Lukla – Namche – Gokyo

Gokyo Lakes Trek with Helicopter Return

Trek past Namche to the turquoise Gokyo lakes and climb Gokyo Ri for a view of four 8,000 m peaks, then fly home by helicopter from the lakeshore. A quieter alternative to the base camp route.

5,357 mhighest point, Gokyo Ri

Duration: 11 days
Trekking: 6 days, 4–6 hours a day
Highest point: Gokyo Ri, 5,357 m
Grade: Strenuous, no climbing skills needed
Sleeping: Hotel in Kathmandu, mountain lodges on the trek
Best months: October–November and March–May

The Gokyo valley runs alongside the Everest Base Camp trail but sees far fewer trekkers. At its head lies a string of glacial lakes in an almost unreal shade of turquoise, beside the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest in Nepal. Above the village rises Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), and from its summit you can see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu all at once.

You fly to Lukla and walk up through Namche Bazaar, with a rest day there, then branch off the main trail to Dole and Machhermo, where the valley opens out above the trees. From Gokyo village (4,790 m) you have a whole day for the lakes and the climb up Gokyo Ri. Then the helicopter collects you by the lake and flies you to Kathmandu in about an hour.

The price includes the Lukla flight, all your lodges, meals on the trek, a guide and porters, and your seat on the helicopter back.

Highlights

The turquoise Gokyo lakes and the Ngozumpa Glacier
Gokyo Ri: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu in one view
Quieter trails than the Everest base camp route
Helicopter from Gokyo straight to Kathmandu

Price per person by group size

You hire the whole helicopter, and its cost is shared between everyone on board. Travelling solo or as a couple? Ask about a shared seat, which costs the lowest price.

Passengers	Price per person
1 person	US$5,188each
2 people	US$3,521each
3 people	US$2,824each
4+ people	US$2,574each

Day by day

1
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
- Airport pickup and hotel.
2
Day 2: Kathmandu and trek preparation
- Half-day visit to Pashupatinath and Boudhanath; kit check with your guide.
3
Day 3: Fly to Lukla, walk to Phakding (2,610 m)
- Morning flight and an easy 3–4 hours along the river.
4
Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
- The long climb to the Sherpa capital. 5–6 hours.
5
Day 5: Acclimatisation day in Namche
- Hike to the Everest viewpoint above the village and back.
6
Day 6: Namche to Dole (4,200 m)
- Leave the base camp trail at Mong La and drop to the Dudh Koshi before climbing to Dole.
7
Day 7: Dole to Machhermo (4,470 m)
- A short day above the treeline, good for acclimatising.
8
Day 8: Machhermo to Gokyo (4,790 m)
- Past the first and second lakes to Gokyo village on the shore of the third.
9
Day 9: Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) and the fourth lake
- Climb Gokyo Ri for the view of four 8,000 m peaks; afternoon walk to the fourth lake if you have energy.
10
Day 10: Helicopter to Kathmandu
- Morning flight from Gokyo down the Dudh Koshi to Kathmandu, about an hour.
11
Day 11: Departure
- Transfer to the airport.

What's included

Airport and hotel transfers by private car
Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
Lodge rooms and three meals a day on the trek
A licensed English-speaking trekking guide, plus one porter for every two trekkers
Down jacket and sleeping bag to borrow
Guide's and porter's wages, food, insurance and gear
Flight Kathmandu–Lukla
Helicopter Gokyo–Kathmandu (shared seats)
Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu municipality permits

Not included

International flights and Nepal visa
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover (required)
Drinks, hot showers, battery charging and wifi in the lodges
Tips for the guide, porter and driver

Good to know

Where we meet you: Kathmandu airport, on arrival
Cancellation: If the weather grounds your flight, you can move it to the next clear day or have a full refund. If you cancel more than 10 days before the flight, we refund half of what you've paid; within 10 days, the deposit isn't refundable. Booking terms
Notes: Your insurance must cover helicopter evacuation up to 6,000 m.

Questions

Can we add Cho La pass and Everest Base Camp?

Yes, as a 14-day trip crossing the Cho La (5,420 m) to the base camp side. You'll need a little more fitness, and good weather on the pass. Ask us for the plan.

Other heli treks

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