Kathmandu to Ramechhap – Manthali

Everest Base Camp Trek via Ramechhap – Manthali is an interesting trek where you travel from Kathamndu to Ramechhap – Manthali via land. It is an alternative to the straightforward flight from Kathmandu to Lukla instead you will explore different settlements along the way till you reach Ramechhap.

In this trek first, you will travel to Ramechhap-Manthali Airport and then proceed to board a flight to Lukla. There are many transport company that provides Kathmandu to Ramechhap transport services. You can hire a private car, private jeep, sharing jeep, or public bus. The cost of the transportation depends on the transportation services that you have used.

Establishment of Ramechhap/ Manthali Airport

During your Everest Base Camp Trek, you will land in Lukla where your trekking starts. You will board your flight from Ramechhap, to land in Lukla. This airport is located 120 kilometers east of Kathmandu valley. Ramechhap Airport is situated in Manthali municipality which is why its other name is Manthali Airport.

This airport was first established in 1979 to provide food, products, and transportation for people. Although at first, it was a small airstrip only a few flights would operate daily. In 2015, the Nepal government and Civil Authority Aviation of Nepal decided to renovate the airport from clay to concrete surface.

Ramechaap Airport became quite important for tourism in 2022 when the government announced every flight to Lukla would be boarded from here 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 is smoothly operating the Kathmandu-Lukla flight, 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 either use public transport like Hiace, Bus or Van or can also hire private vehicles like Private Car, and Private Jeep.

Kathmandu to Ramechhap Transport by Bus

Kathmandu to Ramechhap Transport via bus 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. Keep in mind there are two types of private buses. They are 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 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 then you can hire a tourist bus. Generally, Travel or Transport Agencies in Nepal can provide you with tourist buses that you can share among other tourists or trekkers visiting Nepal.

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 an excellent mode of transport, especially for the off-road destination.

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 of the ways of transporting via Jeep is by sharing with other trekkers. This is normally a good idea if you are single or your group is few 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 expensive than public buses but they are cheaper than private jeep or Hiace. If you are sharing a jeep during your transport it can cost from $30 to $40 per person. Keep in mind just like public bus transport, you will have to meet in the spot of departure as they don’t pick you up in the hotel.

Transportation Via Private Jeep

Transportation from Kathmandu to Ramechhap via Private Jeep method is also a good option. However, they are 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 up to the hotel. During your excursion, you can visit all the important locations between Kathmandu to Ramechhap Airport. You can also stop the Jeep whenever you can but keep in mind 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 Jeep is the most comfortable among all other options.

Kathmandu to Ramechhap Road Excursion via Jeep

If you haven’t experienced the Kathmandu to Ramechhap tour then we highly recommend you should. As you travel by either bus, Hiace, or jeep, it is one of the easy tours. We highly recommend Jeep excursions, either by hiring private ones or by 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 where you pass Arniko Highway and join B.P. Koirala Highway.

The road is like hairpin bends as it continues to become narrower and narrower. As you travel far from Kathmandu you will start seeing farms, villages, and mountain peaks in the far distance. Once you get closer to Ramechhap you will start driving on the bank of Tamakoshi and Sunkoshi rivers.

After about five to six hours of intense drive from Kathmandu, you will eventually reach Ramechhap. Should you arrive late in Manthali, you will need to check in at a hotel or lodge located near Ramechhap Airport. Normally your flight to Lukla will be early next morning so be sure to take a good rest. 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 of the ways to reach Lukla is via Manthali airport. Due to heavy air traffic in Kathmandu, many international flights are ascending and descending from Tribhuvan International Airport. 

Manthali Airport runway is 518m long hence it is eligible for Short Takeoff and Landing aircraft. From Manthali three airlines land in Lukla and they are 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 $157 per person for one way, subject may change according to domestic rule.
• Manthali to Lukla the flight cost is $315 per person for two ways.
• Lukla to Manthali, the flight cost is $158 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 stuff with you. Here are some of the necessary items you need to pack in 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.
• Reusable water bottle or Thermos to bottle hot water whenever necessary.
• Personal medicines and basic toiletries.
• Comfortable but strong backpack to carry all of your items.

FAQs