“Lukla, the gateway to the Everest Base Camp Trek, is known for its unpredictable weather conditions. The weather can change quickly, causing flight delays or cancellations. During the monsoon season (July-September), heavy rain and fog can cause flight cancellations, while during the winter months (December-February), snow and high winds can make flying conditions challenging. To avoid disruptions to your trekking plans, it is advisable to keep a few extra days in your itinerary for emergencies and be prepared for the possibility of flight cancellations or delays. Nevertheless, the weather conditions in Lukla can be quite spectacular, providing breathtaking views of the mountains and surrounding scenery.“
Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular and challenging trekking adventures in Nepal. However, the flights to and from Lukla, the gateway to the trek, depend on weather conditions, which can be quite unpredictable. The bad weather conditions may cause delays for a few hours or cancel the flight for a few days. This can happen at the start of the trip or at the end of the trip, causing unexpected expenses for travelers.
To start with, when flying from Kathmandu to Lukla, the flight may be delayed due to bad weather conditions. The flight to Lukla is operated by small planes that are highly susceptible to weather changes. In such a scenario, travelers may have to stay at a hotel or guesthouse in Kathmandu for a few days until the weather improves. The extra cost incurred such as accommodation, food, etc., will be borne by the traveler. The company will not be held responsible for the extra expenses.
If the weather persists for a few days, the flight may get canceled. In such a situation, travelers can either choose to wait for the weather to improve or opt for a helicopter charter service. The helicopter charter companies operate mountain flights to Lukla when the planes are grounded due to bad weather. A helicopter can carry four or five people on board and is a viable option for travelers who cannot afford to wait for the weather to improve.
However, it is important to note that opting for a helicopter flight incurs extra cost, which can add up quickly. In such a situation, travelers may choose to cancel their trek to Everest and book another trek or Nepal tour package. The company will help the traveler choose the right itinerary that suits their budget and time frame.
While trekking in the mountains, the trek leader will try their best to stick to the original itinerary. However, if the weather persists or if something untoward happens such as a natural disaster like a landslide or an avalanche, the trek leader has the right to modify the itinerary. This is done keeping the safety of the travelers in mind.
In instances where bad weather persists for days on end and disrupts the travel schedule, travelers have the choice to cancel their trek to Everest and book another trek or Nepal tour package. However, it is important to note that there will be no refunds for the loss of time due to flight delay or cancellation. There will be no refunds either if the traveler declines to book another trip in place of their Everest trek.
To avoid getting the trip disrupted, it is recommended that travelers keep aside a few extra days in their itinerary for emergencies. This will allow them to adjust their plans in case of flight cancellations or delays.
In conclusion, the weather conditions in Lukla can be quite unpredictable, and travelers should be prepared for flight cancellations or delays. It is advisable to keep extra days in the itinerary for emergencies and be prepared to bear the extra expenses if the flight gets delayed or canceled. The company will help travelers choose the right itinerary in case of such a situation. However, there will be no refunds for the loss of time due to flight delay or cancellation.