Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Helicopter Trek is ideal for those who don’t have enough period of time to trek hours and hours for a number of days. Similarly, physically disabled people who have a hunger of exploring the tallest peak of the world can do this tour within a few hours of time. People might be wondering how difficult it would be to explore Mt. Everest. But this luxurious tour has been designed for those who feel like they can find it difficult to trek. This thrilling tour offers incredible views of pristine mountain peaks at very close range. The major allure of this tour is to have close-up views of the world’s tallest peaks along with some other famous peaks like Gourishankar, Cho-Oyu, Lhakpa Dorje, and many others.
Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Helicopter Trek begins from the domestic terminal of Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu. The flight takes off from the airport you can see eagle eye views of many heritage sites of Kathmandu valley. As the flight moves ahead towards the eastern side then the snowcapped peaks begin to appear in front of your eyes. The chopper will land at an airport for a while to complete some procedures for your trip. During the break, you can enjoy the views of Himalayan chain bounded around the Lukla village.
Overview
Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Heli Trek covers the main attractions of Everest base camp and Gokyo Lakes in a single trek combined with a helicopter flight out and is a thrilling alternate trek to the Everest Base Camp Trek. This trek includes marvelous scenery of the highest mountains in the world and provides a look into traditional Sherpa culture with a spectacular helicopter flight back to Kathmandu.
Trip Highlights
- Experience breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, from various vantage points like Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar.
- Explore the stunning Gokyo Lakes region, renowned for its turquoise waters and picturesque surroundings.
- Enjoy trekking on less crowded trails compared to the traditional Everest Base Camp route, offering a more serene and immersive experience.
- Conclude your trek with a thrilling helicopter ride back to Kathmandu, providing a convenient and scenic alternative to the standard return journey.
- Save time on your return journey, allowing for more flexibility in your travel plans and additional time to explore other attractions in Nepal.
- Trek with experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the region's terrain, culture, and safety protocols.
- Stay in comfortable teahouses along the trekking route, providing essential amenities and a cozy retreat after a day of hiking.
- Interact with local Sherpa communities and learn about their unique culture, traditions, and way of life.
- Embark on an unforgettable adventure and achieve the milestone of reaching Everest Base Camp while enjoying the added thrill of a helicopter return journey.
Everest Alpine Trekking representative will greet you when you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. You will be driven to your accommodation in a private vehicle after completing the necessary paperwork for your visa and other requirements.
You will receive an orientation with the trekking guide regarding your trip itinerary after taking a short break at your hotel.
Take a guided tour of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city. After breakfast, you get on a private vehicle with your guide and head to Boudhanath.
Located towards the north-eastern part of the city, Boudhanath Stupa is an important center of Tibetan Buddhism. It is the biggest stupa in Nepal, and according to local legend, the remains of Kasyapa Buddha (an incarnation of Lord Buddha) lie beneath the stupa.
Boudhanath consists of a huge white dome placed on a representation of a giant mandala. On the top is a gilded square topped by a tapering tower. The four sides of the square, painted with the Buddha's all-seeing eyes, look out in the four cardinal directions.
Also, visit Pashupatinath Temple, the oldest and the most important Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva in Nepal. The Hindu cremation site of Arya Ghat lies next to the temple on the banks of the Bagmati River.
From the eastern side of the river, one can see the last rites being performed by the dead relatives as the corpses are lit on the funeral pyres. One can’t help but ponder on the transitory nature of human existence while watching such scenes.
Your last stop is Patan. A medieval kingdom of the Malla kings Patan is also known as Lalitpur or the ‘City of Artisans’. Make your way to Patan Dubar Square and discover medieval artisans' exquisite creations crafted on stone, wood, and metal.
Explore Krishna Temple, Patan Palace Museum, Kumbeshwar Temple, Golden Temple (Hiranyavarna Mahavihar), Mahabouddha Temple, etc.
Depending on your travel month, your flight to Lukla will depart either from Kathmandu or Ramechap Airport. During the high season, flights to Lukla are typically operated from Ramechap, which is 130 km east of Kathmandu, requiring a 4-hour drive. If your flight departs from Ramechap, you will need to wake up around 2:00 am to begin the drive, and the flight itself takes only 15 minutes.
Once in Lukla, you will immediately be impressed by the towering peaks surrounding the village, giving you a glimpse of what’s to come. After meeting your crew, you’ll begin your trek up the Dudh Koshi Valley on a well-marked trail, making your way to Phakding for the night.
You will depart Phakding on the second day of the hike and head towards the colorful and energetic Namche Bazaar. The trail highlights a peek of the beautiful scenery that lies ahead as it winds through charming rhododendron trees and passes the Dudh Koshi River suspension bridges.
The majestic Thamserku and Kongde Ri peaks, as well as the other towering Himalayan giants, will be visible for the first time to you as you ascend. Tucked deep in the Himalayas, Namche Bazaar is a lively Sherpa village with a breathtaking backdrop of the world's tallest peaks.
Namche Bazaar for acclimatization provides the appropriate balance of contemporary conveniences and cultural immersion, making it a great spot to unwind, restock, and visit the regional markets.
Acclimatization is very important for trekkers hiking at high elevations to get used to the climate and situation. For the speedy adjustment to the higher altitude, you can hike to the Everest View Hotel which is considered to be located at the highest place.
From the hotel, you will get a splendid view of the Himalayas such as Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kongde, and others. After having a tea or a coffee break, you will gradually descend to the Sherpa villages of Khumjung where you will have lunch.
You may also visit the Khumjung Monastery. The legend has it that the monastery houses a Yeti’s scalp. When you return to Namche, you may choose to relax or enjoy roaming about the town.
You may visit the Sherpa museum to learn about the Sherpa culture and the history of mountaineering, or nearby Thame, a historic village. It is worth visiting the school established by Sir Edmond Hillary, the first person to climb Mt Everest.
You will leave Namche Bazar's lively atmosphere behind and continue your journey towards Dole on the fourth day of the EBC Trek via Gokyo with Helicopter Return. The trek offers a mesmerizing combination of expansive mountain views and quaint local communities as you climb higher into the Himalayas.
The trail winds through alpine scenery and rhododendron woods, offering a tranquil and absorbing experience in the embrace of nature. This portion of the journey provides a special chance to observe the customs of the nearby Sherpa communities, providing insights into their rich cultural history.
You will be greeted by calm surroundings and a feeling of achievement as soon as you get inside your lodging for the night in Dole.
Stepping out of Dole, you will ascend to stunning meadows where yaks congregate on the fifth day of the EBC Trek via Gokyo with Helicopter Return. Aside from colorful prayer flags, you will also see some interesting shrines.
The Dudh Kosi Valley, which is located much above the river, will be followed as you continue your ascent. Although it's an easy walk, the altitude could still affect you on even the smallest hill.
With very few plants and shrubs in the alpine terrain, this area has a very different landscape. With the gorgeous snow-capped peaks and the clear blue sky overhead, it stands in stark contrast.
You will reach Luza (4360m) after approximately two hours, and it will only take you an additional hour of walking to reach Machhermo (4465m), where you will spend the night
The journey continues as you hike from Machhermo to the enchanted destination of Gokyo on the sixth day of the voyage. The walk takes you through amazing scenery that changes dramatically as you go from alpine meadows to the immaculate Gokyo Lake tucked away behind towering rocks.
Ascending offers ever-more amazing scenery, as you remain in awe of the majesty of nature with every step you take. The trail offers a chance to fully experience the unspoiled splendor of the Himalayas, offering both calm and thrilling experiences.
Approaching the charming Gokyo Valley, perched at the edge of a serene lake and encircled by towering mountains that appear to reach the sky, is undoubtedly the highlight of the entire journey.
You will resume your EBC Trek via Gokyo with Helicopter Return today toward Dragnag, completing a day of acclimatization in Gokyo Valley. As you proceed on your walk, you will encounter Ngozumpa Glacier.
The route is shorter and gains only a small amount of elevation, but it is full of ups and downs. Strolling along the valley on the eastern side of the glacial moraine is unquestionably magnificent and gorgeous.
Tawache and Cholatse peaks will be directly beside you as you enter the yak grazing region. Trekkers can easily reach Cho-La High Pass from Dragnag Village, which is situated next to Ngozumpa Glacier in a tranquil area.
Your hike today will be quite difficult as you will be crossing the challenging Cho La Pass, a high mountain pass. For Cho La Pass, everything will be uphill from the start i.e. Dragnag. Be careful not to slip on the incline because the trail is extremely steep and covered in rocks.
A snow wonderland and breathtaking vistas of the towering Himalayan range await you when you ascend Cho La Pass. After that, you will descend sharply and stroll next to a glacier.
Ascending the trail will bring you to the foot of Awi Peak, where you can descend its lower slope. Get ready to be in complete amazement at the breathtaking vistas of Tawoche and Cholatse, two of the Himalayan giants.
You will arrive at Dzongla and spend the night there as you go forward across the snowy terrain that gives way to verdant grasslands.
The tenth day of the EBC Trek via Gokyo with Helicopter Return unfolds as you continue your trip from Dzongla. You will climb higher still to reach the Khumbu glacier's perilous moraine.
Walking a row of memorial stone monuments dedicated to Sherpas and Climbers who perished on Everest mountaineering missions. The trail then heads west along the western rim of the valley, dropping down to Lobuche. Seeing the sunset over Nuptse from this viewpoint is just breathtaking.
The climb up to Lobuche will be enjoyable, unlike the day before, and you will travel with Imja Khola to the summit. Traveling to Lobuche will require four.
You will commence your journey to Everest Base Camp early in the morning today. Trekking via the Khumbu Glacier's deep crevasses and icy peaks will take several hours. Rest assured, though; before hitting the path again, you will enjoy a brief lunch break. Gorakshep can be reached by following the trail.
The real accomplishment, though, comes from reaching Everest Base Camp at last. That's when you start to genuinely admire those courageous climbers who successfully navigate the treacherous Khumbu icefall.
Particularly in the spring and fall, vibrant tents stand out against drab, gray surroundings. The views of the Nuptse, Khumbuste, and Pumori mountains are breathtaking from the Everest Base Camp.
You can choose a higher route on the way back to have an even greater perspective of the South Col trail and the Khumbu icefall. Once you've had enough time to enjoy yourself on the Everest Base Camp, you'll return to Gorakshep and spend the night relaxing. hours.
Get up early and head to the best viewpoint in the Everest Region, Kala Patthar, to start your day. This location also denotes the highest point you will climb on your journey.
A magnificent 360-degree vista will be shown to you, showcasing Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, and Changtse. You will take a helicopter ride back to Kathmandu, leaving Gorakshep with amazing views of the mysterious mountains in the distance. During the flight, take in the breathtaking mountain ranges up close.
You will be taken straight to the hotel upon arrival at Tribhuvan Airport's domestic terminal. Spend the day unwinding and letting your sore muscles rest to help you feel more at ease. One of the greatest hotels in Thamel is where you will stay the night.
A free day in Kathmandu to rest, explore and shop. There are no activities scheduled for today. This day also serves as a contingency day in case of any delays with the flights.
Since this is your last day in Nepal, it's your last chance to shop and enjoy exploring the valley's cultural hub, Kathmandu. Three hours before the departure of your flight, we will drop you off at the airport. If you have more time, you can also talk with us about exploring Nepal's other destinations.
Cost Includes
- All meals (B,L,D) during the trek with tea/coffee.
- Twin-sharing accommodation at the teahouse/lodge during the trek.
- Twin-sharing accommodation at Kathmandu guest house or similar category for 3 nights with breakfast
- All required permits for the trek.
- Internal flights (Kathmandu/Ramechap – Lukla)
- Gokyo to Kathmandu helicopter flight service.
- Experienced local trek leader with a 1:4 assistant guide-to-client ratio
- Full support crew with 1 porter for every 2 trekkers.
- Airport pickup and drop as per your flight time.
- Comprehensive first aid kit with high altitude medicines and supplementary oxygen system.
- Duffel bag, Sleeping bag with liner and Down Jacket (Sleeping bag and down jacket must be returned after completion of the trek)
- Staff insurance and allowances.
- Welcome or farewell dinner at Kathmandu.
Cost Excludes
- International airfare.
- Visa.
- Travel insurance.
- Meals at Kathmandu.
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or on the trek for any reason (Early arrival or delay, Early arrival from trek due to any reason)
- Personal expenses.
- Gratuities for staff.
FAQS
This trek combines the classic Everest Base Camp route with a detour through the scenic Gokyo Valley, culminating in a helicopter ride back to Kathmandu from Gorakshep.
It offers a unique route that showcases the beauty of the Gokyo Lakes and provides a less crowded alternative to the traditional EBC trek. The helicopter return adds convenience and allows for more time to explore other attractions in Nepal.
For this journey, Everest Alpine Trekking has prepared a professionally organized 16-day itinerary; however, we are prepared to make any necessary modifications based on your preferences.
Yes, there will be challenging hiking at high altitudes throughout the expedition, including Kala Patthar at 5545 meters, Everest Base Camp at 5364 meters, Cho La Pass at 5420 meters, and Gokyo Ri at 5360 meters.
Accommodation along the trekking route consists of teahouses and lodges offering basic amenities such as beds, blankets, and meals. You will have access to attached bathrooms in Lukla, Phakding, Namche, Dole, Machhermo, and Gokyo, and shared bathrooms in Dragnag, Dzongla, Lobuche, and Gorakshep. These accommodations provide a comfortable retreat after a day of hiking.
Yes, Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit are required to participate in this trek. We at Everest Alpine Trekking will arrange these permits on your behalf.
At the end of the trek, a helicopter will pick you up from Gorakshep and fly you back to Kathmandu, providing a scenic and time-saving alternative to the standard return journey.
Everest Alpine Trekking, we offer customizable itineraries to cater to individual preferences and time constraints. You can discuss your requirements with us to tailor the trek to suit your needs.
Yes, travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation and medical expenses is mandatory for trekking in Nepal. Make sure your insurance policy is valid for high-altitude trekking.
Altitude sickness can affect trekkers at higher elevations. It’s essential to acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and listen to your body’s signals. Your guides will monitor your health throughout the trek. In our 15-day itinerary, we have scheduled 2 days of acclimatization one in Namche Bazaar and another in Gokyo Valley.
Essential items include sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing layers, a down jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a reusable water bottle, snacks, and personal toiletries. Your trekking agency will provide a detailed packing list.
