Manthali to Lukla Flight Operation During Everest Base Camp Trek via Ramechhap – Manthali 14 days

According to the airline’s authorities, a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla was diverted to Ramechhap airport because of heavy traffic and backups.

The Lukla flight is the most well-known and crowded flight journey among the top STOL flights in Nepal. Due to increased traffic congestion and gridlock caused by these STOL planes, they have a significant impact on both international and domestic flights.

The goal is to lessen and manage the overall traffic congestion, including construction-related delays. A Ramechhap to Lukla flight is substituted for the original Kathmandu to Lukla flight. And hence the Everest Base Camp Trek Via Ramechhap. 

Kathmandu to Manthali

Domestic airport Manthali is located in the Ramechhap district’s seat, about 132 kilometres to the east of Kathmandu. The BP Highway requires an about 4 to 5-hour vehicle trip from Kathmandu to reach the airport. Manthali is a little village with few tourists, but that will undoubtedly change coming spring.

Manthali to Lukla

The flight from Manthali to Lukla is a short one, and it’s an ideal way to get from Manthali to Lukla. It takes around 20 minutes to get there. In addition, the flight will take you through some beautiful landscapes, which are sure to make your trip more enjoyable.

Active airlines that fly from Manthali to Lukla

Looking for active airlines that fly between Manthali and Lukla? Check out our list of the best ones to help you compare the different options we’ve found.

• Summit Airlines
• Tara Airlines
• Simrik Airlines
• Sita Airlines
• Shree Airlines
• Nepal Airlines
• Yeti Airlines
• Makalu Air
• Guna Airlines

Ramechhap (Manthali) Airport

One of Nepal’s districts, Ramechhap has a total size of 1,546 square km and is heavily populated by the Brahmin, Chhetri, and Tamang ethnic groups. Likewise, natural resources and religious and cultural heritage are abundant in Ramechhap.

Additionally, the Ramechhap airport is located in Manthali, the Ramechhap headquarters (near the banks of the Tamakoshi River). The word Manthali, which means “the place of eating Mun,” is derived from two Majhi words, one of the fishing tribes in Nepal.

Alternative To Ramechhap-Lukla Flight

A helicopter flight can be an alternative to the Ramechhap—Lukla flight. This helps you catch your intended Everest Base Camp Trek Via Ramechhap itinerary and board your international journey. Travelling to Lukla via helicopter is advantageous compared to a flight. For USD 2,500 more per trip, in addition to the cost of the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a reserved private helicopter can be arranged.

Similarly to that, a one-way helicopter charter from Manthali to Lukla will set you back an additional USD 1800. The number of seats is five. i.e., you and the other passengers will split the cost. If you’re lucky, the price may occasionally decrease if there are passengers who will split the cost of the trip in both directions. Our WhatsApp +9779841936940.

Meals 

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner during the trek 
• Breakfast in Kathmandu

Permit required 

• Sagarmatha National Entry Park Permit
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
• TIMS LINK:  CLICK HERE (sometimes optional for EBC)

Altitude sickness Everest Base Camp Trek via Ramechhap Manthali 14 days

Altitude/ elevation sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs when you ascend to high altitudes too quickly and your body struggles due to a lack of adequate oxygen. It typically affects people after ascending beyond 2500 metres (8,200 ft) and can escalate if ignored.

Common signs and symptoms.

Symptoms usually begin 6-24 hours after ascent and to help control the situation can range from mild to life-threatening. It’s crucial to recognise early signs to take the situation under control.

Mild Symptoms

• Headache (Most common)
• Nausea or Vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness
• Fatigue or unusual tiredness
• Difficulty sleeping.

Moderate to severe symptoms:

• Persistent, worsening headache.
• Confusion or disorientation
• Shortness of breath, even at rest.
• Difficulty walking (ataxia)
• Tightness in the chest.
• Severe fatigue.
• Bluish lips or fingernails.

Serious Symptoms:

High-altitude cerebral oedema.

• Swelling of the brain.
• Symptoms include Confusion, hallucinations, poor coordination, Drowsiness or even coma.
• Life-threatening and requires immediate descent.

High altitude pulmonary oedema.

• Fluid builds up in the lungs.
• Symptoms include breathlessness at rest, coughing (Possibly with pink froth), Tight chest, and blue lips.
• Fatal if untreated.

Preventive measures.

• Ascend gradually.
• Stay hydrated and avoid. Beverages like alcohol and caffeine, especially in the early days of the trek.
• Consume a high-calorie diet with carbohydrates. Avoid overeating and spicy food that could lead to stomach upset.
• Climb high, sleep low.
• Consider medication. Often recommended for the high elevation trekkers, Acetazolamide is often taken 1-2 days before reaching high altitudes.
• And most importantly, know when to stop or descend.
• And most importantly, report about even the slightest uneasiness to the guide or fellow companion.

The best time to trek to Everest Base Camp Trek via Ramechhap – Manthali is 14 days

pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November)

The best time to trek EBC is during the two main trekking seasons:

Spring (March-May)

• Weather conditions: Spring is known for its warm temperatures and clear skies, providing optimal trekking conditions. The days are pleasantly warm, while the nights can be chilly, especially at higher elevations.
• Flora: This season is also marked by the blooming of rhododendrons and other wildflowers, adding vibrant colours to the landscape.  
• Views: clear visibility allows for stunning panoramic views of the mountains, including Mount Everest, enhancing the overall trekking experience.

Autumn (September to November)

• Weather conditions: Autumn offers stable weather patterns with crisp air and clear skies. The temperatures begin to drop as winter approaches, but it remains comfortable for trekking.
• Visibility: This season is known for its exceptional visibility, allowing trekkers to fully appreciate the beauty of the breathtaking landscapes and mountain peaks.
• Cultural events: Many local festivals, including Dashain and Tihar, occur during this time, providing trekkers with a unique cultural experience and the opportunity to engage with the local community.
• Crowd: Like spring, Autumn is a popular time for trekking, so expect to see more fellow adventurers along the trail, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Hiring a guide and porter Everest Base Camp Trek via Ramechhap – Manthali 14 days

1. Decide early: independent or through an Agency?

Trekking  agency (most reliable):

• Offers licensed, insured guides and porters.
• Handles all logistics: flights, permits, accommodations, etc.
• You pay more, but it’s stress-free and safer.

Independent guide/porter

• Slightly cheaper, but you’ll need to ensure they are licensed and experienced.
•  You’ll need to coordinate everything yourself ( permits, itinerary, bookings)

Recommended: Use a government-registered trekking agency in Kathmandu or online ahead of time for verified and insured staff. 

2. Verifying Credentials and Experience

Guide: 

• Must be government-licensed.
• Should have basic English and first-aid knowledge.
• Experience in high-altitude trekking is a must.

Porter:

• Usually from the local sherpa or rai communities.  
• Can carry 20-25 kg of loads.
• Often have limited English but are incredibly strong and helpful.

If you’re booking independently, ask for their trekking licence, insurance details and past client reviews.

3. Permits and documents (usually handled by guides/agency) 

You’ll need:

• • Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit.
  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality  Permit.

• TIMS card: (if trekking solo without a guide, guided treks, may not require this anymore)

4. costs ( as of 2024-25 estimates)

• Licensed guides: $25-35/day (including food, lodging, and insurance)
• Porter: $ 18- $ 25/day (same inclusions)
• Guide-porter (combined role): $20-30/day- good for budget solo trekkers.

5. Formal agreement and payment 

With agency:

• You’ll sign a contract with clear terms on cost, itinerary, responsibilities, and cancellations.
• You may pay 50% advance and the rest on arrival.

 6. Independent hire

• Draft a basic written agreement (many guides carry a template).
• Agree on payment terms, workload, and responsibilities.
• Make sure they’re insured against high-altitude accidents.

7. Insurance Requirements

• You should have travel insurance covering trekking up to 5,500m and emergency evacuation.

8. Guide/porter.

• Must be insured by the agency or employer. Ask for confirmation.

Electricity and the Internet on the Everest Base Camp Trek via Ramechhap – Manthali 14 days

Kathmandu to Namche Bazaar (up to 3,440m)

• Reliable electricity in all teahouses- charging is usually free in low elevations.
• Plug types: Mostly type C and D

Above Namche (Tengboche,DIngboche,Lobuche, etc)

• Electricity becomes scarce and solar-powered.
• Charging your devices often comes at a fee, especially after Tengboche.

Mobile network on the EBC trek

You can buy SIM cards from a local general telecommunication store after providing a copy of your passport. As for the data-acquiring process, you’ll get instructions in the manual for the SIM card.

• Ncell and NTC work up to Namche and patchily beyond that.
• Travellers often prefer Ncell, saying it has slightly better coverage up to the Everest base camp.
• By a local SIM card in Kathmandu with a passport copy.

Pro tip: Carry a high-capacity power bank (20,000 mAh or more) and a solar charger if possible. Charging is limited above 4,000m.

Internet speed is good for WhatsApp, email, occasional social media posts, but might not be as expected for Netflix and YouTube due to the elevations.

Currency details for Everest Base Camp Trek via Ramechhap-Manthali 14 days

Currency used.

• The official currency in Nepal is the Nepalese rupee.
• Notes come in denominations like 5,10,20,5000, and 1000.
• Coins are rarely used and not accepted in remote trekking areas.

Exchange rates.

• Exchange rates fluctuate, but as of early 2025,1 USD is equivalent to NPR 130-135.
• Rates are slightly better at authorised money exchanges in Kathmandu compared to airports or hotels.

Where to exchange.

• Kathmandu (especially the Thamel area) As numerous licensed money changers offering competitive rates.
• You can also exchange it at banks, but they often require passport copies and may charge a small fee.
• ATMs are widely available in Kathmandu and sometimes, like in Lukla, but not reliably beyond that.

On the trail (EBC Route) of Everest Base Camp Trek via Ramechhap – Manthali 14 days

• After Lukla, no ATM are available.
• No money exchange facilities either- Cash is the only way.
• Only a few lodges accept foreign currency. (USD/EUR) at low exchange rates.

Important tips Everest Base Camp Trek via Ramechhap – Manthali 14 days

• Carry enough cash in NPR before flying to Lukla.
• Budget for daily expenses, buffer for emergencies, and a tip. (Suggested 3000 to 4000 per day)
• Dividing your money into smaller denominations is easier for transactions.
• Some lodges and shops might not have changed for NPR 1000 notes at higher elevations. 

Drinking water on the Everest Base Camp Trek via Ramechhap – Manthali 14 days

Drinking water will be available for you throughout the trek in different local shops to buy and refill at tea houses but it’s advised for foreigners to buy mineral water bottles or at least boil the drinking water as the water straight from the source might not settle well with their physiology due to new environment despite the water being clean and drinkable.

There are different methods to obtain water to drink as follows:

Bottled water: The most convenient way to get water is to buy bottled water available easily at local vendors. It’s advised for you to buy water at lower elevations if you want to save costs, as the price of bottled water spikes with rising elevation. A bottle of water costing Rs. 100 at Lukla might cost Rs. 400+ in Gorakshep.

•  Despite being convenient, it’s advised for travellers to carry their refillable personal water tumbler to avoid plastic waste.

Boiled water: Most tea-houses offer boiled water for small charge, but getting the boiled water is worth it cause it’s safer from untreated water and since usually the region is visited during cold weather, it’s advised to avoid drinking cold water to avoid the body from losing heat and energy.

Tap or stream water: Water from these sources are readily available to drink but just like suggested before, it needs to be processed through some sort of viable treatment inorder to avoid pathogens.

Filtration process: There are several purification methods that travellers can use for water purification besides the mentioned ones, which can be useful even in times of emergency, particularly for solo adventure travellers to know about them, such as:

Water purification tablets:

• Lightweight and effective.
• Safe but slightly chemical taste.

Portable water filtres:

• Mechanical filters (Life Straw, Sawyer Mini) 
• Ideal for stream and tap water.

UV sterilisers (Steripen):

• Quick and efficient (takes around 90 seconds)
• Needs batteries and works best with clear water.

 Tips for Everest Base Camp Trek via Ramechhap – Manthali 14 days

• Always carry a bottle or two with you. Some stretches between villages can be long.
• Insulated bottles help with cold water at higher altitudes.
• Purification tablets wait at least 30 minutes before drinking. 
• Many trekkers prefer to stay in tree-houses and purify by themselves, as it is cheaper and sustainable.

Essentials to bring on the Everest basecamp trek via Ramechhap – Manthali 14 days

• High-capacity power bank.
• Solar Charger ( for off-grid charging).
• Local SIM with a data package.
• Preload offline maps, books and music.
• Extra batteries for the camera, GoPro.

Note: Anyone who needs to be under regular medication, please bring an adequate amount of medication while on the route and also have insurance in case of emergency evacuation by helicopter.

Equipment list for Everest basecamp trek via Ramechhap – Manthali 14 days

First-aid 

For altitude.

• Altitude sickness medicine/Diamox
• Ibuprofen or paracetamol
• Oximeters.

For cuts and wounds

• Antiseptic liquids. (Betadine/Savlon)
• Alcohol swabs or antiseptic wipes.
• Band-aids, gauze pads, adhesive tapes.
• Tweezers and small scissors.

For stomach issues.

• ORS (oral Rehydration salts)
• Anti Diarrheal. (e.g. Loperamide).
• Probiotics or activated charcoal tablets.

For a cold and a cough.

• Lozenges and a nasal spray.
• Cough syrup (Non-drowsy type)
• Lip balm, petroleum Jelly, cold cream.

Miscellaneous

• Blister plasters (e.g., Compeed)
• Elastic bandage for sprains. 
• Pain-relieving balm or spray
• Eye drops.
• Thermometer.
• Surgical/ latex gloves.

Hands

• Mittens 
• Hand-warmers
• Trekking poles
• Fist wraps
• Woollen gloves

Footwear

• Four pairs of woollen socks 
• well-gripped waterproof boots
• Flip-flops
• Crampons

Toiletries 

• Soap bars 
• Shaving kits
• Nail kits
• Hand-sanitisers
• Toothbrush
• Mid-sized towel
• Sanitary napkins
• Shampoo sachets

Additional

• Notebooks 
• Cameras
• Water bladders of min. 2-liter capacity 
• Chargers and power banks
• First-aid kits
• Regular medicines 
• Multi-purpose Swiss army knife

Other medical advice for the Everest basecamp trek via Ramechhap – Manthali trek 14 days

• Hydrate constantly at altitude; dehydration is dangerous.
• Rest if the symptoms of AMS start.- Don’t push higher. If your body is warning, (Motivation isn’t always the solution to reach the destination, your life matters)
• Avoid alcohol or smoking- worsens acclimatisation.
• Consult your doctor about high-altitude medication and possible side effects before the trek.