How to go Manthali Airport of Ramechhap, Nepal
Manthali airport is a domestic airport located in Manthali, the headquarters of Ramechhap district, in the Bagmati Province of Nepal. The airport is situated at an elevation of 4,416 feet (1,346 meters) above sea level and has a single runway that is 1,500 meters long and 30 meters wide. It’s a gateway to the popular tourist destination of Mount Everest.
Airport of Manthali was built as an alternative to the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu to handle domestic flights during bad weather conditions or flight disruptions. Likewise, the airport has basic facilities, including a small terminal building, check-in counters, and a waiting area. There are a few shops and restaurants outside the airport premises.
The airport is currently served by three domestic airlines, Summit Air, Sita Air, and Yeti Airlines, which operate regular flights to and from Kathmandu. The flight time between the two destinations is around 25 minutes as the Manthali airport is located about 144.2 kilometers east of Kathmandu and can reach by road via the Araniko Highway.
Ramechhap district is known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. It is home to several ethnic communities, including Tamangs, Sherpas, and Newars, and has many historical and religious sites, such as the Dolakha Bhimsen Temple, Charikot Hill Station, and the Rolwaling Valley. The district is also a popular destination for trekking and hiking, with many scenic trails leading to the Himalayan mountains.
Available options to get to Manthali airport from Kathmandu.
The best way to go from Kathmandu to Manthali airport in Ramechap is by road as the flight from Kathmandu to Manthali options are not available. It’s about 89.66 miles via B.P Highway, however, find some steps to get to Manthali airport, Ramechap as given below.
Option 1: Drive with a private Car/Taxi / Jeep
Hire a taxi or a private car from Kathmandu to Manthali airport of Ramechap district. The distance between the two places is about 144.3 kilometers, and it takes approximately 4-5 hours to reach there. Car with driver (The Capacity of a Car is 4 persons with a driver): Total Cost is: US$ 120 each way.
Option 2: Drive with a private 4WD Jeep
If you are 5-6 people and want to drive comfortably to Manthali airport of Ramechap district then choose a 4WD transfer option. A Jeep with a driver (The Capacity of a Jeep is 7 persons with a driver); Total Cost is: US Dollar 170.
Option 3: Local Bus transfer to Manthali airport
Alternatively, you can take a local bus from Koteshwor, Kathmandu to Manthali. The bus journey takes around 6-7 hours, and the frequency of buses is limited. However, the cost of each passenger is US$12 for each way. Once you reach Manthali airport, you can take a taxi or hire a jeep to reach your destination in Ramechhap airport or nearby areas.
Have in mind that it’s advisable to check the flight and road conditions before planning your trip, especially during the monsoon season. Also, be prepared for a bumpy ride as the roads can be quite rough in some areas.
Manthali airport is a gateway to Lukla & Everest
While Manthali airport is not the primary gateway to Lukla flights, it does offer an alternative route to Lukla in case of flight disruptions or bad weather conditions. Lukla Airport, Solukhumbu Nepal also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport, is the gateway to the Everest region and is located in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal. It is one of the busiest airports in Nepal and is known for its challenging terrain and difficult approach.
Most flights to Lukla operate from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, which is the main gateway to Nepal. However, during bad weather conditions or flight disruptions, airlines may divert flights to Manthali airport as an alternative. From there, passengers can continue their journey to Lukla by road or air to explore the Everest trek.
It’s worth noting that flights to Lukla are often subject to delays or cancellations due to weather conditions. Thus, we suggest travelers be flexible with their travel plans and prepare for possible disruptions. It’s also recommended to book flights with reputable airlines and travel agencies like Gokyo Agency to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
Available Guest houses nearby Airport
There are a few guest houses and lodges available in the Manthali airport surroundings that offer basic accommodation facilities for travelers. Here are some of the options:
1. Hotel Friendship –
Located about 1 kilometer from the airport, Hotel Friendship offers clean and comfortable rooms with attached bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a restaurant that serves Nepali and Indian cuisine.
2. Hotel Maitri –
Situated about 2 kilometers from the airport, Hotel Maitri offers budget-friendly accommodation with simple rooms and basic amenities. The hotel has a restaurant that serves local and Indian dishes.
3. Hotel Namaskar –
It’s about 1.5 kilometers out of the airport, Hotel Namaskar offers basic accommodation with comfortable beds and attached bathrooms. The hotel has a rooftop terrace that offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
4. Hotel Mount Everest View –
It’s about 2 kilometers from the airport, Hotel Mount Everest View offers simple rooms with attached bathrooms and hot water facilities. The hotel has a restaurant that serves Nepali and Indian cuisine.
5. Guest House Ramechhap –
Located about 3 kilometers from the airport, Guest House Ramechhap offers clean and comfortable rooms with attached bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. The guest house has a garden and a terrace that offer a peaceful retreat for travelers.
Note: It’s advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak hiking season, as chances of available rooms are limited. Also, prepare for basic facilities and services as guest houses and lodges in the Manthali airport surroundings may not offer the same level of amenities as hotels in Kathmandu or other major cities.
List of the airlines that are taking passengers to Lukla
Several airlines operate flights to Lukla Airport from Kathmandu. Here are some of the airlines that fly to Lukla:
1. Tara Air [Yeti Group / Yeti Airlines]
2. Sita Air
3. Summit Air
4. Nepal Airlines
Among these, Tara Air, Summit Air, and Sita Air are the major airlines that operate frequent flights to Lukla. It’s worth noting that flight schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions and other factors, and we advise travelers to check with the airline for the latest information on flight timings and availability.
Manthali airport – Lukla – Manthali Airport Flights [HIGH SEASON TREKKING]
Hikes the high trekking season in Nepal, there is a significant increase in demand for flights to Lukla, and many airlines operate more flights than usual to accommodate this demand. As a result, it’s a huge problem for air traffic to hold in Kathmandu’s sky. However, the limited capacity and difficult terrain of the Lukla airport can make it also challenging to schedule flights.
Therefore, during the high trekking seasons in Nepal, flights from Ramechhap airport to Lukla airport are usually available as an alternative to flights from Kathmandu to Lukla. Ramechhap airport is east of Kathmandu and is used as an alternative airport for Lukla flights when weather conditions or other factors prevent flights from departing from Kathmandu.
Have in mind that even Ramechhap airport flights can be affected by weather conditions and other factors, which can lead to cancellations or delays. Travelers should still plan for potential disruptions and allow extra time for their travel arrangements.
Keep in mind that weather and road conditions can affect flight options, so it’s always best to have a backup plan and be ready to prepare for unseen changes.