The Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Heli Trek is like hitting two birds with one stone. You can experience the best of both worlds by visiting the Everest base camp and the stunning Gokyo Lakes, all in a single trek with a helicopter return back to Kathmandu. It's a compelling alternative to the regular Everest Base Camp Trek.
You can witness the majestic beauty of the world's highest mountains during this trek. You'll also get a glimpse into the traditional Sherpa culture, which is undoubtedly fascinating. And here comes the best part, where you'll have an unforgettable helicopter ride back to Kathmandu.
Talking about the highlights of our treks and heli tour, you will conquer Gokyo Ri, a breathtaking peak at 5,357m/17,575ft tall. Continuing, we'll go through the thrilling Cho La Pass at 5,420m/17,783ft, which connects the Gokyo and Everest valleys. Of course, we can't miss the iconic Everest Base Camp at 5,364m/17,559ft and the majestic Kalapathar at 5,545m/18,193ft. These viewpoints offer mind-blowing panoramas of Everest and its neighbouring peaks. All these peaks we see during our trek are as famous as Everest.
In addition, you will get a treat with the mesmerising sight of the Gokyo lakes alongside the magnificent Ngozumpa Glacier. And when it's time to end our adventure, we'll take on a helicopter and enjoy a scenic ride back to Kathmandu from Periche.
Also, let's not forget the incredible mountain views we'll encounter. The awe-inspiring presence of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, Pumori, Thamserku, and many more greet us. And while we're exploring the Sherpa homeland, spot some fascinating flora and fauna.
Why is This trip unique than Regular Everest helicopter and Gokyo Lake trek?
The Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Heli Trek are mind-blowing trips. This trek is guaranteed to leave you in awe. Instead of trekking down to Lukla to catch a plane, this adventure offers a helicopter ride back to Kathmandu.
After exploring the Everest region's main attractions: Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, Gokyo Ri, and Kalapathar. In just 15 days, you'll trek to the base camp of the tallest mountain in the world. Also, marvel at the stunning Gokyo Lakes, soak in breathtaking Gokyo Ri and Kalapathar views, and hop on a helicopter to head back home. We've even scheduled two days for resting and acclimatising at Namche and Machermo so you can enjoy this incredible journey fully.
This trek in the Everest region is super adventurous! We'll follow the high route pass of Cho La (5330m) to reach Mount Everest's Base Camp. We'll trek through the Dudh Koshi and Khumbu valleys, home to the awesome Sherpa people. The Gokyo valley is next on our list, where we'll witness stunning views of four massive 8,000m peaks: Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and the biggest glacier in Nepal, the Ngozumpa glacier. Don't forget; we'll also visit the beautiful turquoise Gokyo lakes! After that, we'll cross the high route pass of Cho La (5330m) and descend into the Khumbu Valley, eventually reaching the base camp of Mount Everest.
Summary of Gokyo valley Everest Base Camp Heli Trek Itinerary
The Gokyo Lakes trek is an extraordinary 15-day adventure. Out of those 15 days, you'll spend 12-13 days trekking. Begin your trek with a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. This flight takes about 45 minutes) or walk in from a lower altitude (just let us know, and we'll give you the details).
Once you reach Lukla, get ready to follow the Dudh Koshi River valley and make your way to the vibrant market town of Namche Bazaar. The atmosphere is fantastic. Also, you'll have many chances to soak in the breathtaking mountain views.
From here, you will continue to trek deeper into the Khumbu Valley. Here you are greeted by the awe-inspiring sights of some of the tallest mountains, equally beautiful as Everest. After trekking to Gokyo and enjoying the stunning Gokyo Valley with its picturesque peaks and serene lakes, it's time to make your way back, following the route through Everest Base Camp.
Moreover, we will climb Kalar Pattar for an up-close view of Mount Everest. During the trek, we'll take two rest days at Namche (3,450m/11,319ft) and Machermo (4,470m/14,665ft) to acclimate to Cho La Pass and Everest Base Camp.
Once we cross the pass, we'll join the main trail leading to Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar. After visiting these incredible spots, we'll retrace our steps to Periche and catch a helicopter flight back to Kathmandu, making for an unforgettable journey.
The Gokyo Lakes trek will have you reaching new heights, quite, with Gokyo Ri standing at 5,483m, Cho La Pass at 5,330m, Everest Base Camp at 5,360m, and Kala Patthar at 5,545m. Starting from Lukla, you'll gain a total of 2,679 meters in altitude, and from Kathmandu, a whopping 4,145 meters. But don't worry; the ascent is gradual, allowing for excellent acclimatisation.
Why Trek With Mountain Rock Treks?
At Mountain Rock Treks, our main goal is to give you a fantastic holiday in our part of the world. We want to ensure you have a worry-free trip with minimal risks, whether about money, physical well-being, or emotions. We'll handle all the logistics before you arrive, so you don't have to stress during your trek.
Your trek will be led by an experienced guide who knows their stuff and has medical training. We prioritise your safety, so all our Everest Base Camp Gokyo heli trek groups have extra oxygen, oximeters, and medical kits. We offer great ideas, whether just you or a group of 20 or more.
Moreover, your three times meals and accommodation are included in the trek. To make your trek more convenient, we organize our itineraries carefully planned with acclimatization and real-life experiences in mind. And don't worry about gear like a sleeping bag, down jacket, or waterproof duffel bag – we'll provide those for you.
When you book a trek with us, you can organize it according to your preferences. So even traveling solo, you can plan your trek for any available date with us. Alternatively, we also offer fixed itineraries if you prefer to follow a set schedule. Let us know how many days you have in Nepal, and we'll create a customized itinerary suitable for your interest.
We believe in giving you a fair price for your amazing trekking adventure in Nepal. We strive to maintain high-quality services throughout your entire experience with us.
Is This Trek Right For You?
The Gokyo Valley Everest Base Camp Heli Trek and Lakes Heli Trek take you to an elevation of 5545m, where you can find renowned mountaineering base camps. During this trek, you must spend a few days sleeping at a height of 5000m.
It is a physically challenging journey, requiring an average daily trek of 6-8 hours. While previous trekking experience is unnecessary, it will be better if you have moderate fitness levels, enjoy walking, and can adapt to high-altitude conditions.
The trail followed during the trek is well-established, although some sections can be rocky and uneven. There is no need for rock climbing or mountaineering equipment as the entire trek involves walking. However, certain hills can be steep and seemingly never-ending. In case of bad weather, the Cho La pass can become slippery. Carrying simple boot spikes (not crampons) can benefit in this scenario.
Trekking poles can be helpful, especially if you have knee problems or prefer using them. The open slopes and moraine may provide additional stability with a pole at higher altitudes, but the trail is relatively easy to follow.
The highest ascent of the trek before reaching Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Ri, is relatively easy but can be slippery at times. For the Gokyo Lakes trek, trekkers should wear lightweight hiking boots with high ankles to protect against ankle injuries. Heavy boots can be hot, burdensome, and uncomfortable. Cross trainers are a popular alternative, although they may feel cold in the mornings at higher altitudes.
What Accommodations Look Like During Trek?
During the trek, you'll be accommodated in comfortable lodges managed by Sherpa families, formerly known as tea houses. Or you can upgrade your accommodation to a luxury one. These lodges feature a central communal area with a large stove, providing warmth and a cosy ambiance.
You'll find books to read and numerous people to converse with. The unheated bedrooms have two beds, including mattresses, pillows, and blankets. Bring a sleeping bag (a 3-season bag should suffice), and consider bringing a pillowcase.
The lodges typically offer gas-powered showers. And they have sit-down flush toilets, although some also have squat toilets on basic ones. The food provided during the trek is of excellent quality. It has a delightful blend of local Nepali/Sherpa cuisine and Western recipes.
Standard meal options include burgers, chips, and dal bhat with rice. You'll find many choices at the lodges and shops, ranging from fresh pastries to beer, stir-fries, to deep-fried Mars bars. Nepal offers various shops selling beverages, snacks, sweets, and chocolate. However, the main challenge will be resisting the temptation of unhealthy foods and adhering to a simple diet of rice and dal!
Cost of Ebc Trek via Gokyo Lake and Heli Return
1-1pax ------------------ USD 3000
2-6Pax ...................... USD 2900
7-12 pax..................... USD 2800
