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
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.
Oct, 2023
Nov, 2023
Mar, 2024
Apr, 2024
May, 2024
Sep, 2024
Oct, 2024
Nov, 2024
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
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
Reviews

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.

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.