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everest base camp gokyo lakes heli trek

Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Heli Trek

Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes trek with helicopter flight

  • Group Size:Min 2 Max 12
  • Duration:15 Days
  • Max Altitude:5,545m/18,193ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse/Lodge
  • Activity:Trekking in Nepal
  • Meal:Meals included
  • Trip Grade:Challenging
  • Start Point:Kathmandu
  • End Point:Kathmandu
Package difficulty Challenging  

Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Heli Trek features the best of the Everest & Gokyo region in a single trip with a helicopter return all the way to Kathmandu from Gorekshep. 

Trip Overview

Highlights

  • Best of Everest in a single trek
  • Two of the best viewpoints (Gokyo Ri and Kalapathar)
  • Helicopter flight back to Kathmandu
  • Rest and Acclimatization at Namche and Machermo 

Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Heli Trek covers the main attractions of Everest base camp and Gokyo Lakes in a single trek combined with a helicopter flight out and is a thrilling alternate trek to the Everest Base Camp Trek. This trek includes marvellous scenery of the highest mountains in the world and provides a look into traditional Sherpa culture with a spectacular helicopter flight back to Kathmandu.

The highlight of our journey will be Gokyo Ri [5,357m/17,575ft], Cho La Pass [5,420m/17,783ft], Everest Base Camp[5,364m/17,559ft] and Kalapathar [5,545m/18,193ft]. The trek offers an awe-inspiring panorama of Everest and nearby peaks, the beautiful Gokyo lakes alongside Ngozumpa Glacier and at last a helicopter return to Kathmandu.

Our journey includes two of the greatest viewpoints Gokyo Ri and Kalapathar and a trek across the Cho La Pass [5,420m/17,783ft], the exciting high pass that connects the Gokyo and Everest Valley. The mountain views along the Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Heli Trek include the unforgettable peaks of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, Pumori, Thamserku and many more. This extraordinary trek visits the Sherpa homeland and their stately monasteries with a chance to witness the surrounding flora and fauna.

Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Heli Trek begins with a scenic morning flight to Lukla, from where our trek begins. We then enter the Khumbu region through Namche Bazaar, a lively market town as we follow up the pristine Gokyo Valley surrounded by constant views of peaks and Gokyo Lake. Our itinerary includes 2 rest and acclimatization days at Namche [3,450m/11,319ft] and Machermo [4,470m/14,665ft] before moving up to Cho La Pass and EBC. After the pass, we connect to the main trail of Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar. After visiting EBC and Kalapathar we retrace our way to Gorekshep and eventually board a helicopter flight back to Kathmandu.

What makes this trip unique?

Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Heli Trek is one spectacular trip that will blow your mind for sure. Trek to Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes and two major viewpoints in the Everest region (Gokyo Ri and Kalapathar) with a helicopter return to Kathmandu instead of trekking down to Lukla to board a plane.

In 15 days, trek to the base camp of the world’s highest mountain, visit Gokyo Lakes, witness panoramic views from Gokyo Ri and Kalapathar and fly back home. We also have kept two rest and acclimatization days at Namche and Machermo. 

Why trek with Highland Expeditions?

At, Highland Expeditions it is our aim to provide a wonderful holiday in our part of the world and ensure that our clients enjoy the holiday as much as possible with minimized risks and a worry-free trip should it be monetary, physical or emotional. All the logistical arrangements required for the trip will be done before your arrival providing you with a hassle-free trip and on the trek.

Your trek will be led by an experienced and medical-trained guide/leader with a high staff ratio. Considering the safety of our utmost priority, all our Everest Base Camp trek groups are equipped with a Supplementary oxygen system, oximeter and medical kit be it a group of 1 participant or 15 participants.  

On the trek, all meals and accommodation are included too and we provide you with the option of an OPEN/CHOICE menu meaning you can choose your meal straight from the menu.

Our itineraries are also devised keeping every aspect in mind such as acclimatization, good campsites, real-life experiences etc. We also provide a sleeping bag, down jacket and waterproof duffel bag to each participant.

Lastly, Highland Expeditions has been awarded as a trekking company of the year 2018/19 in Nepal by Travel and Hospitality Awards, USA.

Is this trek for you?

Everest base camp Gokyo lakes heli trek reaches up to an elevation of 5545m and some of the famous mountaineering Base Camps are located and you need to sleep at an elevation of 5000m for a few days. Physically challenging, involving daily trekking of 6–8 hours on average. No previous trekking experience is required but you should be moderately fit and must enjoy walking and be adaptable to high altitude conditions.

Important Note: Your safety is of imperative concern while travelling with Highland Expeditions. Please take care to note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to your safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The trek leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Trip Itinerary

  • Day 01 - Arrival in Kathmandu [1350m/4455ft]

    Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggage in the airport, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Your trip leader will await you just outside the arrival hall and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Please look out for a placard of Highland Expeditions at the exit of arrival hall. Welcome drinks will be served and after you’ve refreshed, your trek leader will brief you about your trip in the lobby of your hotel in the evening. Get familiar with your surroundings by taking a walk down the street

    • Meal: None
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Trekking Hours: 0
  • Day 02 - Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding [2,600m/8,531ft]

    Today we take an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla on STOL aircraft. Flight time is about 35 minutes to the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-1960s. After landing we will have time to explore the village while the Sherpa crew sort out and load the trekking equipment. In the afternoon, we begin the trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River, where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, just above Chaurikharka at 2713m. The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat at 2550m, it’s a short walk to Phakding.

    Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 1,250m/4,100ft

    • Meal: (B, L, D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 3-4 hrs
  • Day 03 - Trek to Namche Bazar [3,450m/11,319ft]

    We will continue our journey along Dudhkoshi River which will take us through pine forest. After crossing suspension bridges at several points and passing through small settlements of Zapute, Toktok, Benkar and Chumoa, we will reach Monjo. Ahead of Monjo is the entry to the Sagarmatha National Park planned to look after and preserve the fragile mountain environment. Lowering down from the park, crossing another suspension bridge, we will proceed towards high Hillary Bridge located at the foot of the hill. Crossing this bridge, we will climb uphill to the Namche Bazaar. We can get view of Thamserku Mountain.
    If weather is clear, we can also have first view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Kusum Khangru mountains.

    Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 850m/2,788ft

    • Meal: (B, L, D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 6-7 hrs
  • Day 04 - Acclimatization day and O/N at Namche [3,450m/11,319ft]

    We remain at Namche for a second night to allow for proper acclimatization to the altitude. Namche is a prosperous village, situated in a large protected hollow. After breakfast, there are a number of options: perhaps a hike up to Everest view hotel, Khumjung and Khunde, or walk towards Thame (3810m) above the beautiful Bhote Khola river valley, or a visit to the National Park Headquarters to see the interesting displays of Sherpa lifestyle and culture. There is also a mountaineering display and details of the park’s flora and fauna. Your guides will be on hand to offer advice and escort you on your walks.

    • Meal: (B, L, D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 3-4 hrs
  • Day 05 - Trek to Dole [4,040m/13,255ft]

    Today it’s a steep climb out of Namche Bazaar up to Kyangjuma Village. At Kyangjuma, we can contemplate on terrific views of Thamserku, Kantega, and Ama Dablam. The tough part of today is sure going to be the ascent of the Mong La, a very appealing place hanging on the spur of Mt. Khumbila. A medieval historical Chorten stands at the centre of the settlement of Mong La. We spend some time at the top of Mong La to look with awe at the surrounding snow-capped mountains and valleys while enjoying lunch. The most eye catching feature of the trail today is the wealth of plant and animal vegetation including wildflowers and Rhododendrons that we see on the way. We may even spot wild lives like pheasants, mountain goats, and the subtle musk deer. Continuing our hike through forests, some waterfalls and bridges, we reach Dole, a small village with few teahouses.

    Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 590m/1,936ft

    • Meal: (B, L, D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 6-7 hrs
  • Day 06 - Trek to Machermo [4,470m/14,655ft]

    Today it’s another short day starting with a climb out of the small Dole Valley before ascending more gradually up the Dudh Kosi valley, high above the river. The walking is easy, but we will still feel the effects of altitude on even the smallest hillock. The barren alpine scenery with only small clusters of scrub juniper is a stark contrast to the snowy white peaks and deep blue skies. After two hours, we will arrive at Luza (4360m), and after a further hour's walk we reach our lodge at Machhermo (4465m) where you will spend the evening. After lunch there is an option to take an excursion across rocky moraines to the base of Kyajo Ri (6168m) and Machhermo Peak (6073m). However, keep an eye open for the Yeti! It was here, in 1974 that three yaks were killed and a Sherpa girl injured when trying to fight off a hairy, ape-like intruder that could have been a hungry grizzly bear!

    Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 430m/1,411ft

    • Meal: (B, L, D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 3-4 hrs
  • Day 07 - Rest and Acclimatization day [4,470m/14,655ft]

    We are more or less nearing an altitude of 4500m, so we haul up at Machhermo for an extra day to acclimatize by getting our bodies used to the thin air as we climb up. There are plenty of outlets for exploration around the camp and just above the village there is a gracious vista that encircles Cho Oyu at [8210m] and the mountains which flank the Ngozumpa Glacier.

    • Meal: (B, L, D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 3-4 hrs
  • Day 08 - Trek to Gokyo [4,800m/15,750ft]

    After breakfast, we climb through a crest Chorten from where we enjoy master views of the valley below and Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, and the northern part of Cho-Oyu at (8153m). Beyond the ridge the valley opens out as the trail passes through a Chorten and reaches Phangka at (4480m) after a brief soft hike. Phangka is an area where an avalanche in 1995 killed 40 people. We descend to the river bank before beginning to climb up to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier. It is a steep climb on the moraine. After crossing an iron bridge over a stream the trail levels out as it follows the valley past the first lake, known as Longpongo at 4690m, where we get chance to see the Lama footprints on a stone. As we see the sights of the second lake, Taboche Tsho, we watch in awe the glimmering turquoise blue mass of water dazzling in the sunshine. Just ahead of the second lake, we reach the third lake, the two connected by a heaving stream. Gokyo village is neatly placed by the third lake and Cho-Oyu Mountains stand tall in the backdrops, setting off stunning scenery, an ideal spot for our video cams to go on overdrive at this awesome area. After lunch, we discover more of the third Lake, Dudh Pokhari.

    Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 330m/1,083ft

    • Meal: (B, L, D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 5-6 hrs
  • Day 09 - Hike to Gokyo Ri [5,357m/17,575ft] and trek to Thagnak [4,750m/15,584ft]

    Today we hike to Gokyo Ri early in the morning before dawn to catch the spectacular sunrise over Everest and surrounding peaks. Afterwards we retrace back to Gokyo for breakfast. After relishing a warm breakfast, we trek down to Thagnak for overnight scaling by the second of the Lakes; the route across the glacier is identified by cairns and is pretty well determined. We climb off the glacier by a small dwelling known as Thagnak and follow a low valley to our camp by a small kharka.

    Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: -50m/-164ft

    • Meal: (B, L, D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 6-7 hrs
  • Day 10 - Traverse Chola pass [5,420m/17,783ft] and trek to Dzongla [4820m/15,814ft]

    Cho La Pass is also another show up of this trip. Today is the toughest day and we need to start early (4-6 am) compared to other days on the trip. The pass is not itself difficult but it is steep and involves a glacier traverse on the eastern side. We need to be careful as the trail is vertical and the rocks glazed by ice add trouble to the trekkers making the trail slippery. While trekking through the side of a frozen lake we reach at the top of the pass decorated with prayer flags. The pyramidal Ama Dablam presides over a range of mountains on the south even as Cholatse soar on the west and Lobuche East and Baruntse rises sharply to our right. We need to pass through some crevasses before we reach Dzongla, another beautiful place with a complete view of Mt. Cholatse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Lobuche peak and the Pheriche village far below.

    Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 70m/230ft

    • Meal: (B, L, D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 7-8 hrs
  • Day 11 - Trek to Lobuche [4,910m/16,109ft]

    From Dzongla, we plod higher onto the pretty risky moraine of the Khumbu glacier, passing a chain of stone monuments built in memory of Sherpas and Climbers who have died on mountaineering expeditions to Mt Everest. From hereabouts, the trail lowers and goes by the west side of the valley to Lobuche. The sunset on Nuptse from this point is an amazing sight to behold.

    Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 90m/296ft

    • Meal: (B, L, D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 6-7 hrs
  • Day 12 - Trek to Everest Base Camp [5,364m/17,559ft] and retrace back to Gorekshep [5,140m/16,864ft]

    A real early start is required to reach the Everest Base Camp. It takes several hours as the trail weaves its way through ice pinnacles and past the crevasses of the Khumbu Glacier. After a brief lunch and rest, we take the trail to Everest Base Camp through the once vast Gorak Shep Lake. Only upon reaching the Everest Base Camp do we really appreciate the Everest climbers who brave the risky route through the Khumbu icefall. Mountaineer's tents stand out in bright colors against the monotony of gray surroundings (especially in the spring). Nuptse, Khumbuste and Pumori are the mountains we can view from the base camp. On the return leg, we can take a higher route to get a grand view of the Khumbu icefall and the route to the South Col. We return to Gorakshep for a restful night.

    Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 230m/755ft

    • Meal: (B, L, D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 7-8 hrs
  • Day 13 - Early morning hike up to Kala Patter [5,545m/18,193ft] and fly back to Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]

    Today is the most important part of our trip. We start early at dawn to catch the dramatic views from Kalapatthar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mt. Everest. Be prepared for an early morning, dark and cold temperature (-5 to -10 degrees celsius) departure beforehand. Plus, there is always the potential for chilly winds which are quite common. Familiar peaks such as Lingtren, Khumbutse, Changtse tower to the east even as Everest begins to expose itself emerging between the west shoulder crest and Nuptse. After 2-3 hours of ascent, we reach Kalapatthar. From here, we scuttle to climb the rocky outcrop near the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. As we reach the top, we sit on the Kalapatthar rocks and our eyes take in the unbelievable Himalayan views, wandering from one mighty massif to another. We take as many pictures as we possibly can with our camera so they can last a lifetime. Total hike up and down on average will take 3-4 hrs.
    After this, we make our way back to Gorekshep for breakfast and then board a helicopter flight all the way back to Kathmandu. Once the helicopter lands at the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan Airport, you will be transferred to the hotel.

    • Meal: (B)
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Trekking Hours: 3 hrs
  • Day 14 - Free day in Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]

    A free day in Kathmandu to rest, explore and shop. There are no activities scheduled for today. This day also serves as a contingency day in case of any delays with the flights.

    • Meal: (B)
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Trekking Hours: 0
  • Day 15 - International departure / Trip ends

    Thank you for joining us on this trek and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. Keep in touch and hope to hear from you soon. Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home.

    • Meal: (B)
    • Accommodation: None
    • Trekking Hours: 0

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Dates & Price

Our trips are available on both fixed departure and private group basis.

If you are looking for a group to join this trip please click the Fixed Departures tab for more information on departure dates, availability and price. All our fixed departures are guaranteed to run. Or, if you would like to do this trip alone, or with your friends, families & colleagues in a private group style, please fill out the contact form in Private Group tab and send us your message. We will organize a private trip for you at your preferred dates catering any request you may have.

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Oct, 2023

Trip Start Date01 Oct, 2023
Trip End Date15 Oct, 2023
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Nov, 2023

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Mar, 2024

Trip Start Date23 Mar, 2024
Trip End Date06 Apr, 2024
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Apr, 2024

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Sep, 2024

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Oct, 2024

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Nov, 2024

Trip Start Date03 Nov, 2024
Trip End Date17 Nov, 2024
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Trip Start Date10 Nov, 2024
Trip End Date24 Nov, 2024
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Cost Inclusion

  • All meals (B,L,D) on OPEN/CHOICE Menu whilst on the trek with tea & coffee.
  • Twin-sharing accommodation at Kathmandu guest house or similar category for 2 nights with breakfast
  • All required permits for the trek (TIMS Card and Everest National Park )
  • Accommodation at clean and cosy teahouses/lodges on the trek
  • Internal flights (KTM-LUA)
  • Gorekshep to Kathmandu helicopter flight service
  • Experienced local trek leader with a 1:4 assistant guide-to-client ratio
  • Full support crew with 1 porter for every 2 trekkers
  • Kathmandu airport transfers and escorts
  • Comprehensive first aid kit with high altitude medicines and supplementary oxygen system
  • Satellite phone for emergency purposes and a nominal charge for personal use
  • Duffel bag, Sleeping bag with liner and Down Jacket (Sleeping bag and down jacket must be returned after completion of the trek)
  • Staff insurance and allowances
  • Trek completion certificate (Upon request)
  • Group welcome dinner at a typical Nepalese restaurant 

Cost Exclusion

  • International airfare, Visa and travel insurance
  • Meals at Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or on the trek for any reason (Early arrival or delay, Early arrival from trek due to any reason)
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities for staff

Essential Information

Difficulty

Grading: 5-6 (Challenging)
Longer treks reaching up to an elevation of 5500m where some of the famous mountaineering Base Camps are located and you need to sleep at an elevation of 5000m for a few days. Physically strenuous, involving daily trekking of approximately 6–8 hours. No previous trekking experience is required but you should be moderately fit and must enjoy walking and adaptable to high altitude conditions.

Prerequisities

No previous experience of trekking is required but you should be moderately fit and must enjoy walking and adaptable to high altitude conditions. Having a previous experience is definitely beneficial but it is not must to participate for this trip. All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. We strongly advise you to prepare yourself for the trip at least 3 months prior to your trip date by doing regular exercises, going on hiking, running or gym. The fitter you are, the more enjoyable you will find the experience of trekking. All our trip itinerary has been devised keeping every aspect in mind and allows ample time for acclimatization

Meals

All meals are included during the trek (Day 02 to Day 13). We will provide three meals a day (B, L, D) during the trek. The menus in the teahouses are varied, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat, Momo (Dumpling) to pizza and apple pie. Despite the fact that meat is available in the teahouses, we prompt against eating it on the trek. The meat has frequently been conveyed in the warmth from lower elevations for a few days before arriving at the teahouses and can cause stomach upsets or disease. During the trek, Breakfast and Dinner will be served at the teahouse/lodge where you stay and Lunch will be along the way.

If you have any special dietary requirements please let us know in advance and we will be sure to pass your message to your guide. For a gluten-free diet, we highly recommend you to bring extra foods especially for breakfast as your options for the breakfast will be limited. Meals worth USD 450-500 are included on this trip. In Kathmandu, only breakfast will be provided to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where what and with whom to eat for lunch and dinner.

B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner

Drinking Water

Yes, we provide unlimited boiled water for the drinking purpose on all our treks and climbs. During meals time, you can ask the boys to fill the hot water for you. We recommend you to bring at least 2 hot water bottles to make sure you have enough water during the walk. 

We strongly discourage the use of single-use plastic bottles such as mineral water on all our trips. 

Accomodation

Hotel:  2 Nights, Teahouse/Lodge: 12 Nights

Kathmandu: 
In Kathmandu, we stay at Kathmandu Guest House, a well-known hotel where many famous celebrities like Beatles, Ricky Martin, Jeremy Irons and others have stayed. Centrally located in Thamel, the hotel also boasts of a beautiful garden where you can relax and enjoy the greenery. Breakfast will be provided in the hotel and your accommodation will be on twin sharing basis and if you would like to have a single room, upon request you are required to pay single supplement price as stated in the trip costing.
Regardless of whether you're coming back from the mountains or touching base from the airport, come and unwind at the hotel beautiful garden, request some fine Italian espresso or a chilled Beer, and escape in the memorable surroundings of Kathmandu's most adored guesthouse.

On Trek:
Your accommodation on the trek will be on a simple mountain lodges run by the local people with basic and shared facilities. Trekking in the (Everest area) does not need tremendous logistics in accommodation as there are many clean and friendly Lodges along the trail. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets but with a wonderful view from your window.  All the teahouses/lodges have a spacious warm dining room-lounge. The rooms are fairly basic. Blankets are generally provided by the teahouse but we will provide a warm sleeping bag to everyone. Bathrooms are mostly shared and toilets are squat type in most places. We will arrange for you and your group to stay in local lodges daily. Please remember that some of them are very basic and a sense of adventure is necessary.

Single supplement: 
Single supplement will be charged if someone wishes to have their own room in Kathmandu. Especially when travelling in a group, we will always pair you with someone of the same sex and similar age to share the room with. If in case of a single by default, then clients don’t have to pay for the single supplement. Please note that on the trek, a single supplement is not available due to limited rooms

Best Season

The best seasons to trek to the Everest region are Autumn (latter half of September till December) and Spring (latter half of March until mid-May). On both seasons, Mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up in the afternoon and disappearing at night. The given temperature may raise or lower with the change in weather factors: (Sunny, Snow, Rain etc.)

Autumn/Fall:
Slightly colder than Spring but presents clear views of the mountains. The mornings are clear providing best mountain views, days are warmer and night time will get cold and frosty. The temperature during Autumn varies from lowest -10 degree Celsius at Gorekshep to warmest 25 degree Celsius at Lukla/Phakding.

Spring:
Another weather window for trekking in Nepal comes during the month of the latter March to May. The temperature will be relatively warmer during this period of time but still, nights will be cold and frosty at a higher elevation. Temperatures will drop considerably as you ascend higher every day. During the spring season, the base camp will be full of tents as Apr-May are preferred time to climb Mt. Everest.

Read more about the best time: https://highlandexpeditions.com/best-time-to-visit-nepal/

Bagpack/Luggage

You will only carry your day pack carrying the essential items (Water, Cameras, Extra Fleece, Rain jacket, Sunscreen, Snacks, Valuable Items, etc.) that you may need during the walk. The porter will carry rest of your stuff. We provide 1 porter to every 2 participants, and we also provide a duffel bag to put your trekking gears. 

Safety on trek

Safety is always a priority while travelling with Highland Expeditions. On all our high altitude treks, we send supplementary oxygen system and a comprehensive medical kit be it a group of 1 or 12. Besides, we also have a high staff to client ratio on all our treks. 

Travel Insurance

It’s mandatory and highly recommended to get travel insurance before embarking on any adventurous trips in Nepal. We advise all our clients to get travel insurance that covers up emergency helicopter evacuation that may be needed in case of the occurrence of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) or any other reasons in high altitudes where there are no other means of transportation available. It is advisable to review carefully the insurance and its coverages before making the final decision. Carry proof of your insurance with you on the holiday and leave a copy next to your kin. You must ensure that your insurance provides an adequate level of protection and covers you for the activities involved.

More information: Travel Insurance

Approach

Our route to Everest base camp and Gokyo Lakes follows a careful approach with ample time for acclimatization, less trodden route and breathtaking sceneries along the way. With over 30 years of experience in trekking and climbing in the Himalayas, we have carefully tailored each of our itineraries. We put a lot of care into all the details when it comes to executing any of your ventures. Safety is always a priority while travelling with Highland Expeditions and we have applied this strictly on our approach.

We begin our trek from Lukla and follow the trail through Namche, Dole & Macchermo to Gokyo lakes. From here we cross Chola Pass and adjoin the standard Everest base camp route at Lobuche before reaching Everest base camp. 

Group Size

Our emphasis is always on maintaining the small group so that it will be easy to coordinate and cooperate with each other. Our group size is small and we only take up to 12 pax in one group. If you opt to join our ‘fixed departure trip’, you are likely to be joining people from different countries of any age group except minors. The size of the group varies, minimum no of persons required to operate the trip is 1 and the maximum is 12 people.

Typical day on trek

Daily wake up calls will be between 6.00 am to 7.00 am while on the trek. The wake-up time and breakfast time will be decided a night before during the briefing time. The time table for each day will entirely depend on your walking duration for that particular day.

After a hearty breakfast, we set off on the day's walk. Before breakfast, you are required to pack your duffel bag as it will be loaded by the porter while you are having your breakfast. After 3-4 hours of walk, we stop for lunch mid-day.  The afternoon's walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea. The rest of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, to wash your clothes or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days, we will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the day's adventures, before heading off to bed for a well-earned sleep.

Guide

We possess a deep passion for alpine adventure & the outdoors, and with the small professional group we have on board, we’ve notched up experience that spans almost 3 decades on some of the most isolated trails and highest peaks. We take great pride in calling ourselves a ‘high-altitude adventure specialist’ and all this is due to our diverse and qualified team of guides. Most of our guides were born in these parts & have relatives living in other parts of the regions where they were born in.

Your trip will be led by a qualified guide with 1 porter to every 2 participants and 1 assistant guide to every 4 participants. 

Trip Style

Our trips are available on both fixed departure and private basis. If you are looking for a group to join this trip please check our departures section for availability, dates and price. If you would like to travel independently, or with your friends, families & colleagues you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient timeframe for any number of people. If you want to do something that is not included in our trip list, we are ready to tailor a trip to suit your exact requirements. In short, we will make every effort to get you on the trip you want, when you want.

Additional Information

Additional information such as (Insurance, Arrival Instructions, Pre-Departure Checklist, Visa and Passport etc) required for the trip will be provided after your trip confirmation. Please feel free to get in touch with us if you require more information about the trip.

Equipment List

The gear listed below is recommended for Everest Base Camp Gokyo Lakes Heli Trek. We encourage you to get all the equipment listed below for the trip and kindly ensure you check and try every piece of equipment. You can also buy or hire the same in Kathmandu as they are available in the many trekking shops from branded to local manufacturers in Kathmandu.

Head gears: 
- Sunhat 
- Warm hat (should cover head & ear comfortably) 
- Buffs X 2 
- Sunglasses (High-quality, UV-blocking sunglasses with good all-around protection) 
- Headlamp with spare batteries (200-300 lumens output)

Upper Body:
- Thermal or fleece base layer top X 2
- Short Sleeve Trekking shirts X 2
- Full Sleeve trekking shirts X 2
- Soft-shell jacket/fleece jacket X 2
- Light down jacket X 1
- Hardshell jacket with a hood X 1
- Insulated Down Jacket (provided by us at request)

Lower body:
- Thermal or fleece base layer bottom X 2
- Trekking trousers/pants X 2 
- Warm trekking trousers X 1
- Hardshell pants (Non-insulated and waterproof)       
- Insulated down pants (optional)                                                                                              

Underwear:
- 4 pairs of synthetic or wool fabrics only

Footwear: 
- Waterproof Hiking Boots (GoreTex and Good Tread) 
- Hiking socks X 4 pairs medium to heavy (synthetic and wool)
- Liner socks X 2
- Camp shoes to wear at the teahouse
- Gaiters 
- Yaktrax / Microspikes 

Handwear: 
- Softshell gloves X 1
- Heavyweight gloves X 1

Gears / Personal equipment: 
- Daypack 30-35 litres with rain cover 
- Waterproof Duffel bag (provided by us at request)
- Down Sleeping bag (-15 C rated) (provided by us at request)
- One-litre capacity water bottle X 2 (Nalgene & Thermos) 
- Trekking poles
- Camera with charger or spare batteries
- Personal snacks and energy bars (you can buy them during the trek too)
- Laundry bag to keep the dirty clothes
- Padlock
- Rain Poncho
- Large plastic bags to keep the clothes dry
- Extra clothes to wear in Kathmandu when you come back from the trek.
- Flip flops

Toiletries and hygiene 
- Quick-drying towel
- Small face towel
- Toothbrush &Toothpaste
- Face mask
- Water treatment tools or tablets (Recommended: Aquatabs)
- Deodorants, Soap and Shampoo (Smaller bottle)
- Face and body moisturizer
- Sunscreen SPF30+ and Lip balm SPF 30+
- Hand sanitiser/Antiseptic wipes
- Hygiene products
- Basic first aid kit (Pepto Bismol, Cipro (500mg tablets), Metronidazole, Hydration salts, Eye drops, Azithromycin (250mg tablets), Diamox (250mg tablets, approx. 35 total), and variety of standard painkillers including Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc)

Documents
- Passport with visa and validity of 6 months after your trip completion
- 2 copies of passport-size photos (For sim card and travel purposes)
- Credit cards in case of emergencies
- Driving ID or any other ID in case of loss of your passport
- Travel Insurance and Flight tickets

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Reviews

Jonathan Sep 02, 2023

A group of 4 of us did the Everest base camp and Gokyo Lakes heli trek with Highland Expeditions and we had the most incredible experience. From the moment we booked the trip, we were provided with excellent information on the trip, detailed instructions on planning & preparation along with recommendations as well. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal we had an expert local guide and a fantastic ground crew in Kathmandu who were all very professional, friendly and eager to make our trip as smooth as possible.

Nepal is a beautiful country and we were very glad to have the Highland Expeditions Team to show us the beauty of Nepal.

Eric Law Jun 20, 2022

All around great experience with Highland Expeditions. They took everything very seriously from the start. I did a solo trip and they arranged a bit of a custom journey for me. Guide (Ang) was very knowledgeable and very engaging. An extra plus is he is a great photographer as well. Would strongly recommend it.



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