Introduction to Gosaikunda Lake Helicopter Tour
Situated very close to Kathmandu is Gosainkunda Lake. Lying within the Langtang National Park, this mystical lake and beautiful landscape do not attract many trekkers, perhaps because of the logistics of getting there. Of course, it is easy to get there by helicopter.
If you are interested in mountains and lakes as well as Buddhism and mythology even older than Buddha himself, you will love this helicopter tour to Gosainkunda Lake.
Situated very close to Kathmandu is Gosainkunda Lake. Lying within the Langtang National Park, this mystical lake and beautiful landscape do not attract many trekkers, perhaps because of the logistics of getting there. Of course, it is easy to get there by helicopter.
If you are interested in mountains and lakes as well as Buddhism and mythology even older than Buddha himself, you will love this helicopter tour to Gosainkunda Lake.
Gosainkunda Lake is a freshwater lake and a UNESCO Ramsar site, meaning it is a wetland of international importance. But what is more exciting is that it is considered a holy site by both Hindus and Buddhists. Hindus believe the lake was formed when Lord Shiva thrust his trident into the mountain to get water. Mainly a quiet area, it comes alive at the full moon in August. Known as Janai Purnima, this festival attracts thousands of pilgrims who come to bathe and worship at the lake. If you don’t mind the crowds, this is a particularly colorful time to visit.
The helicopter tour leaves Kathmandu in the morning and takes 15 to 20 minutes to reach Langtang National Park. You will see mountains in the Manaslu range, Ganesh Himal range, Langtang Lirung, and some Tibetan peaks. Below lie the three lakes, Saraswati Kunda and Bhairab Kunda – named after gods and Gosaikunda Lake.
From the helicopter, you get fantastic views of these mountains and the landscape below, something you will never forget. Flying over Tokha, the Trishuli River, Dunche,, and Chanda Bari to finally reach Gosaikunda, the views from the helicopter of these landscapes below are astounding. And, of course, the majestic mountains surround you as you fly through the clear blue sky.
The helicopter lands at Gosainkunda Lake for around 20 minutes,, so you can take in the atmosphere and gather plenty of footage and photos.
Langtang Valley Trek Highlights
Why Book With Magical Nepal
Gosaikunda Lake Helicopter Tour Itinerary
5:45 to 6:00 am: Drive to Tribhuvan International Airport Domestic Terminal.
15 minutes
Your day begins early with a comfortable hotel transfer to the Kathmandu domestic airport. The 15-minute drive ensures you arrive with time to spare for check-in and safety formalities.
6:00 to 6:30 am: Boarding to the Helicopter
20 minutes
At the airport, you’ll be greeted by our team, meet your pilot, and receive a short flight and safety briefing. Afterward, you’ll board your helicopter, ready for a high-altitude adventure above the Kathmandu Valley.
6:30 to 6:50 am: Kathmandu to Gosaikunda Lake Flight
10 minutes
The flight to Gosaikunda takes about 10 minutes, offering aerial views of Langtang Himal, terraced hills, deep valleys, and scattered villages. As you approach the lake, the terrain opens to a stunning glacial basin shimmering in morning light.
6:50 to 7:20 am: Landing at Gosaikunda Lake
30 minutes
Land near the sacred lake for a 30-minute ground stop. You’ll have time to explore the lake’s edges, offer a prayer at the Shiva shrine, and take in panoramic views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, and surrounding peaks. It’s a surreal blend of spiritual calm and Himalayan grandeur.
7:20 to 7:40 am: Gosaikunda Lake to Kathmandu flight
15 minutes
Board your helicopter for the return journey. The 15–20 minute flight offers one last sweeping look at the Himalayas before descending into the bustling Kathmandu Valley.
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Includes
Packing List
Items | Details | Quantity |
---|---|---|
Underwear | Underwear Breathable synthetic | 3 |
Socks | Wool BYO | 3 |
Bra | Sports BYO | |
Base layers – Pants | Merino wool BYO | 1 |
Trekking shirt | Synthetic lightweight BYO or purchase it in Kathmandu | 2 |
Rain pants | Synthetic lightweight Frogg Toggs are excellent | 1 |
Trekking pants | Synthetic lightweight BYO or purchase in Ktm | 2 |
Hiking Shoes/Boots | BYO Salmon Quest 4D or Xultra 3 or 4 | 1 |
Camp shoes | Down booties BYO or purchase in Ktm | 1 |
Gloves | One pair of thin merino wool. 2nd pair thick insulated | 2 |
Hat | Sun hat or peak cap with neck protection. BYO | 1 |
Down Jacket | BYO | 1 |
Wind Breaker | BYO | 1 |
Note: Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented in Kathmandu, while all other trekking equipment can be easily purchased. We at Magical Nepal will assist you in getting all your essentials sorted, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your adventure.
Read Before your book Gosaikunda lake Helicopter Tour
To help you determine if the Gosaikunda lake Helicopter Tour is right for you, we’ve provided detailed information on key aspects such as flight details, trek difficulty, and the best times to visit. Each section also includes a video explanation to guide you in planning your trip smoothly.
If you’re still unsure whether this trek is the perfect choice for you, feel free to reach out to us via email or WhatsApp. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours to answer any additional questions.
Pokhara:
The Gosaikunda Helicopter Tour is not just a scenic flight—it’s a journey through Nepal’s spiritual skies, where majestic landscapes meet ancient legends. From the moment you lift off from Kathmandu to the moment you touch the sacred shores of Gosaikunda Lake, every minute reveals something awe-inspiring. Here’s what you’ll witness:
Kathmandu Valley – The Cultural Cradle from Above
Your adventure begins with a bird’s-eye view of Kathmandu Valley, a place steeped in history and dotted with pagoda-style temples, monasteries, and terraced neighborhoods. From the sky, you’ll see iconic sites like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and the ring of green hills that encircle the city, marking the gateway to the Himalayas.
Shivapuri Hills & Langtang National Park Foothills
As you fly north, you’ll pass over the Shivapuri Nagarjun ridge, thickly forested and home to Himalayan flora and fauna. This transitions into the southern stretch of Langtang National Park, Nepal’s first Himalayan conservation area. You’ll glide over untouched wilderness—deep gorges, winding rivers, and pine-covered ridgelines—rarely seen from the ground.
Langtang Himal & Ganesh Himal – Guardians of the Sky
Rising ahead are the towering white giants of the Himalayas: Langtang Lirung (7,227 m)—the highest peak in the Langtang range, and Ganesh Himal, known for its serrated ridges and symmetrical snowcaps. The closer you fly, the more surreal the landscape becomes, as glacial valleys, rocky spurs, and jagged peaks fill your panoramic window.
Gosaikunda Lake (4,380 m) – The Sacred Jewel of the Mountains
Then comes the star of your journey: Gosaikunda Lake. Nestled in a high-altitude glacial basin surrounded by barren cliffs and snow-streaked slopes, this turquoise-blue lake is both a natural wonder and a deeply sacred site. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva created Gosaikunda with his trident to quench his thirst after swallowing poison. The lake is believed to be holy, and its waters are considered spiritually purifying.
From above, the lake appears like a mystical mirror reflecting the sky. As you land nearby, the air becomes crisp and still. You’ll have 30 minutes to explore, walk to the lake’s edge, breathe in the thin mountain air, and experience the profound silence that defines this spiritual sanctuary.
Shiva Shrine Beside the Lake
A small stone shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva sits quietly by the lake’s shore. It is a place of pilgrimage, meditation, and rituals, especially during the Janai Purnima festival, when thousands of devotees hike up from Dhunche. Your visit gives you a rare opportunity to stand where tradition and natural grandeur merge.
Remote Highland Villages from the Sky
As you lift off for your return journey, you’ll fly over hidden highland villages like Dhunche, Chandanbari, and Laurebina—small settlements perched on ridges and valleys that form the trekking routes below. From the air, these villages look like clusters of dream-like rooftops surrounded by forest and sky.
Himalayan Panorama – A Final Farewell
Throughout the flight, the views are 360° and constantly shifting, from deep valleys carved by glacial rivers to endless ridgelines rolling toward the Tibetan plateau. If the weather is clear, you may even glimpse peaks as distant as Manaslu and Shishapangma (Tibet).
This isn’t just a flight, it’s a sacred Himalayan encounter. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, nature lover, or adventurer short on time, the Gosaikunda Lake Helicopter Tour delivers breathtaking beauty, serene silence, and spiritual awe, all in a single unforgettable morning.
Langtang National Park Entry Permit
- Cost: NPR 3,000 per person (approx. USD 25)
- Why it’s needed: Gosaikunda Lake lies within the protected Langtang National Park, so this permit is mandatory for all visitors—even by helicopter.
- Where to get it:
- Included in your tour package when booked through Magical Nepal
- Alternatively available at the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu
TIMS Card (Not Required)
The Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card is only needed for trekking itineraries, not for helicopter tours.
If you book your Gosaikunda Helicopter Tour with Magical Nepal, we’ll handle all permit arrangements for you—no hassle, no hidden charges.
Carry a copy of your passport—some flights or national park entry points may require ID verification.
The best time to experience the Gosaikunda Lake Helicopter Tour is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November) seasons. These periods offer stable weather, crystal-clear mountain views, and safe flying conditions, making them ideal for an unforgettable high-altitude adventure.
Spring (March to May)
- Why It’s Great: Clear skies, moderate temperatures, and blooming rhododendrons across the lower hills
- Views: Stunning visibility of Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, and snow-covered landscapes
- Experience: Comfortable landings at Gosaikunda Lake (4,380 m), with vibrant natural surroundings
Autumn (Mid-September to November)
- Why It’s Best: Post-monsoon skies offer the clearest visibility of the year
- Weather: Cool, dry, and stable, ideal for flying and photography
- Experience: Sharp Himalayan views and a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere around the lake
Winter (December to February)
- Pros: Snow-covered scenery and fewer tourists
- Cons: Very cold temperatures at high altitude, possible fog delays
- Good For: Travelers seeking a quiet and snow-filled Himalayan experience (dressed warmly)
Monsoon (June to Early September) – Not Recommended
- Tip: Avoid this season for helicopter tours unless flying windows are guaranteed
- Weather: Heavy rain, clouds, and unpredictable visibility
- Risk: Frequent flight delays or cancellations due to poor conditions
Best Time to Fly:
- Best Months: March–May and Mid-September–November
- Avoid: June to early September (monsoon)
- Winter Option: Go with flexibility and warm layers
There are two choices when it comes to helicopter tours; you can reserve the whole helicopter or just a seat on a group flight. The basic costs are given here, but seasonal costs may differ.
- It costs USD 1,500 to charter the whole flight
- It costs USS 350 per person on a group flight
*Please note that it is only possible to obtain a seat on a group tour to this area during the busy Janai Purnima festival time (August). Therefore, we recommend that if you require a seat on a group flight at any other time of year, you book for the Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. The EBC Helicopter Tour is more popular, and there are more flights departing regularly, so it is easier to obtain one seat.
The Gosaikunda Lake Helicopter Tour is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to experience Nepal’s high Himalayan beauty and spiritual sites, without the demands of trekking. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to witness the majesty of the mountains and the serenity of the sacred Gosaikunda Lake, but are limited by time, physical ability, or preference.
Physical Effort: Extremely Low
- This tour requires no trekking, hiking, or strenuous activity. You’ll fly directly from Kathmandu to Gosaikunda Lake and back in just over an hour (total flight time).
- Once at the lake, you’ll have around 30 minutes to explore, walk around, and take photos. The walking area is mostly flat and located close to the landing point.
- It’s ideal for:
- Families with children
- Elderly travelers
- Those recovering from injury
- Travelers with limited trekking experience or physical constraints
- Visitors on a tight schedule
You can enjoy one of Nepal’s most sacred alpine lakes without breaking a sweat.
Altitude Awareness: Moderate
- The only mild challenge in this helicopter tour is altitude. Gosaikunda Lake sits at 4,380 meters (14,370 ft) above sea level.
- Although you won’t stay long enough for serious altitude sickness to develop, some visitors may feel light-headed, short of breath, or mildly dizzy due to the quick ascent.
- These symptoms are typically short-lived and disappear once you descend.
The short exposure (30 mins max) significantly reduces the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), but it’s still important to listen to your body.
Tips to Stay Comfortable at High Altitude:
- Stay hydrated before and during the tour—drink plenty of water the day before and the morning of your flight.
- Avoid alcohol or caffeine prior to the flight, as they can worsen dehydration and altitude symptoms.
- Eat a light meal before departure to avoid nausea.
- Dress in warm, layered clothing, including gloves and a hat. Even in spring or autumn, Gosaikunda’s temperatures can be near freezing, especially in the early morning.
Safety First: How Magical Nepal Supports You
When you book with Magical Nepal, we take extra steps to ensure your safety and comfort:
- Flights are scheduled during the safest time of day (early morning) for stable weather and visibility.
- We monitor weather and wind conditions closely and only fly when safe.
- Our pilots are certified, experienced in high-altitude flying, and trained in emergency procedures.
- We provide full briefings and customer support before, during, and after your flight.