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Heli trek · Lukla – Namche – Gokyo – Gokyo Ri

Gokyo Lakes Trek with Helicopter Return

The quieter side of the Everest region, with turquoise glacial lakes, the Ngozumpa Glacier and, from Gokyo Ri, four of the world's six highest mountains in a single view. Walk in, then fly out from Gokyo over the glacier.

Highest point
5,357 m
Length
11 days
Group
Up to 10
Price
US$2,350 per person
Gokyo Lakes Trek with Helicopter Return

Gokyo is the valley just west of the main Everest trail, and plenty of people who've walked both think it's the more beautiful of the two. Its string of milky-turquoise lakes lies beside the Ngozumpa, Nepal's longest glacier.

From Lukla the trail takes you to Namche Bazaar for a rest day, and then at Mong La you turn away from the crowds towards Dole and Machhermo. From the third lake at Gokyo (4,790 m), an early climb up Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) rewards you with Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu all in one view, and the glacier spread out below.

Rather than spend three days walking back, you'll be picked up by helicopter at Gokyo and flown over the glacier and down the Dudh Koshi to Kathmandu.

Facts

Duration
11 days, Kathmandu to Kathmandu
Walking
7 days, 4 to 6 hours a day
Highest point
Gokyo Ri, 5,357 m
Grade
Challenging: high altitude, no climbing
Sleeping
Hotel in Kathmandu, lodges on the trek
Best months
October to November, March to May

Highlights

  • The turquoise Gokyo lakes, 4,790 m
  • Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu from the top of Gokyo Ri
  • The Ngozumpa, Nepal's longest glacier
  • A helicopter from Gokyo to Kathmandu

Route and altitude, day by day

Highest point 5,357 m

  1. 1Kathmandu 1,338 mDomestic terminal, Tribhuvan Airport
  2. 2Lukla 2,860 mDay 2, flight
  3. 3Namche Bazaar 3,440 mDays 3–4
  4. 4Dole 4,040 mDay 5
  5. 5Machhermo 4,470 mDay 6
  6. 6Gokyo 4,790 mDay 7
  7. 7Gokyo Ri 5,357 mDay 8, sunrise
  8. 8Kathmandu 1,338 mDay 9, by helicopter

Day by day

  1. Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

    • We'll meet you at Tribhuvan airport and take you to your hotel. In the evening, your guide will drop by to go over the route.

  2. Day 2: Fly to Lukla, walk to Phakding (2,610 m)

    • A morning flight (from Ramechhap in the busy season), then about 3 hours' walking.

  3. Day 3: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)

    • Follow the Dudh Koshi, then climb the Namche hill. About 6 hours.

  4. Day 4: Rest day in Namche

    • A short acclimatisation walk to Khumjung or the Everest View viewpoint.

  5. Day 5: Dole (4,040 m)

    • Leave the main Everest trail at Mong La and drop down into the Gokyo valley. About 5 hours.

  6. Day 6: Machhermo (4,470 m)

    • A short day to help with the altitude, plus an afternoon walk above the village. About 4 hours.

  7. Day 7: Gokyo (4,790 m)

    • Walk by the first lake, then the second, to reach Gokyo village beside the third. About 5 hours.

  8. Day 8: Gokyo Ri (5,357 m)

    • A pre-dawn climb for sunrise over Everest and Cho Oyu. In the afternoon, walk on to the fourth lake if you still have the energy.

  9. Day 9: Helicopter to Kathmandu

    • A morning flight from Gokyo, over the Ngozumpa Glacier, to Kathmandu.

  10. Day 10: Spare day in Kathmandu

    • Kept free in case the weather delays your flight. If it doesn't, it's time to explore the city.

  11. Day 11: Departure

    • Your transfer to the airport.
  • Three trekkers on the shore of a Gokyo lake
    Three trekkers on the shore of a Gokyo lake

What's included

  • Airport transfers and 3 nights' hotel in Kathmandu, with breakfast
  • Your flight to Lukla
  • A shared helicopter from Gokyo to Kathmandu
  • A licensed, English-speaking trekking guide, plus one porter for every two trekkers
  • Lodge rooms and three meals a day on the trek
  • Sagarmatha National Park and local area entry fees

Not included

  • International flights and your Nepal visa
  • Travel insurance that covers trekking to 5,400 m and helicopter evacuation (required)
  • Drinks, hot showers, charging and wifi on the trek
  • Tips

Good to know

Pickup
At Kathmandu airport, on Day 1.
Before you fly
  • The price is per person, for a private trek with your own guide.
Weather and cancellation
If you cancel more than 30 days before the start, we keep only the deposit. From 10 to 30 days before, you'll get a 50% refund. Within 10 days, or once the trek has started, there's no refund. If the weather stops the helicopter, you can wait for the next clear morning or walk out with your guide, and we'll refund the unused flight. Booking terms

New to mountain flights? Read about altitude and safety and the best months to fly.

Questions

Can I add Everest Base Camp?

Yes, by crossing the Cho La pass (5,420 m). It adds about four days, and you'll need good weather and a fit group. Just ask us.

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