Safety
Experienced High-Altitude Pilots
Mountain Helicopters Nepal
Everest Mountain Overfly with Gokyo Lake & Kalapatthar Landing
With Breakfast at HEV from Kathmandu. Two legendary landings, one turquoise lake, and breakfast at the top of the world, all in a single day
Quick Facts
Duration
4.5 to 5.5 hours
Max Altitude Reached
5,545 metres / 18,192 feet (Kalapatthar)
Finest Season
Spring (March - May), Autumn (September - November)
No of pax
Up to 5 passengers per tour
Baggage
400 kg (passenger weight + baggage weight per helicopter)
Highlights
Landing at Kalapatthar (5,545m), the closest point to Mount Everest reachable without climbing
A second landing at Gokyo Lake, one of the highest freshwater lake systems in the world
Close-up aerial views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and the Khumbu Glacier during the overfly
Route via Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, and Pheriche
15- to 20-minute breakfast stop at Hotel Everest View, the highest-placed hotel in the world
Passenger insurance covered
About This Flight
Everest Mountain Overfly with Gokyo Lake Landing Kalapatthar Landing, and Breakfast at HEV
The Everest Mountain Overfly with Gokyo Lake Landing, Kalapatthar Landing and Breakfast at HEV is the most complete Everest-by-air experience we run from Kathmandu. It combines a close overfly of the world's highest peaks, two high-altitude landings, and a sit-down breakfast with a Himalayan panorama, all inside a single day. The flight carries passengers from Kathmandu to Lukla, on to Pheriche, and from there into a layered sequence: the overfly, a landing at Kalapatthar, and a landing beside the turquoise waters of Gokyo, before finishing with breakfast at Hotel Everest View and the return to Kathmandu.
The route follows the same safety-driven pattern used across our Everest helicopter tours, extended to cover two landing sites instead of one. The aircraft first flies from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway airstrip of the Khumbu, then continues on to Pheriche at around 4,240 metres. Here the flight changes shape. Passengers come up in small numbers, because of the weight the thin air allows, and each group works through the full sequence: the close overfly of the Everest region, then a landing on bare rock at Kalapatthar for five to ten minutes, then on to Gokyo for another five to ten minutes. The contrast is the point. At Kalapatthar you stand on rock and prayer flags with the summit ridge overhead. At Gokyo you stand beside water, glacial blue and perfectly still, with the whole southern Khumbu spread out in front of you and those same peaks reflected in the surface.
Once everyone has flown the overfly and landed at both sites, the group reunites at Pheriche and flies together to Hotel Everest View at Syangboche, where a relaxed breakfast of 15 to 20 minutes is served with sweeping views of Everest, Ama Dablam and Thamserku. From there the flight retraces its route through Lukla and back to Kathmandu. Two summit-region landings, a full mountain overfly, and breakfast at the world's highest hotel, in a single day.
Who It's For
Why Fly the Everest Mountain Overfly with Gokyo Lake Landing, Kalapatthar Landing, and Breakfast at HEV?
01
Land at both Kalapatthar (5,545m) and Gokyo Lake in the same day, two of the most iconic locations in the Everest region
02
See Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam at close range during the overfly, in addition to two ground landings
03
Enjoy 15 to 20 minute sit-down breakfast at Hotel Everest View, the world's highest hotel
04
Experience both the classic Everest skyline and the glacial-lake scenery of Gokyo in a single itinerary
05
Every passenger gets an individual overfly and two individual landings, even in a full group of five
06
No trekking fitness, altitude acclimatisation schedule, or multi-day itinerary required
07
Ideal for travelers who want the single richest Everest-region experience available in one day
Tour Feels Like
What Does the Everest Mountain Overfly with Gokyo Lake Landing, Kalapatthar Landing, and Breakfast at HEV Feel Like?
The tour begins gently, with a scenic hop from Kathmandu to Lukla that already offers sweeping views of Nepal's mid-hills and river valleys. After a short refueling stop, the flight continues deeper into the mountains, passing over Namche Bazaar and Tengboche before reaching Pheriche, where the terrain opens into the wide, high-altitude Khumbu Valley.
The heart of the tour comes next. In pairs, passengers fly the close overfly of the Everest Base Camp area before touching down at Kalapatthar, 5,545 meters above sea level, for five to ten minutes, enough time to step out and take in a completely unobstructed view of Mount Everest and its neighboring giants. From there, the same pair continues on to Gokyo Lake, landing for another five to ten minutes beside the still, glacial-blue water, a striking contrast after the rock and ice of Kalapatthar. The helicopter then returns to Pheriche to collect the next pair, and the process repeats until every passenger has experienced the full overfly-and-double-landing sequence. While one pair is in the air, the rest of the group waits at Pheriche, where the thin air and dramatic surroundings are already memorable in their own right.
Once every passenger has completed the experience, the whole group flies on together to Hotel Everest View, where a relaxed 15- to 20-minute breakfast is served with panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku a well-earned, unhurried moment after two high-altitude landings. From there, the helicopter retraces its route through Lukla and back to Kathmandu. Light turbulence over ridgelines and near the high-altitude landing zones is normal, and every leg of the flight is flown only when conditions are judged safe.
Who should choose
For Whom Is This Flight Designed
Travelers with limited time in Nepal who still want to experience both Kalapatthar and Gokyo Lake in one trip
Older travelers, or those with physical limitations, who cannot undertake the multi-day treks to either Everest Base Camp/Kalapatthar or the Gokyo Lakes
Photographers and adventure seekers looking for the most varied and dramatic short helicopter experience in the Himalaya
Honeymooners, families, and small groups wanting a shared, once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan experience with two landings and a proper breakfast
Trekkers who have already completed one part of the Khumbu (either Everest Base Camp or Gokyo) and want to add the other by air
Anyone seeking a private charter option for a more personalised, flexible-timing tour
Know Your Destination
Detailed Itinerary.
01
Flight Request and confirmation
Share your preferred travel date, the number of passengers, exact passenger weights, and baggage details with Mountain Helicopters Nepal. Our operations team will verify helicopter availability, weather conditions, airport status, and total payload to ensure the flight can be operated safely. Once everything is confirmed, you will receive your final itinerary, reporting time, meeting point, and baggage allowance, so you can prepare for a smooth and hassle-free journey.
02
Safety briefing and boarding
Before boarding, the crew briefs passengers on seating, restraint belts, communication signals, and in-flight procedures. If the total weight exceeds the allowed limit, some baggage will need to be stored or sent separately in the next helicopter flight but will charge an extra cost in this case.
03
Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla
The helicopter flies east across hills, farmland, and river valleys to Lukla, where a brief stop is made for refueling.
04
Flight from Lukla to Pheriche
From Lukla, the helicopter continues over Namche Bazaar and Tengboche Monastery to Pheriche, at around 4,240 meters, where the group is prepared for the landing.
05
Overfly and Landings at Kalapatthar and Gokyo Lake
Each pair enjoys an Everest region overfly, a 5–10 minute landing at Kalapatthar, and a second landing at Gokyo Lake before returning to Pheriche.
06
Regroup and fly to Hotel Everest View
Once all passengers have completed their overfly and both landings, the group reunites at Pheriche and flies together to Hotel Everest View at Syangboche.
07
Breakfast at Hotel Everest View
Passengers are seated for a relaxed 15- to 20-minute breakfast with panoramic views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku before reboarding for the return flight.
Included. Excluded. Itemised.
Includes
Excludes
Permits Excluded (In NPR)
The airport tax is payable at the airport before departure. National park and local permit fees are paid either after arriving in the Everest region or before takeoff, depending on the flight's operating arrangements and the instructions provided by the crew.
| Countries | Airport tax of Kathmandu | National park fees | Airport tax of Lukla | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAARC | 500 | 3500 | 500 | 4500 |
| Other Foreign Countries | 500 | 6000 | 500 | 7000 |
| Nepal | 500 | 100 | 500 | 1100 |
Fares & Cost
Two Ways to Fly
Shared by the seat, or the cabin to yourselves. Both fly to the same standard.
Shared Seat
Semi-Private & Per-Seat Booking
From$4000per person
- ✓Direct flight
- ✓All passengers get a window seat
- ✓Pre-flight safety briefing
- ✓Emergency oxygen on board
- ✓Certificate of insurance included
Most Exclusive
Charter Flight
Private & VIP Booking
From$7000per flight
- ✓Everything in Shared Seat
- ✓Up to 5 passengers, whole aircraft
- ✓Custom departure time
- ✓Priority weather rescheduling
- ✓Extra baggage allowance available
- ✓Private transfer to and from the airport
Starting fares only, subject to change. Final price confirmed at booking.
Best Season
When we recommend flying & when we don't.
Spring
Months
March-May
Completion
92%
Visibility
Excellent
Autumn
Months
September-November
Completion
95%
Visibility
Excellent
Winter
Months
December-February
Completion
68%
Visibility
Medium
Monsoon
Months
June-August
Completion
34%
Visibility
Low
What to Expect During the Landing
- Slightly increased heart rate
- A mild feeling of breathlessness when moving fast.
- Possible slight headache if you are sensitive to altitude.
- Feeling colder than usual despite similar outdoor temperatures.
What You Should Do
- Move slowly and deliberately (do not run).
- Breathe steadily and deeply.
- Stay hydrated (drink water before the flight.)
- Inform the pilot immediately if you feel unwell.
- Use the supplemental oxygen onboard if needed.
Health, Safety & Altitude Guidelines
AMS & What Doctor Recommend?
Atmospheric Pressure
Kalapatthar sits at 5,545 metres and Gokyo Lake at a similarly high altitude, where the air holds roughly half the oxygen available at sea level. Because passengers ascend rapidly by helicopter without the days of gradual acclimatization a trek would allow, and this tour includes two separate high-altitude landings, some may notice mild light-headedness, breathlessness, or a headache during the time on the ground at either site. Symptoms are usually short-lived given the short duration of exposure, and the descent to Hotel Everest View afterward brings noticeably easier breathing.
What doctors recommend
Consult the doctor for any of these if you:
- Have a history of serious heart condition and unstable high blood pressure
- Suffer from any chronic respiratory problems like COPD and severe asthma
- Active pregnancy (especially past your first trimester)
- Have had major surgeries within the past 6 weeks
Why Mountain Helicopters Nepal?
Six Reasons to Book Directly With Us.
Experienced Team
Your journey is backed by a team with extensive experience in helicopter operations. Our pilots have logged thousands of hours flying in Nepal's high-altitude environment, where changing weather and challenging terrain demand exceptional skill and judgment. Supporting every flight is an experienced operations team that has been managing helicopter services since 2009, ensuring smooth coordination, safety, and reliable service from takeoff to landing.
Best Pricing
When you book with us, you're booking directly with the operator and not through a reseller or third-party agency. That means no agency markups, no hidden commissions, and no surprise fees. Our pricing is transparent from the start, so the amount you see is the amount you pay, giving you the best value and complete peace of mind.
Professional Itinerary
Every detail of your journey has been carefully refined through hundreds of successful flights. From landing procedures and flight timing to breakfast stops and passenger coordination, each part of the experience has been tested, improved, and perfected over years of operation. You're not part of an experiment; you're benefiting from a well-established operation designed to deliver a smooth, safe, and memorable adventure.
24/7 Available
From the moment you book until you safely return, our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you. Whether you have a last-minute question, need a weather update, or require support during your journey, we're always just a message or call away. WhatsApp, phone, and email are continuously monitored, ensuring you receive prompt assistance whenever you need it.
Environmentally Responsible
Our commitment to responsible flying goes hand in hand with delivering unforgettable flying experiences. We operate one of the most fuel-efficient helicopters on this route and follow strict operational procedures at every landing site to help minimize our environmental impact. By combining efficient helicopters with responsible flight practices, we strive to protect the fragile environment while maintaining the highest standards of safety and performance.
Transparent Booking
Booking with us is simple, straightforward, and completely transparent. Before you confirm your reservation, you'll receive a detailed itinerary, clear pricing, and a full list of what's included in your tour. With no hidden charges or surprise fees, you can book with confidence, knowing exactly what to expect from start to finish.
Questions
Everything you need to know.
Still have questions? Our team is available 7 days a week.
ASK US DIRECTLY→Every passenger gets a Landing at both sites. Because of strict weight limits above 5,000 meters, the helicopter can only carry two passengers at a time on this leg, so for larger groups the helicopter shuttles back and forth for five passengers, this means three separate rotations until everyone has landed at both Kalapatthar and Gokyo Lake.
Each pair typically gets five to ten minutes at Kalapatthar and another five to ten minutes at Gokyo Lake, enough time for photos and to take in the views at both locations before the helicopter returns to Pheriche for the next group.
This itinerary adds a second landing at Gokyo Lake, one of the highest freshwater lake systems in the world, giving passengers both the classic Everest-summit view from Kalapatthar and the glacial-lake scenery of the Gokyo valley in the same trip.
Breakfast is a relaxed 15- to 20-minute stop, giving passengers enough time to eat and enjoy the panoramic Himalayan views before reboarding for the return flight to Kathmandu.
Yes. The short duration at each altitude, combined with pilot discretion over weather and weight limits, is specifically designed to manage altitude risk even with two separate landings. Passengers with underlying heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor before booking.
If conditions don't allow a safe landing at either site, the flight is adjusted or rescheduled to the next suitable weather window where possible. If a rebooking isn't workable for you, the refund terms in your written booking confirmation apply.
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