Arrival in Kathmandu. We need to reserve two to three days to meet with the guides, prepare all equipment for the resupply points and get the necessary permissions. From Kathmandu we'll travel to Taplejung either via direct flight or flight to Bhadrapur and drive to Taplejung.
Kathmandu to Taplejung/Suketar Flight
There are weekly flights between Kathmandu and Taplejung (Suketar) scheduled by Tara Air and Goma Air.
This is the easiest way; you just fly in and start walking. Done! However, this is remote part of Nepal so the flights do not take place daily and as it is a tiny mountain airport, weather is a huge factor in whether your (weekly) flight will leave or not. Please bear that in mind if you are on a tight schedule. If all goes according to plan, this is a one hour and twenty minutes flight.
Kathmandu to Bhadrapur Flight and Drive to Taplejung
Alternatively you can fly to Bhadrapur by Buddha Air or Yeti Air, who fly daily. While flying to Bhadrapur has more options, you need to then drive from Bhadrapur to Taplejung to start you trek. Flying directly to Suketar gets you straight to the trekking area in the mountains.
Bhadrapur is situated on the Terai or plains in the south of the country. Therefore, there is no problem with mountain weather or difficult landings so the 45 minute flight takes place every day. In fact there is a minimum of four flights a day operated by Buddha Air and Yeti Air. On the down side, after the flight you need to drive for around 10 hours to reach Taplejung. This will be by either local bus (not recommended!) which departs every morning, or by private jeep.