Domestic flights to and from Lukla
Note: Because of a heavy traffic jam at the International airport in Kathmandu and the necessity of several domestic flights to Lukla, flight operation was shifted to the nearest airport.
The Tribhuwan International Airport and the domestic Airport are partially the same in Kathmandu. Thus, it used to be heavy air traffic during international flights. The domestic flight schedule will often be interrupted by International flights.
The domestic flight to Lukla mostly departs early in the morning with small aircraft. The legendary Everest trek begins from Lukla, so most trekkers to the Everest region usually fly in and out from Lukla. Often, the higher volume of trekkers want to visit the Everest region. So, there should be several scheduled flights every day. Thus, Nepal Aviation had decided to operate smooth flights from the nearest airport to Kathmandu during the main trekking and peak season. The nearest airport is in the countryside called Manthali Ramechhap, which needs approximately 4 hours of off-road driving.
The flights are effective from the beginning of October to the End of November in autumn and March to mid-May in spring.
We recommend our clients move a day earlier from Kathmandu to nearby Manthali for the flight to Lukla. That will provide the perfect views of the countryside, also that will not be a rushed and uncomfortable drive.
Most trekkers get driven in the middle of the night from Kathmandu to Manthali for the next day’s morning flight. There would be some discomfort, such as less sleep that night, if you do not arrive on time at the airport, the flight can be missed. You never know what is happening and going on the road in the countryside.
Symptoms of altitude sickness
Altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness) is difficulty sleeping, dizziness, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting, etc. It affects mountain climbers, hikers, and skiers because of lower air pressure and lower oxygen levels. It occurs as a result of failure to adapt at a higher altitude. It happens most often in the brain or the lungs after the fluid begins to leak from the blood vessels.
When the fluid collects in the brain, you initially get headaches, loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, a desire to lie down and feel powerless, physical movement is unwilling, and a decrease in consciousness, and the problem with balance coordination is called high–altitude cerebral edema (HACE). If the fluid is collected in the lungs, you become breathless and dry, and it causes a regular irritative cough, sometimes coughing up blood too, discoloration of the skin, and chest tightness is called high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).
Prevention of altitude Sickness
To prevent acute mountain sickness, we have to follow fundamental gravity habits such as patience, consistency, and discipline in the mountains. The mountains have their own rule and regulations. We cannot turn them into our nature except by following and respecting them. Cloth properly according to the altitude, avoid rapid altitude gain, drink enough water or fluid, take enough acclimatization time to adjust the body at a higher altitude, avoid alcoholic items, control smoking, eat regular meals, and get higher & sleep at lower altitudes. Avoid high altitudes if you have heart and lung disease. If the symptoms occur heavily, then stop detting altitude descend to a lower altitude.
In case the person is seriously sick or cannot bring him/her to a lower altitude by walking and carrying, then she/he should be rescued by a quick Helicopter evacuation.
Necessary Clothing for the Gokyo Valley trek
Lightweight walking boots, a pair of track shoes, and slippers to wear in the evening or when the boots are wet.
Warm jacket (Fibers fill or down should be adequate.)
A Rainproof jacket with a hood or poncho.
Warm clothes or fleece jackets.
Thin and thick trousers.
Warm trousers are useful higher up in the mountains in the morning and at night. (Windproof/ waterproof trousers are necessary during treks going above 3000 m)
Thermal underwear (These are excellent for sleeping at night)
A pair of loose-fitting long shorts and 1 lightweight long-sleeved shirt are particularly suitable for avoiding sunburn.
A woolen or warm hat to wear in the morning and at night. Sunhat and ensure it has a wide brim to cover the face and neck.
A pair of gloves (warm and normal ones)
2 pairs of thin and 2 pairs of thick warm socks.
Underwear, buff, and hankies as you need.
Accessories: Duffle bag or kit bag to carry your gear while trekking, sleeping bag. Small rucksack to carry personal requirements for the day, e.g., toilet paper, towel, soap, etc. Water bottle. Snow glasses and sunglasses, 2-4 large plastic bags to separate clean clothes from dirty ones. Headlamp with spare batteries, sun cream, personal medicine, lip guard, toothbrush, towel, Reading materials, game items (optional), notebook, rubber band, pen and pencil, a diary, a pocket knife, trekking map, passport, and copies.
Beware of drinking Water: Travelers should be very aware of drinking water in Nepal. They are not completely adapted to digest direct normal spring water due to bacteria. So, we recommend you drink mineral water or boiled water. Also, you can use some purifier tablets, such as chlorine tablets, for purifying water on the trek. We strongly recommend mineral water in the city area and purified or boiled water for the trek.
Accommodation System in the Gokyo Valley: We provide accommodation according to your demand and accessibility, either normal standards or comfortable luxury hotels in the City. We provide very neat, clean, and comfortable hotels, lodges, friendly homestays, or locally what is available accommodations for the most suitable on the trek. The dining room will be heated with firewood or yak dung in the center of the room.
Approximate walking hours per day: According to our itinerary, a minimum of 4 hours and a maximum of 10 hours of planning. But on the field, you need your own pace and rhythm, feel your condition, and adapt yourself to your comfort according to our guidelines.
Trail condition in the Gokyo Valley: The trail is often gradual ups and downs, rocky, with waterfalls, and streams, goes over several beautiful passes through the forests and alpine terrain, Lakes, glaciers, villages, several suspension bridges, yaks, mules, Chortens, Stupas, Gumbas, and prayer flags
Our Contact:
Mobile and WhatsApp: +977 9841265786 (Sanga)
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
