The Everest Region (Nepal) > Reviews (3)

Well it seems that workmen the world over choose the most awkward times to do their jobs. Just as road repairs go on at the busiest times in the UK the Nepali government has chosen the busiest season to repair the airstrip at Lukla.

Lukla is the closest airstrip to Mount Everest that is available to tourists. Virtually all trekking and climbing parties fly in to Lukla before the walk north. Its busiest period is the spring trekking season from February to May. In peak periods the airstrip seas 15-20 flights per day. Tourists and the goods they consume arrive here in huge numbers during this period.

The gravel airstrip is struggling to keep up with this pressure and is in need of repair. The only feasible time to repair it is during the trekking season when the weather conditions are optimal. Unfortunately this will have a huge impact on the travel plans of thousands of climbers and tourists. Goods will have to be brought in on foot from the roadhead at Jiri.

There are doubts about the ability of the shuttle airlines to survive this closure on their busiest route at the busiest time.
The helipad at Lukla will still be operational and transfer flights for people only will be laid on from other airstrips. The flights, in old Russian helicopters, will be expensive- adding $300+ dollars per person on to the cost of a trip. In addition to this it is unlikely that personal equipment will be allowed on these flights. This will have to be portered in from Jiri. The logistical and cost implications will be severe.

So what options are there?

If you are determined to get to the Everest region this spring consider the helicopter option I've just described. If you do choose this method make sure that you oversea the arrangements made by your trekking agency. Kit insurance is vital as you are likely to be seperated from it for 3 days or more and anything can happen in Asia.

Consider walking in from Jiri. The bus journey takes a day and then the walk to Lukla another 2-3 days. The scenery is stunning and you will certainly be fitter and better acclimatised for your extra days in the jungle.

Khumbu isn't the only region of Nepal worth visiting. Think about another area. However, the maoists are becoming more and more of a pain for tourists and Nepal as a whole. The firther East and away from Kathmandu you get the worse the problem becomes.

The airstrip closure will cause problems but these are not insurmountable. A bit more planning and research are all that is needed.