Gokyo Lake Helicopter Trek – 7 Days

Accommodation on the Gokyo Helicopter Trek is mostly in local teahouses along the trail. These are simple but cozy mountain lodges run by local families. Typically, you will be housed in a twin-sharing room with simple bedding, blankets, and a communal bathroom. There are a few more comfortable teahouses in lower settlements, such as Namche Bazaar, with electricity, hot baths, and even Wi-Fi, which cost a small fee. Although the amenities get more basic as you ascend, as in Gokyo village, they are still clean and warm enough for a restful night’s sleep. You will stay at a cozy hotel with all the latest conveniences in Kathmandu. Although the accommodations are basic overall, they are more than sufficient to keep you warm, nourished, and rested during the hike.

You will have the majority of your meals at the nearby teahouses along the Gokyo Lake Helicopter Trek. The freshly prepared, simple yet filling meals at these mountain hotels are ideal for boosting your energy levels while walking. Dal Bhat, a classic Nepali dish of rice, lentils, and veggies, is often included on the menu along with dishes like noodles, pasta, fried rice, potatoes, soups, pancakes, and eggs. In addition, most teahouses serve coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Since fresh meat is difficult to transport in the mountains, the majority of the food is vegetarian, yet it is delicious and nutritious. Typically, you will have breakfast and dinner at your lodge and lunch somewhere on the path.

You can purchase bottled water for drinking at most stations, although the cost rises as you go up. It’s advisable to bring a reusable bottle and use a water filter, a SteriPen, or purification tablets to clean the water from nearby water taps in order to save waste and money. Most trekkers use boiled or filtered water, which is available at teahouses for a small fee. It’s simple to stay hydrated and fed when you prepare properly, and it’s a part of the whole Himalayan experience.

Electricity and internet are available on the Gokyo Lake Helicopter Trek, but it’s essential to be aware that both get less reliable and more costly as altitude increases. The majority of teahouses in lower districts like Lukla and Namche Bazaar have regular electricity and even provide charging stations in your dining area or room. Higher elevations, such as Dole or Gokyo, typically have solar-powered or tiny generator-powered energy. You will probably be paid a small fee to charge your phone, camera, or power bank, which ranges from $2 to $5, depending on the location and gadget.

Some teahouses have internet access through the Everest Link or AirLink system, which can be purchased as a code or prepaid card. It works fairly well in Namche and sometimes even in Gokyo, but it’s usually slow and not suitable for video calls or large downloads. There are areas of the trek where mobile network coverage (Ncell or NTC) is available, particularly in Namche, but it often fades as you ascend. Therefore, even if you can occasionally stay in touch, it’s better to inform friends and family that you will be basically offline throughout the walk so that you can focus on taking in the scenery. It is strongly advised to download any necessary files (such as maps, books, or playlists) before your trek, bring a fully charged power bank, and use a headlamp.

The Gokyo Heli Trek usually takes place in small groups, with 2 to 12 participants. We operate with small group sizes by choice. We find this makes the experience much more personal, flexible, and above all fun! Our guide will be able to give each hiker more attention, while you won’t feel lost in a sea of strangers. In the mountains, it’s easier to go at an appropriate pace and stay safe. We can also reserve the trek for your party or even just you, for something a little more private.

Overall, our small group offer is designed for the best trekking experience, with owners, a guide and support staff all there to help you every step of the way.

To help you feel safe and secure throughout your Gokyo Lake Helicopter Trek, we take safety and security very seriously. You will walk with an expert, qualified hiking guide who is well trained in the route, the weather, and how to deal with altitude problems. The walk takes a well-trodden path frequented by others, with friendly locals, and your teahouse is secure. Your guide will be trained in first aid and altitude awareness, while helicopter evacuation is available should an emergency arise. It is safe and easy as long as you follow your guide’s advice, move steadily, and have good travel insurance. Even if it’s your first visit to the Himalayas, you’ll be well taken care of!

As always, be mindful of altitude sickness on the heli trek to Gokyo Lake, as you will be confidently reaching high places such as Gokyo Ri at 4800m (15700 feet). When your body requires a wee bit of time to adapt to the fact that there isn’t as much oxygen to breathe in high up there. A headache, dizziness, feeling sick and nauseous and possibly vomiting, tiredness or fatigue, difficulty sleeping etc, can occur. You can perhaps avoid it by moving slowly, drinking plenty water, and taking regular breaks in the hike in moderation. Your guide will be alert to signs of altitude sickness, and you should descend at once – or if symptoms severe, make haste downwards. Most trekkers feel perfectly ok if you take things easy and don’t hurry. Furthermore, it is prudent to have decent travel insurance that covers altitude sickness, other potentially serious illnesses or injuries, and theft of belongings, loss or damage.

The Gokyo Heli Trek is normally a moderate hiking trek—a little difficult mainly for the altitude as opposed to steep scree or technically tricky—you do not have to be an experienced mountaineer at all. However, you should be in good general shape with the stamina to roam hither and thither on mountain trails for five to six hours a day. It is very important indeed that you make it to Gokyo Ri, via the serrated glacial moraine, at 4,790m.

The air is thin up there and you may quickly become more fatigued and puffing and panting should you go too fast. The good news is that it is much easier indeed to get back beyond Gokyo in a chopper. And this is a neat walk even for first-time ramblers just be careful, drink loads of water, and pay attention to your guide. You will need to get a few legal permits to enjoy the heli tour to Gokyo Lake. The Nepali government wants these to regulate tourism, preserve the ecology, and help you if you come a cropper in the mountains.

Few legal permits are essential to be a part of the heli tour to Gokyo Lake. Those are demanded by the Nepali government to keep tourism in control, preserve the ecosystem, and ensure your safety while hiking. Following are the permits required for the Gokyo heli trek:

1. Sagarmatha National Park Permit: To arrive at the Everest (Khumbu) region, one first requires a Sagarmatha National Park Permit so that the park remains intact. This permit can be acquired in Kathmandu at the Tourism Board office or the local Monjo Park entrance gate on the trail.

2. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit: A Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit must be obtained to hike up the Khumbu region. This is handed out at the Lukla permission office while you land or commence with the trek.

Required Documents

• Passport (with a minimum 6-month validity period)
• Passport-size pictures (two copies)
• Photocopy of your passport
• Details of your Travel Insurance
• Tickets for domestic and International flights
• Certificate of Vaccination (if need by local regulations)

Prior to commencing on the helicopter tour to Gokyo Lake, it is better to exchange your money in Kathmandu. There are many ATMs and money exchanges in the city at relatively cheap prices. It becomes hard to find places to exchange your currency once you enter the highlands mainly Lukla and Namche and furthermore, the rates are lower. You will need Nepali rupees to cover the extra cost expenses on the trail like drinks, snacks, wifi and charging. To make the walk a bit easier and cause no stress, make sure you have enough small-note cash on hand before you leave Kathmandu.

The short heli tour to Gokyo Lake is an unforgettable journey through the Himalayas with high-altitude trails and a scenic helicopter return. To make sure you’re safe and stress-free, you’ll need travel insurance that covers specific things related to this kind of trek. Here’s what your insurance should include:

High-Altitude Health Insurance: Make sure your insurance covers trekking up to 5,000 meters, as you’ll be hiking to high places like Gokyo Ri (4,790m).

Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Choose a plan that will refund you if your trip is canceled or delayed due to sickness, injury, bad weather, or other unexpected issues like political strikes.

Baggage and Gear Protection: Your insurance should also cover the loss, theft, or damage of your personal trekking gear or luggage during the trip.

The key to enjoying your heli tour to Gokyo Lake is packing wisely. You will need to pack clothing and equipment that will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable because you will be trekking to high altitudes and returning by helicopter.

General Trekking Gear

• Big backpack (60–70L) for your main stuff
• Small day bag (20–30L) for daily use
• Sleeping bag (–15°C to –20°C) – nights are cold in Gokyo
• Liner for sleeping bag – adds warmth and keeps it clean
• Duffel bag (usually provided by your trekking agency)
• Trekking poles – really helpful for balance
• Water bottles + water purifier (tablets or filter)
• Headlamp + spare batteries – useful for dark lodges or early hikes
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Dry bags or ziplocks – keep things dry and organized
• Optional thermos – great for warm drinks

Upper Body

• 2–3 quick-dry base layer tops
• Warm fleece or jacket
• Thick down jacket – needed for cold mornings and evenings
• Rain/windproof outer jacket
• A couple of light t-shirts
• Long sleeves for sun and cold protection

Lower Body

• 2 pairs of warm thermal bottoms
• 2–3 pairs of trekking pants
• Waterproof pants for bad weather
• Warm trousers or insulated pants for nights
• Shorts (optional) for lower, warmer areas

Accessories for Head & Hands

• Warm hat or beanie
• Sun cap or wide-brim hat
• Neck buff/scarf for wind and sun
• Light gloves + warm waterproof gloves

Footwear

• Waterproof trekking boots – broken-in
• Sandals or slippers for evenings at the lodge
• 4–5 pairs of warm trekking socks
• Gaiters (optional, for snow or dust)

Toiletries

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm with SPF
• Toothbrush, toothpaste
• Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
• Quick-dry towel
• Toilet paper (not always available in lodges)
• Menstrual products (if needed)
• Basic grooming items (mirror, clippers)

Basic First Aid & Health

• Personal medicine
• Altitude pills (Diamox) – ask your doctor first
• Painkillers (e.g., ibuprofen)
• Anti-diarrhea tablets
• Band-aids and blister pads
• Antibiotic cream
• Oral rehydration salts (ORS)
• Bug spray (for warmer areas)

Extras (Optional but Useful)

• Camera or GoPro
• Power bank or solar charger
• Snacks (nuts, energy bars, chocolate)
• Book, journal, or cards for free time
• Earplugs and an eye mask – good for sleeping in busy lodges

1. Advance Payment & Booking Confirmation

To book your place on the 7-day Gokyo Lake Heli Tour, we ask for a 30% deposit of the total trip price. If you prefer, you can pay the full amount in advance. The remaining balance can be paid once you arrive in Kathmandu. To confirm your booking, please send us:

• Proof of your deposit payment
• A clear copy or photo of your passport
• Your emergency contact details and travel insurance information

2. Payment Methods

We want paying to be easy and secure for you. You can choose from:

• Online Payment: Pay safely and quickly through our website.
• Credit/Debit Cards: We accept Visa, MasterCard, and most major cards (a 4% bank fee applies).
• Bank Transfer: Transfer money directly to our bank account (your bank may charge fees).
• Cash or Check: If you are already in Kathmandu, you can pay us in cash or by check.

3. Final Payment

The remaining 70% of your trek cost should be paid before the trek starts. You can pay this in Kathmandu by cash, card, or bank transfer.

4. Booking Changes & Rescheduling

If you need to change your trek dates or reschedule, please tell us at least 30 days before your trip. We will try to accommodate you, but extra fees may apply depending on the situation.

5. Travel Insurance

Having travel insurance is very important for this trek. Your insurance should cover emergency helicopter evacuation, medical problems caused by high altitude, lost or damaged gear, and trip cancellations or delays.

6. Last-Minute Booking

We can accept last-minute bookings up to 48 hours before the trek begins. However, during busy seasons like spring and autumn, it may be difficult. So, it’s best to book early to secure your spot, as helicopters and lodges get booked quickly.

1. Cancellation is free up to 14 days prior to departure.

Up to 14 days before to the start date, you can cancel your tour and get a complete refund. No questions were made.

2. 7–13 days prior to departure, a partial refund

50% of the total fee will be refunded if you cancel between seven and thirteen days before to departure.

3. Within six days of departure, there is no refund.

There will be no refund for cancellations made six days or fewer prior to the tour. This includes:

• Absence of attendance
• Last-minute cancellations
• Early departure from the tour for personal reasons
• Weather-Related Cancellations or Delays

If bad weather prevents helicopter flights: Depending on availability, we will attempt to reschedule or modify the itinerary.