KATHMANDU: The Khumbu (Everest) region, gateway to Mount Everest, has welcomed the start of its autumn tourist season, one of the busiest times of the year for trekking in Nepal.

The season, which runs from late August through November, follows the monsoon and is prized by travelers for its stable weather, clear skies, and breathtaking mountain views. Considered alongside spring as the most favorable time for trekking, autumn typically sees a surge of international and domestic visitors to the Everest region.

Five flights landed at Tenzing–Hillary Airport in Lukla on Friday alone, three operated by Summit Air and two by Tara Air, bringing 68 passengers into Solukhumbu, according to Lukla airport officials. With air traffic picking up, airlines that had been serving other routes during the off-season are now shifting operations back to Kathmandu–Lukla and Manthali–Lukla services.

With the arrival of trekkers, local hotel owners, workers, guides, and porters are also preparing for the busy weeks ahead, bracing for a boost, as autumn tourism is seen as a vital contributor to the region’s economy.

Trekkers are already making their way through Sagarmatha National Park, with trails leading to Namche, Thame, Gokyo, Lukla, and Everest Base Camp beginning to see steady traffic.

“This is the most attractive and active time for both tourists and locals,” said one hotelier in Namche, noting that the season not only brings economic opportunity but also highlights the region’s enduring appeal as a world-class trekking destination.