Mountain Trek / Everest Region / Nepal

Gokyo Lakes Heli Trek

14 days

Challenging

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An iconic Himalayan journey for true mountain lovers—walk through Sherpa heartlands, cross panoramic high passes, and stand before Everest at sunrise and sunset, with the sacred turquoise Gokyo Lakes shimmering below.

Overview

14 days Total Duration

Kathmandu Trip Start Point

Kathmandu Trip Finish Point

5,360M/ 17,585FT (Renjo La) Highest Point

Challenging Difficulty Level

Unforgettable and soul-stirring, this trek takes you deep into the heart of the Khumbu, among the world’s highest mountains, while steering clear of the crowded Everest Base Camp trail to offer a more serene yet truly awe-inspiring adventure. Beginning with Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage sites and gentle acclimatization, you then fly straight into the mountains by helicopter—skipping the long road journey to Manthali and avoiding the delays and cancellations that often come with regular flights. Amid glacial valleys, timeless Sherpa villages, and the shimmering turquoise Gokyo Lakes, the climb to Gokyo Ri reveals what is often hailed as one of the world’s greatest vantage points, with sweeping panoramas of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu. Crossing the dramatic Renjo La Pass adds a daring sense of exploration, linking remote trails with staggering vistas at every turn. Designed as a seamless two-week journey, this is not just another trek—it is one of the finest mountain adventures on Earth, perfect for those who live to trek, love the mountains, and long to experience them in their most breathtaking form.

Group Size	Price per person*
4 people	Inquire

	7 hotels, 6 mountain lodges
	13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
	Kathmandu to Lukla heli Gorakshep to Kathmandu heli Airport pickup and drop off

Valid until Dec 31st, 2026

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Highlights

Kathmandu

,Nepal’s vibrant capital, reveals UNESCO treasures, lively bazaars, and rich cultural rituals through expert guidance. Explore Bhaktapur’s ancient squares and artisan streets before ascending to Namobuddha, a hilltop sanctuary with sweeping Himalayan vistas.

Gokyo Lakes

shimmer with turquoise waters, framed by towering Himalayan peaks. Wander along the lakes, immerse yourself in the peaceful alpine scenery, witness local rituals, and capture unforgettable moments in this sacred, serene, and breathtaking high-altitude setting.

Gokyo Ri

at 5,357m, is a stunning vantage point to watch the World’s highest mountains awaken in golden light. Sunrise or sunset reveals breathtaking 360° vistas of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, creating a truly magical Himalayan experience you’ll never forget.

Heli flight between Kathmandu and Lukla

is an exhilarating start to your trek. Glide above endless rolling hills, rivers, and villages, with the Himalayas rising at eye level—an awe-inspiring journey that is as scenic, thrilling, and unforgettable as it is comfortable.

Renjo La Pass

challenges you at 5,360m, rewarding every step with sweeping glaciers, jagged peaks, and high-altitude thrills. Stand above the clouds, feel the exhilaration, and take in one of the world’s most dramatic and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Mountain town experience

is truly one-of-a-kind. Namche Bazaar buzzes with cafés and pubs, Khumjung tells tales of the yeti and rural life, while remote hamlets like Dole and Machhermo reveal the rhythms of high-altitude living. Explore local culture, visit monasteries, and warmly interact with villagers.

The Gokyo Lakes Trek is ideal for trekkers with basic to moderate fitness who can walk 4–7 hours a day. With proper cardio and uphill training, the trek can be comfortably managed. The route reaches a high of 5,360 m at Renjo La Pass, with acclimatization stops included for safety. Carry only a day bag while porters handle your main luggage. Accommodations range from comfortable teahouses to basic lodges, all providing bedding and warm meals.

Itinerary

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Day 1	Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2	Kathmandu Valley heritage sightseeing (UNESCO World Heritage Sites)
Day 3	Kathmandu - Lukla - Monjo
Day 4	Monjo - Namche
Day 5	Namche - Khumjung
Day 6	Khumjung - Dole
Day 7	Dole - Machhermo
Day 8	Machhermo - Gokyo
Day 9	Gokyo - Gokyo Ri - Gokyo
Day 10	Gokyo - Renjo Pass - Lungden
Day 11	Lungden or Thame - Namche
Day 12	Namche - Kathmandu
Day 13	Kathmandu - Namobuddha - Bhaktapur
Day 14	Kathmandu departure

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

Drive from Kathmandu to hotel

Your adventure begins as you land in the vibrant city of Kathmandu. Our team will greet you at the airport and transfer you to Dwarika’s Hotel near the airport.

Welcome dinner at Nepal's architecturally marvellous hotel

Dwarika’s is one of the oldest hotels that combines traditional Newari architecture with modern luxury and is ideal for those seeking heritage, comfort and an immersive cultural stay. Enjoy a warm welcome dinner in one of the restaurants in the hotel.

Meals Included: Dinner

Accommodation: The Dwarika’s Hotel

Day 2

Kathmandu Valley heritage sightseeing (UNESCO World Heritage Sites)

	Explore Swayambhunath Stupa Start your day at Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of Kathmandu. The sacred site is adorned with prayer flags, spinning prayer wheels, and serene Buddhist shrines, making it an ideal place for reflection.
	Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, with museum and Kumari (Living Goddess) house Head to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historical royal complex filled with intricately carved temples, courtyards, and palaces. Visit the Kumari Ghar, home to the Living Goddess Kumari, and witness the blend of ancient traditions and royal history and explore the Hanuman Dhoka Museum, offering insights into Nepal’s fascinating past.
	Drive to Bouddha, and explore Bouddhanath Stupa and nearby monasteries Drive to Bouddhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, where you can observe Buddhist rituals and soak in the peaceful ambiance.
	Dinner at an exquisite rooftop overlooking grand stupa End your day with an exquisite rooftop dinner overlooking the illuminated Bouddhanath Stupa, enjoying delicious cuisine in a serene setting.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: The Dwarika’s Hotel

Day 3

Kathmandu - Lukla - Monjo

Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla 1 hr

A scenic and exhilarating heli flight takes us from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway of Everest Region.

Trek from Lukla to Monjo 5 to 6 hrs | 12 kms (7.5 mi)

Highest point: Lukla at 2860m (9383ft) | Gain/drop: +604m/-638m (+1982ft/-2093ft)

We meet the rest of our crew, arrange our baggage, have breakfast, and embark on a journey to Monjo, passing exciting suspension bridges and tiny village settlements following the Koshi river.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal Monjo

Day 4

Monjo - Namche

Trek from Monjo to Namche 3.5 to 4 hrs | 6 kms (3.5 mi)

Highest point: Namche at 3440m (11286ft) | Gain/drop: +976m/-354m (+3202ft/-1161ft)

We walk northward along the banks of Koshi and reach the entry point of Sagarmatha National Park, from where the gruelling uphill awaits before we reach the amphitheater town of Namche, nestled perfectly atop a hill and welcomes you with cozy cafes and bakeries. Settle into your premium lodge and enjoy a well-earned rest.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal Namche

Day 5

Namche - Khumjung

Trek from Namche to Hotel Everest View, Syangboche 2 to 3 hrs | 6 kms (3.5 mi)

Highest point: Syangboche at 3880m (12730ft) | Gain/drop: +572m/-185m (+1877ft/-607ft)

A short but spectacular trek takes you to Syangboche, home to the Everest View Hotel, one of the highest-altitude hotels in the world. Enjoy unparalleled views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam over a warm cup of tea. Spend the afternoon soaking in the scenery or exploring nearby Khumjung Village, where you can visit the famous monastery with a Yeti scalp.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mountain Lodge

Day 6

Khumjung - Dole

Trek from Khunjung to Dole 5 to 6 hrs | 9 kms (5.5 mi)

Highest point: Dole at 4040 m (13255ft) | Gain/drop: +816m/-924m (+2677ft/-3031ft)

Trek from Khumjung to Dole (5-6hrs) and acclimatization hike (1-2hrs) house Standard Teahouse (BB) Today’s trek follows scenic forest trails with several delightful viewpoints on the way to Dole. The Dudhkoshi River keeps us company as we encounter a mix of steep ascents (to Mong La and Dole) and descents (to Phortse Tenga).

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mountain Lodge

Day 7

Dole - Machhermo

Trek from Dole to Machhermo 3 to 4 hrs

Highest point: Machhermo at 4470m (14665ft)

As we are at high elevation, we proceed at a gentle pace, and our trek is relatively short today. We start the day with a steep climb, followed by a gradual ascent through trails of scrub junipers. By lunchtime, we reach Machhermo. Hike around the surrounding hills for better acclimatization.

Exploration hike 1 to 2 hrs

We walk around and hike to the nearby hills for acclimatization.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mountain Lodge

Day 8

Machhermo - Gokyo

Trek from Machhermo to Gokyo 3 to 4 hrs

Highest point: 4470m (14665ft)

From Machermo, the trail has a few climbs as we pass two turquoise lakes before reaching the third. Gokyo village lies beside the largest lake, where we have lunch and settle for the day.

Explore the forth and fifth lakes 2 to 4 hrs

Afternoon spent exploring the sacred Gokyo lakes.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mountain Lodge

Day 9

Gokyo - Gokyo Ri - Gokyo

Sunrise or sunset hike to Gokyo Ri

Highest point: Gokyo Ri at 5,360m/17,585ft) (16ft)

Spend the day exploring Gokyo valley and its lakes. Hike to Gokyo Ri (5,360m/17,585ft) for stunning sunrise or sunset views over Everest and surrounding peaks. Work with your guide to choose the best time for this unforgettable panoramic experience.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mountain Lodge

Day 10

Gokyo - Renjo Pass - Lungden

Trek from Lobuche to Gorakhshep 7 to 93 hrs | 5 kms (3 mi)

Highest point: Renjo La Pass at 5,360m/17,585ft (16ft)

Today, our trail meanders through high-altitude terrain, revealing glacial lakes and rocky ridges. Renjo pass (also 5,360m/17,585ft) offers views of the iconic Himalayan peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mountain Lodge

Day 11

Lungden or Thame - Namche

Trek from Lungden/Thame to Namche Bazaar 4 to 6 hrs

The trail is long involving gradual ascents and descents. Forested paths will accompany us as we pass several villages before reaching Namche, where a hot shower and celebratory dinner await with the whole team.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal Namche

Day 12

Namche - Kathmandu

Fly from Namche to Kathmandu 1 hr

After breakfast, we head to the helipad for our flight back to Kathmandu.

Leisure day

A relaxing day after the trek, with options for a spa visit or a leisurely shopping stroll to unwind and reflect on the Himalayan adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: The Dwarika’s Hotel

Day 13

Kathmandu - Namobuddha - Bhaktapur

Namobuddha and Bhaktapur Durbar Square sightseeing

A morning drive takes us to the peaceful Namobuddha Monastery. Join a chanting session (depending on monastery schedule). Drive to the old town of Bhaktapur, and explore peaceful courtyards and heritage. Conclude with a contemporary Newari dinner at The Nanee, before heading back to Kathmandu.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: The Nanee, Bhaktapur

Day 14

Kathmandu departure

Drive to Kathmandu Airport

After a hearty breakfast in your hotel, our team will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight, bidding you farewell with warm memories of your Himalayan adventure. Safe travels!

Meals Included: Breakfast

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Accommodation & Logistics

Overnight accommodation included on this trip:

The Dwarika’s Hotel

Mountain Lodges of Nepal Monjo

Mountain Lodges of Nepal Namche

Mountain Lodge

The Nanee, Bhaktapur

Sharing rooms Accommodation is on twin-sharing basis, which means there will be two people to a room. If you are travelling solo, we can assign a room partner (with someone of the same gender if you so prefer) or if you are travelling with someone you know, you can share the room with them. For families with kids, room allocation depends on your preference and room availability. A separate single room can be arranged for an additional charge – please find details in the Prices section above.

Battery Charging The charging station is usually at the reception area in the dining hall and each device is charged on a timely basis (e.g. USD 1-2 per hour). The rates are higher for more powerful devices (e.g. power bank, camera batteries, etc). A portable battery charger (15,000-20,000mAh) is highly recommended as it will allow you to charge your devices 3-4 times between recharging the battery pack at a teahouse.

Cellular Network For cell service, consider purchasing an international calling plan from your home cell service provider. Not only does this save you the hassle of searching for a local SIM card, but it also works just as effectively as the local networks. If you plan to get a sim card, Nepal Telecom (NTC) network works better in most areas compared to Ncell in most remote areas. Having said that, please bear in mind that the process of buying an NTC sim card is more time-consuming.

Wifi If you have a sim card or roaming service, you can buy an internet data pack. In several remote parts of Nepal, both the cell network and the internet can be patchy. Teahouses have local wifi installed in different parts of the Everest and Annapurna region. Rather than getting a prepaid card that they sell, we recommend purchasing wifi as per your need each night directly from the lodges. Please note that the internet can be very limited and slow.

Hot Showers Hot showers (solar/gas heated) are available for an extra fee. In elevations above 4000 meters, you only have the option of bucket shower.

Toilets Toilets are usually common to a floor and could either be western or squat style. In lower elevations, attached toilet options are available. However, the options get limited to shared toilets as we go higher (above 3000m/9850ft) and may not even have running water. Make sure to bring your own toilet paper and soap.

Transportation

Mountain Flights Mountain flights operate only in the mornings and will provide you with a scenic yet exhilarating experience. The mountain planes used in Nepal are Twin Otter with a capacity to accommodate around 18 passengers. Some of the common carriers are Summit, Tara, and Sita Air.

Vehicle We provide reserved private vehicles to drive you around for pick-ups and drop-offs as per the itinerary. The vehicle type (car, jeep, van, etc) will be allocated depending on the number of people and terrain.

Food & Water

Food Lunch and dinner are left out from price includes to give you full flexibility on meals, depending on your appetite and preference. The lodges have a decent selection of food and drink options. For vegetarians and vegans, or if you have any other dietary requirements, please let us know at the time of booking so we can make arrangements.

Water Carrying your own water bottle/ hydration pack is mandatory. It is always best to have a bottle (1.5-2 liters) and a thermal flask (1 liter or smaller) during the trek. You can refill your bottle with boiled or bottled drinking water available at lunch spots and hotels. We highly discourage buying plastic water bottles during the trek for environmental reasons.

Snacks to carry It is recommended to bring snacks (like chocolates, dry fruits, etc) and energy bars to munch on during the trek.

Shops along the way You will come across several well-stocked shops on the trails (especially in the lower elevations) to buy water, snacks and toiletries. There are also shops selling tea and beverages in between lunch stops.

Crew

Guide One lead guide and assistant guides (depending on the number of trekkers) will accompany you on the trek. All our team members are highly experienced in the mountains, with adequate trail knowledge and first-aid training. Feel free to reach out to the team for any kind of queries or emergencies as we leave no stone unturned to give you a great mountain experience.

Porter A porter is someone who carries your luggage. They are generally locals of the region and will accompany you directly on the day of your trek. The maximum weight one porter carries is 25kgs/55lbs.

Money

Extra Costs to Expect Possible expenses, other than meals, could be drinks, laundry, tipping, and shopping. Please make sure you have read the Prices section thoroughly so you know what you might need to pay for while travelling.

Emergency Fund Our trips are planned to the last detail. However, there might be unforeseen circumstances arising from factors beyond our control (like political unrest, strikes, bad weather, natural calamities, bad road conditions, airport closures, flight cancellations, etc). For this reason, please set aside Rs. 20,000 as reserve fund.

Currency You are advised to carry the local currency (Nepali rupees) for the trails, as all the service providers transact in rupees.

ATMS and Credit cards In most areas outside the cities, cash is the more reliable and widely accepted payment method. While you will have the option to pay by card at some hotels and eateries in popular towns, it’s important to note that card transactions can sometimes be unreliable. Additionally, you will be charged an extra 3-4% transaction fee on top of the amount if you choose to pay by card. As for ATMs, you will come across a few in major towns but we recommend you to carry enough cash during the trek.

Tipping A service charge with tips is included by most hotels and eateries in their bills. You are welcome to give some gratuities to the trekking crew if you like their service. A good reference is around USD 10-15 per day for the guides and USD 5-10 per day for the porters. Feel free to tip higher if you love their service. You can tip either in Nepali rupees or US dollars. Generally, you chip in money as a group and tip your guides and porters on the last day of your trek over dinner.

Cancellations and Refund In case of flight delays/cancellations due to bad weather or unforeseen circumstances, we will reschedule at no extra cost. However, any extra cost incurred and extra charges because of the changes, including but not limited to transportation, accommodation and food, will be the responsibility of the trekker.

Health & Safety

Altitude sickness

We take altitude sickness very seriously and all our itineraries are designed to go on a slow pace, covering short distances as we go higher. With the increase in every thousand meters, we stay an extra night at the same stop or place with a similar elevation to acclimatize our bodies to the altitude.

During the trek, we will also take precautions by staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol consumption, and going for acclimatization hikes as needed. Our guide will check your vitals with oximeter every evening during the trek so we know how your body is reacting to the changing elevation. If you see any symptoms of AMS or have a headache, please contact our guide immediately. In most cases, mild headaches can be tackled with food, hydration and rest. We don’t recommend diamox (pills for altitude sickness) but you can take it as precaution starting a day or two before the trek if you are coming from sea level.

Trail Safety

Our guide will have a well-equipped first-aid kit at all times. Please go through our equipment and medical checklist for better preparedness as the common problems like foot blisters and knee pain can be tackled with proper packing. If you have any pre-existing health conditions, kindly let us know when booking.

Pack your passport, flight tickets, phone, wallet, camera equipment, cash, and all your valuables in your day pack or waist belt. Please don’t bring or carry expensive items like jewellery etc or a large sum of cash while travelling for security reasons.

Insurance You must obtain travel insurance for the trek. This should cover emergency evacuation (including helicopter rescue) and medical expenses up to 5,500m (18,044ft) above sea level.

Drinking Water Water safety is very crucial as one can easily contract waterborne diseases, and you don’t want that. We recommend drinking only boiled water or using one of steriPEN, LifeStraw, or purification tablets during the trek.

Immunization The immunizations recommended before trekking in Nepal are Hepatitis A, Typhoid fever, and chickenpox. There’s no specific checking but it is for your own safety.

Emergency Contacts If you have any issues or emergencies while trekking, please contact the lead guide or anyone from the team. They will help you contact the nearby hospitals, transport, ambulance, police office, army checkpoints, embassy, and even facilitate rescue operations. We will also send you a list of relevant emergency contacts before the trip.

•	Free Wi-Fi	•	Room Service	•	Air Conditioning
•	Balcony	•	TV	•	Mini Bar
•	Private Bathroom	•	Hot Shower	•	Bathtub
•	Free Toiletries	•	Towels	•	Electric Blanket
•	Slippers	•	Power Socket	•	Electric Kettle
•	Daily Housekeeping

•	Restaurant and Bar	•	Child-friendly	•	Pet-friendly
•	Garden	•	Swimming Pool	•	Massage
•	Spa	•	Laundry	•	First Aid Kit
•	Fire Extinguisher	•	POS Machine	•	Outdoor Seating

•	Free Wi-Fi	•	Room Service	•	Air Conditioning
•	Balcony	•	TV	•	Mini Bar
•	Private Bathroom	•	Hot Shower	•	Bathtub
•	Free Toiletries	•	Towels	•	Electric Blanket
•	Slippers	•	Power Socket	•	Electric Kettle
•	Daily Housekeeping

•	Restaurant and Bar	•	Child-friendly	•	Pet-friendly
•	Garden	•	Swimming Pool	•	Massage
•	Spa	•	Laundry	•	First Aid Kit
•	Fire Extinguisher	•	POS Machine	•	Outdoor Seating

•	Room Service	•	Private Bathroom	•	Hot Shower
•	Bathtub	•	Free Toiletries	•	Towels
•	Slippers	•	Power Socket	•	Hot Water Thermos
•	Daily Housekeeping

	Accommodation Yeti Mountain Home luxury lodge on 3 night in bed & breakfast plan, on twin/double sharing basis Standard mountain lodges on 6 nights in bed & breakfast plan, on twin-sharing basis Hotel Dwarika's on 3 night in bed & breakfast plan, on twin/double sharing basis The Nanee on 1 night in bed & breakfast plan, on twin/double sharing basis
	Transportation Kathmandu to Lukla heli flight Gorakshep to Kathmandu heli flight Airport pickup and drop off on a reserved vehicle
	Food 13 breakfasts in total
	Crew An experienced guide and an assistant guide with medical kit Porters on all trek days (one porter for two trekkers) Salary, room, board, insurance and any expenses for all crew members
	Permits Khumbu Rural Municipality permit Sagarmatha National Park permit
	Misc Government and airport taxes

•	Hiking Boots with a good grip
•	Rain gear (for you and your bag)
•	Comfortable hiking pants
•	Quick dry, breathable T-shirts
•	Windproof Jacket
•	Sleepwear
•	Trekking Socks (thick)
•	Underwear
•	Neck buff/ gaiter
•	Sun hat/cap

•	Downjacket
•	Thermals (top and bottom)
•	Fleece jacket
•	Sleeping bag
•	Sleeping bag liner
•	Gloves
•	Woolen hat/beanie

•	Day bag
•	Duffel bag (for porter)
•	Quick dry towel
•	Extra pair of shoes (preferably, slip-ons)
•	Water bottle or camel bladder (1.5 litres).
•	LifeStraw filter or purification tablets
•	Flask (for hot water)
•	Walking Poles
•	Sunglasses (Polarized, with good UV protection)
•	Locks for your backpack/luggage
•	Waist belt
•	A pair of binoculars
•	Trail snacks and energy bars

•	Head lamp (with extra batteries)
•	Camera with charger and extra batteries
•	Phone with charger
•	Power bank
•	Travel adapter (type C, D and M)

•	Sunscreen (SPF 30 or above)
•	Sanitizer
•	Wet wipes
•	Toiletries (incl toilet papers, soap, etc)
•	Personal first aid kit
•	Rehydration salts/tablets
•	Throat lozenges
•	Prescription Medications
•	Lipbalm (SPF 30 or above)

•	Passport with visa
•	A copy of Work ID (for expats)
•	A copy of Insurance papers
•	Permits (carried by guide)
•	Flight tickets (carried by guide)
•	Money
•	Credit Card

Gokyo Lakes Heli Trek

Overview

Highlights

Is this trip for me? What kind of fitness and preparation is required?

Itinerary

Customize this trip

Take a heli back.

Kathmandu Hotel and Transfers

Prices

My Own Room

Includes

Accommodation

Transportation

Food

Crew

Permits

Misc

Excludes

Important Details

Accommodation & Logistics

The Dwarika’s Hotel

Mountain Lodges of Nepal Monjo

Mountain Lodges of Nepal Namche

Mountain Lodge

The Nanee, Bhaktapur

Transportation

Food & Water

Crew

Money

Health & Safety

Checklist

What to pack

Outfit

Warmth

Accessories

Electronics

Toiletries & Meds

Documents & Money

How to pack

Duffel Bag

Day Bag

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