Join us for a trek to the famous Everest Base Camp followed by breathtaking helicopter experience.
The Gorak Shep to Lukla helicopter ride presents the best option for avoiding the tiresome descent back to Lukla. Within 20-30 minutes you will hover over the tallest mountains in the world, including Everest, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam watching the awe-inspiring views that makes the moment so unique.
This short flight is perfect for people who do not want to spend considerable time in the journey or feel too tired or just want to maximize their tour.
Having safe and friendly helicopter service provided by Everest Connection, you can arrange a comfortable and fun filled flight to Lukla or even Kathmandu. From experienced pilots to satisfied customers, if you have any concerns regarding the booking arrangements, do not hesitate to contact us via WhatsApp or even E-Mail.
Ideal Seasons to Go for Gorak Shep to Lukla Heli Trip
The best time for a Gorak Shep to Lukla helicopter flight is from March to May or from September to November. These seasons afford clear skies and fairly mild climate making the most satisfactory conditions for both hiking and flying. The mountains are stunning considering the blue, open skies. The weather is predictable which makes helicopter rides smooth and safe.
What Seasons to Avoid?
It is advised not to travel during the monsoon season of June to August. Often occurrence of rainfall can cause misty atmospheric conditions that result in flight disruptions. Besides, the trails become marshy and steep, and you won’t see mountains’ panoramic views thanks to the dark clouds.
Winter period (December-February) is also a period to avoid. The freezing temperatures and snowy weather make the flights less stable and the trek a little more complicated.
Includes / Excludes
Cost Includes
ACAP: Some of the permits are included in most tours such as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). This permit helps to promote conservation of these attractions and also the community.
TIMS: For safety tracking the TIMS card of Trekkers’ Information Management System is also required.
Flight in and back with insurance: The package comprises helicopter transport from Pokhara to the base camp and back. Aviation insurance is usually provided to cover such an occurrence.
Landing fees: Landing fees are also included in order to maintain the landing areas and address the resulting effects on the environment. This being said, passengers cannot choose where to land.
Pick up and Drop off: For our clients’ convenience, at Everest Connection, we provide a hotel pick up and drop off services.
Cost Excludes
Food and souvenirs: Lunch and dinner in the base camp or Pokhara is also excluded in most packages. Individuals have to pay all the expenses incurred during the trip including food and drinks. This includes expenses that were incurred for personal use like buying souvenirs or paying for equipment for trekking.
Catheter food and Photography: Additional benefits such as catered food or hired photography services cost more. If you prefer an experienced guide who will explain different attractions in detail, the price is higher. Service charge for our operators and other crew members is not required but a good gesture which is welcomed.
Why Choose the Helicopter Flight?
Save Time: Why would you spend additional 17 to 21 hours on foot, returning to Lukla, when you can take a helicopter that will take 20-30 minutes?
Faster Return After Everest Base Camp: Finally, after arriving at Base Camp most of the trekkers hire a luxury helicopter to cut the tough trekking journey short. Faster and avoiding repeating those long and exhausting steps sounds delightful!
Comfort and Relief: If you are experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness or are just fatigued there is nothing more comfortable than the helicopter to transport you to a lower altitude.
Avoid the Long Trek Back: No one really wants to admit that sometimes the most difficult part can be the journey back. Why not take the fast, easy way, and not worry about your poor freebie legs?
A Well-Earned Rest: At the end of the days of tough traveling on your own feet, take a royal flight back to Lukla. You deserve it!
Unpredictable Weather? No Worries: Sometimes the trekking back to Lukla is slowed down by bad weather. A helicopter minimizes being trapped due to adverse environmental factors.
Amazing Surreal Views: Why walk when you can fly? Fly over the Himalayas and have oh so pretty views of Everest, Nups, Amadablam, Khumbu and other beautiful landscapes you cannot get on foot.
Emergency Situations: One may actually contract a disease or encounter an accident while on a high altitude. Since the dawn of helicopters, it has proved to be one of the most reliable means of exit whenever it is needed.
Escape the Crowds: The return trails can be crowded most of the time, even more during the busy season. A helicopter ride gives you a crowd-free return to Lukla after the trip.
Gorak Shep to Lukla Helicopter Flight Costs
Our helicopter has the capacity to lift 500 kgs, comprehending passengers and any other items that one may carry. Generally, the helicopter can accommodate from five to six persons on a trip. Perfect for individuals or even familial groups in the flight. The cost expenditure for Shared and Private Packages would be:
Shared Package: For group tours, the price runs between 500 to 600 dollars per individual. A very great option for those seeking cheaper range traveling while also devouring the stunning view of the city from the sky.
Private Charter: More personalized experience is provided in the private tours that cost between $2,200- $2,500 for each flight. This one provides the freedom of moving around with your group separately which is definitely more elite in comparison.
Safety and Helicopter Details
Helicopter Model: The AS350 B3e is designed to fly at high altitude areas, perfect for the Everest region.
Experienced Pilots: At Everest Connects, highly professional pilots are there for this intensified Himalayan area with tough geographical and physical conditions.
Seat Belt Rules: In your own interest, seat belts should be worn at all times during the flight and movement is restricted in-between.
Oxygen Available: Oxygen facility is available in the helicopter in the situation that any of the occupant passengers or crew breaks out into altitude sickness.
Weather Considerations: Flights are scheduled only if the weather is appropriate to fly. This means that if conditions are not favorable then bookings will be canceled or rescheduled for safety.
Emergency Evacuations: In case of any sudden health concerns or injury, our helicopter will be rushed to Lukla for urgent treatment or to Kathmandu where you can be taken to a better hospital.
What to Pack for the Helicopter Flight
Warm Jacket: Mountainous heights attract low temperatures even if the weather looks sunny.
Comfortable Trekking Pants: You’ll want something easy and warm to move in.
Warm Gloves, Hat, and Winter Waterproof Boots: Be sure to cover your head, hands, and feet to avoid catching cold and frostbites.
Sunglasses: Trust me, you wouldn’t like harsh sun penetrating your vision when on high altitudes.
Camera/Smartphone: Photography isn’t included in the tour by the company, and you would surely not want to miss the stunning sight of the mountain now, would you?
Water Bottle: 2-3 Liters per person, it’s compulsory.
Personal Identification (Passport): Security is a must. Make sure you have your ID with you at all times.
FAQs
Does Gorakshep or Lukla have ATMs?
No, there are no ATMs in Gorak Shep and in Lukla. Few places may have the service but there isn’t. It is better to have cash on hand available as a preparation prior to taking the trip.
Is network signals available during the helicopter flight time?
Everest region has weak network coverage. Although you may have servicing in some sectors, do not rely on it during the flight.
Who is allowed to board the Gorak Shep to Lukla helicopter tour?
For sociable kids, any child above 2 years is allowed onto the flight. But, people with acute altitude sickness, heart or other acute ailments, should seek doctor’s permission before flying. In addition, any child above 2.5 will be charged as adults.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s safe to plan and book your helicopter flight before your trekking adventure, even more so if you’re planning on going during peak season as seats are limited.
What happens in the event if the flight is canceled?
If, for some reason, the flight is to be called off, most probably due to the unfavorable weather, then the flight will be either rescheduled for a later date or you’ll be refunded.
Can Jets Land On Lukla?
Unfortunately no, only helicopters and small fixed wing propeller planes can land in or even take off from Lukla
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