Lukla

Lukla stands at about 2,860 m, with the airstrip itself at roughly 2,845 m. Most people feel little more than shortness of breath on stairs here. Altitude sickness becomes a real concern from Namche, at about 3,440 m, upward. Still, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol on the first night and walk slowly from the start.

Yes. The Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality charges an entry permit, about NPR 2,000 per foreign trekker, collected in Lukla or just beyond. The Sagarmatha National Park entry fee, about NPR 3,000, is paid at Monjo. Since April 2023, foreign trekkers in national parks must use a licensed guide, a rule applied unevenly in Khumbu. Check current status before you travel.

There are one or two, but they often run out of cash or go offline, and fees are high. Bring enough Nepali rupees from Kathmandu for the whole trek: permits, snacks, hot showers, charging, Wi-Fi and tips. Many lodges in Namche accept cards with a surcharge, but above Namche cash is essential.

Usually one night at most going in, often none, since most people walk on to Phakding the same day. On the way out, plan a night in Lukla before the morning flight, and keep one extra spare day in your overall plan for weather. Flights can be cancelled for days in cloud, especially from June to September.

October and November give the clearest, most reliable flying, followed by March to May. December to February are often clear but cold. June to September is monsoon, with frequent cancellations. Book the first flights of the day, as cloud tends to build by late morning. Check current status before you travel, including the Ramechhap flight shift.

Yes, but we arrange porters in advance through our team, so we know who they are, that they are insured and properly equipped, and that the load stays fair. A porter usually carries the duffels of two trekkers, about 20–25 kg in total. Hiring at random in Lukla is possible but gives you no guarantee of fair treatment for the porter.

Yes. Nepal's mobile networks reach Lukla with data, and most lodges sell Wi-Fi. Above Namche, coverage gets patchier, and many lodges use a local satellite-linked Wi-Fi service sold by card. A local SIM bought in Kathmandu is useful. Expect slow connections in the evenings when everyone is online.

You stay another night and fly the next clear morning, usually with priority for the cancelled passengers. That is why we build in a spare day before your international flight. If time runs short, helicopter seats can sometimes be arranged at extra cost. Keep your guide close, as airline counters move quickly when a gap in the weather opens.

Lukla itself is a transit town, but it is the start of short treks too. A five or six-day walk to Namche and Khumjung, with a view of Everest from Syangboche, starts and ends here. Families and older travellers often choose that, gaining the Sherpa villages and the mountain view without going above about 3,900 m.