Is the Gokyo Heli Tour safe and secure?

The safety of your life is the priority in the Gokyo Heli Tour. Whether it is the takeoff in Kathmandu or the spectacular flyover of the Gokyo Lakes and the Everest region, all the details of the flight are well taken care of by the skilled pilots and ground personnel. Although this adventure offers breathtaking scenery and high-altitude challenges, it also requires caution and careful planning. Being aware of the safety measures in place during the journey, in case of emergencies, and before the journey will give you complete peace of mind while traveling.

Safety and Security Tips Before the Trek

Book a Licensed Operator: A government-registered tour operator should always be used with well-maintained helicopters and experienced and certified pilots.
Weather Conditions Check: Ensure that the flight will be conducted in stable weather (preferably in spring or autumn). Air travel is weather-sensitive, and safety is the first priority.
Pre-Flight Briefing: Pay attention to the safety briefing at Tribhuvan International Airport, which includes information about helicopter safety, seatbelts, and emergency procedures.
Equip with Suitable Equipment: Dress in layers, wear a windproof jacket, gloves, sunglasses, and wear good shoes. The high altitude weather is changeable.
Stay away from alcohol and eat light: Do not drink alcohol or over eat the previous night. The best way to avoid altitude discomfort is to drink a lot of water and have a light breakfast.
Carry Essentials: Please bring a valid ID/passport, a fully charged mobile phone, any necessary personal medication, and a small day bag containing essentials.

Safety and Security Tips During the Trek

Always follow Crew Instructions: Never go near or away from the helicopter without the pilot's or guide's permission. You should always board and exit properly.
Protect Everything: Keep hats, phones, and cameras safe. Do not bring loose items during takeoff and landing.
Keep Seatbelts on: Sit down and fasten your seatbelt throughout the flight to stay safe and steady, particularly during turbulence.
Do not make sudden movements: Be careful when moving at high altitudes. Walk slowly to avoid feeling dizzy or tired from the thinner air.
Apply Sun Protection: Put on sunglasses and use sunscreen. UV radiation is more potent at high altitudes and bounces off snow and ice.
Speak when Sick: If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or unwell due to altitude sickness, please notify the crew.

During the Emergency Situations

Keep Calm and Follow Instructions: All emergencies are trained by the pilot and the ground crew. Please do not panic, follow their instructions.
Altitude Sickness Response: In the event of symptoms such as headache, nausea, or shortness of breath, the crew may descend to a lower altitude or return to Kathmandu.
Onboard Emergency Equipment: Helicopters are equipped with oxygen, a global positioning system, a radio, and basic first-aid kits in case of an emergency.
Unexpected Landing: In extreme cases, when a landing is necessary due to weather conditions or technical problems, remain with the group and wait until being rescued or instructed by the crew.
Insurance Matters: High-altitude helicopter evacuation and medical care are strongly advised to be covered by travel insurance.
Keep Emergency Contacts: Carry a card or a note with emergency contacts, your embassy (if you are a foreign traveler) and the hotline of your tour company.

How can you prevent Altitude Sickness (AMS) during the 1 day Gokyo Heli Tour?

Although the Gokyo Heli Tour is a short and scenic trip and exceeds 4,500 meters in a short duration, such a rapid increase in altitude may cause symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) in some people, even on a one-day tour. The risk is minimal due to the short exposure period and absence of physical activity. However, it is still worth knowing the symptoms, taking precautionary measures, and understanding how to react in case they manifest. Knowledge keeps you safe, happy, and stress-free in the Himalayas.

Symptoms of AMS	Precautions (Before & During Tour)	What to Do if AMS Occurs
Headache	Stay hydrated (drink plenty of water)	Inform your pilot or guide immediately
Dizziness or lightheadedness	Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking	Rest and stop all exertion
Nausea or vomiting	Eat light, nutritious meals before the tour	Take deep, slow breaths to increase oxygen intake
Shortness of breath	Dress warmly in layers to stay protected from the cold	Use emergency oxygen if available in the helicopter
Fatigue or weakness	Avoid sudden movements at high altitude	If symptoms worsen, descend to a lower altitude immediately
Loss of appetite	Consult a doctor beforehand if you’ve had AMS before	Seek medical attention upon returning to Kathmandu if needed

Travel Insurance for the Gokyo Heli Tour

The Gokyo Heli Tour is an excellent way to tour the Himalayas. Nevertheless, it is a high-altitude flight and a visit to remote mountainous regions with a tendency to sudden changes in weather conditions. You must also obtain comprehensive travel insurance to protect yourself against any unforeseen event, including medical emergencies, flight delays, or cancellations. With the proper insurance coverage, you will be free and won't have to worry about finances in case anything goes wrong.

What to Consider in Travel Insurance for the Gokyo Heli Tour?

Emergency Medical Evacuation and Rescue

Helicopter evacuation cover is essential if you fall ill with severe altitude sickness or other medical conditions while at high altitudes.

Ensure that the policy covers the rescue and transportation of individuals from remote locations to a hospital or back to Kathmandu.

Coverage of Medical Treatment

Your insurance must cover a hospital stay, doctor visits, medication, and treatments for altitude sickness or other diseases.

Ensure that pre-existing conditions and high-altitude emergency care are covered.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Insurance in case your tour is cancelled or terminated due to bad weather, mechanical problems with the helicopter, political unrest, or personal emergencies.

This helps you reclaim non-refundable expenses, such as air tickets, hotels, and tour charges.

Flight Delay and Missed Connection

Insurance of expenses incurred in case of delay or missed flights by helicopters or connecting flights, accommodation and meals.

Loss or Delay of Baggage

Luggage compensation (lost, stolen, or delayed), which is handy in case you are traveling to or from Nepal before or after the tour.

Coverage of High-Altitude Activity

Ensure that the policy includes activities beyond 4,000 meters, because some insurance policies do not cover high-altitude or extreme sports.

This is important, as the Gokyo Heli Tour reaches altitudes of up to 5,000 meters.

Personal Liability Protection

Cover against accidental damage or injury to third parties in the course of your tour.

Emergency Landing in the Gokyo Heli Tour

The Gokyo Heli Tour is a relatively well-planned and secure trip, but emergencies can occur at any moment, especially in the high-altitude setting. Emergency landing is the process of swift and secure transport from an isolated or hazardous area to a safer ground in the event of severe illness, injury, or unfavorable weather conditions.

What are your responsibilities during the emergency landing?

Do not panic and follow safety instructions carefully.
Observe everything that the pilot and medical personnel tell you to do.
Remain composed and follow evacuation measures to the end.
The pilots are trained extensively and you must fully cooperate with the crew members.

Required Documents and Permits for the Gokyo Heli Tour

It is essential to have all necessary documents and permits for the Gokyo Heli Tour to ensure a smooth and hassle free experience. The helicopter tours in Nepal require fewer permits but you should prepare certain documents in advance.

Essential Documents

Valid Passport: You must have a valid passport issued by the government and it must be valid for at least 6 months.
Nepal Visa: You will need a Nepal Visa which is available at Tribhuvan International Airport or can be applied online.
Confirmation Book Helicopter Tour: Have a print or electronic copy of your confirmed Gokyo Heli Tour booking voucher given to you by your tour operator. This is your evidence of a scheduled flight.
Document of Travel Insurance: You should carry a copy of your travel insurance, which covers helicopter tours, high altitude activities, and emergency evacuation.

The Gokyo Heli Tour does not require trekking permits as the tour involves aerial flight and a brief stopover only.

Additional Tips:

It is always good to carry several copies of your passport, visa and insurance documents.
Have digital and hard copies with you on your travels.
Ask your tour operator if any additional local permits are required, depending on your itinerary.

Confirm your booking for Gokyo Helicopter Tour - 1 day

Gokyo Helicopter Tour - 1 day

$999

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$999