The journey starts from Lukla, a tiny town in the lap of the Himalayas, where most trekkers get off to go to Everest Base Camp. Arriving here marks only the start of one of the world’s most famous treks, but it is also a place capable of startling even those hikers who are already at their most jaded. Landing in Lukla is an adventure in itself, between the tiny airport’s iffy-sounding location, unpredictable weather, and questionable logistics. In this post, I will share with you some of the things I wish I knew before getting to Lukla and a few practical tips so that you can get ready for your own trip to Base Camp Everest.

But Lukla Airport is not for the faint-hearted.

When the plane touches down in Lukla, you realize right away how tough this leg of your journey is going to be. The airport is accordingly notorious for being one of the most dangerous in the world - and it's easy to see why. It’s a dirt strip of just 527 yards (1,729 feet) extruded on the upward slope of a mountain ridge. This also means pilots must take off and land with extreme care.

Before you’ve even arrived at the mountain, it’s also worth noting that the flight into Lukla (from Kathmandu, usually) is notorious for being a gut-wrenching rollercoaster of turbulence. The weather can change fast, and that could affect flight schedules. Many trekkers are hoping for a nice, clear flight; however, it is not unusual for turbulence. If you tend to get airsick or dread flying, it’s worth the mental preparation. I only wished I had known how bumpy and uncomfortable the flight might be. It happens, but half the battle is about it.

Expect Weather Disruptions and Cancellations

Lukla is located in a remote, mountainous region, and the weather can change rapidly. There are many flights into Lukla every day, especially in the winter and monsoon months. Poor visibility can cause delays or even issues with taking off. The airport is small, and only tiny planes land there, so there’s less wiggle room with flight schedules.

Before you head out, you also have to figure buffer days into your travel schedule. If you’re the sort who's in a great rush, these delays are irritating but par for the course when it comes to traveling in the Himalayas. And I always give myself more days in KTM or at the start of the trek for any flight delays, ys, fare well, and cancellations. I learned this the hard way when I was stranded in Kathmandu for an extra day and a half than what my itinerary originally called for due to weather cancellations. So long as you remain cool and are adaptable.

So You’ll Have to Pack an Array of Gear

Lukla is also a remote town, and while you may have access to teahouses and modern amenities, the infrastructure can often be quite primitive compared to what you’re accustomed to in your home country. If you neglect anything, it can be challenging to purchase in Lukla. And the same goes for anything else you might require for the trek — an extra pair of trekking socks, snacks, and a lighter. Small shops are selling trekking gear where fees leave much to be desired, and stocks will only be inadequate.

You’ll Acclimate to Altitude More Quickly Than You Think

Lukla is 2,860 meters (9,383 feet) above sea level — and it’s easy to forget that you are already up quite high. Whilst the climb up to Everest Base Camp is gradual, you can feel the altitude even in Lukla. Before the hike even started, I was already breathless when I arrived. I was jet-lagged, but the air itself felt like no air at all, and not only because of its thinness; it is also dry and full of dust.

You can never hike high, since you have to let your body adjust to the thin air at such an elevation. Some trekkers race ahead at the beginning of your trek, but don’t forget that altitude sickness could be an unwelcome companion… especially for rushers who haven’t taken time to acclimate. It is in Lukla that you will notice a simple task may be more effort than it should: lifting your backpack or walking up a single set of stairs.

After you arrive, rest and hydrate in order to adjust. You know what, err on the side of slowness. We all know the importance of acclimatization to a successful trek, and I just wish we’d done enough of that in Lukla when we arrived.

WHERE IT’S BUSY, but it’s a fairly small village here in Lukla

A few hours of flight from Kathmandu is Lukla, the gateway to Everest; this small village is nestled comfortably, bursting with trekkers, porters, and Sherpas. With the sheer number of human beings here, it can be difficult not to feel a bit overwhelmed, particularly during peak trekking seasons (spring and autumn). The town is tiny, and there isn’t much to do, with only the main street lined with trekking gear shops, tea houses, and hotels for exhausted travelers.

Lukla may appear congested at first, but it is the good kind of crowded. The mood is social, and the world's travellers used to gather here before heading off. It’s a place where you can meet other travelers, share tips, and soak in the collective adrenaline of everyone who is about to take the same trek as you.

But I was unprepared for how packed it would feel the moment I arrived. You’ll be sleeping and living in a teahouse with dozens of other trekkers -- it’s packed right up to the brim. The streets are choked with porter Girls and boys hauling loads too big for their backs, and it can all feel so overwhelming, but that is the free-for-all energy of Lukla. And don’t fight it; you’ll bond with everyone hiking the trail as you get into the groove of it.

The Sherpas Make Your Journey Possible

Once you disembark at Lukla, you will realize that the Sherpas are the soul and essence of the Everest Base Camp Trek. They are the ones doing the heavy lifting, pointing, and making sure everything runs smoothly. The Sherpas are well-trained in trekking and climbing high mountains, and knowing the landscape and mountains is invaluable.

Soon enough, I was forced to rely on my Sherpa guides and porters. They’re there to do more than just pull your luggage behind you as you race from attraction to attraction — they’re also responsible for making sure that you are safe, well-fed, and supported at every step of the journey. That might be just helping you acclimatise, or urging and pushing through tough parts of the trail, but Sherpas provide a vital role in making your trek a great (and safe) experience.

Just spend time listening and learning from them, ask how they came to their stories, and respect that they are the experts. You’re likely to make friends who will be in your life long after the trek ends.

Anyway, That’s Where The Trek Begins At Lukla

When you land in Lukla, the Everest Base Camp Trek really begins. While you won’t be trekking on the first few days, if you land in a teahouse, odds are you’ll spend the evening getting ready for it — making sure your gear is good to go and double-checking that all your permits are in order. You’ll still have that charge of excitement from the morning rush after you’ve rolled out a day after arriving, eager to hit your stride on your hike, but not hoping for an easy start. The first day’s hiking is hard: it is uphill in parts and steep enough to have you knackered before you’ve even begun.

The only thing I wish I had known before we went was that, yes, the trip is VERY physically demanding from day 1. You’ll be a quick draw, and your body will have to adapt to the extra effort required! But once you start to walk, the beat of pilgrimage will get into you, and finally, the adventure is your own.

Final Thoughts

The flight to Lukla is the beginning of an adventure not easily forgotten. Tighten your brain for patience. Be there, as is the pressure on the mind as it is on the body. You will absolutely get to experience Lukla's altitude and bustle – and appreciate Sherpa assistance for the trek, which is more reassuring to your mind!

Accept the challenge with enthusiasm, take it one step at a time, and remember this is for life. With the right mindset and planning, not only won’t Lukla feel like the terrifying gateway so many make it out to be, but you’ll feel as if you’re walking into your Everest dream.