Gorakshep to Lukla Helicopter Flight

Gorakshep to Lukla Helicopter Flight
Gorakshep to Lukla Helicopter Flight
Gorakshep to Lukla Helicopter Flight
At a Glance
Duration1 Days
CountryNepal
Trip GradeEasy
i
Group Size1-4
StartsGorakshep
EndsLukla
Travel StyleHelicopter Flight
Best TimeMar - May, Sep - Nov, Dec - Feb

Save Days with a Quick Helicopter Return from EBC

The Gorakshep to Lukla helicopter flight is the fastest and most scenic way to return after completing your Everest Base Camp Trek. Instead of walking 3 more days downhill through Pheriche, Tengboche, and Namche Bazaar, this 15–20-minute flight takes you directly back to Lukla. This will save your energy and time, as well as your accommodation costs.

Gorakshep is the last point at the Everest trail where you can find tea houses before arriving at EverestBase Camp(5,364m). Almost every trekker spends the night there and sets out towards base camp in the morning. Later they spend some time at EBC and head back to Gorakshep by afternoon. From Gorakshep, many choose to fly back to Lukla by helicopter while others retrace back the entire trail to Lukla.

At Trekking Guide Team Adventure, we also provide sharing and private helicopter flights from Gorakshep to Lukla. These helicopter rides are all operated by experienced Himalayan pilots under CAAN (Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal) guidelines.

Highlights of Gorakshep to Lukla Helicopter Flight

  • Quick Return to Lukla: Fly back in just 15–20 minutes saving 2-3 days of trekking
  • Scenic Aerial Views with Photography Opportunity: Enjoy bird’s eye views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and the Khumbu Glacier and capture the photos and videos.
  • Time-Saving Option: Ideal for trekkers with limited time and want to avoid the long descent.
  • Avoid Fatigue and AMS: Some trekkers might face mild altitude sickness symptoms at EBC and Gorakshep. So, this flight to descend quickly to Lukla (lower altitude) will help reduce the altitude sickness risk.
  • Sharing & Private Options: Choose between affordable group sharing or private charter flights for yourself.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Flights available daily during peak trekking seasons (Spring & Autumn).
  • Safe and Reliable Service: Operated by CAAN-licensed pilots experienced in Himalayan flying conditions. So, the Heli rides are safe and reliable.
  • Perfect Ending to Your EBC Trek: Finish your trek in comfort and style with a memorable helicopter experience.

Gorakshep to Lukla Helicopter Price 2025/2026

Flight Type

Duration

Price

Capacity

Remarks

Sharing Helicopter

15–20 mins

USD 700/person

4 pax

Best for solo trekkers

Private Charter Helicopter

15–20 mins

USD 2000 in total

Up to 4 pax

Flexible & private

Note: Prices may slightly vary depending on group size, season, and weather. We’ll confirm the final fare before booking.

Sharing vs. Private Helicopter Options

1. Sharing Helicopter Flight (Economical & Social)

  • Best solo travellers or pairs returning to Lukla
  • Cost: USD 700/person
  • Operates only after enough passengers are gathered
  • Flexible and economical

2. Private Helicopter Charter (Luxury & Flexible)

  • Best for groups, couples, or those wanting full privacy
  • Fly anytime based on your schedule
  • Ideal if you want to combine the flight with Everest Base Camp aerial tour
  • Total cost: USD 2000 per flight (up to 4 people)

Best Time for EBC to Lukla Helicopter Ride

The best seasons for helicopter flights in the Everest region are:

  • Spring (March-May): Clear skies and excellent mountain visibility.
  • Autumn (September-November): Stable weather and dry conditions; best time
  • Winter (December-February): Good views but occasional delays due to fog or snow.
  • Monsoon (June-August): Not recommended due to frequent weather disruptions.\

You might want to read about:

Itinerary

Flights are subject to weather conditions in the Everest Region. Delays or rescheduling may occur due to high winds or poor visibility.

Tour PlanExpand All
  • Early in the morning, our guide will take you to Gorakshep helipad (approx. 5,164 m) and assist with boarding procedures
  • During your helicopter ride, you will enjoy 15-20 minutes of mesmerizing flight with the birds' eye view of Khumbu Glacier, Lobuche, and Namche Bazaar.
  • After you flight you will land at Lukla airport at 2860 m
  • Again upon arrival at the airport, our guide wil provide you necessary assistance for connecting flights to Kathmandu or overnight stay in Lukla (if required)
Cost Details
Included
  • One professional english speaking guide to help you to Gorakshep helipad as well as Lukla airport.
  • Helicopter flight from Gorakshep to Lukla
  • All applicable government taxes
  • Exceptionally seasoned and professional pilots.
Excluded
  • Extra luggage over the limit
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Meals and accommodation before/after the flight
Add-ons & Options

Enhance your experience with these additional services available on request:

  • Private Charter Flight from Gorakshep to Lukla or Kathmandu: If you are someone who doesn’t want to share the helicopter, we can arrange a charter flight directly from Gorakshep to Lukla or even Kathmandu. This option is ideal for trekkers seeking flexibility, privacy, or urgent travel.
  • Helicopter from Lukla to Kathmandu: Save travel time and avoid flight delays by taking a direct helicopter flight from Lukla to Kathmandu after your trek.
  • Helicopter Rescue and Evacuation Support: In case of altitude sickness or emergencies, our team can coordinate helicopter evacuation services through authorized rescue partners.

Need Assistance or Want to Book an Add-on?

For inquiries, bookings, or same-day arrangements, please contact us or for quick reply dm us on whatsapp

Dates & Availability
StartsNovember 23, 2025
EndsNovember 23, 2025
AvailabilityGuaranteed
US$700
Book Now
StartsNovember 25, 2025
EndsNovember 25, 2025
AvailabilityGuaranteed
US$700
Book Now
StartsNovember 28, 2025
EndsNovember 28, 2025
AvailabilityGuaranteed
US$700
Book Now
Additional Info

Important Notes / Information

  • Flights are subject to change according to the weather conditions in Everest region.
  • Though, the capacity of helicopter used to be 5 people, it has changed to 4 people for safety reasons.
  • Luggage limit: around 15–20 kg per person; extra baggage may require additional charges.
  • Morning flights (6:30 AM–10:00 AM) are best for visibility and safety.
  • You should arrive at least 15 minutes before your flight.
  • Sharing and private flight options are available. You can choose either based on your requirements.
  • In case of flight cancellation, full refunds or alternate arrangements will be provided as per company policy.
FAQs

Due to extremely thin air, low oxygen levels, helicopters cannot safely fly and land at the summit of Mount Everest. However, helicopters can land up to Everest Base Camp (5364m) for rescue and evacuation purposes.

Source: Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN)

No, you cannot directly drive to Lukla from Kathmandu. However, you can drive to Surke which takes around 8-10 hours by jeep. From there, you can trek for two to three days to reach Phakding connecting to EBC trail.

Yes, some trekkers walk from Kathmandu to Lukla following Jiri route which takes around 7-8 days. This traditional route was used by early Everest expedition teams like Sir Edmund Hillary before the Lukla airport was built.

The flight from Gorakshep to Lukla takes approximately 15–20 minutes, depending on weather conditions and air traffic. It’s the fastest way to return from the Everest Base Camp region.

Before 2025, a standard helicopter used to carry 5 passengers. However, in 2025, for safety reasons, it can only carry up to 4 passengers including luggage, depending on weight and altitude. The total permissible weight is around 500 kg at lower altitudes and slightly less at higher altitudes.

Yes. Helicopter flights in the Everest region are considered safe when operated by CAAN-licensed pilots with years of high-altitude flying experience. All aircraft are maintained under strict safety standards and equipped with oxygen systems.

Yes, you can take a helicopter directly from Everest Base Camp or Gorakshep to Kathmandu, which takes around 60 minutes. This will cost around USD 4600. It’s an ideal option for trekkers who want to return directly to the city without stopping at Lukla.

Yes, you can book a helicopter on the same day if seats are available, especially for sharing flights. However, availability depends on weather conditions and the number of passengers, so pre-booking is recommended during peak trekking seasons.

 

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