The World’s Most Dangerous Airport
Flying into Lukla
Lukla. It’s the place every dream of Everest starts. It’s also infamous for having what’s believed to be the world’s most dangerous airport. The impossibly short runway, surrounded by high mountains makes it so that only small planes are able to take off and land there. The 20 minute flight is infamous for rattling even the steeliest of nerves. I would be lying if I said we weren’t all a little bit nervous. We were also excited. Excited to get our adventure underway. And definitely quite excited to get away from the lodge in Ramechap we had the “pleasure” of staying in the night before. But that’s another story.
Arriving at the landing strip we would be departing from at 5:30am, we were met by the already quite busy outdoor check-in counters, where someone weighs your lugagge to make sure it meets with regulations. They then tag the bags and give them back (say what? 🤷🏻♀️), which was fantastic. All those layers of clothing we had stuffed with our heaviest items, planning to wear them on the plane? We just put them right back in our backpacks. And were promptly on our merry way.
I must say, the flight itself was not nearly as harrowing as it had been built up to be. We had nearly perfect weather. Very little turbulence, though what we did get, was definitely not pleasant. Still, None of the multi-hour delays which often happen due to ever-changing mountain conditions. We were lucky.
Once on the ground in Lukla, it almost didn’t seem real. There we were, surrounded by the mighty Himalayas. We were finally here. Finally about to embark on the official start of our Everest Marathon adventure, which, if all goes according to plan, includes 10 days hiking to Everest Base Camp, two days camping at base camp, race day, and a further two days of hiking to get down the mountain and back to Lukla. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. This is a journey I intend to savor ever step of the way, starting with the “Swiss” mountain hideaway we’re spending tonight at.
Michelle Gallardo
Chicago news gal with an addiction to pro-cycling, Ironman, running, travel and food. Always in search of a new adventure, way to torture myself.
9 Comments
Linda Friedman
I think i will pass…
Verodiz
Yo vi un reportaje sobre es vuelo y aterrizaje hace unos meses y me sentía un poco nerviosa por ti, pfff ya paso! Sigo tus aventuras feliz!!!
Susan Moore
Michelle, you’re living out my dream! I wish you a good trek to base camp. Namaste.
Michelle Gallardo
Thank you so much. I really appreciate the support!
Laura C Dantuma
Michelle you are a fabulous writer!
Michelle Gallardo
Thank you! Glad you’re enjoying it 🙂
Jon Miller
I assume you are walking by now. Today is Saturday May 18. Waiting on a update whenever you get a chance to find internet again. Good luck my friend..
Michelle Gallardo
We have hiked for two days now. Today is an acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar. So expect the next post to drop tomorrow morning Chicago time!
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