Solukhumbu: Adverse weather conditions have caused significant disruption to flights at Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla, leaving many tourists stranded and stressed. For the past ten days, thick fog and poor visibility have prevented both airplanes and helicopters from operating since June 8, significantly impacting tourists in the Khumbu region.

Divas Dahal, Air Controller at the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAN) in Lukla, reported that the persistent fog has led to the cancellation of all flight schedules for the past ten days. This disruption comes at a time when many foreign tourists are attempting to return to Kathmandu after their travels in the Sagarmatha area. The number of departing tourists currently exceeds the number of new arrivals, exacerbating the situation.

Dahal explained, "It is the time the foreign tourists returned to Kathmandu after travel to the Sagarmatha area. The number of tourists leaving the district is more than arrivals. But adverse weather took a toll on air service." He added that the geographical specificity of Lukla, which experiences dense fog frequently this season, has been a significant issue.

In an attempt to mitigate the disruption, some helicopters have been operating from the Surke helipad, located below Lukla, where conditions are relatively clearer. For tourists stranded in Lukla, there is an alternative option to trek four hours down to Surke to catch these flights.

Additionally, tourists can opt for a jeep ride from Thamdanda to Kathmandu, a journey that takes them 70 kilometers from the district headquarters, Salleri bazaar. The fare for the 275-kilometer jeep ride from Salleri to Kathmandu is Rs 2,000 per person.

These alternative routes, while not as convenient as direct flights, provide stranded tourists with options to return to Kathmandu amidst the ongoing adverse weather conditions.