Lukla (2,800m) came into prominence after Sir Edmund Hillary built the now famous Lukla airport to transport building material. To Sir Hillary's disappointment the airport became a commercial hub and tourists arrived in hordes to visit the Everest region. Today Lukla is one of the best- known high altitude airports and has recently been black topped. It is also notorious for flight cancellations and trekkers getting stranded for days. It is better to fly in and hike back to avoid the frustration and ugly scenes at the airport. If you need to fly back then get your bookings reconfirmed.

Lukla is basically a transit point and nothing much else to do but wait for a flight out. However, there are many good lodges here with private rooms as well as dormitories. Most trekkers flying in begin their trek immediately as there is no need to linger here after the short 35 min. flight from Kathmandu.