Message Regarding flight to/from Lukla
During the peak seasons for the Gokyo Lake Heli Shuttle Trek (March to May and September to November), all the Lukla flights will be operated from the Manthali Airport due to congestion at Tribhuvan Airport.
Gokyo Lake Heli Shuttle Trek
At a Glance
- DestinationNepal
- Duration13 days
- Trip DifficultyEasy to Moderate
- ActivitiesTrekking/Heli Ride
- AccommodationHotel/Guesthouse
- MealsB.L.D
- Max. Elevation5364m.
- Group SizeMin. 2 Pax
- Best TimeMarch - May and Sept - Dec
Trip Overview
While going on this 13-day trek in the Khumbu Valley, you'll pass along one of the most picturesque routes of the Khumbu region. This journey is the perfect combination of tranquility and serenity of the Gokyo Valley. This sacred lake is an embodiment of the Hindus and Buddhists. On this trek, you’ll get a chance to be in the presence of this sacred site.
As you travel through these trails, you'll enter the Sagarmatha National Park, one of this trek's noteworthy highlights. This conservation area is home to a variety of Himalayan flora and fauna that will captivate your eyes. Along the way, there is greenery, and you'll witness bird species like Himalayan snowcock and many more.
This journey takes an individual through small villages that are friendly and nice at the same time. Learning about their life in the Himalayas, away from modernity, will be interesting to observe and experience. This extraordinary trek visits the Sherpa homeland and their stately monasteries with a chance to witness their ancient traditions.
This trek will also take you to the Majestic Gokyo Ri Peak to witness the amazing panoramic view of the entire mountain ranges. Join us on this remarkable trek and enjoy the best of the nature and culture of the Khumbu region. The hospitality of the local Sherpas, the breathtaking Himalayan Peaks, and the tranquility of the beautiful Gokyo Lake will surely add delight to your trek.
Additionally, this trail is a fantastic alternative for any crowded trail in Khumbu Valley. Hence, we welcome you to join the trip and spend your vacation beautifully.
Highlights of Gokyo Lake Heli Shuttle Trek
- Get on board a thrilling flight to Lukla Airport overseeing the massive mountain range, deep gorges, and Himalayan valleys.
- Indulge in the local ethnic culture and savor the local cuisines of the ethnic Sherpa groups.
- Stroll in the alley of Namche Bazaar and explore the vivid town beneath the mountains.
- Pay a visit to the Sherpa Museum and have a close look at the ancient artifacts.
- Get acquainted with the community of the Sherpas and learn about their lifestyles.
- Enter the Sagarmatha National Park and enjoy the flora and faunas
- Hike to the Everest View Hotel and get lost in the 360-degree views of the snow-capped mountains.
- Rejoice near the beautiful Gokyo Lakes and take beautiful pictures beside the lake.
- Hike up to Gokyo Ri and watch the spectacular views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, lakes, and large glaciers.
- Enjoy the grand feeling of being in the Khumbu region.
Route Overview
Once you land at the TIA, you’ll be welcomed by our representative at the arrival gate and transported from the Tribhuvan International Airport to your designated hotel. After spending two nights in Kathmandu, we’ll board an exciting flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The mountain flight will be a thrilling experience for you; make sure you take the window seat! Your flight to Lukla departs from Kathmandu Domestic Airport or Manthali Airport, Ramechhap, depending on the season.
Upon you land at Lukla Airport, you’ll start your hike to Phakding, a quaint village just north of Lukla. After Phakding, you’ll start your walk towards Namche Bazaar. Along the way, you come across several pine trees and high bridges decorated with prayer flags.
After reaching Namche, will stay an extra day for acclimatization. On this day, a short hike is organized to ensure your body is set to the high altitude. You can visit the Hotel Everest View, the highest-placed hotel in the world. Or you can visit the Sherpa Cultural Museum to learn more about their culture and traditions. After your acclimatization, you trek towards Phortse Thanka, Macchermo, and then Gokyo. During your stay in Gokyo, you can stroll around the valley and enjoy the beautiful view of the lake.
After breakfast, you’ll head towards the trails of Cho-Oyu Base camp and walk towards the next fifth lake or Ngozumba Tse.
The plans for the other day will be a hike to Gokyo Ri, which is situated at 5,357m. After the hike, you’ll return to Gokyo, where a helicopter is waiting for you. You can hop on the helicopter and enjoy the ride back to Lukla. Upon reaching Lukla, you can rest there for the night and enjoy the last day in the Khumbu region.
In the morning, you’ll take an early morning flight to Kathmandu. Enjoy your flight back to Kathmandu, rest for the night, and prepare for a nice farewell.
If you wish to go on this thrilling Gokyo Lake Heli Shuttle Trek, you can contact the Nepal Hiking Team (NHT). We customize treks as per your preference and have experienced guides to make your journey even more memorable.
Best Season for Gokyo Lake Heli Shuttle Trek
So, after you’ve finalized your trek but are confused when to trek in this region? We understand your concern and want to address it in this section.
The best time for the Gokyo Lakes Heli Shuttle Trek is from March-May, and September- November. These months lie in the seasons of spring and autumn.
The spring season (March-May) brings in vibrant and warm weather for trekkers. You’ll enjoy the trek during these months, as the skies are also clear. The clear weather will highlight the highest peaks. You’ll be refreshed and energized in this season.
In the autumn (September-November), the sunny weather wipes off the footprints of the rainy season. Trekkers can take joy in the relaxing and breezy weather. Additionally, on your flight back and forth to Lukla and the helicopter ride back to Lukla, the views will be splendid as the weather clears out.
In the winter, you can trek to the Gokyo Valley, but the lake will be frozen, so there is not much to see. Also, excessive snowfall might block the roads as well.
Alternate Treks
We have different packages that are similar to the Gokyo Lake Heli Shuttle Trek.
The first one is the Everest Base Camp Heli Shuttle Trek. This journey takes you to the ancient routes of the Khumbu region where you’ll explore the Everest Base Camp. You’ll also hike up to the highest point of Kala Patthar, and enjoy the helicopter ride back to Lukla. But you won’t be able to
The next one is Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lake Heli Shuttle. It is a 17-day trek, where you reach the base of Mount Everest and take a helicopter from Gokyo to Lukla.
Whether you choose any trekking option, we will happily organize it for you. Our experienced guide and trekking leaders will ensure that you get the best in the Himalayas.
Detail Itinerary
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Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu Airport and transfer to hotel
At the airport, our office delegate will be there to welcome you. He will similarly guide you to the trip hotel as well. At the hotel, we shall conduct a small meeting to explain the trip and after that, there are no arranged plans for the afternoon/evening, so you may take a rest.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Rest in Kathmandu for jet-lag recovery
Traveling across multiple time zones can disrupt your body's natural sleep-wake cycle, causing jet lag. Allowing two nights in Kathmandu allows your body to adjust to the new time zone and rhythm, preventing fatigue and enhancing your overall well-being.
A pre-trek briefing will be provided by one of our representatives; this meeting will provide crucial information about the trek route, expected challenges, safety protocols, and local culture. This briefing ensures you are well-informed and prepared for the journey ahead, including packing lists, gear requirements, and emergency procedures.
Overnight in Hotel.
Day 03: Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2652m/8699ft) Walking Distance - 8 km, Duration: 3 hours
We'll wake up early and drive to Kathmandu airport for a flight to Lukla. The flight path is bewildering as you ride through huge cliffs and deep gorges. Upon entering Lukla, you’re going to trek to Phakding.
Overnight guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11283) Walking Distance - 10 to 12 km, Duration: 6 hours
We navigate the route along the Dudh Koshi, steadily rising through the pine and cedar woods of the Himalayas, to the well-known town of Namche Bazaar. Namche remains the focus general store in Khumbu, which draws out merchants in the Himalayas and swamps. You'll spend two days in Namche for acclimatization, visit neighborhood locations, and spend your time acclimatizing to the surroundings.
Overnight guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 05: Acclimatization Day – Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,962m/12995ft) Walking Distance - 3 to 4 km, Duration: 3 to 4 hours
This day is allocated as a rest day to acclimatize with the surrounding. You can use this day not doing anything, or strolling around the town. Or you may opt for a simple hike to Everest View Hotel via Syangboche Airport (3700m). Everest View Hotel is famous for offering promising sights of Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and many more.
Overnight guesthouse breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 06: Trek to Phorste Thanka (3800 m / 12465 ft) Distance – 6 to 7 km, Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Heading north from Namche, you will reach Sansa which leads the way to reach Gokyo valley. After passing Mong-La and witnessing wonderful vistas of Cholaste, Tawache, Ama Dablam, you will eventually reach the village of Phorste Thanka.
Overnight guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 07: Trek to Machhermo (4400m/14432ft) Walking Distance – 10 km, Duration: 6-7 hours
It will take about 5 hours to reach Machharmo. You will bypass Dole village which is one of the popular spots for a stopover during Gokyo Lake Trek. The path goes through dense forests of tall, old pines and rhododendrons backwoods.
Overnight guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 08: Machhermo to Gokyo Lake (4700m/15416ft) Walking Distance – 7 km, Duration: 4-5 hours
We climb an edge for a fantastic view both down the valley to Kantega and up towards Cho-Oyu (8201m). Past the edge of the valley broadens as the path goes through Pangka at (4390m) at that point plummets to the riverbank before starting to get on to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. It's a precarious move up the moraine, change backing close by the stream to the main little Lake at (4650m), where a group of green Brainy ducks dwells.
Overnight at the guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 09: Hike to fifth Lake (4980 m/ 16335 ft) Walking Distance – 11 km, Duration: 6 to 7 hours
After our early morning breakfast at the Gokyo village, we head toward the Cho-Oyu Base camp. We reach Fourth Lake i.e. Thonak Tse on map (14695ft) and continue following the route leading up to the next Fifth Lake or Ngozumba Tse. En route you will see the beautiful views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cho Oyu, and Gyachung Kang as well as Ngozumpa glacier. We return to Gokyo Lake around the noontime. Today’s walk approx. 11 kilometers for round trips.
Overnight at the guesthouse, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 10: Hike to Gokyo Ri – Back to Gokyo Village then Lukla, 3 hours hike and 15 min. Heli Ride to Lukla
Early in the morning, we'll hike to Gokyo Ri (5360 meters) for an amazing view of Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Tawache, Makalu, and Cholaste. After enjoying the view, we’re going down to Gokyo Valley and we're going to get on the Heli and ride back to Lukla.
Overnight at the guesthouse in Lukla, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 11: Fly to Kathmandu (30-minutes) then transfer to Hotel
We will take an early flight from Lukla and fly back to Kathmandu, savoring the magnificent sights one last time from the window seat of the plane. Upon reaching the hotel, get fresh and take rest.
Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.
Day 12: Reserve day
Flights to and from Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region, are highly susceptible to changes in weather. Clear skies and stable conditions are essential for flight operations, and these can shift unexpectedly, leading to delays or cancellations.
A buffer day provides peace of mind, allowing you to relax and enjoy the final days of your trek without the pressure of an immediate departure schedule.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 13: Departure
Around three hours before your scheduled flight, our office delegate will be at the Hotel to assist you on the way to the Airport. Breakfast included.
If the above Gokyo Lake Heli Shuttle Trek itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences and specifications.
Cost Includes
- All ground transports in private vehicles, including airport transfers.
- Four nights (twin sharing beds) accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu.
- Full board meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- Best available twin-sharing lodge-to-lodge accommodation during the trek; we provide you with an attached bathroom with a hot shower at Lukla, Phakding, and Namche.
- One highly experienced, helpful, and friendly guide, porters (1 porter for 2 people), and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff.
- Round-trip to/from Lukla, including transfers (flights operate via Ramechhap Airport during peak season).
- Service of Heli shuttle from Gokyo Lake to Lukla.
- Duffle bag for the trek.
- Down jacket and sleeping bag during the trek, if required.
- Nepal Hiking Team T-shirt, trekking map, and trip achievement certificate.
- First aid medicine kit with an oximeter to monitor oxygen level and heartbeat during the trek.
- All required trekking permits, including Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fees.
- Government taxes & office service charge
Cost Excludes
- Lunches and dinners while in Kathmandu.
- Personal travel insurance.
- International airfare.
- Nepal entry visa. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a visa can be obtained quickly. A multiple-entry tourist visa for 30 days is available for US $50 or equivalent in foreign currency. Similarly, a multiple-entry tourist visa for 90 days can be obtained for US $100. Please bring two passport-size photos.
- Soft drinks, including water.
- Local/guided tours in Kathmandu.
- Snacks and other personal expenses.
- Hot showers during the trek, except in Phakding, Namche, and Lukla.
- Personal trekking equipment.
- Wi-Fi internet and phone calls unless they are free.
- Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers.
Cost and Date
Start Dates refer to your arrival date in Nepal. End Dates correspond to your return date from Nepal.
The Gokyo Lake Heli Shuttle Trek set departure dates are tailored for the group joining option. If the 13 days Gokyo Lake Heli Shuttle Trek departure dates don’t fit your schedule, we can include alternative dates that better suit your needs.
May, 2025
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Media Gallery
Gokyo Lake Heli Shuttle Trek Photos
Travellers‘ Reviews
Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.
Gokyo trek - Nepal Hiking Team delivers again!!!
This was our fourth trek with Nepal Hiking Team. We specifically requested Dipendra Dhakal, who had been our guide last year, as he was exceptional. Last year, we completed the Renjo La Pass and Gokyo Ri, so this time, we wanted to tackle the other two passes. Nepal Hiking Team created a perfect 12-day itinerary for us. We allowed for more acclimatization and decided to finish in Gokyo, opting for a helicopter ride back to Lukla to fit the trek into our schedule.
We chose luxury accommodations up to Namche where available, and Dip did a fantastic job finding the best rooms and lodges for the rest of the trek. It was evident that he was well-connected and highly respected, knowing so many teahouse owners along the route. A highlight of the trip was the day walk to Ama Dablam Base Camp—an incredible experience with stunning views and a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere.
The trek itself was amazing, with breathtaking views throughout. Unfortunately, my husband picked up food poisoning on the day we crossed the Kongma La Pass from Chukhung to Lobuche. By the time we reached Lobuche, he was quite unwell. We decided to end the trek after eight days, cutting it short by two days. As always, Dip and the Nepal Hiking Team were fantastic, quickly rearranging our helicopter pickup from Gokyo to Lobuche at no extra cost. They also organized a comfortable hotel stay in Lukla and rescheduled our Kathmandu hotel without any additional charges.
The next day, Dip expertly managed the chaotic Lukla check-in process, ensuring we and three other NHT trekkers got on the first flight out. Despite cutting the trek short, it was another amazing trip, and Ganga and his team once again proved why they are the best. We cannot recommend them highly enough.
