Gokyo Helicopter Tour is a gratifying adventure that offers mesmerizing views of pristine Himalayan landscapes. During this exciting journey, you can witness the grandeur of alluring mountain vistas from an aerial perspective. Gokyo Lakes are oligotrophic lakes situated at an elevation of 4,700–5,000 m. The unparalleled beauty of the sparkling lake has drawn the attention of travelers from around the world.
Many adventurers make their way to Gokyo Lakes trekking for about 9 to 13 days through rugged, uneven and steep terrains. While trekking through the trail offers numerous rewards, it is also challenging and may not be suitable for travelers of all abilities. Thus, taking up Gokyo Helicopter Tour is perfect alternative and the most convenient way of witnessing the beauty of the alluring Himalayan vistas without the strenuous trek.
The Gokyo Helicopter Tour is accessible, time efficient and easiest way to get to Gokyo Valley. It is ideal choice for those people who wish to be in Himalayan terrains and enjoy sightseeing stunning alpine landscapes but are unable to trek because of time limitations or physical constraints.
During this amazing adventure, you will be rewarded with marvelous views of pristine mountains such as Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Makalu and other surrounding peaks. In addition, the crystal clear views of Ngozumpa Glacier and shimmering Gokyo Lakes will enrich your sightseeing experience.
Major Highlights of Gokyo Helicopter Tour
- Stunning views of majestic mountains such as Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Makalu and many others.
- Mesmerizing sights of Gokyo Valley and pristine Gokyo Lakes.
- Flying over the scenic places of Everest Region such as Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Syangboche, Phorche and Machhermo.
- Witness the ethereal Ngozumpa Glacier.
- Explore beautiful Gokyo Lakes and its surrounding areas.
Detailed Itinerary
Kathmandu to Lukla
Kathmandu Elevation: 1,400 m
Lukla Elevation: 2,846 m
We will receive you from your hotel and transfer you to the domestic departure point of Tribhuvan International Airport. Then, you will board a flight heading towards Lukla. This thrilling 45 minute flight treats you with enchanting aerial views of rolling hills, deep valleys and majestic snow clad peaks. The feeling of flying over the diverse landscapes of Nepal is delightful. The sights of terraced fields and picturesque towns are magnificent from the helicopter.
The helicopter then lands at Lukla Airport to refuel. For many passengers it can be their first time in a high altitude place. You can take your time getting a feel of being in a high altitude area and observe the beauty of surrounding area. After a short break in Lukla you will get back in the helicopter to fly towards your next destination, which is Gokyo.
Lukla to Gokyo
Lukla Elevation: 2,846 m
Gokyo Elevation: 4,750 m
Flight Duration: 20 to 25 minutes
Exploration Time: 30 minutes
The second phase of the Gokyo Helicopter Tour rewards you with exhilarating experiences as you will get a chance to land in the pristine Gokyo Valley and explore enchanting surroundings. After the helicopter refuels you will board the helicopter flight heading towards Gokyo. The aerial views of mountains and the pristine Ngozumpa Glacier can be seen during this phase of the journey.
After the helicopter lands in Gokyo, you can head out and begin exploring the surrounding areas. In this phase of the tour, we will have magnificent up-close views of turquoise Gokyo lakes. The beauty of oligotrophic alpine lakes is ethereal, and the feeling of seeing them closely is delightful.
You can take your time to soak in the beauty of mesmerizing Gokyo Lakes. Similarly, you can take several photographs of majestic lakes surrounded by the alluring mountains. In addition, you will also get glimpses of beautiful settlements near the Gokyo lakes and observe the lifestyle of the local people. You can explore the area for about 30 minutes and relish every moment.
Gokyo to Lukla
Gokyo Elevation: 4,750 m
Lukla Airport Elevation: 2,846 m
After exploring the beautiful Gokyo Lake, you will get in the helicopter again to return to Lukla. After landing in Lukla, you can take your time to observe the beauty of the surroundings while the helicopter refuels. The bird's eye view of rugged terrains, valleys and mountains such as Mount Everest, Cho Oyu and Lhotse will leave you in awe. In addition, you will also get the glimpses of traditional sherpa villages nestled amidst hills.
Similarly, you can also witness the trekking routes of Everest Base Camp from an aerial perspective. Soon afterward, the helicopter lands at the exhilarating Lukla Airport. You can take the time to appreciate the surroundings of beautiful Lukla. During this short break you may also get sightings of light aircraft landing or taking off which is intriguing to witness.
Fly back to Kathmandu
Lukla Elevation: 2,846 m
Kathmandu Elevation: 1,400 m
On the fourth phase of this scenic aerial adventure, you will fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla. . This is the final phase of the helicopter tour, but you will be rewarded with beautiful views for the entire time.
The enchanting aerial sights of verdant hills, valleys, village settlements will keep you immersed throughout the flight. Landing in Kathmandu marks the completion of the exhilarating Gokyo Helicopter Tour. Then, our representative will receive you at airport and drop you off at your hotel in a comfortable private vehicle.
Even though you have completed the Gokyo Helicopter Tour, the invigorating experience you gained during the tour will remain vividly in your memories forever as one of the most beautiful adventures of your life.
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions
- Helicopter flight over Gokyo Lake
- Airport transfers
- Fuel and flight charges
- Experienced pilot and crew
- First-aid kit on board
- Window seat for every passenger from pheriche
Exclusions
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit Fee
- Airport Tax
- Personal insurance (travel/evacuation)
- Gratuities
- Extra flights or custom routes
- Breakfast at Everest View Hotel
Why Opt for the Gokyo Helicopter Tour?
Accessible
The Gokyo helicopter tour is suitable for a diverse range of people. Witnessing the grandeur of the Himalayas and serene lakes is the dream of many adventurers. Trekking requires a lot of physical effort and dedication which may not be possible for everyone. However, the helicopter tour is accessible for people of all abilities and people of all ages standing out as the most optimal way to be in high altitude areas and observe the beauty of ethereal Himalayan landscapes.
Quick and Convenient
In general, people trek for 9 to 13 days to make it to Gokyo Valley. Gokyo Lake Trek is exciting and rewards you with exhilarating experiences. However, it is physically demanding and requires you to have a good level of strength. For trekking you have to do preparation even before beginning the journey which is time consuming. In addition, you have to walk in the rugged and uneven terrains walking for 6 to 7 hours a day on average.
However, the Gokyo Helicopter Tour is the most convenient and quickest way to reach Gokyo Valley. It can be completed in a single day. You will be observing diverse awe inspiring vistas and exploring the stunning Gokyo within a day. It is the quickest and easiest way to make it to Gokyo. This luxurious tour offers unmatched comfort taking you to ethereal places of Everest Region quickly without any challenges allowing you to immerse in sightseeing.
Taking up this helicopter tour is the perfect choice for those people who have limited time but wish to be in the Himalayan areas and witness the enchanting landscapes.
Best Alternative For Trekking
The Gokyo Helicopter Tour is the best alternative to the Gokyo Lake Trek. The ethereal beauty of Gokyo Lake has attracted the attention of many travelers. It has stood out as the dream destination for many. However, trekking to high altitude places like Gokyo is challenging and may not be suitable for all people.
So, taking up a helicopter tour is the best alternative to trekking, offering you a chance to make it to the scenic place within an hour. It is the best alternative for those people who wish to visit Gokyo but are unable to make it through trekking. You can immerse in beauty of surroundings and connect with nature on a deeper level without the physical demands of trekking.
Exhilarating and Scenic Aerial Adventure
The Gokyo Helicopter Tour is an exhilarating and scenic aerial adventure. You will feel the thrill as soon as flight takes off. The tour directly takes you to Gokyo without requiring you to dedicate days of trekking. Flying over enchanting landscapes of Khumbu Region is thrilling and immersive. Soaring above deep valleys of Himalayan villages and observing the view from an aerial perspective is exhilarating.
Mesmerizing Views
One of the major reasons for taking up this helicopter flight is to witness mesmerizing scenery. During this scenic adventure you will be rewarded with mesmerizing views of alluring Himalayan landscapes. During the initial phase of the journey, you will witness rolling hills, majestic mountains and charming Himalayan Villages from an aerial perspective.
Soon afterward, you will land in Gokyo and witness the magnificence of the pristine Gokyo Lakes. This phenomenal adventure rewards you with spectacular views of majestic peaks throughout the tour, enriching your sightseeing experience.
Best Time for Gokyo Helicopter Tour
The Gokyo helicopter tours are operated throughout the year after careful monitoring of the year. However, you will have an exceptional and invigorating experience when you select the best time for the tour. Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (September, October, and November) are considered the ideal times for a Gokyo Helicopter Tour.
Spring is a pre-monsoon season with clear and moderate weather. It is considered one of the ideal times for the helicopter tour because of the stable weather conditions. The skies are cloudless, which offers you the most clear views of the alluring mountains from the helicopter. In addition, at this time, Himalayan landscapes are decorated with blooming flowers, making the whole environment delightful, which makes the journey more charming.
Autumn, the post-monsoon season, is considered an ideal time for the Gokyo Helicopter Tour. As the weather is stable and moderate during this time, you will enjoy sightseeing without facing any weather-related disruptions. The clear skies offer stunning views of Himalayan landscapes at sharp visibility.
Crystal-clear landscapes that are washed by the monsoon rains in the preceding monsoon season are seen during this time, enhancing your traveling experience. All these fascinating experiences that travelers can get in autumn have made it stand out as the top choice for taking up this helicopter tour.
Gokyo Helicopter Tour in Summer/ Monsoon
The summer/ monsoon season (June, July, and August) is considered an off-season for trekking and exploration because of frequent rainfalls. At this time, there is a probability of the flight getting delayed, rescheduled, or even canceled because of the heavy rainfall and poor visibility.
However, helicopter flights can be operated on clear days. When the weather is clear, the rain-washed and lush landscapes can be seen. In addition, the distinct views of the beautiful mountains and lakes add charm to this journey. The lush scenery of Himalayan landscapes is incredible from the helicopter.
Gokyo Helicopter Tour in Winter
Winter (December, January and February) is the coldest time, with low temperatures in the mountains. However, during the winter, the sights of the snowy peaks are magnificent. At this time, the peaks are covered with a dense layer of snow. During this time, there is heavy snowfall in the mountains, but the sky is usually clear, and the views of the Himalayan Landscapes are unparalleled.
However, in extremely cold conditions there may be flight disruption leading to flights being delayed or canceled. As safety is always a high priority, the helicopter tours are conducted only on clear days after carefully monitoring the weather.
Clothing Recommendations for the Gokyo Helicopter Tour
It is important to be dressed, considering the weather, to have a comfortable experience during the helicopter tour. As the weather in the high altitude zones is usually cold, it is essential to be warmly dressed. Here are some clothing recommendations for the Gokyo Helicopter Tour:
- Beanie
- Scarf
- Down Jackets
- Warm Socks
- Hiking Boots
- Gloves
- Windproof and Waterproof Jackets
- Warm Thermals
Things to Include in Your Day Pack for the Gokyo Helicopter Tour
The Gokyo Helicopter tour is completed within a day. So, heavy packing isn’t required. However, you will need some essentials to ensure a comfortable journey. Some items that you can pack for Gokyo Helicopter tour are as follows:
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- First-aid Box
- Diamox tablet in case of altitude sickness (Prior consultation with the doctor is needed about its usage)
- Camera
- Water bottle
- Identification Documents
- Rain Gears
Safety Guidelines for Gokyo Helicopter Tour
- Wait for the pilot’s instructions before getting in and out of the helicopter.
- Be attentive to the safety briefings provided to you by the pilot.
- Fasten your seat belt.
- Wear weather-appropriate clothes to stay comfortable throughout the tour.
- Be well-informed about the emergency helicopter exit methods.
- Do not lean out of the helicopter windows.
- Avoid rushing after a helicopter landing and follow the advice of the pilot throughout the tour.
- Know about the luggage restrictions and pack accordingly.
FAQs
Yes, Gokyo Helicopter Tour is safe and secure. Safety is always our first priority. The helicopter undergoes regular maintenance and all safety protocols are strictly followed. The pilots are well experienced in flying and are knowledgeable about safely navigating through Himalayan Terrains. Weather is monitored regularly, and flights are conducted only after ensuring that the conditions are suitable for flying.
The tour is completed in a single day, which is 3 to 4 hours, so huge preparation isn’t required for the journey. However, you should be warmly dressed and pack the essentials that are necessary to ensure a comfortable journey. In addition, it is important to learn about the itinerary and be flexible with the itinerary adjustments in the necessary situations.
Gokyo Helicopter Tour typically takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete. The first landing will be made at Lukla, and then you will fly to Gokyo. The exploration time around Gokyo is about 30 minutes. Then, you will again board the flight heading towards Lukla. Taking a short break in Lukla, the helicopter takes you back to Kathmandu in the final phase of this exhilarating helicopter tour.
During the Gokyo Helicopter Tour you can expect beautiful aerial views of hills, valleys, Himalayan villages, snowy mountains and serene Gokyo Lakes. In addition, you will have numerous opportunities to capture breathtaking snapshots of ethereal landscapes of Khumbu Region. Similarly, you will have a chance to land in Gokyo quickly, experiencing the comfort of riding on a helicopter and getting personalized service which will enhance your traveling experience.
Yes, there is risk of altitude sickness during Gokyo Helicopter Tour. You will land at a high altitude in a short duration. So, there is a possibility of experiencing the symptoms. However, the tour’s duration is short. So, the risk of altitude sickness is minimized.
To reduce risk you should stay hydrated and pay attention to how your body is reacting to changing altitudes to ensure a safe tour. If you feel any kind of uneasiness and discomfort during the tour then you should make sure to inform the pilot immediately. The helicopter is well equipped with first aid and oxygen cylinders. We will provide you with immediate treatment if such a situation arises.
