Everest Base Camp Heli Tour with Gokyo Extension

Everest Base Camp Heli Tour with Gokyo Extension – 1 Days

Trip Overview

  • Country: Nepal
  • Duration: 1 Days
  • Trip Level: Easy Everest Base Camp Heli Tour with Gokyo Extension
  • Max Altitude: 5,500 m/18,044 ft
  • Activity: Tour & Everest Heli Sightseeing
  • Meals: Not included ()
  • Accomodation: Not included ()
  • Best Season: Feb-May, Oct-Dec

Trip Highlights

  • Fly over Khumbu Valley, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Gokyo Lake, Gokyo Valley, and Cho-la Pass.
  • You can request to land at Gokyo for an additional fee.
  • 360-degree views of the Mountains including Everest, Lobuche, Nuptse, Pumori Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and numerous others.
  • Witness the stunning close-up views of Mt. Everest, Khumbu Icefall, Cho-la Pass, Gokyo Valley, and Gokyo Lake
  • Refreshing an hour or more break at Hotel Everest View (3,880 m); the highest-altitude hotel in the world
  • Breakfast or an early lunch at Hotel Everest View with a view of Mount Everest in front of you.
  • Explore the Everest region in the Luxury

Trip Description

The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Flight with Gokyo Extension is an Ideal opportunity for everyone willing to explore the Everest region and the Gokyo Lake of Sagarmatha National Park but were restricted by time.

On this tour, you’ll be able to witness the beautiful views of the Mountains including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Cho Oyu, Thamserku, and numerous others. You’ll also be able to view the Everest Base Camp, Khumbu Icefall, Kala Patthar, Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Lake, Cho-La Pass, etc.

The Heli-flight with Gokyo Extension will take you to the Everest Region in a split second.  Your journey starts from Kathmandu then you’ll fly towards Lukla. In Lukla, we’ll be spending a few minutes refueling and then move towards Everest Base Camp.

Before moving towards Everest Base Camp, we would like to notify you that helicopters cannot land and take off with more than three passengers at altitudes above 4,500 meters. So in addition to this, if you’re a group of 5, we’ll shuttle the flight in Pheriche into groups of 3 and 2.

Each group will then, be flying towards the Everest Base Camp. After that, we’ll be flying towards Gokyo Valley where you’ll be able to witness the Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Lake, the beautiful Cho-la Pass, and return back to Pheriche. This tour will take place one by one after the shuttle in Pheriche.

(Please note that you have an additional option to land at Gokyo for an additional fee. If you’re interested, let us know in advance at the time of your booking.)

Similarly, after completing everyone’s tour we’ll reunite with the group members and then fly towards the Hotel Everest View. Hotel Everest View is the highest-altitude hotel in the world, situated at the height of 3,880 m.

We’ll be taking a 1 to 2-hour break at the hotel where you’ll be allowed to have breakfast or early lunch at an additional price enjoying the spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Cho Oyu, Thamserku, and numerous others. Additionally, the cost of breakfast can be customized in our package or paid directly to the hotel.

After the wonderful experience at the hotel, we’ll fly back to Kathmandu. The heli tour gives you a birds-eye view of Kathmandu, the Khumbu region, and the classical Jiri route for the Everest Base Camp trek, along with the beautiful terrace-passing landscape of Nepal.

In addition, this package is specially designed to make your dream of watching the highest mountain in the world a living reality. In conclusion, landing in the lap of the Himalayas after flying over the Khumbu region is the most luxurious way to explore the Himalayas.

Additional information

  • You can bring a copy or picture of your original passport.
  • Everyone can participate in the trip
  • We do not recommend this trip for pregnant movement and people with heart problems
  • The maximum of 5 travelers per heli flight
  • We would like to recommend that everyone should have an equal opportunity for the window seat. For example, the person who got the window seat on the way to Everest is asked to swap seats with the one who didn’t get it, while returning back to Kathmandu.
  • The helicopters cannot land and take off with more than three passengers at altitudes above 4,500 meters. So, in addition to this, if you’re a group of 5, we’ll shuttle the flight in Pheriche into groups of 3 and 2. After that, each group will fly towards Everest Base Camp, and fly over Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Lake, and Cho-La Pass one by one. Each trip will last about 25 to 30 minutes. After completing the tour, we’ll catch up with everyone at Pheriche and continue the trip.
  • We can also land you on Gokyo for a few minutes where you can step out of the heli and take some pictures on special request, which will cost you some additional money.
  • We will provide you with a trip certificate after the trip.
  • Please do not forget to provide us with your Whatsapp or Viber number so that we can inform you about the flight details and updates about the trip.
  • You’ll be picked up and dropped off at your hotel in Kathmandu.
  • The trip requires favorable weather conditions, as the weather in the Everest region is quite uncertain, so in case of bad weather conditions, you’ll be given another set of alternative dates to rejoin the trip.
  • If, for some reason, you couldn’t join the trip on the given date and need to cancel it, we’ll refund your payment. (Please keep in mind that if you cancel your flight after arriving at the airport, your payment will be refunded after the deduction of USD 30 per person for the airport transfer and other administration expenses.)
  • You can hire a guide on request.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 – Everest Base Camp Heli sightseeing tour day

5:30 am – 5:50 am: Pick up from the Hotel and drop at Tribhuwan International Airport domestic terminal, Kathmandu. – 15 to 20 minutes

Max altitude: Kathmandu (1,400 m)

At 5 a.m., one of our representatives will be dispatched to meet you and pick you up from the hotel. In our private tourist vehicle, we will drive you to the airport. So, please, be sure to get ready at the appointed time. You will then be driven to the airport’s domestic terminal for further airport procedures.

5:50 am – 6:30 am: Airport formalities – 30 to 40 minutes

For the airport, formalities make sure you carry your documents along with you including your identity card and your tickets. Your tickets and documents are reviewed by the airport officer in the domestic terminal.

6:30 am – 7:30 am: Fly to Lukla (2,804 m) from Kathmandu – 50-minute to 1-hour flight; it might also take more depending upon the weather condition.

Max altitude: Lukla (2,804 m)

After completing the necessary formalities at the airport, we’ll head off on an exciting heli tour of the Everest region. You can enjoy a beautiful aerial view of Kathmandu and its neighboring areas.

You’ll also be able to witness the stunning terrace farming on the hills, the dense rhododendron forest, and the enormous rivers and waterfalls. Along with that, you’ll be flying above the classical Jiri route of the Everest Base Camp Trek, as well as a panoramic view of the Rolwaling ranges, Langtang ranges, Ganesh Himal, etc.

7:30 am – 8:30 am: Flight Refueling at Lukla Airport: 10 to 15 minutes, then fly towards Everest Base Camp and land at Kala Patthar 5,500 m. – 30 to 45 minutes flights.

Max altitude: Kala Patthar (5,500 m)

As the fuel capacity of the helicopter is quite limited, we’ll be landing at Tenzing Hilary Airport in Lukla for the helicopter to get refueled, which will take about 15 minutes.

After refueling, we’ll fly towards Kala-Patthar. As you fly towards Kala-Patthar, you’ll notice and feel dramatic changes in topography and geography. During this 15-minute flight, you’ll be flying over the gateway to Mt.  Everest, i.e., Namche Bazar, and the picturesque Himalayan settlement. Additionally, you’ll also pass by the majestic Ama Dablam peak.

Note: Please be aware that helicopters cannot land and take off with more than three passengers at altitudes above 4,500 meters. So, in addition to this, if you’re a group of 5, we’ll shuttle the flight in Pheriche into groups of 3 and 2. After that, each group will fly towards Everest Base Camp. After completing the tour, we’ll catch up with everyone at Pheriche and continue the trip.

8:30 am – 8:40 am: Land and Explore around Kala Patthar – 5 to 10 minutes

Max altitude: Kala Patthar (5,500 m)

“Kala Patthar” which typically means “black rock” in English literature is the highest point in Everest Base Camp Trek. The flight will land in Kala Patthar which is nearest to the Everest Base camp. It’ll give you 360-degree mountain views including Mt. Everest, Pumori, and Lhotse summit. We’ll be spending about 10-15 minutes in Kala Patthar admiring the mountain’s splendid mountain vistas.

8:40 am – 9:00 am: Fly towards Gokyo Lake and Cho-La Pass – 15 to 20 minutes

Max altitude: Gokyo Lake (5,000 m)

After a refreshing time at Kala Patthar, we’ll be flying towards Gokyo Valley from where you’ll get a spectacular view of the Gokyo Lake and Cho-La Pass. “Gokyo Lake” is the highest freshwater lake in the World situated at the height of 5,000 m in Sagarmatha National Park.

9:00 am – 11:00 am: Fly to Hotel Everest View (3,880 m) and Breakfast/Early lunch at Hotel Everest View – 20 to 30 min flight and 1 to 1 & a half hours ground time; depending upon weather conditions and the helicopter schedule.

Max altitude: Hotel Everest View (3,880 m)

After enjoying the magnificent views of the mountains and the once-in-a-lifetime experience, we’ll fly toward the Hotel Everest View. The Hotel Everest View is the highest-altitude hotel in the world. The thrilling flight from Kala Patthar to Hotel Everest View provides you with breathtaking views of the Khumbu Glacier, Khumbu Ice Fall, Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, and many other peaks in the Everest region. It is one of the famous destinations in the Everest Region, where people just enjoy being there for the Everest Breakfast with the magnificent view of the Himalayas. We’ll spend 1 to 2 hours in the hotel depending on the weather and buy the schedule of the helicopter flights, which you’ll be informed about in the hotel.

11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Fly to Lukla and refuel and Return back to Kathmandu – 45 minutes to 1 hour

After spending an hour or more at Hotel Everest View depending upon the weather conditions, we’ll now fly back to Lukla for refueling, which will take us around 5 to 10 minutes. Then we’ll proceed towards Kathmandu.

Our most adventurous Heli tour,  comes to an end now after landing in Kathmandu. Our scenic flight towards Tribhuwan International Airport will take us about 45 minutes to complete.

12:00 pm – 12:30 pm: Pick up at the airport and drop off at your preferred location inside Kathmandu or hotel in Kathmandu – 15 to 30 minutes

Following your arrival, our airport staff will pick you up from the domestic terminal and drive you to your respective hotels or desired destination inside Kathmandu.

Price Includes

  • Hotel pick-up and drops by tourist vehicle, but please do not forget to provide us the hotel’s name and address via email, Viber or WhatsApp.

  • Helicopter flight with a maximum of 5 people on sharing basis.

  • Fly over Kala Patthar,  Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Lake and Cho-La Pass and then we’ll move towards Hotel Everest View; the highest altitude hotel in the world for 1 or 2 hours (ground time), depending upon weather conditions and the busy schedule of the helicopter.

  • Fuel Surcharge.

  • Round trip helicopter flight fare between Kathmandu and Everest Base Camp.

  • All administrative expenses and government taxes.

  • Ace the Himalaya Sun hat.

  • Trip Certificate.

Price Excludes

  • Breakfast/early lunch roughly USD 50 per person in Hotel Everest View.

  • Any Beverages and Personal expenses.

  • Personal gear and down Jacket.

  • Sagarmatha National Park permit NPRS 3,000, Rural Municipality fees NPRS 2,000, and Airport tax NPRS 500 (Total = NPRS 5,500 per person/USD 45 per person).

  • Any other expenses besides the price include section and expenses incurred as a result of a flight delay.

Gears and Equipment

There is no requirement for special equipment on the tour. However, for your ease, the following gives you a general idea about the personal items you need to manage for the trip. The personal items referred to here are optional and depend upon your choice. The most important factor to be considered while choosing the equipment is the time of the year you are traveling.

Therefore, this list is only a guide. You can use the list as a reference. There are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of clothing and equipment. Use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you. Some of the above equipment can be easily found in stores in Kathmandu.

(Please note that the climate at higher elevations is quite uncertain. So, in order to be prepared, make sure you are wearing or carrying some winter gear.)

General

  • Puffy down jacket (We have rental jackets available for an additional USD 15)

    Upper Body

    • Knitted hat/Beanie
    • Sunglasses
    • Scarf or neck gaiter
    Torso

    • Technical fabric short and long-sleeved shirts.

    • Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
    • Waterproof, windproof shell
    Lower Body

    • Hiking/ Comfortable pants

    • Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
    • Waterproof, windproof shell
    Hands

    • Wool or technical fabric liner gloves (Insulated for warmer months)
    • Hard-shell outer gloves (Insulated for colder months i.e from November-December)

      Feet

      • Sports Shoes

      • Wool or technical fabric warm socks
      • Trekking/hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
      First Aid Kits And Medications

      • Sunscreen
      • Lip balm
      Other Essentials

      • Extra copies or pictures of your Passport/Identity card in your phone.

      • Reusable water bottle
      Optional

      • Cards/Book (Useful when you are waiting for the flight at Hotel Everest View)

      • Cameras and mobile phone
      • Binoculars

      FAQs for Everest Base Camp Heli Tour with Gokyo Extension

      General

      How does the overall flight work?

      You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to Kathmandu airport early in the morning, where you will fly to Lukla. We’ll stop in Lukla for about 10 to 15 minutes to refuel before continuing toward the Everest base camp. Please note that the helicopters cannot land and take off with more than three passengers at altitudes above 4,500 meters. So, in addition to this, if you’re a group of 5, we’ll shuttle the flight in Pheriche into groups of 3 and 2. After that, each group will fly towards Everest Base Camp, fly over Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Lake and Cho-La Pass one by one. Each trip will last about 25 to 30 minutes. After completing the tour, we’ll catch up with everyone at Pheriche and continue the trip.

      Following the shuttle in Pheriche, each group will fly over Everest Base Camp, fly over Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Lake and Cho-La Pass one by one. After that, you’ll fly towards the Hotel Everest View, the highest-altitude hotel in the world. Therefore, after spending an hour or two at the Hotel Everest View for breakfast or an early lunch, you’ll now fly towards Kathmandu and be dropped at the hotel in Kathmandu. The whole journey will be completed in just about 4 to 6 hours.

      Can I do private flight?

      Yes, you can book the private flight the helicopter flight costs $5,500; if you’re in a group of 1 to 3, the cost is split among you. However, if you are an individual traveler wanting to book the helicopter for yourself, the entire cost is to be paid by yourself

      Do I get window seat?

      We would like to recommend that everyone should have an equal opportunity for the window seat. For example, the person who got the window seat on the way to Everest is asked to swap seats with the one who didn’t get it, while returning back to Kathmandu.

      Is it possible to land at Gokyo?

      Yes, it is possible to land at Gokyo; you can make your request at the time of booking. Furthermore, landing in Gokyo will cost you some additional fees, which will be informed to you at the time of your booking.

      Why travel with Ace the Himalaya?

      Ace has a reputation for successfully leading treks with knowledgeable leaders and staff taking care of all your travel needs. We are a certified sustainable travel company that also endorses the idea of giving back to the community by participating in various philanthropic activities. Here are 17 reasons to hike with Ace the Himalaya.

      Do I need to bring my passport or any Identity card?

      Yes, what you need to bring is a copy of your passport or any other form of identification that shows your nationality. Carrying a picture of it in your phone is also acceptable.

      Weather and Temperature

      What kind of weather and temperature can I expect while touring?

      Due to its tendency to be localized, the weather in the Everest region is challenging to forecast. The weather and temperature ranges are typically predictable based on the month and season, even though it might be challenging to predict what each day in the mountains will bring.

      Spring – March/April/May/June
      During springtime, the average temperature is 20°C (68°F), with a high of 25°C (77°F) during clear days – 5°C (5°F) if you reach there before 8am.

      Monsoon season – July/August through Mid-September
      During the monsoon, the average temperature is 22°C (71.6°F), with a high of 30°C (86°F) during clear days and a low of- 2°C (23°F) if you reach there before 8am.

      Autumn – End of September/October/November
      The average temperature in autumn is 17°C (62.6°F), with a high of 20°C (68°F) during clear days and a low of – 10°C (5°F) if you reach there before 8am.

      Winter – December/January/February
      The average temperature is 10°C (50°F), with a high of 17°C (62.6°F) during clear days and a low of – 20°C (- 4°F) if you reach there before 8am.

      Payments and Extra Costs

      How much additional money do I need?

      Typically, USD 50 per person will be sufficient for breakfast, which can be included in the package at your request or else you can directly purchase it at the hotel. Likewise, a Sagarmatha National Park permit costs about NPRS 3,000, rural municipality fees are about NPRS 2,000, and airport tax is NPRS 500 (total about USD 45 or NPRS 5,500 per person).

      Is it possible to use credit cards in the Hotels?

      Yes, credit cards are accepted in hotels. However, for transactions in the mountains, cash is preferred to a credit card mountains, cash is preferred to a credit card.

      Is it possible to reserve a trip now and pay a deposit later, or do I have to pay a deposit at booking/reservation?

      When you book, you must pay a 30% deposit to secure your itinerary. The remaining balance can be paid upon your arrival at Kathmandu or before arrival. US Dollars cash and credit cards (Visa, Master, and American Express) are accepted once in Nepal. Please note a 4% transaction fee will be added for all credit card transactions.

      Who Can Tour?

      Are there any age requirements for Heli Sightseeing?

      Our tours have no age restrictions if members are healthy and willing. This tour is specifically designed for anyone who has always wanted to see Everest but has been unable to do so due to physical limitations or a lack of time. Besides, we would like to recommend this trip to those who are around 5-90 years old.

      Tour Preparation and Packing

      What are the procedures after I make my deposit?

      After making the deposit, one of our staff will email you for further information. We will require a copy of your passport photo page and your arrival/departure flight details. We will also provide you with additional trip information.

      What sort of insurance do I need? How can I obtain a policy?

      Travel insurance is mandatory for our hiking itineraries. We require your policy have medical evacuation coverage for the maximum elevation of your itinerary.  Insurance may also cover additional costs in the event of a flight delay or cancellation caused by bad weather, medical costs, theft, loss, and damage to your items while traveling.

      Travel insurance can be obtained online by one of several travel insurance companies. Please note that insurance obtained from an airline at the time of booking your flight may not cover medical evacuation coverage.

      What are the necessary items that I should pack for my trip?

      All you need to pack on this trip is your personal gear like a camera. Besides, make sure that you’re wearing enough clothes as per the weather temperatures we’ve mentioned earlier according to the season. The exact packing information will be provided to you at the time of booking, depending upon the current weather conditions and season.

      What type of daypack should I bring?

      We suggest a 30 to 40-liter capacity daypack. Wider straps and hip belts are recommended to assist you in carrying weight evenly and reduce pain.

      Should we bring our own water bottle?

      Yes, it is suggested that you bring your own 1-liter water bottle with you so that you can drink water during the flight in case you feel dehydrated.

      Health and Safety

      What vaccinations will I need?

      We suggest you have a dental checkup before your trip and know your blood type. It is helpful if you inform us of any medical condition that is relevant so we may convey this information in the event of an emergency. Ace the Himalaya keeps your medical condition confidential unless treatment is necessary.

      Is altitude sickness possible during the tour?

      Most travelers experience altitude sickness in Kala Patthar. But we won’t be staying there for a longer period of time, so you might not experience it at all. However, in cases where you did experience it, you’d be assisted by the pilots in recognizing and preventing altitude sickness immediately.

      What is necessary for sun protection during the tour?

      Even when the sun isn’t shining, sun protection is essential. UV rays are reflected by the snow and the harshness of the sun will damage your skin before you notice it at high elevations. Therefore, proper clothing and sunblock are necessary. Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, clothes, etc. are vital for sun protection.

      Practical Matters

      What is your cancellation policy?

      Notice should be provided 20 days before the trip start date in case of cancellation. The trip can be canceled for justifiable reasons. Once the trip is canceled, a fee of 30% of the trip cost is retained for administrative costs.

      However, the trip amount is entirely non-refundable if the cancellation is not made before the 20 days as per our terms and conditions. For submitting a claim to your insurance company after the cancellation, we can assist with documentation such as a receipt of monies paid. Refund will not be provided for unused accommodation in case of trip cancellation caused by personal reasons/sickness/weather.

      More information about our cancellation policy can be found here in Terms and Conditions page.

      Will my flight still depart if there aren’t enough passengers?

      If there aren’t enough passengers for the day, your flight will be rescheduled for another date. Additionally, the trip requires favorable weather conditions, as the weather in the Everest region is quite uncertain, so in case of bad weather conditions, you’ll be given another set of alternative dates to rejoin the trip.

      If, for some reason, you couldn’t join the trip on the given alternative date and need to cancel it, we’ll refund your payment. (Please keep in mind that if you cancel your flight after arriving at the airport, your payment will be refunded after the deduction of USD 30 per person for the airport transfer and the administration fee.)

      Does it cost an extra amount if I am a solo passenger?

      There is no additional fee except for the extra cost mentioned in the exclude section if you are a solo passenger and book one of our published dates for the sharing flight.

      Who else will be joining my touring group?

      The details of the personal data of your group members cannot be disclosed. However, feel free to contact us if you have queries about other travelers in the group and we shall give you a general idea of the age, nationality, and sex of your group members. Chances are you will be touring with others unless you have booked a private trip.

      Will the helicopter wait for us while we’re on our break at the Hotel Everest View?

      While you’re enjoying the time at Everest View Hotel, the helicopter will be doing some other flights in the region. But please do not get worried during the day, as they’ll be there on time for your return flight.

      Transportation and Flights

      What are the places the helicopter tour cover?

      The helicopter tour will begin in Kathmandu and will fly over Dhulikhel, Jiri, Kharikhola, Lukla, Namche, Tengboche, Pheriche, Everest base camp, Kala Patthar, Cho-la Pass, Gokyo Valley, Gokyo Lake, Pheriche, and the Everest View Hotel and same way back while returning.

      What form of transportation do you utilize?

      For helicopters, we use the Airbus H125 and Euro-copter AS350 Series, whereas for ground transportation, we utilize tourist vehicles. Based on the group size, we use cars, minibuses, vans and SUVs.

      What are the main reasons for Everest Heli sightseeing flight delays or cancellations?

      Bad weather conditions are the major reason for Everest Heli flight delays and cancellations. Other reasons can include congested air traffic at the Kathmandu Airport, staffing shortages, and other difficulties that cause flight delays/cancellations.

      What makes this trip different ?

      Our CSR with Sambhav Nepal

      • Ace the Himalaya believes in giving back to the communities that surround and support tourism in Nepal. Ace provides logistical support and, if needed, cash donations to the projects of Sambhav Nepal (a local NGO).
      • Sambhav Nepal and Ace work together to plan volunteer programs that will bring in foreign volunteers and make use of their enthusiasm, time, and talents in a variety of projects.

      Sustainability and Responsible Tourism

      • Of the few Travelife Partners in Nepal, Ace the Himalaya is one. We respect the procedures for sustainable tourism. Our excursions are socially and environmentally conscious, leaving the lowest possible impact in the Himalayas.
      • About 80% of Ace the Himalaya’s staff members are natives of the regions where our trips are organized. It is one of our sustainable and responsible efforts to help local communities, support small businesses, and promote regional culture and way of life.

      Contact Us

      Head Office

      Trip Map

      Everest Base Camp Heli Tour with Gokyo Extension map

      Trekking in Nepal Creative Trip Designer Trekking in Nepal Creative Trip Designer
      Sign up for our newsletter
      • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.