World Expeditions has announced changes to all of its Everest region itineraries, in response to Nepal’s decision to close Kathmandu airport to flights to and from the country’s most popular trekking region.
Nepali authorities have replaced Kathmandu with Ramechap as the departure and arrival point for all flights to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest trekking region, in order to reduce congestion at Kathmandu airport.
The new routing, which affects all tour operators in Nepal, is in place until end November 2019, with authorities assessing whether to continue after 1 December, 2019.
The one remaining operational flight from Kathmandu to Lukla each day is reserved for Nepali locals, and airlines are forbidden from selling any tickets to agents or to individuals who are not Nepali citizens.
Unlike many tour operators whose clients will depart Kathmandu by vehicle at 2am, to reach Ramechap in time for the first morning flights to Lukla, World Expeditions’ clients will stay overnight in Ramechap to ensure they get a good nights’ rest before they begin trekking.
According to Kelvin Law, World Expeditions Himalayan Operations Manager, the company looked at many options including helicoptering clients to Lukla, before opting to have clients stay in the company’s comfortable and conveniently located campsites in Ramechap.
“Having clients stay in Ramechap is in line with World Expeditions’ policy of allowing plenty of time for acclimatisation. We want our clients to be fresh and well rested when they start the trekking part of their holiday.
“Instead of departing Kathmandu at 2am, World Expeditions clients will depart Kathmandu mid-morning, stopping for lunch and arriving into Ramechap around 4.30pm.”
World Expeditions is the longest established and most experienced tour operator in Nepal and offers dozens of treks all over the country, including the exclusive 150 day traverse of Nepal, along the Great Himalaya Trail. Its network of permanent campsites ensures its travellers do not contribute to deforestation which is one of the most serious environmental problems facing the country.
