twin otter planes with fixed wings can land in the airport. Don’t wish to land jets or bigger planes on this airport except for the planes that fit the billings like Pilatus and Twin Otters.
Kathmandu to Lukla or Ramechhap to Lukla Flight
Nowadays, to prevent flight congestion and to avoid air traffic, flights take place from Ramechhap Manthali Airport to Lukla airport. During off season the flight takes place directly from Kathmandu but most of the trekkers have to use the Manthali Airport to reach Lukla. It is indeed the proof that Lukla Airport: Gateway to Everest!
Is Lukla Airport: Gateway to Everest?
Yes, for any kinds of trekking or climbing activities in the Everest or Khumbu region of Nepal, you must use Lukla. You can find lots of trekking guides and porters in the place who can support your trekking trip to the Everest Base Camp or anywhere inside the Everest region. There are many tea houses and lodges as well as eateries in Lukla. Trekkers can relish the clamor while visiting the Himalayan region of Nepal. The place is slowly becoming the hot spot as it is the start and end point of the trek in the Everest region of Nepal.
Can I find an alternative way to reach Lukla avoiding the Flights?
You can find alternative way to reach Lukla avoiding the flights too. Recently, you can reach Lukla by using road transportation too. Nepal Government has constructed the road to reach Lukla too. In 2024, trekkers can reach Surke which is about 1 hour from Lukla by jeep or local bus. Therefore, trekkers are slowly getting attracted towards the Everest Base Camp Trek by road package. It saves money immensely and you can avoid the journey of the world’s most dangerous airport!
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