Everest and Gokyo Lakes Helicopter Tour
A private helicopter morning from Kathmandu that adds the turquoise Gokyo Lakes to the Everest flight: over Everest Base Camp, a short landing at Kala Patthar when permitted, a pass over Gokyo, then breakfast at Hotel Everest View.
About 4½–5½ hours · Everest · From US$ 4,800
Enquire- Duration
- About 4½–5½ hours door to door
- Destination
- Everest
Overview
The Everest region has two great views: Everest itself from the head of the Khumbu valley, and the chain of turquoise lakes at Gokyo, one valley to the west. Trekkers need about two weeks to see both. This private helicopter morning shows you both before lunch.
You fly from Kathmandu to Lukla to refuel, up the Khumbu valley to Gorak Shep and over Everest Base Camp and the Khumbu Icefall, with a short landing on Kala Patthar (5,545 m) when conditions and local permission allow.
From there the helicopter crosses to the Gokyo valley and flies over the Gokyo Lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal, before breakfast at Hotel Everest View facing Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam.
The Gokyo section is a flight over the lakes, not a landing. As with every high helicopter flight, the Kala Patthar landing depends on weather, the helicopter’s load and current permission.
Highlights
- Private helicopter from Kathmandu, back by late morning
- Over Everest Base Camp and the Khumbu Icefall
- A short landing at Kala Patthar, 5,545 m, when permitted
- A flight over the Gokyo Lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier
- Breakfast at Hotel Everest View, 3,880 m
Gallery
The flight
Hotel pickup around 6 am and a private helicopter flight east along the Himalaya to Lukla (2,860 m) to refuel.
Fly up the Khumbu valley past Namche Bazaar, Tengboche and Dingboche, then over Everest Base Camp and the Khumbu Icefall. When conditions and permission allow, land on Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Cross to the Gokyo valley and fly over the turquoise Gokyo Lakes, the lodges of Gokyo village and the Ngozumpa Glacier, with Cho Oyu at the head of the valley on a clear morning.
Breakfast on the terrace of Hotel Everest View (3,880 m), facing Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku.
Fly back to Kathmandu via Lukla and transfer to your hotel, usually by late morning or around midday.
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop by private car
- Private helicopter Kathmandu – Lukla – Kala Patthar – Gokyo Lakes – Hotel Everest View – Kathmandu
- Breakfast at Hotel Everest View
- Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu municipality fees
- Airport taxes
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Hotel in Kathmandu
- Travel insurance that covers helicopter flights to 5,600 m
- Any weight surcharge the operator applies (usually above about 100 kg per guest)
- Tips and personal expenses
Dates & departures
Best from March to May and late September to November, when the lakes and peaks are clearest. Flights leave around 6–7 am; keep a spare day in Kathmandu in case the weather moves the flight. Price per person, based on two guests sharing the private helicopter.
Questions, answered
Do we land at Gokyo?
Not on this tour. The helicopter flies over the Gokyo Lakes so there is time for the Kala Patthar landing and breakfast in one morning. A landing at Gokyo instead of Kala Patthar can be arranged on request, weather and weight permitting.
Does the helicopter land at Everest Base Camp?
No. Sightseeing helicopters fly over Everest Base Camp but do not land there. The landing is at Kala Patthar (5,545 m), which has the better view of Everest’s summit.
Is the Kala Patthar landing guaranteed?
No. It depends on the weather, the helicopter’s load at that height and current local permission. If it cannot happen, the pilot flies past the ridge and lands lower down instead.
How many people can fly?
At 5,545 m the helicopter usually lands about two guests at a time. The price shown is for two guests; groups of three to five are flown up in two lifts at a little extra cost. Please tell us each guest’s weight when you enquire.
How much longer is it than the Everest Base Camp tour?
About 15 to 20 minutes more flying. The whole morning takes about 4½ to 5½ hours from hotel pickup to drop-off.
What if the weather is bad?
Helicopters fly only in good visibility. If your morning is cloudy, we move the flight to the next suitable day, so keep a spare day in Kathmandu.
Enquire about this journey
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