Ramechhap Airport: How to Reach, Cost & Lukla Flight Details
Ramechhap Airport (also called Manthali Airport, IATA: RHP) is Nepal’s alternative gateway to the Everest region. During peak trekking seasons (March–May and September–November), the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) officially diverts all Kathmandu–Lukla flights to operate from Ramechhap instead of Tribhuvan International Airport. The airport is ~132 km (3–4 hours by road) from Kathmandu, and flights to Lukla take just 20 minutes — with far fewer delays than Kathmandu departures.
If you are planning a trekking or expedition in the Everest region, this guide will help you understand everything about the Ramechhap airport to Lukla flight, including transportation, flight schedules, ticket costs, nearby hotels, baggage limits, and cancellation information.
| 20 min Flight to Lukla |
| 132 km From Kathmandu |
| 1,542 m Altitude (ASL) |
| Since 1979 Operating |
Table of Contents
Why Flights Were Moved to Ramechhap
The gateway to Everest has moved — and every trekker heading into the Khumbu needs to know about it before they land in Nepal. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has officially declared that all flights between Lukla and Kathmandu now operate from Ramechhap Airport (also known as Manthali Airport) during peak trekking seasons.
The reason is simple: During peak trekking season, Tenzing-Hillary Airport handles up to 184 daily flights (32 fixed-wing, 152 helicopters). Since Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) of Kathmandu shares the hub for domestic and International flight to reduce the traffic, CAAN diverted the flight to Ramechhap Airport.
With this new rule, it will control the air traffic congestion that results in long delays and frequent cancellations – particularly for the small aircraft that serve Lukla.
Ramechhap Airport is located in the Ramechhap District, which is approximately 129 kilometres from Kathmandu by road. From Ramechhap airport, it takes just 20 minutes to reach Lukla airport, with far less runway competition, and departure reliability improves significantly.
✅ The Result: Since the diversion to Ramechhap, on-time departure rates for Lukla-bound flights have improved significantly. Trekkers who previously waited 1–3 days in Kathmandu for a Lukla departure now typically board within hours at Manthali — provided weather cooperates at Lukla itself.
About Ramechhap Manthali Aiport
Ramechhap Airport, also known as Manthali Airport (IATA: RHP), is a domestic airport located in Ramechhap District, Bagmati Province, Nepal. Situated on the banks of the Tamakoshi River at an altitude of 1,555 feet (474 m) above sea level, it officially began operations in October 1979. The airport serves as a vital gateway for trekkers and climbers heading to the Everest and Khumbu region, especially during peak trekking seasons when Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport becomes congested.
Flights from Manthali to Lukla are significantly shorter and less crowded compared to those departing from Kathmandu. The airport has a single unpaved runway and is managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). In recent years, it has gained increased importance as the Nepal government redirects Lukla-bound flights through Manthali to ease air traffic pressure on Kathmandu.
Quick Facts About Ramechhap Airport
| Fact | Detail |
| Official name | Ramechhap Airport (Manthali Airport) |
| IATA code | RHP |
| Location | Manthali, Ramechhap District, Mid-East Nepal |
| Distance from Kathmandu | ~132 km (3–4 hours by road) |
| Elevation | 1,542 m (5,059 ft) above sea level |
| Runway length | 780 m (2,559 ft) |
| Runway surface | Asphalt |
| Aircraft types | Twin Otter, Cessna Grand Caravan, small propeller planes |
| Flight duration to Lukla | ~20 minutes |
| Operating hours | 6:00 am – 12:00 pm (weather dependent) |
| Peak season operations | March–May (spring) and September–November (autumn) |
| Off-season flights | Some flights resume from Kathmandu (Dec–Feb, Jun–Aug) |
| Airlines operating | Tara Air, Summit Air, Sita Air |
| Airport type | Domestic, STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) |
| Managed by | Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) |
| Nearest hotel area | Manthali town (5–10 min from airport) |
Airline that operates Ramechhap to Lukla Flight
Currently three airlines operates the daily flight to Lukla Tenzing-Hillary Airport. All three use small, STOL-capable propeller aircraft that are designed for Nepal’s challenging mountain airstrips.
| ✈ Tara AirTwin Otter DHC-6 / ATR 42 Nepal’s most experienced mountain airline, operating since 2009. Tara Air has an excellent safety record on the Lukla route and typically operates the highest frequency of flights during peak season. Book well in advance. |
| ✈ Summit AirLet L-410 Turbolet A reliable operator with modern Let L-410 aircraft, offering comfortable seats and good on-time performance. Summit Air has been growing its Lukla route operations steadily since the Ramechhap diversion began. |
| ✈ Sita AirDornier 228 / Twin Otter Sita Air provides competitive fares on the Manthali–Lukla route. Their Dornier 228 aircraft carries up to 19 passengers and offers reliable service during both spring and autumn peak seasons. |
Important Note: During the peak trekking season(Spring and autumn) all the seats on this airline reamains fully booked so if you are travelling in peak season make sure to book the Lukla flight ticked at least 1 month in advance. Also add buffer days in your itinerary to because the Lukla flight cancellation is common due to weather issue.
Ramechhap To Lukla Flight Timing and Cost
Lukla flight operates mostly early in the morning to avoid strong afternoon winds. To see the departure timing you can also visit the airline website directly.
| Departure time | Airlines | Price ( one Way ) |
| 06:00 am | Tara Air | Summit Air | Sita Air | USD 246 for Foreign INR 13,150 For Indians NPR 12,500 for Nepali |
| 07:05 am | Tara air | Summit air | Sita air | USD 246 for Foreign INR 13,150 For Indians NPR 12,500 for Nepali |
| 08:10 am | Tara Air | Summit Air | Sita Air | USD 246 for Foreign INR 13,150 For Indians NPR 12,500 for Nepali |
| 09:15 am | Tara Air | Summit Air | Sita Air | USD 246 for Foreign INR 13,150 For Indians NPR 12,500 for Nepali |
Note: Flight cost are subjected to change as per airline availability and season.
How to reach Ramechhap Airport From Kathmandu
There are several transportation option you can choose if you are heading to Ramechhap Airport from Kathmandu. Let’s see in details:
By Private Car, Jeep, Hiace
Travellers can rent the private Jeep, Car or Hiace to reach the Manthali airpot from Kathmandu by contacting the transport agency. If you are in short group of around 3-4 you can take car, if you are in a group of 5-7 you can take Jeep. If you have large group of around 12-16 you can take Hiace.
By Local Bus or Tourist Bus
Regular local buses is available from the Chabahil, Old Bus Park that departs early in the morning from 8Am to 12 Am. Local bus takes long duration due to several stop for passenger pickup and drop off. There is also tourist bus for Ramechhap airport from Tourist Bus Park, Thamel (near Garden of Dreams) everyday at 2 AM.
Kathmandu to Ramechhap Transportation Comparition Table
| Transportation Option | Suitable Group Size | Departure Point | Approx. Cost | Travel Duration | Comfort Level |
| Private Car | 1–4 people | Kathmandu Hotel / Airport | USD 100–120 per vehicle | 4–5 hours | Comfortable |
| Private Jeep (4WD) | 5–7 people | Kathmandu Hotel / Airport | USD 220–250 per vehicle | 4–6 hours | Comfortable |
| Hiace Van | 8–16 people | Kathmandu Hotel / Airport | USD 190–200 per vehicle | 4–6 hours | Comfortable |
| Local Bus | Budget travellers | Chabahil / Old Bus Park | NPR 1400–1,600 per person | 6–8 hours | Basic |
| Tourist Bus / Shared Shuttle | Solo/Trekking groups | Tourist Bus Park, Thamel | USD 30–35 per person | 4–5 hours | Moderate |
Read more: Kathmandu to Ramechhap Manthali Airport Transportation GuideStep-by-Step: What to Do on Arrival Day at Ramechhap
1: Arrive in Manthali (previous evening)
After you reach the Ramechhap check in the hotels. Recheck your documents and confirm your flight status with airline. Enjoy dinner and sleep early.
2: Report to Airport (4:30–5:00 AM)
The airport officially opens around 5:00–5:30 AM. Make sure to reach the airport in time.
3: Check In and Baggage Drop
For the smooth check in make sure to get ready with your ticket(printed or digital), passport and permits( if asked). Your lauggage will be weight. The maximum carry on is 5 kg and for the main lauggage is 10 kg.
4: Security and Boarding
After the completion of the check in process the airline staff will guide you for the boarding.
5: Ramechhap to Lukla – Scenic 20 minute flight
The aerial distance from Ramechhap Airport to Lukla Tenzing-Hillary Airport is 74 kilometers, and the flight duration is just 20 minutes. From the right side of the plane, you can enjoy breathtaking mountain views. Landing at one of the world’s most dangerous airports is a thrilling experience. Every moment you spend on this flight is worth it.
Places To Stay Overnights In Ramechhap Manthali
Travellers who wish to reach Ramechhap Airport can stay overnight in local lodges, hotels, or standard resorts around Manthali. Over the years, the quality of accommodation and food services has improved significantly due to the growing number of tourists travelling to Lukla.
Since Lukla flights were diverted to Ramechhap during peak trekking seasons, Manthali has developed rapidly and boosted the local economy. Previously dependent mainly on farming and livestock, the town has now developed into an important transit hub for Everest region trekkers.
After an overnight stay in Manthali, travellers can take a short walk or drive to the airport before boarding a scenic 20 minute flight to Tenzing-Hillary Airport, located at an altitude of 2,860 metres (9,383 ft).
Best Hotel To Stay around Manthali Airport
| Hotel Name | Rating | Approx. Price (NPR) | Location | Key Features |
| Hotel TM Guest House | 4.7 | 3,203 | Near airport | Free Wi-Fi, parking, restaurant, airport shuttle |
| Manthali Park Inn | 4.6 | 5,827 | Manthali | Comfortable rooms, good service |
| Kharidhunga Hotel & Lodge | 4.7 | 1,831 | Near airport | Budget stay, Wi-Fi, simple meals |
| Laliguras Hotel & Lodge | 4.8 | 3,077 | Manthali | Highly rated food and hospitality |
| Sunita Hotel Lodge & Restaurant | 4.7 | 2,331 | 5 min from airport | Free Wi-Fi, parking, restaurant, room service |
| Airport Inn | 5.0 | — | Near airport | Excellent food and hospitality |
| Twins Cafe & Guest House | 4.9 | 1,826 | Near airport | Budget stay, restaurant, airport shuttle |
| Manthali Community Homestay | 5.0 | — | Local village | Authentic homestay experience |
| Hotel Peace Heaven | 4.5 | — | Manthali | Free breakfast, Wi-Fi, restaurant, bar |
| Hotel Yatri Niwas | 4.9 | — | Manthali | Airport shuttle, AC rooms, laundry |
| Hotel Purple Garden | 4.4 | — | Manthali | Clean rooms, good hospitality |
Booking Tip: During the peak season the hotels can fill quickly so book the room in advance to avoid inconvenience.
10 Practical Tips for Your Ramechhap Airport Flight
Stay in Manthali the night before your flight: When you try to catch the flight after you take the morning drive, the chances of missing the flight can be high due to traffic. So, either depart around midnight (1:00–2:00 AM) or stay overnight in Manthali to ensure a stress-free journey.
Book refundable tickets: The Lukla flight ticket is generally refundable if it is cancelled by the airline. But the exact policy depends on the airlines, so always confirm the ticket before making a payment.
Get travel insurance that covers flight cancellations in Nepal: Flight cancellations to Lukla are common, so having insurance can help you avoid unexpected costs that may arise due to delays or cancellations.
Keep all documents in a waterproof bag: You can show the digital copy of your documents from your phone, but make sure to carry all your documents, like your ticket, passport, and permit, in a waterproof bag.
Eat breakfast before arriving at the airport: Inside the Manthali airport, there is no resturant and food stall. So eat your breakfast before entering the airport.
Sit on the right side of the aircraft for mountain views: En route from Manthali → Lukla travellers can enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of Gaurishankar, Numbur Himal, Karyolung, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. So if you want to enjoy this view, we recommend that you book a seat on the right side of the aircraft.
Carry Nepali rupees in cash: The airport area has no ATMs. Manthali town has a few banks, but they may not be open early in the morning. Cash is king when travelling in the remote parts of Nepal, so make sure to carry cash with you from Kathmandu before heading to Manthali.
Confirm your flight status: We recommend travellers to check the flight status if its operating flight or not. It will help to save time and avoid inconvenience.
Leave one full spare day in your itinerary: The flight to Lukla or the return flight is affected by the weather in Lukla. So it’s better to have a buffer day in your itinerary to have a smooth and stress-free journey.
Hire a guide or use your agency for logistics: If you are visiting the Solukhumbu region of Nepal, then make sure to travel with the assistance of a travel or tour agency. They handle logistic, transportation, flight ticket and even arrange a guide if you’re heading for trekking.
Frequently Asked Questions — Ramechhap Manthali Airport
Why do Lukla flights depart from Ramechhap instead of Kathmandu?
To reduce air traffic congestion in Tribhuvan International Airport(TIA) during the peak season of trekking, the Lukla flight is diverted to Ramehhap Manthali airport by CAAN.
How far is Ramechhap Airport from Kathmandu?
Ramechhap Airport is approximately 132 kilometres east of Kathmandu by road, following the BP Prithvi Highway (Sindhuli Road). The journey takes 3.5 to 5 hours by private vehicle, depending on traffic and road conditions. Tourist shared buses take 4–5 hours; local buses take 6–8 hours.
How long is the flight from Ramechhap (Manthali) to Lukla?
The flight from Ramechhap Airport (Manthali) to Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla takes approximately 20 minutes.
What time do flights depart from Ramechhap Airport?
Ramechhap Airport operates mostly between 6:00 AM and 12:00 PM each morning because Lukla’s mountain weather deteriorates significantly in the afternoon — wind increases and cloud closes in, making the approach unsafe.
Which airlines fly from Ramechhap to Lukla?
Three airlines currently operate scheduled services on the Ramechhap–Lukla route: Tara Air (Twin Otter / ATR 42), Summit Air (Let L-410), and Sita Air (Dornier 228 / Twin Otter). Tara Air typically has the highest frequency.
Can flights from Ramechhap to Lukla be cancelled? What should I do?
Yes — Lukla is one of the most weather-affected airports in the world. Cancellations due to cloud, fog, or high winds at Lukla are extremely common, even in peak season. If your flight is cancelled, the airline will typically rebook you on the next available flight (often the same evening or next morning). If you face multiple cancellations, a helicopter flight is the fastest alternative (USD 450–600 on a sharing basis).
How much does a flight from Manthali to Lukla cost?
Lukla flight fare USD 246 for foreigners, INR 13,150 for Indians, and NPR 12,500 for Nepali citizens as of today’s date( 5/14/2026). The flight fare is subjected to change per season and availability. For the current fare of the Lukla flight ticket, you can check directly from the airline’s website.
Is there a flight from Kathmandu to Ramechhap Airport?
There is no flight from Kathmandu to Ramechhap Airport due to the short travel distance. You can reach Manthali airport in just 4-5 hours by private vehicle. Therefore, all the travellers must use road transportation to reach the Manthali airport. Lukla flight fare USD 246 for foreigners, INR 13,150 for Indians, and NPR 12,500 for Nepali citizens as of today’s date( 5/14/2026). The flight fare is subjected to change per season and availability.
Final Say
Ramechhap airport is getting popular due to the Lukla flight. So if you are travelling to Lukla by flight from Ramechhap airport we hope that this blog helps you to plan your journey. Still if you have any confusion regarding the Lukla flight from Ramechhap Manthali airport you can contact us. If you need to book the ticket flight we can also arrange this for you.
For more details contact us through: Phone/Whatsapp: +977-9851058664
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