Everest View Trek With Gokyo Helicopter Tour – 5 Days with Tour of Nepal
“Embark on the Ultimate Himalayan Trekking Adventure with a Helicopter Ride to Gokyo Lakes.”
Max. Altitude
4,750 m (15,583 ft)
Group Size
1+ (Private and Group options)
Trip Starts
Kathmandu
Trip Ends
Kathmandu
Group Style
Private and Group Options Available
Activities
Trekking, Helicopter Tours
Best Season
March to May and September to December
Overview of the Everest View Trek with Gokyo Helicopter Tour
The Everest Region of Nepal is renowned for its towering peaks, pristine landscapes, and rich Sherpa culture. Home to the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest, this area draws adventurers from all over the world. The Everest View Trek with Gokyo Helicopter Tour is a five-day adventure designed for those who wish to explore the Everest Region in a short amount of time, combining the excitement of trekking with a helicopter ride for panoramic views of the Gokyo Lakes.
In just five days, trekkers will enjoy a three-day hike through the Khumbu region, followed by an exhilarating helicopter ride that takes you over the iconic Gokyo Lakes. This perfect blend of trekking and helicopter touring provides a unique and awe-inspiring way to explore the Everest Region, providing unforgettable views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and more.
Ideal for Who?
This itinerary is perfect for trekkers of moderate fitness levels, including those who are partially fit and have limited vacation time. If you are comfortable walking for 4-6 hours a day on rugged terrain, this trek will suit you. While the trekking portion is relatively short, you will encounter steep and rocky trails, making it necessary to be physically prepared. It is also ideal for those looking to combine trekking with a more luxurious experience, such as the helicopter tour of Gokyo.
Cultural Insights Along the Trail
The Everest Region is home to the Sherpa people, known for their mountaineering expertise and rich cultural heritage. As you trek through remote Sherpa villages, you’ll have the chance to interact with the locals, observe their unique customs, and learn about their Buddhist traditions. The rich history and hospitality of the Sherpas add a special cultural dimension to this adventure.
Seasonal Insights
The best times to embark on the Everest View Trek with Gokyo Helicopter Tour are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months provide the most stable weather conditions and the clearest skies for trekking and helicopter flights.
What to Expect Along the Trek and Helicopter Tour
Mount Everest and its neighboring peaks, such as Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu, are the main attractions along the trek and the helicopter tour. The Gokyo Lakes, a series of beautiful glacial lakes, are particularly stunning from the air. The lakes are renowned for their turquoise waters and breathtaking surroundings. As you fly over these natural wonders, you’ll witness the grandeur of the Himalayan landscape in ways few others can.
Preparing for the Adventure
A good fitness level is recommended for this trek, as it involves several days of walking on challenging terrain. Adequate preparation will help you enjoy the trek and make the most of the helicopter tour. Here’s a packing guide for your journey:
Clothing:
– Comfortable trekking shoes
– Trekking pants and T-shirts
– Fleece jackets and thermal undergarments
– Waterproof jacket and warm hat
Gear:
– Sleeping bag
– Trekking poles
– Headlamp
– Sunglasses
– Water bottle and backpack
Health and Safety:
-A first aid kit should include essential items such as bandages, antiseptic cream, pain relievers, and medication for altitude sickness.
– Sun protection (sunscreen, lip balm)
– Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, hand sanitizer, wet wipes)
Day-by-Day Itinerary of the Everest View Trek with Gokyo Helicopter Tour
Day 1: Journey from Kathmandu to Lukla, Followed by Trek to Phakding
The journey begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a small town located at an altitude of 2,828 meters (9,279 feet). The flight offers spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks, and as the plane descends into Lukla, you’ll catch your first glimpses of the Everest region.
From Lukla, the trek to Phakding (2,780 meters/9,121 feet) begins. The trail is relatively gentle, following the Dudh Koshi River through lush forests and small Sherpa villages. You’ll pass by picturesque suspension bridges and have your first encounters with the hospitality of the local Sherpa people. The trek takes approximately 3-4 hours and covers a distance of 9 km (5.5 miles).
Highlights of Day 1:
– Scenic flight to Lukla
– First views of the Himalayas
– Trek through dense forests and Sherpa villages
Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar
On the second day, the trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters/11,287 feet) begins. Namche is the main hub of the Khumbu region and is famous for its vibrant market, local goods, and Sherpa culture. This trek is a bit more challenging, involving a 5-6 hour walk covering 12 km (7.45 miles). As you ascend, the views of the surrounding peaks, including Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtega, become more spectacular.
Namche Bazaar is known for its beautiful setting, nestled in a natural amphitheater with the mountains towering above. It is also the primary place to acclimatize to the altitude before continuing further.
Highlights of Day 2:
– Trek through pine forests and cross suspension bridges
– Breathtaking views of surrounding peaks
– Arrival at Namche Bazaar, a bustling market town
Day 3: Rest and Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar
Day 3 is reserved for acclimatization. It’s essential to give your body time to adjust to the altitude, as you will be at over 3,400 meters (11,287 feet) at Namche Bazaar. Take a short hike to Everest View Hotel or Syangboche for magnificent views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. This will help with acclimatization while allowing you to enjoy the stunning scenery.
The rest of the day can be spent exploring Namche Bazaar, visiting local markets, and interacting with the Sherpa people. This acclimatization day is crucial to prevent altitude sickness and ensure a successful trek.
Highlights of Day 3:
– Acclimatization hike to Everest View Hotel
– Enjoying stunning views of Mount Everest
– Exploring Namche Bazaar and Sherpa culture
Day 4: Helicopter Tour to Gokyo
Day 4 brings the exciting helicopter tour to Gokyo. From Namche, you will board the helicopter for a short but exhilarating ride to Gokyo (4,750 meters/15,583 feet). The flight offers panoramic views of the Gokyo Lakes, Everest, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. After spending some time exploring the area and taking in the breathtaking views, the helicopter will take you back to Lukla for the night.
This is the highlight of the trip—seeing the stunning emerald lakes from the air and getting an aerial view of the surrounding peaks that you would otherwise only see from the ground.
Highlights of Day 4:
– Helicopter tour of Gokyo Lakes
– Aerial views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and other peaks
– Return to Lukla
Day 5: Return to Kathmandu
On the final day of the trek, you’ll board the morning flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla. The scenic flight over the Himalayas will provide one last chance to marvel at the snow-capped peaks before returning to the bustling capital.
Highlights of Day 5:
– Scenic flight back to Kathmandu
– Final views of the Himalayan peaks
Conclusion
The Everest View Trek with Gokyo Helicopter Tour is a perfect way to experience the grandeur of the Everest Region in just five days. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a first-time visitor, this adventure offers unparalleled views, cultural experiences, and the thrill of both trekking and helicopter touring. The combination of hiking through Sherpa villages, acclimatizing in Namche, and taking a helicopter ride to the stunning Gokyo Lakes provides a diverse and exciting experience that will leave you with memories for a lifetime.