More than 1,000 foreign tourists heading to Lukla from Manthali have been stranded for two days due to unfavorable weather conditions in the Solukhumbu region. These tourists, who had traveled by road from Kathmandu to Manthali with plans to fly to Lukla, have been unable to proceed due to poor weather affecting flights.
According to Hiroan Shah, Chief of the Civil Aviation Authority office in Manthali, around 1,300 foreign tourists were set to fly to Lukla via Summit, Tara, and Sita Airlines. However, due to the adverse conditions, flights have been delayed.
Some tourists have opted to travel to Solukhumbu district headquarters Phaplu by road, while others have arranged helicopter flights to Surke, an alternative nearby destination.
During the peak tourist season, Manthali Airport typically operates 55 to 60 daily flights, noted Prajwal Guragai, the Information Officer at the Civil Aviation Authority in Manthali. Most tourists visit the region in the autumn season for the popular Everest Base Camp trek, making Lukla a crucial gateway.
The delay in flights has created challenges, as tourists eagerly await a change in weather to continue their journey toward the Everest region.
Source: RSS
