On Tuesday, Lukla Airport, the primary gateway to the Sagarmatha (Everest) region, witnessed a significant surge in tourist arrivals. A total of 194 flights, including both airplanes and helicopters, ferried around 1,300 tourists to the Khumbu area in a single day. This influx follows a brief suspension of flights on Monday due to unfavorable weather conditions, resulting in a rush of arrivals when clear skies resumed on Tuesday.
According to Umesh Panthi, the chief of Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, Summit Air operated 18 flights, while Tara Air and Sita Air conducted 17 flights each, collectively making 52 flights from Manthali and Kathmandu. Panthi reported that favorable weather conditions enabled a smooth and enthusiastic response from airline operators.
Additionally, DSP Dwarika Prasad Ghimire, Chief of the District Police, confirmed that 142 helicopter flights landed at the Lukla helipad, contributing to the day’s impressive total of 194 flights. These flights brought in approximately 1,150 foreign tourists and 159 Nepali visitors, underscoring the high demand for travel to the Khumbu region during the peak season. “A large number of tourists are visiting Khumbu, and we are committed to ensuring their safety and a secure journey,” Ghimire stated.
In contrast, a total of 451 tourists—347 foreigners and 104 Nepalis—departed from Khumbu on Tuesday via air. The mid-season period is typically a high point for tourism in the Everest region, which has drawn significant numbers of visitors. Favorable weather in recent days has also boosted the number of domestic tourists keen to experience the scenic views in the region.
This increased influx signals a robust season for the tourism industry in Khumbu, contributing positively to the local economy and underscoring Nepal’s status as a prime destination for adventure and mountain tourism.
Source: Kantipur
