Ramechhap Airport: How to Reach, Cost & Lukla Flight Timing
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.
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.
Table of Contents
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) |
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 |
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).
Top 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 |
With Time In Manthali, Ramechhap Places To Explore
Manthali is the main town and headquarters of Ramechhap district, located Mid-East Nepal, within the same province Bagmati as Kathmandu valley.
Have time before the Lukla flight or on the way back, for people interested to stay a few days more. Can enjoy observing the local multi-cultures of various hill tribes, mostly populated by Tamang, Magar, and Sherpa. As well as many Hindu tribes of Brahmin, Chettries, and Dalits with Newar people. Most villagers are engaged in farming and raising livestock, as well in trade with shops and local tea-houses and hotels.
Places to visit is Khandadevi, a historical and religious site built with ancient stone works on walls. The temple dates back to 1458 A.D. believed that a Shepherd built the temple. At present a prominent cultural and heritage site of Ramechhap, the local visits for worship and prayers. Best to view the beautiful landscapes adorned with green hills and valleys, facing snow peaks in the far distance.
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