Gorakshep to Kathmandu Helicopter Flight

The flight takes approximately 90 minutes. This includes the flight time to Kathmandu and a mandatory 15-minute technical stop at Lukla for refueling.

The Gorakshep helipad is located at the edge of the village, roughly a 5–10 minute walk from the major lodges. Our ground team or lodge staff can assist with luggage to the takeoff point.

This is one of the world's most scenic flights. You will see Mt. Everest (8,848.86m), Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam, and the massive Khumbu Glacier right beneath you.

Due to the extreme altitude of 5,164m, weight is a critical safety factor. The standard limit is 15kg–20kg per person (including hand carry). If your gear exceeds this, please notify us; extra luggage may need to be sent separately via porter or a secondary flight.

Yes, if there is seat availability and the weight limit allows, your guide or porter can join the flight. This is a common request for trekkers who want to bring their team back to the city.

We strongly recommend that all clients have travel insurance that specifically covers helicopter evacuation up to 6,000 meters. This ensures you are protected in the event of a medical emergency.

Absolutely. 
Group sharing is our most popular option. We match you with other trekkers at Gorakshep to share the cost

Yes. Gorakshep is a very active flight zone. If you decide on-site that you are too tired to walk back, we can usually arrange a seat on an "empty-leg" flight or a passing helicopter within a few hours.

Yes. Because the air is very thin at Gorakshep, a helicopter cannot take off with a full load of 5 passengers. We often "shuttle" 2–3 passengers at a time to a lower elevation (like Pheriche) before continuing the full flight to Kathmandu

We use modern, high-altitude certified helicopters (like the Airbus H125/AS350 B3e) and veteran pilots specialized in Himalayan terrain. Safety is our absolute priority; we only fly during clear weather windows.

This flight is the fastest way to save a life. Moving from 5,164m to 1,400m in an hour provides an immediate increase in oxygen. Our helicopters are equipped with emergency oxygen to support you during the descent.

If visibility is low or winds are too high, the flight will be rescheduled for the next available weather window. If a flight is canceled entirely due to weather, we offer a refund according to our policy.

 You should keep your Sagarmatha National Park Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit handy, as they are periodically checked at the helipad or during the stop in Lukla.