Manthali, Nepal – Over a thousand tourists have been stranded in the town of Manthali due to inclement weather conditions in Lukla, a popular gateway to the Mount Everest region.
The tourists, both domestic and international, had arrived in Manthali to embark on trekking expeditions and explore the stunning landscapes of Solukhumbu. However, adverse weather conditions in Lukla have prevented regular flights from operating, leaving travelers stranded.
While some tourists have chosen to alter their travel plans and head towards other destinations, others have opted to take the land route to Solukhumbu. The situation has caused a surge in the number of tourists in Manthali, straining local accommodation capacities.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has confirmed that regular flights between Manthali and Lukla have been disrupted since Monday due to adverse weather in the Khumbu area. Although some flights were operated on Wednesday, the weather conditions have deteriorated again, further impacting travel plans.
To alleviate the situation, helicopters have been deployed to transport tourists from Phaplu and Surke in Solu to other locations. However, the increasing number of stranded tourists in Manthali is creating challenges in finding suitable accommodations.
The Hotel and Tourism Entrepreneurs Association in Ramechhap reports that hotels and homestays in Manthali are at full capacity due to the influx of tourists. The autumn season is particularly popular for visiting the Sagarmatha Basecamp, and the disruption of flights has led to a surge in demand for travel to the region.
CAAN officials have stated that up to 55 flights are operated daily from Manthali airport in favorable weather conditions. However, the current adverse weather has significantly impacted flight operations, resulting in ongoing inconvenience for tourists.
