A Heart-Pounding Start to the Adventure

Imagine stepping onto a tiny plane, soaring through the Himalayas, and landing on a runway that quite literally ends in a cliff. Welcome to Lukla, the most dangerous airport in the world and the first stop on my Everest Base Camp trek. From the adrenaline rush of the landing to the first steps into the legendary Khumbu region, this day set the stage for an unforgettable journey.

🎥 Full length YouTube Video

Kathmandu to Lukla: The Journey Begins

Navigating the chaos of Kathmandu Airport before catching a flight to Lukla, the gateway to Everest Base Camp. — Before the mountains, there’s the madness—welcome to Kathmandu Airport!

The day started at 6:30 AM in Kathmandu. Running on nothing but adrenaline (and a sad excuse for a breakfast bag), I rushed to the airport to catch my flight to Lukla. Kathmandu Airport was pure chaos—zero signs, maximum confusion, and a security check that felt more like an extreme sport. With my pockets stuffed with camera batteries and my nerves barely holding together, I somehow made it through.

Flying to Lukla: Beauty Meets Terror

Experience the nerve-wracking flight into Lukla Airport, the gateway to Everest Base Camp and one of the most dangerous runways on Earth. — The Most Dangerous Flight in the World

Brace yourself for the thrilling descent into Lukla Airport, where pilots navigate a tiny runway surrounded by the towering Himalayas. — Inside The Plane

The plane? Tiny. The propellers? Too close for comfort. The safety briefing? Nonexistent. The moment we took off, Kathmandu disappeared below us, and the vast expanse of Nepal’s countryside unfolded. The scenery was straight out of a dream—rolling hills, winding rivers, and the Himalayas stretching into forever.

From shaky turbulence to a hair-raising landing, this is what it’s really like to fly into Lukla Airport on the way to Everest. — My Wild Flight to Everest Base Camp

But as beautiful as it was, there was always that little voice in the back of my head whispering, "You know this is one of the most dangerous flights in the world, right?"

Lukla Landing: Hold Your Breath!

Experiencing the adrenaline-pumping landing at Lukla Airport, where the runway ends in a sheer drop. — Lukla Airport Runway, Nepal

As we started our descent, I got my first real look at the infamous Lukla runway. It was… short. Very short. No second chances. The pilot pulled off a perfect landing, but my heart didn’t start beating normally again until I was back on solid ground. Stepping off the plane, I was officially in the Khumbu region. No turning back now.

A short runway, sheer cliffs, and unpredictable winds—this flight to Lukla is both breathtaking and nerve-wracking! — Lukla Airport: The Terrifying Yet Stunning Flight to Everest

Lukla: First Steps Into the Himalayas

Lukla is a fascinating mix of excitement and organized chaos. Planes land and take off in rapid succession, trekkers hustle to gather their gear, and yaks roam through the streets like they own the place (because they do). I met my guide—though at first, I didn’t realize he was my guide. Turns out, we were about to spend the next two weeks together, so it was probably good we got along.

Exploring the small yet bustling village of Lukla, where every trekker’s journey to Everest begins. — Welcome to Lukla: Where the adventure truly begins!

The First Steps on the Everest Base Camp Trail

The first steps on the trail to Everest Base Camp, surrounded by towering peaks and sacred monuments. — The first steps on the trail to Everest Base Camp.

Leaving Lukla felt surreal. The sky was impossibly blue, the air crisp, and the towering mountains surrounded us like silent guardians. We passed mani walls—stone structures carved with Buddhist prayers—and colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. I learned an important rule: always walk to the left of these structures for good luck. Needless to say, I took the long way around every single one.

Lunch Stop: First Taste of Trail Life

Sitting down for my first lunch on the Everest Base Camp trek felt surreal. The air was crisp, my appetite was strong, and for the first time, it truly hit me—I was officially on the Everest trail.

Reflections: The Road Ahead

Reflecting on the adventure ahead, as the path to Everest base Camp continues, I see the long distance ahead — One step at a time—because there’s only 100+ more miles to go!

As we hiked deeper into the Himalayas, Kathmandu felt like a distant memory. The real adventure was just beginning. Every step away from Lukla was a step closer to Base Camp. And with each mile, I could feel the mountains pulling me in, ready to test my limits.

What’s Next?

Day 1 was just the warm-up. The real challenges—suspension bridges, steep climbs, and altitude—were still ahead. Tomorrow, we head to Namche Bazaar, the gateway to Everest and home to some unexpected surprises (including an extremely personal encounter with a yak). Stay tuned!

📍 Google Maps: Lukla or Tenzing-Hillary Airport

📍 Google Maps: Everest Base Camp Trek Town for Night 1: Phakding

🎥 YouTube Video: Everest Base Camp Trek Day 1: Most Dangerous Airport: Lukla | Vlog

Everest Base Camp Trek Day 1: Most Dangerous Airport - Lukla