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Overview
Map & Itinerary
Trip 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 and Gokyo Lakes Heli Trek covers the main attractions of Everest Region in a single trek and is a thrilling alternate trek to the Everest Base Camp Trek. This trek includes marvellous scenery of some of the highest mountains in the world and provides a look into traditional Sherpa culture with a spectacular helicopter flight back to Kathmandu from Dingboche. 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] with an awe-inspiring panorama of Everest and nearby peaks, the beautiful Gokyo lakes alongside Ngozumpa Glacier combining with a scenic helicopter ride back to Kathmandu.
Our journey includes two of the greatest viewpoints (Gokyo Ri and Kalapathar) in the world as well as a climb over the Cho La Pass [5,420m/17,783ft], the exciting high pass that connects the Gokyo and Everest Valleys. The mountain views along the Gokyo and Everest Base Camp Heli Trek include 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.
EBC Gokyo Heli Trek begins from Kathmandu as we take a scenic morning flight to Lukla on STOL Aircraft 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 Dingboche eventually to board a chartered 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 Everest region (Gokyo Ri and Kalapathar) with a helicopter flight all the way back to Kathmandu instead of returning back to Lukla to board a plane.
- In 15 days, trek to the base camp of 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 the worry-free trip should it be monetary, physical or emotional.
- All the logistical arrangements required for the trip will be done prior to your arrival providing you with a hassle-free trip and on the trek
- You will be led by experienced and medical trained guide/leader with high staff ratio.
- Considering the safety of our utmost priority, all our Everest Base Camp trek groups are backed up by 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 an option of 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?
Grade Challenging Physical Rating 5-6 Total Duration 14N/15 Days Trekking Duration 12N/13 Days Maximum Elevation 5,545m/18,193ft at Kalapathar 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 challenging, 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.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu [1350m/4455ft]
- Day 02 : Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding [2,600m/8,531ft]
- Day 03 : Trek to Namche Bazar [3,450m/11,319ft]
- Day 04 : Acclimatization day and O/N at Namche [3,450m/11,319ft]
- Day 05 : Trek to Dole [4,040m/13,255ft]
- Day 06 : Trek to Machermo [4,470m/14,655ft]
- Day 07 : Rest and Acclimatization day [4,470m/14,655ft]
- Day 08 : Trek to Gokyo [4,800m/15,750ft]
- Day 09 : Hike to Gokyo Ri [5,357m/17,575ft] and trek to Thagnak [4,750m/15,584ft]
- Day 10 : Traverse Chola pass [5,420m/17,783ft] and trek to Dzongla [4820m/15,814ft]
- Day 11 : Trek to Lobuche [4,910m/16,109ft]
- Day 12 : Trek to Everest Base Camp [5,364m/17,559ft] and retrace back to Gorekshep [5,140m/16,864ft]
- Day 13 : Hike up to Kalapathar [5,545m/18,193ft] in early morning and descend to Dingboche
- Day 14 : Fly back to Kathmandu on a chartered helicopter [1,350m/4,430ft]
- Day 15 : International departure / Trip ends
Important Note: Your safety is of imperative concern while traveling 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 or 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.
Elevation Chart in Meter:
Note: Maximum elevation of each particular day has been put into the graph, the overnight elevation may be lower than as shown in the graph.Dates & Price-
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 -
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 -
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 -
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. -
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 -
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 -
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. -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
Day 13 - Hike up to Kalapathar [5,545m/18,193ft] in early morning and descend to Dingboche
Today is the pinnacle of our trip. We start at the break of dawn to catch the heartwarming views from Kala Patthar witnessing the first light of day shining on Mount Everest. However, we need to get prepared for an early morning, dark and chilly temperature (-10 to -14 C) departure beforehand. Further, there is always the likely chance for strong wind which is 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. During the ascent to Kala Patthar, we can pause to catch our breath at several dazzling viewpoints to snap pictures. After several hours of an ascent, we reach Kala Patthar. From this juncture, we jumble to climb the rocky outcrop near to the summit marked by cairns and prayer flags. As we reach the top, we sit on the Kala Patthar where rocks our eyes taking unbelievable Himalayan Panorama, wandering from one mighty massif to another. We take as many pictures as we can and take the views with our memories to last a lifetime. We then descend to Gorekshep, have breakfast and we retrace our steps to Duglha and descend to Dingboche -
Day 14 - Fly back to Kathmandu on a chartered helicopter [1,350m/4,430ft]
We will fly back to Kathmandu on a chartered helicopter flight that dazzles us with epic views of mystical Mountains. Enjoy the close-up views of mountain ranges. Once the helicopter lands at domestic terminal of Tribhuvan Airport, you will be transferred to the hotel. Spend the day taking rest. Rest helps you to calm your stiff limbs. Stay overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu. -
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.
Trip Info Media Gallery ReviewsGiven below are the fixed departure dates for this trip. If the dates don’t match with your schedule, then kindly let us know and we will arrange a private trip customizing the departure dates suitable for you. The cost below is per person on group joining basis excluding the international flights. Group discount is available for booking of two or more than two persons. Kindly contact us if you have a bigger group for the discount.
- 2019 Departures
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Trip Start Date Trip End Date Price Status 15 Sep, 2019 29 Sep, 2019 USD 3,199 Available Book Now 25 Sep, 2019 09 Oct, 2019 USD 3,199 Available Book Now 05 Oct, 2019 19 Oct, 2019 USD 3,199 Sold out Book Now 15 Oct, 2019 29 Oct, 2019 USD 3,199 Available Book Now 25 Oct, 2019 08 Nov, 2019 USD 3,199 Available Book Now 02 Nov, 2019 16 Nov, 2019 USD 3,199 Available Book Now 10 Nov, 2019 24 Nov, 2019 USD 3,199 Available Book Now 20 Nov, 2019 04 Dec, 2019 USD 3,199 Available Book Now - 2020 Departures
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Trip Start Date Trip End Date Price Status 14 Mar, 2020 28 Mar, 2020 USD 3,200 Available Book Now 28 Mar, 2020 11 Apr, 2020 USD 3,200 Available Book Now 11 Apr, 2020 25 Apr, 2020 USD 3,200 Available Book Now 25 Apr, 2020 09 May, 2020 USD 3,200 Available Book Now 09 May, 2020 23 May, 2020 USD 3,200 Available Book Now 16 May, 2020 30 May, 2020 USD 3,200 Available Book Now 12 Sep, 2020 26 Sep, 2020 USD 3,200 Available Book Now 26 Sep, 2020 10 Oct, 2020 USD 3,200 Available Book Now 03 Oct, 2020 17 Oct, 2020 USD 3,200 Available Book Now 10 Oct, 2020 24 Oct, 2020 USD 3,200 Available Book Now 17 Oct, 2020 31 Oct, 2020 USD 3,200 Available Book Now 24 Oct, 2020 07 Nov, 2020 USD 3,200 Available Book Now 31 Oct, 2020 14 Nov, 2020 USD 3,200 Available Book Now 07 Nov, 2020 28 Nov, 2020 USD 3,200 Available Book Now 14 Nov, 2020 28 Nov, 2020 USD 3,200 Available Book Now 21 Nov, 2020 05 Dec, 2020 USD 3,200 Available Book Now
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We embarked on the trip little realising how demanding the logistics can be, the mountains and weather care for no one.
Highland Expeditions with Passang and Mr. Kunga (Our trip guide) made our encounter with the magnificent mountains and lakes an amazing experience. Their care, concern, professionalism and expertise were beyond expectation. Highland Expeditions is a team i trust with my life. In the Himalayas, you need this. Also, very importantly was how well they looked after their staff and porters and how they provided our team of 3 with 4 staff. We saw many group with far far less staffing ratio.
Not an easy trek but the exhilaration of walking with the Himalayas all around us made it all more than worth the while.
Definitely recommended for anyone who wants to walk in a picture postcard setting. It’s cold, It’s tiring, It’s exhausting, you will be pushed to your limits but it was a life changing experience for us.
Thanks to Highland Expeditions for looking after us so well.
The trip was amazing. Walking in the clouds with knowledgeable guides with a high client to guide ratio was excellent. The scenery was breathtaking and with acclimatization, all sings of altitude sickness were averted. It was a tough climb but the guides went at a pace we could cope with.
All round thumbs up.
We started email with Passang Sherpa. He was very patient and thorough helping us decide our best options for a trek. Upon arriving he met us at the airport and someone associated with Highland Expeditions never left our sides. Everything was first class. The accommodation we a little rustic for w western, the service was all on point. They adjusted our speed based on our abilities and always asked if we need assistance. All the way until the end, the even dropped us off at the KTM Airport upon leaving and sent us a follow up email. Our guide, Kunga , was very warm and friendly – I guess the Nepal way. I would say they treated us like FAMILY – I just wish my family treated me so well.
Please feel free to contact me for more info. Trip with memories to fill a lifetime. PS. Its a regular United Nations on your trek. You will meet people form all over the globe. Incredible interesting conversation in the Tea Houses dinning area!
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