Nepal Helicopter Service | Kathmandu, Nepal
Gosaikunda is one of the holiest lakes in Nepal, and one of the easiest high Himalayan places to reach by helicopter from Kathmandu. On foot it takes most people three or four days of steep climbing from Dhunche. By air it is roughly half an hour.
That short flight is why so many families choose it, especially when older parents want to see the lake but could never manage the trek. Here is what you should know before you go.
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Why Gosaikunda matters
The lake sits at about 4,380 metres inside Langtang National Park, north of Kathmandu. Hindu tradition says that after Lord Shiva swallowed the poison that rose during the churning of the ocean, he struck the mountainside with his trishul to find cool water, and Gosaikunda formed where the water flowed. Many devotees believe a dip in the lake washes away sins.
It is also important to Buddhists, and you will see prayer flags alongside Hindu shrines on the shore.
Janai Purnima: the busiest day of the year
On the full moon of Shrawan, usually in August, thousands of pilgrims walk to the lake for Janai Purnima. Shamans and devotees bathe, tie the sacred thread and pray through the night.
If you want to fly for the festival, book as early as possible and be flexible. Janai Purnima falls in the monsoon, and cloud in the hills around Kathmandu can hold helicopters on the ground for hours or even a day. We always tell pilgrims the truth about the forecast rather than promise a time we cannot keep.
The flight
Flights leave Kathmandu early in the morning, when the air is clearest. The helicopter heads north over the green hills of Nuwakot and Rasuwa, and on a good day you will see Ganesh Himal and Langtang Lirung ahead of you before the lake comes into view in its rocky bowl.
The helicopter lands close to the lake. You will have a short time on the ground for prayers, photographs and, if you wish, touching the water. Because of the altitude, the pilot keeps the stop brief, and the full round trip usually takes about an hour and a half. See the full details on our Gosaikunda helicopter tour page.
Altitude: take it seriously, but don’t worry
Flying from Kathmandu at 1,338 metres to more than 4,300 metres in half an hour is a big jump. Serious altitude sickness usually takes several hours to develop, so on a short visit it is unlikely, but you may feel light-headed or out of breath when you walk around. A few simple rules help:
- Walk slowly and avoid climbing up the rocks around the lake.
- Drink water, and skip alcohol the night before.
- Tell the pilot straight away if you feel dizzy, sick or get a strong headache.
- Anyone with heart or lung disease, or who is pregnant, should ask their doctor before booking.
Be careful about bathing. The lake is fed by snowmelt and is freezing even in summer. For older pilgrims, a sprinkle of water is a far safer choice than a full dip at this height.
When to go
For clear views and reliable flights, March to June and September to November are best. The lake can freeze in winter and the area gets heavy snow, while the monsoon brings the most weather delays. If you are flexible, an autumn morning is hard to beat.
Cost and permits
At the time of writing, our Gosaikunda helicopter tour for Nepali citizens is NPR 35,000 per person on a shared flight. Foreign nationals and groups who want the helicopter to themselves can ask us for a private charter price. The lake is inside Langtang National Park, so a park entry permit is needed; we arrange it with the booking.
What to bring
- A warm jacket, hat and gloves
- Sunglasses and sun cream, as the sunlight at altitude is strong
- Puja items in a small bag, since space in the helicopter is limited
- Your citizenship card or passport for the permit and manifest
Quick answers
How long is the helicopter flight to Gosaikunda?
About 30 minutes each way from Kathmandu. The whole tour takes around an hour and a half.
How high is Gosaikunda?
Gosaikunda Lake is at about 4,380 metres above sea level in Langtang National Park.
Can we fly to Gosaikunda during Janai Purnima?
Yes, but it is monsoon season and flights depend heavily on the weather. Book early and keep your plans flexible.
How much does a Gosaikunda helicopter tour cost?
At the time of writing, NPR 35,000 per person for Nepali citizens on a shared flight. Private charters are priced separately.
Want to visit Gosaikunda by helicopter? Message us with your preferred date and the number of pilgrims and we will confirm availability. WhatsApp +977 9818392976.
Prices, permit fees and flight times vary with season and weather. Please confirm details with us before booking.
