Ramechhap Airport (RHP)

Common Complaints

• Basic and Limited Facilities: The airport has basic, small facilities, including a simple terminal with check-in counters and small waiting areas. There are no notable restaurants or shops, and travelers are advised to carry their own snacks and water.
• Overcrowding during Peak Season: Despite being a smaller airport, it experiences significant overcrowding during peak tourist season, especially in the waiting room, and staff can find it challenging to manage the increased traffic effectively.
• Long and Early Morning Road Journey: Travelers face a four to six-hour road journey from Kathmandu to Ramechhap, often requiring departure in the very early hours (1-2 AM) to catch morning flights, which can be tiring.
• Underutilization Off-Season: Outside of the peak trekking seasons, the airport largely remains deserted and locals complain about the lack of regular flights for their own use, impacting the local economy.
• Manual Security Checks: Security checking is noted as being manual.

Overall, Ramechhap Airport serves as a highly functional gateway to Lukla during its operational seasons, effectively mitigating the issues of congestion and delays often faced at Kathmandu. However, travelers should be prepared for a utilitarian airport experience with minimal amenities and potentially crowded conditions during peak times, along with a demanding early morning transfer from Kathmandu.