Gokyo Lake Heli Shuttle Trek

If you are a solo traveler looking to join other trekkers for the trek, we arrange several small group-joining treks with guaranteed departure dates. Hence, there’s no need to worry about your plans being disturbed just because you are alone. You can join strangers from all around the world in our group-joining trek and embark on your adventure.

Note: Please be assured that all our departure dates are guaranteed to depart.

Or you can choose a private trip for you too. In a private trip, you can customize the itinerary, extend days, and add more trips according to your preference.

Note:

• For a solo traveler to embark on a private trip, a surcharge will be applied to the displayed rate on our website. However, this surcharge will not be applied to a group of two or more.
• For private trips, we can arrange departures at your convenience. This lets you select travel dates for your flight back home and participate in any desired activity.

In the tea house along the trek, you can choose any food from the given menu. Most of the food will be Continental, Tibetan, Sherpa, and Nepalese cuisines.

We can certainly arrange a vegetarian or other special diets on request.

Notes:

• If you are a vegan, there are vegan meals available at the tea houses along the trek as well. You can indulge in green vegetables, potatoes, and many other food items that are vegan.
• And if you require a gluten-free diet, the tea houses have meals that cater to that requirement during the trek. Our guide will also assist in preparing gluten-free meals.

You can certainly charge your electronic devices during the trek. But please remember that the power supply is limited and dependent on weather conditions. Moreover, there is a fee of approximately USD 2-3 or equivalent in Rupees per hour for charging your devices.

In Nepal, we use three plug types — C, D, and M. The two round pins (type C) and three round pins in a triangle form (type D) are standard in the country. The country mainly operates on a 50 Hz and 230 V supply voltage. Hence, bringing along a universal travel adapter for charging is safer.

The most well-known seasons for the trek are spring and autumn season. In Nepal, spring begins in February and goes on until May. This season offers moderate temperatures, lots of sunshine, and the bright blossoms of wildflowers and rhododendrons. Trekkers who need to see the Himalayas at their best should do trek during this time of the year and it is also one of the best times for mountain expeditions in Nepal.

Likewise, those who want to see splendid mountain views should also consider traveling during the autumn season which falls from September and November. This is top trekking season, with low precipitation, clear blue skies, and a clear view of the skyline. Obviously, you can also trek in different seasons.

Nepal's late spring is characterized by the monsoon season, which brings substantial downpours, quick streaming waterways, and lavish greenery. This is an extraordinary season if you prefer not to be on the trail full of trekkers. Winter is likewise a decent choice; despite the fact that the temperatures can be cool, you'll appreciate unimaginable perspectives on the mountains and slopes covered by snow.

Regardless of which season you pick; you will get a life-changing experience on the trek.

A typical day of trekking would commence with a delicious breakfast being served to you at 7:00 am. After fueling up for the day ahead, we would set off on our hike at 8:00 am. We would trek for around 3-4 hours before making a pit stop at a teahouse for lunch. Once we've refueled, we would continue our trek.

As we reach near our destination for the day, which is usually a guesthouse, we would arrive at around 3-4 pm. Here, you would have the opportunity to freshen up and change out of your hiking clothes. You could head to the dining hall for some tea and relax with your fellow team members, playing card games or engaging in any other activity that interests you.

In the evening, at around 7 pm, we would sit down to a hearty dinner. Following dinner, our guide would brief us on the plan for the next day's hike. Then, you could retire to your rooms for the night, ready to tackle the next day's adventure.

Tipping is customary in Nepal's tourism industry, particularly for the guides, porters, and drivers who provide their services during the trek. It's a way of showing gratitude for their hard work. At the end of your trek, you can offer a tip of your choice based on your satisfaction and budget. Any amount is accepted, you can tip in US dollars or Rupees at your convenience.

Since 2009 we have been working hard to build a company that values its clients and provides the best services possible. We have a 99% success rate with all trips that we organize and many repeat clients. The quality of our service, the friendliness of our guides, and the helpfulness of our porters give every visitor a memorable experience and leave them wanting more.

We operate with transparency and honesty, which is a significant part of why clients enjoy our services and make us an ideal organizer for your adventure.

Additionally:

• We have a team of experienced and well-trained guides who are prepared for any situation that may arise.
• Most of our guides are locals and reginal. Being from that area, they have plenty to share about the region’s culture and traditions.
• We have exceptional relationships with teahouse owners along the route, and this ensures you will have some of the best rooms available.
• We also have a strong network of service providers, from hotels to airlines to ensure you have a seamless journey.
• Our sales team provides outstanding support and prompt communication before and during your trek to ensure everything goes according to plan.
• We ensure fair and transparent transactions with no hidden costs.
• All of our team members are genuinely warm and friendly and want you to have the best possible experience while in Nepal.

We advise you to carry enough cash on the trek to cover your expenses, such as hot showers, drinking water, drinks/snacks, Internet/phone call, power charging, etc.

We recommend you prepare roughly 2500 Rupees per day.

Please note that this amount is for general ideas only, and can vary depending on your spending habits.

Only a few shops on the trek will accept credit cards. Hence, we strongly advise you to carry enough cash before starting the journey.

Booking with us is an easy hassle-free process.

To book your trip with NHT, all you have to do is follow three simple steps. 

Step 1: Check out the itinerary on our website or as per email correspondence. We can also further customize the itinerary to suit your preference if you want to change it.

Step 2: If the itinerary suits your preference, contact us to ask about its availability or check our website’s departure dates.

Step 3: We require you to deposit 20% of the total cost and send a photocopy of your passport to confirm your booking. You can pay the rest of the balance after you arrive in Nepal/Kathmandu either by card or cash in US dollar.

In case of any confusion, you can contact us and we’ll reply back with a clear solution.

The cancellation and refund policies are clear and simple. If a situation arises in which you need to cancel your trip, all you have to do is send us a trip cancellation request. And then we will proceed with your cancellation process.  We ensure that the process will be smooth and hassle free.

As for the refunds, we apologize to inform you that the 20% of the deposit that was made to confirm your booking will not be refunded. This amount will be considered a cancellation fee.

We do not encourage our clients to cancel the trip with us. Instead, you can postpone the trip to a later date without losing a penny.

Yes! We offer a free postponement service to all our clients. In case you need to postpone the trip due to travel restrictions or any kind of issue, you can do so by choosing a date that is convenient for you.  

Note: Please be sure to inform us two weeks prior to your trip departure date. This will give us enough time to make all the arrangements and ensure you have a smooth trip.

Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trekking packages. You must get it before you arrive in Nepal. And please make sure that it covers the maximum elevation of your trek with a provision of a helicopter in case of an emergency evacuation. Must provide a copy when you arrive in Kathmandu.

For reference, you can check out the recommended list of the different travel insurance companies based on different continents. If you need further assistance, we’ll always be here to provide more references.

As you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you will find our staff waiting for you outside the terminal Hall. He will be holding a “Nepal Hiking Team” display board so that you can easily spot him in the crowds. He will then escort you to your hotel and assist you with check-in.

In case you don’t find him or you face any difficulty, you can call us at our emergency contact numbers, 0977-98510 58678 (Ganga) or 0977-9851058667 (Balaram). We will assist you as quickly as possible and solve the problem immediately.

Note: Please be on the lookout for people approaching you outside the departure area. They may offer to help you with your luggage or transportation. However, it's best to be cautious and wait for our trusted staff to pick you up. Plus, our staff will never ask you for any money in exchange for their services, so you can rest assured that you're in good hands.

Yes, you can certainly obtain a Nepal visa on arrival at the airport. Firstly, you should complete the application form online before arriving at the entry point. You’ll have to provide personal information details, visa information, and passport number and so on. Here is the official website to fill out the visa form.

Important Notes

• The immigration office at the Kathmandu airport is open 24/7.
• To apply a Visa in Nepal, you need to have a passport with a validity of at least six months and a blank page in the passport for the visa stamp.
• Visa fees should be paid in cash or by credit card.
• Please remember that travelers (citizens), namely from Nigeria, Eswatini, Ghana, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Cameroon, Iraq, Syria, Ethiopia, Liberia, and Palestine, must obtain Nepal Visa before arriving in Nepal. They are NOT eligible for an ON-Arrival visa.
• Indian citizens do not need to apply for visa for their trip to Nepal.

For the local address in Nepal to submit the visa application, visa fee structure, and other information, visit our website: Visa Information.

We've made arrangements for you to stay at a comfortable 3-star hotel in a centrally located area in Kathmandu. It is a bustling neighborhood in Kathmandu with easy access to nearby markets and restaurants. The hotel rooms are clean and comfortable and have an en-suite bathroom for your convenience. And to start your day right, breakfast is included during your stay.

Depending on their availability, we usually use Woodapple Hotel and Spa or other comparable hotels in Kathmandu. This newly built hotel is located on the outskirts of Thamel and offers excellent service.

Moreover, if you're interested in extending your stay in Kathmandu, we're more than happy to help. We’ll arrange the stay and according to the different hotels, the rates may vary.

If you prefer deluxe/luxury hotel option during your stay in Kathmandu, we'll surely help you arrange with an upgrade. There are many 4-5 stat category hotels in Kathmandu that you can choose from.

Let us know if you have any specific hotel preferences in mind, and we'll do our best to accommodate your request. Alternatively, we can provide you with a selection of luxurious hotel options to choose from so that you can pick the one that best fits your needs and preferences.

Carrying all the luggage on the trek can be a hassle for you and the porters. Hence, a quick solution to this would be to leave the luggage at the hotel in Kathmandu.

The hotel staffs will store your belongings safely and return it to you upon your arrival at the end of your journey. And it is free service.

The packing list completely depends on the time of the year of your trek and the regional differences. You should pack according to the different seasons and consider not over-packing for the trek. We have a list of the recommended general checklist for most of the treks.

Notes

• We provide complimentary duffel bag, down jacket, and a sleeping bag.
• There are different rental stores for equipment’s, gears and clothes in Kathmandu.

For the footwear along the trek, we recommend you to bring hiking boots and a pair of slippers for your comfort and convenience. Please make sure to break in your hiking boots before your adventure to avoid blisters and for a comfortable hike.

Note: We also recommend you to get a hiking boots which can easily fit the micro spikes and crampons in case you need to hike on snow or on a steep incline/decline. Micro spikes is a must for mountain passes.

A porter can carry up to a maximum 25 kg of weight for two people in the mountains at a time. One porter will be divided amongst two trekkers.

Therefore, please make sure you pack your trekking gear accordingly.

Preparation for a trek is a must! To get ready for the trek, you can follow these steps so that you can get ready.

• Include cardio exercises like swimming, running, walking, and jogging.
• Walk on similar terrains or hills.
• During weekends, go hiking with your friends.
• Include a balanced diet.
• Join the gym and include strength training in your routine.
• Incorporate exercises targeting thighs and calves.
• Invest in a good pair of hiking boots.

Our guides will carry a medical first-aid kit bag. The bag will contain basic medications with an oximeter. If you have prescribed medicines, please carry them.

Our guides are highly experienced and well-equipped to handle emergency situations and provide first aid. We prioritize your safety and strive to make your trekking experience as safe and enjoyable as possible. We take the safety of our clients very seriously.

However, if you are unable to continue the trek due to illness or injury, our guides are trained to monitor your health. They will regularly check your blood oxygen levels using an oximeter and carry a first-aid kit with all the necessary medicines. In the event of a serious medical emergency, we will arrange for air ambulance evacuation to a medical facility in Kathmandu. 

All our guides are first-aid trained and licensed by a government organization. NATHM - National Academy for Tourism and Hotel Management.

They are trained professionals who have multiple years of experience in the tourism industry. Being fluent in English, they’ll accompany you throughout the trek and provide you with information about the area, culture, traditions, and much more. 

Yes, you can walk at a slow pace on the trek. The trekking guides will assist you and encourage you to take your time and hike accordingly at your own pace. 

You do not need a prior trekking experience for this trek. You can successfully complete this trek after the proper preparation. 

Please note that the trek requires you to walk for about six to seven hours per day. Hence, we recommend you do strength endurance training, cardio workouts, and go hiking in your local hills before the trek. We also suggest you add nutritious meals to your diet. 

Throughout your trek, you can expect to stay in teahouses, which are run by local Sherpa families. The rooms typically have two beds, a small table, a mattress, a pillow, and a blanket. However, using your sleeping bags to stay extra warm during colder temperatures is advisable.

The dining area in a teahouse often features a stove or heater that serves as the primary source of warmth. It's worth noting that teahouses in Lukla, Phakding, and Namche typically offer rooms with attached bathrooms. At the same time, those at higher elevations may only have Asian-style squat toilets and limited facilities.

Our package included free hot showers at Lukla, Phakding, and Namche. Apart from these locations, hot showers are available in teahouses at an additional cost.

Can we get separate rooms on the trek? If so, how much extra will this cost?

Yes, you can get separate rooms on the trek. Usually, the rooms in the mountains are equipped with two beds in which two trekker stay for the night in a sharing basis. But if you want to get a single room on the trek, we can arrange that for you on request depending on the availability of the room. And for this arrangement, it will cost you roughly USD 150.00 extra.

Note: This cost only applies to the normal standard trek packages and not the luxury one. For luxury packages, the pricings will be different. 

Wifi is available at most tea houses along the way. However, to access the wifi, you'll need to pay an additional fee. You can purchase an Everest Link Card from stores along the route to use the wifi services. The Everest Link Card data package cost Roughly 2000 Rupees for 10 GB.

It is indeed possible to use mobile data while trekking. But please note that the strength of the connection will vary depending on your location. Also, to access mobile data services, you can purchase a SIM card and data packs from Ncell or Nepal Telecom (NTC). For the Everest Trek Route, Ncell network is recommended.

During the peak season, i.e., March to May and Oct-November, most of the Lukla flights will be held via Ramechhap due to the traffic congestion at the Tribhuvan International Airport. This decision was made by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. It was made to avoid Air Traffic holds flight delays, and a high possibility of flight cancellation. However, apart from the peak trekking season, a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is possible.

Note: Ramechhap Airport is 132 km from Kathmandu, around a 3–4-hour drive. We will have to leave from Kathmandu approx. 02:00 am to get the flight to Lukla from Ramechap/Manthali airport.

Manthali – Lukla flight: Wake up around 2:00 am, drive to Manthali by shared tourist vehicle for about 3-4 hours, and fly to Lukla (20 minutes); Applicable for the peak trekking month of March, April, May, October, and November.

Kathmandu – Lukla flight: Wake up around 5 to 6 am and drive to the domestic airport in Kathmandu for about 30 minutes and fly to Lukla (35 minutes). Applicable for the remaining months, except peak trekking months.

We will arrange a transfer between Kathmandu to the other airport without extra cost. We use the sharing vehicle.

And the lukla flight gets canceled due to bad weather, you shall have to take another flight the next day. As you may know, the weather is quite unpredictable, and it is essential to fly to Lukla only when the weather is clear and favorable.

If the flight gets rescheduled for the next day from Ramechap, you shall stay there for the night at the simple tea house.

We recommend you keep a couple of buffer days in your itinerary in case the flights get canceled or delayed. This will minimize your chances of missing your return flight when your plans get awry due to bad weather conditions or any emergency in the mountains.

Alternative Option

Suppose your scheduled flight gets canceled. You can fly to Lukla by helicopter, which costs roughly US$ 400.00 per person on sharing after reducing your flight tickets. However, the costs vary depending on the situation, the number of people using the helicopter, and availability. A maximum of five people can be accommodated in a helicopter. And total cost of the helicopter is USD 2800.00 for KTM to Lukla or vice versa.

Yes, you can upgrade to a helicopter ride from Kathmandu to Lukla if you book in advance. The cost for the helicopter ride will be USD 450.00 per person for one way flight. And it’ll be on sharing basis( 5 people max).

A helicopter ride is the quickest and most reliable mode of transportation in the Himalayas. And you can skip drive to/from Ramechap.

On the Lukla flight, each passenger is allowed only 15 kg of baggage, which includes your hand-carry luggage and your luggage for trekking gear.

Firstly, we want to inform you that we don't provide drinking water along the trek. 

However, plenty of natural springs along the route allow you to fill up your water bottle. To ensure the water is safe to drink, we recommend using water purification tablets or a sterilizer pen and filter as an alternative.

Note: Our guide will carry water purification tablets and offer them to you when necessary to ensure your safety throughout the trek.

Bottled water is also available to buy on the trek. And the average cost is 250.00 Rupees per little. But we strongly advise against buying bottled water during the trek in line with our commitment to environmental conservation. The disposal of plastic bottles can have a significant negative impact on the environment and contribute to environmental degradation.

The weather and temperature during the trek differ as per the seasons.

During spring season, the weather is not hot neither cold. It is mild and moderate. The average temperature during the day is 5 degree Celsius and the night time is -7 degree Celsius. The wind speed around this time is about 4 kph. And in today you will have a good sunshine for about 7 hours per day.

Likewise, during summer or monsoon season, the weather is potentially very hot but not that much on the trekking trail. The average day time temperature in the trails is 20-25 degree Celsius and the night time temperature is -5 degree Celsius. You will experience an occasional rain as well since it is monsoon season but nothing like in Kathmandu or anywhere in the lower heights. Therefore, if you plan to visit Nepal during these times, we would recommend you to bring ponchos, waterproof jackets and shoes and down jackets to keep yourself warm. The wind speed will be 8 kph and the sunshine hour is about 4 hours per day.

Furthermore, during autumn season, the weather is moderate. And the average day time temperature will be 12 to 20 degrees Celsius and the average nighttime temperature will be negative 3-4 degree Celsius. The wind speed is 4 kph and the sunshine hour is about 7 hours per day.

And lastly, during winter season, the temperature can be chill to extreme cold. The average daytime temperature is 5-8 degree Celsius and the average night time temperature is negative 10 to 20 degree Celsius. The trail is snowy so you have to careful while walking. Also, the wind speed during time is around 14 kph and the sunshine hours is about 7 hours per day. The trail will be quite and you can have glorious views of the mountains. But really has to be careful about the trekking equipment’s as well as proper clothing.