Kathmandu to Ramechhap – Transportation Guide

Introduction

The main thing that comes to mind for most trekkers coming to Nepal is transportation. A country encircled by giant hills and mountains makes it hard for the trekkers to choose the transportation mode. Especially, when one has to reach the starting point of the trek, he/she may don’t have the whole idea of reaching there.

While talking about trekking in the mountains of Nepal, the Everest region is an unmissable destination. So, to reach Everest, you have to travel from the Capital city of Kathmandu. Since it is the only city with an international Airport, every international tourist has to arrive there first.

Furthermore, you must know that the closest airport to Everest which is running regularly to carry tourists to and fro is the Lukla Airport. A couple of years back, it was possible to directly catch a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. But in the spring of 2019, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal(CAAN) decided that the flight would be routed from Kathmandu to Ramechhap (Manthali) airport.

Ramechhap (Manthali) is a tiny airstrip with few tourist services. Hence, to get to Manthali Airport, you can take a drive of 5-6 hours. Finally, after you reach Manthali airport you will then catch a final flight to Lukla.

Kathmandu to Ramechhap flight, is it Possible?

Currently, there are no direct flights that go from Kathmandu to Ramechhap. The only way to reach Ramechhap through flight is from Lukla. Also, there are no airports close to the Ramechhap Airport where you can take direct flights from Kathmandu. So, it will be the best idea to take a drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap airport.

Hence, if you want to just reach Ramechhap Airport directly from Kathmandu, then you have to drop that idea for now until the authorities allow the flights to Ramechhap from Kathmandu. By chance, if the authorities allow the flight to Ramechhap from Kathmandu in the future, remember that it will take about 20 to 25 minutes of flight time, providing a quicker and equally stunning aerial view of the world’s highest mountains and hilly landscapes. Furthermore, if you are curious about the Kathmandu to Ramechhap flight ticket price, then we could assume that it could take anywhere between 140 to 180 dollars.

Distance from Kathmandu to Ramechhap

The distance from Kathmandu to Ramechhap is approximately 132 kilometers (82 miles) by road. The journey from the road typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route will pass through the Araniko and B.P Koirala Highway which introduces the trekkers to beautiful Nepali countryside, scenic views of terraced fields, wonderful green hills, and cultural villages along the way.

When you must go to Ramechhap?

You don’t have to go to Ramechhap every season to catch a flight to Lukla. Only in the busiest trekking seasons, typically from March to May and September to mid-November will be routed from Kathmandu to Ramechhap. Hence, during every other season than these months, the flight will depart from Kathmandu.

Furthermore, the flight from the Ramechhap airport can be taken much quicker, and flights from this place can carry more passengers to Lukla than from Kathmandu.

On the other hand, the Lukla flights from Kathmandu are frequently delayed due to traffic, even in the event of favorable weather. Therefore, an adventurer may miss the chance of an opportunity to take a flight even though the weather is clear to fly to Lukla.

Therefore, we don’t consider Ramechhap to be a poor alternative. We rather say that it gives trekkers the best chance to reach Lukla and begin the journey on time.

Various Ways to go Ramechhap through road

Now that you know the basic details of going to Ramechhap, you will now know what are the various ways to reach Ramechhap. Here are various methods to make it happen-

1. Through Shared Van

Shared Vans/minivans are a popular and economical option for traveling between Kathmandu and Ramechhap. Through this option, you will head towards Ramechhap at 2 AM early in the morning. Since Vans must be reserved, it is the responsibility of your travel company to arrange it.

Hence, Vans are a great option to travel from Kathmandu to Manthali. You will successively reach in 4-5 hours with this option and you will get enough time to have some breakfast.

Approximate Price – USD 35 per seat

2. Through Public bus

Public buses are a widely used mode of transport for locals traveling between Kathmandu and Ramechhap. So, if you have an extra day and want to be friends with Nepalese and want to have a long chat with them, then you should look for this option.

You can leave for Ramechhap one day ahead of time to match the scheduled trip, as you won’t be traveling at night. Hence, Even though public buses provide less comfort and convenience, they provide a very affordable way to travel.

Approximate Price – USD 15

3. Through Private car or Jeep/SUV

The most convenient way to get to Ramechhap is to rent a Car/Jeep or SUV. It won’t become too pricey and will be easily affordable for you if you can get other individuals to share the vehicle with you.

This option is not just comfortable, but also this will be perfect for those who want to have a chilling and relaxing drive. If you are not in a hurry and you aren’t willing to catch a flight in the morning then, this option is perfect for you. If you wish to stay in Ramechhap for a day then we recommend this option for you.

Approximate Price for Car/Jeep – USD 130

Approximate Price for SUV – USD 170

When will you leave Kathmandu for Ramechhap?

Normally, you leave Kathmandu early in the morning after 2 AM. Based on your chosen travel company the time may differ, but usually you will leave in the early morning before 3 AM. However, your company representatives will provide all of the information to you before the trek. if the Flights have been canceled on the previous day then the travelers who are waiting there will be prioritized first. Knowing such notice, you can also postpone your journey to Manthali airport to the next day for your turn.

Things to Do in Ramechhap, Manthali

1. Fishing, Rafting, and Picnicking: Enjoy fishing, rafting, and picnicking along the scenic Tamakoshi River.
2. Visit Temples and Monasteries: Explore Manthali Temple and Chyasku Monastery to experience local religious and spiritual practices.
3. Hiking: Trek from Manthali to Doramba or hike to Puranagaun for picturesque views and traditional Newari architecture.
4. Cultural Festivals and Village Tours: Participate in local festivals and tour villages to observe daily life, crafts, and farming.
5. Bird Watching and Wildlife: Spot birds and wildlife along the Tamakoshi River banks and in the surrounding forests.
6. Visit Lubughat: Experience Magar culture and enjoy fishing and picnicking at the historical site of Lubughat.
7. Enjoy Local Cuisine: Sample traditional dishes like dal bhat, momos, gundruk, and local snacks such as chiura and sel roti.
8. Relax and Unwind: Take in scenic views from vantage points and relax by the riverbanks of the Tamakoshi or Sunkoshi rivers.

Hospitality in Ramechhap

To be honest, Manthali isn’t a popular tourist destination. Because the flights to Lukla have been diverted recently, the travelers have just begun to arrive here. Otherwise, this place won’t have many visitors around it. So for that reason, this place hasn’t seen too many facilities for the tourists.

Since travelers have begun to arrive at this destination because of the rerouting of flights, the infrastructure is being built or upgraded. Hence, you will find most of the places with basic and limited accommodation facilities.

Even though Ramechhap has basic facilities, it offers a welcoming and hospitable environment for travelers, characterized by a variety of guesthouses and lodges that provide comfortable accommodations. Since many of these are family-run businesses, visitors can experience individualized services and a stronger sense of Nepali culture.

Facts you need to know about Manthali Airport

1. Since the airport is primarily used for flights to Lukla, there is very little possibility of delays or cancellations due to aircraft traffic.
2. The scheduled flights to Lukla are in great numbers from this airport.
3. Even in the event of poor weather at Lukla, the flight only takes a short duration, and the backlogs clear quickly from this airport.

For how long this diversion will continue?

As the flights from Kathmandu to Lukla have been suspended since the spring of 2019, the diversion will likely continue for more coming years. As you must know the one and only international airport and a domestic airport are at the same place in Kathmandu, so the air traffic will obviously be busy. Hence, as per the statement of the CAAN officials, it is likely that this particular diversion will take place in the future until a solution is found for the air traffic in Kathmandu. Until then, we request all of the trekkers to get prepared for the flight from Ramechaap to Lukla.

Conclusion

In final words, we want to conclude that to head into the Everest region in the peak trekking seasons, you have to travel from Kathmandu to Ramechhap first. To head for Ramechhap, you can check out the 5 different transportation options that are mentioned above. Hence, Upon reaching Ramechhap, you can spend the remaining time doing the interesting things that are also mentioned above.

Or if you don’t have time or you aren’t interested in spending time at Ramechhap, then you can wait for the aircraft to turn up at the Ramechhap airport that will directly take you to the Lukla Aiport.

As travelers have to go through this long journey, they will have to manage different kinds of processes to sort out the journey. So, to make the traveler’s job easy, we assist them in every possible way. Therefore, if you have any kind of queries or questions regarding Kathmandu to Ramechhap airport or any similar kind of journey, then you can simply call us at +977-9841965533 or landline at +977-14700252. Or you can simply reach us via email at info@missionhimalayatreks.com or drop a message at our WhatsApp. Happy Traveling!