Hi everyone
I’m planning a trek in the Everest region and trying to figure out the best way to book flights to Lukla.
I’ve read mixed advice, so I’d really appreciate recent experiences:
Is it better to book Lukla flights in advance (online or via an agency), or just arrange it on arrival in Kathmandu?
Do local agencies/hostels in Kathmandu usually find you a seat quickly, or is that risky in peak season?
What are normal prices these days for a one-way ticket (plane vs helicopter)?
How far in advance do flights sell out in high season?
How often do flights actually get cancelled due to weather, and do they typically still fly if mornings are clear but afternoons are bad?
If flights are cancelled, how easy is it to rebook or switch to a helicopter?
From what I understand:
Flights only operate in the early morning (around 6–10:30am) due to weather conditions
Delays and cancellations seem pretty common
Prices seem to be roughly $180–300 one way for planes, and $500+ for helicopters
In peak season, flights may even depart from Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu
But I’m not sure how this works in practice.
Any up-to-date advice or personal experiences would be super helpful!
Thanks 🙏