The Gosaikunda Heli Tour from Kathmandu is one of Nepal’s shortest yet captivating holy tours. The overall tour takes approximately one and a half hours with 40 minutes of flight duration collectively. Every year, thousands of visitors prefer Gosaikunda over several travel destinations in Nepal. This is mainly because of the religious significance of Gosaikunda Lake followed by the phenomenal mountain ranges that surround the lake. The Gosaikunda Heli Tour in Nepal is a no-brainer for you if you are into thrilling adventurous flights leading to a peaceful and pristine environment surrounded by massive snow-capped Himalayas.
Gosaikunda Lake, otherwise spelled as “Gosainkunda”, has been delineated as a religious site in Nepal that carries a high value to Hindus and Buddhists. Located at an elevation of 4,380m (14,370 ft.), Langtang National Park in Rasuwa district, Gosaikunda Lake is an alpine freshwater lake. The surface of the lake extends approximately 34 acres and remains frozen most of the winter season i.e. from October to June. However, the winter season has its perks. The snow-covered surrounding makes up for a heavenly nostalgia at Gosaikunda Lake if you happen to travel during winter. Regardless of the seasons, the Gosaikunda Lake has something unique to offer at each season.
Gosaikunda’s origin is linked to the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics, referring to it as Samudra Manthan. Hindu myths consider it the abode of Shiva and Gauri. Pilgrims visit during Gangadashahara and Janai Purnima festivals, believing the lake formed when Shiva extracted water to cool his poison-burned throat. Drinking its water is thought to ward off harm.
The Gosaikunda Heli Tour starts from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport. The 1-hour round-trip includes a safety briefing before takeoff. After flying over Kathmandu, you’ll reach Gosaikunda Lake in Langtang National Park in 15-17 minutes.
At 4,380m altitude, you’ll see the Langtang range. Stay under 30 minutes to avoid altitude sickness. The serene lake has a peaceful aura. The weather can quickly change from sunny to snowy. Have breakfast at the tea house before flying back.
Royal Vacation Helicopter tours are followed by high safety rules and regulations. Safety is our utmost priority and we make sure that our guests are well-informed about the rules of the helicopter we use for this tour. Below are some safety measures and tips before the Gosainkunda Helicopter Tour which should be followed with discipline at all costs.
The Gosaikunda Heli Tour is a relatively short flight but it is important to be prepared and pack well. UV rays are intense at a higher altitude and it is necessary to pack accordingly. Beware not to pack too much since it will make it harder to carry around and increase the weight. Here is what we suggest you pack, follow the packing list for the Gosainkunda Helicopter Tour for a smooth tour experience:
This Gosainkunda heli tour is completed in 3 phases and as follows:
Gosaikunda Heli Tour starts after we take off from the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. As we gain altitude, we get to experience the birds-eye view of the bustling Kathmandu city. Then we head north, away from the city. On our way, we get to scope out some of the amazing landscapes of Nepal including the tallest Lord Shiva statue at Sanga. The helicopter flies over the wavy highways of Nuwakot, Rasuwa, and Sindhupalchok districts. After about 30min, we reach the mesmerizing Gosaikunda Lake at 4,380m.
Once we touch down at the Gosaikunda Lake region, a refreshing breeze hits you reminding you that you are in the Himalayas now. You will find the lake surrounded by large rocks of different shapes and sizes. Swimming at the lake is not prohibited, but surely not recommended. The water there is cold. However, every once in a while pilgrims dip their bodies as a ritual. The weather at Gosaikunda Lake is unpredictable. One moment it’s sunny and the next thing you know, you are covered in snow. Which is why we only spend half an hour. Spending more time could result in consequences that might ruin this beautiful journey. However, it is more than enough for us to take in the heaven-like environment and even take some pictures. After a delightful breakfast, we return to the helicopter and prepare to get back to Kathmandu.
The thrilling flight back from Gosaikunda Lake to Kathmandu gives you one more chance to comprehend a satisfactory trip. After 30 minutes, we land at the airport in Kathmandu, officially ending the trip. It’s time to bid our goodbyes.
Gosaikunda Lake is located at a high altitude of 4,380 meters above sea level, and the weather there changes frequently. Choosing the right season for your helicopter tour is important for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Autumn is the best time for the Gosaikunda Heli Tour. The sky is clear, the weather is stable, and the temperature is favorable. The views of the Himalayas are crisp, and the landscapes are at their best.
Spring is the second-best season for the tour. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C. The scenery is exceptional, with dense forests blooming with rhododendrons. There is little to no chance of rain.
Monsoon is not ideal due to frequent rainfall, foggy weather, and slippery surroundings. However, terrace farming seen from the helicopter is fascinating.
Winter is extremely cold. The lake is frozen, and the surroundings are snow-covered. If you plan to travel in winter, ensure you are well-prepared and well-packed.
John F.K. International Airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, one of the Royal Vacation representatives will receive you at the airport and will transfer you to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure or explore on your own.
Overnight: Hotel Dwarika in Kathmandu
After having breakfast at the hotel we will then set off for a whole day sightseeing of the Kathmandu valley’s main attractions. They include the following:
Kathmandu Durbar Square:
This is the old center of Kathmandu city. It has beautiful traditional Nepal buildings. Kings were crowned here a long time ago. They ruled from the palaces and temples in this square. The square has connected plazas with many courtyards, temples, and palaces.
Swayambhunath:
People call this the Monkey Temple because monkeys live there. It has a big white Buddhist stupa with a golden top. The top has the eyes of Buddha painted on it, looking in all directions. People walk around the stupa, spinning prayer wheels. Colorful prayer flags wave on top.
Boudhanath:
Boudhanath is one of the biggest stupas in Nepal. It is a huge white dome with a golden tower on top. The tower has Buddha’s eyes painted on it. People believe it may contain objects from past Buddhas. Every morning and night, groups of Tibetan Buddhists walk around the stupa in a ritual.
Pashupatinath:
This is Nepal’s most important Hindu temple. It is by the holy Bagmati River. It is a special place for the Hindu god Shiva, the Lord of Animals. Around the temple, there is a busy market selling religious things like flowers, incense, and pictures of Hindu gods.
After touring Pashupatinath we will then return to the hotel and refresh ourselves before heading for a welcome dinner in the evening.
Overnight: Hotel Dwarika in Kathmandu.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Bhaktapur:
Bhaktapur was one of three big cities in Kathmandu Valley long ago. It was called the best preserved city until the 2015 earthquake damaged many buildings. But there are still beautiful temples and squares to see. People still make crafts and do daily life activities on the narrow streets.
Patan:
Patan used to be its own independent city-state. Now it is almost a part of Kathmandu city. Patan Durbar Square has the finest collection of temples and palaces in Nepal. Even after the earthquake, it is very beautiful. People visit Patan for the nice shops and restaurants too.
Pic: Patan Durbar Square
The old royal palace in Patan faces the amazing Durbar Square. There are so many ornately built temples clustered together. It is a stunning example of Newari architecture. Part of the palace is now a museum with religious art and statues. It is considered one of Asia’s best museum collections.
Some other sights you’ll see in Patan include the Golden Temple, courtyards like Mul Chowk, Krishna Temple, Sundari Chowk, the Royal Palace buildings, the Golden Gate, and Maha Boudha Temple. After touring Bhaktapur and Patan, you’ll go back to your Kathmandu hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Dwarika in Kathmandu.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
One of the representatives from Royal Vacation will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the domestic terminal at Tribhuvan International Airport. Before boarding the helicopter, the captains will provide important guidelines and instructions. You’ll meet the flight crew and have the chance to ask any questions.
After the safety briefing, the helicopter takes off, offering an aerial view of the Kathmandu valley. Heading north towards the Langtang region, you’ll see incredible views of the verdant hills and the Langtang mountain range.
Gosaikunda Lake Exploration
When you land at Gosaikunda Lake, a cold breeze and large rocks welcome you. The air is thin, making it feel adventurous. The area is cold, with prayer flags and a teahouse where locals share stories about the lake. Gosaikunda Lake is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists, so it’s important to treat it with respect. After exploring the lake and enjoying the peaceful surroundings, you’ll get ready to fly back to Kathmandu.
Return Flight to Kathmandu
The flight back to Kathmandu offers one last look at the beautiful scenery. The whole Gosaikunda Helicopter Tour takes about 1.5 hours. Each part of the trip takes about 20-30 minutes, and you’ll spend 30 minutes on the ground at Gosaikunda Lake.
Overnight: Hotel Dwarika in Kathmandu.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Approximately 3 hours before departure of your flight, you will be transferred to Kathmandu international airport where we guide you to the check-in hall. From here we hope you had an amazing journey through our country, Nepal. And we hope to see you again.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Note: This itinerary is especially created for you. This itinerary can be adjusted on all aspects in order to meet your specific requirements. Please let us know what suits you best and we will be very pleased to provide you with a complete tailormade holiday package.
Note: Please note: Tipping (guides/driver) is not included in the price. Guest can always decided if they would like to tip for good services to guides, porters and drivers at the end of the trip. However, in Nepal it is a costum of good faith to tip guides/drivers when they have provided the good service.
