If you are going on an Everest Base Camp Trek, you would know that Lukla is the starting point. Then, you might also know that you can get a flight to Lukla from Kathmandu, which is still correct. Having said that, it is not just Kathmandu from where you can reach the gateway to the Everest Base Camp. The Manthali airport in Ramechhap also operates flights to Lukla.
The reason is simple: the airport in Kathmandu experiences more traffic. So, flights now operate from Manthali to avoid congestion and delays. However, the hassle is only during the peak seasons (spring and autumn). You must travel from Kathmandu to Ramechhap-Manthali Airport to fly to Lukla during this time. The article below explains more about the topic.
Establishment of Ramechhap/ Manthali Airport
During your Everest Base Camp Trek, you will land in Lukla, where your trekking starts. To do this, you must board your flight from Ramechhap Airport. It is located 120 kilometers east of Kathmandu Valley. Ramechhap Airport is situated in the Manthali municipality, which is why its other name is Manthali Airport.
This airport was established in 1979 to provide people with food, products, and transportation. Although it was initially a small airstrip, only a few flights operated daily. In 2015, the Nepal government and Civil Authority Aviation of Nepal decided to renovate the airport from clay to concrete.
Ramechaap Airport gained significance for tourism in 2022 when the government announced that all flights to Lukla would depart from there instead of Kathmandu. At that time, the air traffic of Kathmandu airport was quite heavy, so this airport worked as an alternative.
Even though Kathmandu Airport operates the Kathmandu-Lukla flight smoothly, many tourists still choose to visit Ramechhap Airport to reach Lukla.
Details on Kathmandu to Ramechhap-Manthali Airport Transport
There are several modes of transportation from Kathmandu to Ramechhap based on your choice and budget. You can use public transport like Hiace, Bus or Van or hire private vehicles like Private Car, and Private Jeep.
Kathmandu to Ramechhap Transport by Bus
Kathmandu to Ramechhap bus travel is one of the most common modes of transport and is budget-friendly as well. It normally takes four to five hours to reach Ramechhap or Manthali Airport by bus. Remember that there are two types of private buses: 15-seater Hiace or Micro Bus and 30-seater Coaster Bus.
The bus transportation is quite comfortable as you will get a comfortable seat and generally a bottle of drinking water on every bus. The one drawback of boarding the public bus from Kathmandu to Ramechhap Airport is that it departs at 1 AM. Furthermore, the bus doesn’t pick you up from your hotel. You must travel to the departure stop, usually the bus station, instead.
If you are not enthusiastic about boarding public buses, you can take a tourist bus. Generally, Travel or Transport Agencies in Nepal can provide you with tourist buses to share with other tourists or trekkers.
Kathmandu To Ramechhap Jeep Transportation With Cost
Kathmandu to Ramechhap Jeep is another mode of transportation that is a bit more expensive than buses. Jeeps are commonly used as excellent modes of transport, especially for off-road destinations.
A Jeep typically has seating for about 7-8 people. There are two types of Jeep Transportation: private jeep or sharing jeep
Transportation With Sharing Jeep
One way of transporting via Jeep is to share it with other trekkers. This is normally a good idea if you are single or your group is small, not more than 3 to 4 people. At this time, you will share your jeep ride with another small group of tourists or locals heading in the same direction.
Jeep Sharing is still a bit more expensive than public buses but cheaper than private jeeps or Hiace. If you are sharing a jeep during your transport, it can cost from $30 to $40 per person. Remember that, like public bus transport, you must meet at the departure spot, as they don’t pick you up at the hotel.
Transportation Via Private Jeep
Transportation from Kathmandu to Ramechhap via Private Jeep is also a good option. However, it is considerably more expensive than other options. This mode of transportation is recommended if you are traveling with a large group, like seven to eight people.
Furthermore, the jeep will pick you up from the gate and take you to the hotel. During your excursion, you can visit all the important locations between Kathmandu and Ramechhap Airport. You can also stop the Jeep whenever you want, but keep in mind that it can delay your arrival time in Ramechhap and your flight to Lukla.
The cost of hiring a private jeep to reach Ramechhap Airport typically ranges between $300 and $350. Despite being more expensive than other modes of transport, Private Jeeps are the most comfortable option.
Kathmandu to Ramechhap Road Excursion via Jeep
If you haven’t experienced the Kathmandu to Ramechhap tour, we highly recommend you do so. It is one of the easiest tours, as you travel by bus, Hiace, or Jeep. We highly recommend hiring private Jeep excursions or sharing them.
As you move forward from Kathmandu to Ramechhap, you will say goodbye to overcrowded cities and begin traveling in the rural village area. You will move from Bhaktapur towards Dhulikhel, passing the Arniko Highway and joining the B.P. Koirala Highway.
The road is full of hairpin bends as it continues to narrow. As you travel far from Kathmandu, you will start seeing farms, villages, and mountain peaks in the distance. Once you get closer to Ramechhap, you will start driving on the banks of the Tamakoshi and Sunkoshi rivers.
After about five to six hours of intense driving from Kathmandu, you will eventually reach Ramechhap. If you arrive late in Manthali, you must check in at a hotel or lodge near Ramechhap Airport. Normally, your flight to Lukla will be early next morning, so be sure to rest well. We also advise booking your lodge and hotel in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, as you may not find any accommodation during that time.
Ramechhap/Manthali Flight To Lukla
One way to reach Lukla is via the Manthali airport. Due to heavy air traffic in Kathmandu, many international flights ascend and descend from Tribhuvan International Airport.
The Manthali Airport runway is 518m long, making it eligible for Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft. Three airlines land in Lukla from Manthali: Sita Airline, Summit Airline, and Tara Airline. These are reasonably small airlines, as big airplanes can’t land at Manthali Airport.
Manthali to Lukla flight cost
- Manthali to Lukla, flight cost is about $150 per person for one way, subject may change according to domestic rule.
- Manthali to Lukla, the flight cost is about $315 per person for a round trip.
- Lukla to Manthali, the flight costs about $150 per person for one way.
Things to Pack During Your Trek
Kathmandu to Ramechhap is an adventurous journey. It becomes even more fun and comfortable if you have packed appropriate items. Here are some of the items you need to pack for your journey.
- Comfortable Clothing – Packing appropriate clothes is necessary for your trek. The clothes must be comfortable to wear and easier to add or remove depending on the temperature changes. The temperature can change from being warm to cool so be prepared for both clothing. The appropriate clothing can be light shirts or vests, cargo pants or joggers, and light jackets.
- Hiking shoes to walk comfortably and rain gear to protect you from rainy days.
- Sunglasses and hats to protect from sun rays.
- A reusable water bottle or Thermos can bottle hot water whenever necessary.
- Personal medicines and basic toiletries.
- Comfortable but strong backpack to carry all of your items.
