12 days

Duration

Mt. Kailash, Ngari

Location

Mt. Kailash

Destination

The arduous Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage can now be made easier and faster through helicopter Kailash Yatra from Kathmandu. Pilgrims limited for time can still experience the spiritual journey as it takes them quickly to the Nepal-Tibet border. The trip begins with a scheduled flight from Kathmandu to Simikot, followed by a chartered helicopter ride from Simikot to the border. Once there, Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash are only a short ride away. Check Mt. Kailash Yatra if you are interested.

Kailash Yatra By Helicopter

ARRIVE

Kathmandu, Nepal

DEPARTURE

Kathmandu, Nepal

TRIP ROUTE

Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Simikot – Taklakot – Lake Manasarovar – Kailash Parikrama – Simi-kot – Kathmandu

HIGHTLIGHTS

Sightseeing in Kathmandu including Pashupatinath Temple, Jal Narayan Temple and Guheshwari Temple
Puja at Lake Manasarovar
4 days trekking around Kailash including North Face (Kailash Touching)
Farewell party, giving out certificate and cultural entertainment

COST INCLUDE

All necessary Tibet travel permits and government taxes.

Ground transportation according to group size (tourist bus, mini-van or jeep)

Pick up and drop off

Accomodation in Kathmandu and Tibet (sharing basis hotel and guesthouse)

Sightseeing and monastery entrance fee

Full-board with Veg meal + tea & coffee

Yaks (for carrying cooking matter during the parikrama

English and Hindi speaking tour group leader and guide

Duffle bags and down jackets for the trip (refundable)

Kitchen staffs (Sherpa assistance)

Medical bags & oxygen cylinders

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE

International airfare (Your home to Kathmandu)

Personal insurance (for emergency)

Chinese visa (please process in your country)

Rescue jeep any expenses if required

Extra activities and hotels in Tibet and Nepal

Any private expenses

Horse or porter for Parikrama

Natural or political disturbance which beyond our control

Tipping for staff

Kailash Yatra by Helicopter Booking Procedure:

If you arrive from Kathmandu

$50 USD is required upon entry to Nepal (Visa forms on arrival)
6 passport sized photographs (for Nepal & China visas)
4 photocopies passport for visa purposes (passport must be valid for more than 6 months)

Read our article about how to visit Tibet and you should arrive in Kathmandu before 4-5 days for Tibet permit and visa.

Cancellation Policy

If personal, scheduling, or other such conflicts arise, in order to cancel your trip, please notify us as soon as possible. In the event of cancellation, you are subject to the following policies:

Your deposit is NON-refundable.
When cancelling 25 days prior to arrival, you will be charged a cancellation fee of 100 USD per person.
Prior to arrival day, cancellation fee charges: 80% reimbursement of trip fees / P.P
If you must end your trip early for any reason (health problems, altitude sickness, natural disasters included), neither your deposit nor any other portion of your given trip fees will be returned.
If your trip must be concluded ahead of schedule or be canceled due to political unrest or unforeseen governmental restrictions that cannot be compensated for by alternative arrangements, all trip fees (except for the deposit and fees for the days already traveled) will be returned.
In case political sensitivities or government regulations prevent travel to certain regions you had previously gained permission to visit (such regulations are not generally publicized prior to implementation) Adventures In Tibet will do our best to present an alternative itinerary and travel route to ensure your safety and satisfaction.

Travel Information

You need to book your own flights to Lhasa and return
It is recommended to arrive in Lhasa on date provided
Extra nights before or after is not included in this tour
You may request in advance for extra hotel booking at your own cost
Personal travel & Medical Insurance is highly recommended, which MUST include: A. Loss of Personal items, B. Sickness and Injury, C. Cancellation of Tour due natural disaster, B. Route change due to Natural disturbance
Emergency Evacuations or hospitalisation
Please carry funds in USD and Chinese currency
Please tips for Adventures In Tibet staff at end of the trip, is Essential

Kailash Yatra Health & Fitness

6 months prior to travel, please do walks, exercises, etc.
Please get all medical check-ups including travel vaccinations
Carry your personal medication during the tour
Read up on managing altitude for acclimatisation
Persons over 70 years of age will require medical clearance from the GP to the travel agent

Altering an Itinerary Due to Health Concerns

After your Tibet travel permit has been awarded, before or even during your trip, you may request an alteration in trip destinations if you suffer from altitude sickness or other health problems. In this case, Adventures in Tibet will attempt to be flexible and amend the destinations listed in your Tibet Travel Permit (TTP). However, as your Tibet Travel Permit was awarded on the basis of your original itinerary, we cannot guarantee that we will be permitted to make substantial changes to your original itinerary after it has been accepted by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. Check our tour reservation terms. If you are available and looking this trip during one of festivals in Tibet, you might check our festival dates to have a better experience like Saga Dawa Festival Tour at Kailash.

Additional information

Physicality	8/10
Dates	May-Nov

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu

Begin your spiritual journey at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International airport, where a representative of Adventures In Tibet will greet you and provide an assisted transfer to the hotel. Spend the night in this 4 staraccommodation, with dinner included. The journey is a mere 10km, and you will be at 1400m elevation.

Non-Indian travellers should ensure their arrival in Kathmandu coincides with visa processes for China; visas can be obtained at the airport for around US$35, but will take 2-3 working days from application.

Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing & fly to Nepalgunj

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel before heading to the Pashupatinath Temple, Jal Narayan Temple and Guheshwari Temple. Our representative will then transfer the group to Kathmandu domestic airport for a one hour flight to Nepalgunj. On arrival, you’ll board a bus to take you to your pre-booked hotel where fellow travellers from Lucknow will be waiting for the group.

Meal: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Max. Elevation: 150m
Distance: 522kms (1hour by flight)
Accommodation: 4star equivalent hotel twin/triple sharing basis

Day 3: Fly Nepalgunj to Simikot

Getting to Simikot from Nepalgunj is a complex journey, as the small planes are completely at the mercy of the weather. The conditions can change on a dime, causing delays for flights coming in and out of Simikot. We should get to Nepalgunj Airport early in the morning and take the earliest flight we can. After a 45 minute ride, you’ll see our representative waiting for you at the Simikot airport with your check-in luggage, ready to take you to your guesthouse. This will give you some time to acclimatize yourself with the area’s changing conditions.

Meal: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Max. Elevation: 2910m
Distance: 295km. 45 minutes by flight
Accommodation: Guesthouse (or 4star equivalent hotel if at Taklakot/Purang) sharing basis

Remark: Based on our experience with weather problems, we have added a night stay at Simikot prior to reaching Tibet. If weather and situation permits, the local representative may organize helicopter trip to Hilsa or Taklakot today itself.

Day 4: Fly Simikot to Hilsa by Helicopter. Drive to Taklakot (Purang)

Be sure to take an early breakfast (or packed snacks) and make your way to Simikot airport for your Helicopter to Hilsa. Upon arrival, we will need to cross the swinging bridge over the river before contacting Nepal immigration. Afterward, you will make a short 5 minute drive across the border by bus and enter China immigration office. The 22km journey then concludes at Taklakot, located 4025 meters above sea level.

In between is Purang custom office where another customs check must be completed. Adjusting to this altitude may prove challenging, so if you experience any discomfort or breathlessness please contact our tour guide for advice as it is a common occurrence here. To successfully acclimatize, remain in the hotel while eating well and consuming plenty of fluids such as water and healthy juices. Also, try not to expose yourself to strong winds.

In the evening, our Kailash Yatra guide and expert will hold a briefing session during which they will share their experiences and answer any questions related to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Meal: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Max. Elevation: 4025m
Distance: 25 mins by helicopter Nepal side + 22kms drive Purang
Accommodation: 4star equivalent hotel at Taklakot (or lodge, if stay at Hilsa)

Remark: The village of Hilsa lies on the Nepal-China border and is subject to extreme weather conditions. As a result, all group travellers must cross the border together under one visa in order to avoid any complications. Should any delays occur, it is advised to practice relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation rather than be exposed to the dusty air, scorching heat or strong winds for prolonged amounts of time. Although it isn’t planned for the group to stay at Hilsa for more than 24 hours, it is highly recommended that each traveller carries with them food supplies such as water bottles, light snacks, dried fruit and energy bars. Ultimately, cooperating with crew members is vital so they can offer you the most comfort whilst in this harsh environment.

Day 5: Free Day at Purang (Taklakot) for Acclimatization

During this day, Taklakot (Purang) will be free for acclimating. Do nothing except rest and stay at your hotel. You may also go outside to visit the nearby markets for a short walk. In case someone wants to buy sticks, gloves, caps/hats, shoes, empty water bottles, fruits, or anything else like this for the trip, Taklakot market has a few shops that offer such items. Organize your schedule accordingly if you intend to visit the market as the shops close by the time it gets dark.

Meal: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Max. Elevation: 4025m
Distance: 0km
Accommodation: 4star equivalent hotel

Day 6: Purang To Lake Manasarovar

Today is a significant occasion, as we journey to Lake Manasarovar. After having breakfast, we will board the bus for the hour and a half drive through stunning mountains and topography that will take us to Rakshas Taal, also known as the ‘Lake of Demons’ or ‘Ravan Taal’. Here we can admire Mount Kailash standing proud among its neighbouring peaks.

We shall then continue toward Lake Mansarovar and soon arrive at Chui Gompa, our lodging for the night near the lake. The ladies may use the shower tent set up on its shore. You are free to explore the majestic Mansarovar Lake, take holy baths, and perform rituals and prayers according to your customs – there’s also an ideal spot nearby for puja or havan.

Meal: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Max. Elevation: 4590m
Distance: 70kms to Chiu Gompa + 90kms parikrama of Mansarovar by local bus
Accommodation: Basic guesthouse with multi sharing room

Remark: The water of Mansarovar Lake is solely used for multiple purposes, including bathing, washing clothes, and cooking. While it is safe to drink the boiled hot water available at the lake, if you are not comfortable with it you should use water purifier tablets instead.

Day 7: 1st Day Parikrama/Kora, 12Kms Trekking to Dirapuk

This morning, we’ll rise early and hit the road to Darchen, a 35km trip from Chiu Gompa and the main administrative hub of Kailash. There is basic infrastructure and facilities here, making it an ideal base camp for a Mt. Kailash circumambulation (parikrama). Don’t forget to fill up your bottle with hot water and pack any snacks that were made available by our crew in the morning.

All pilgrims will have the chance to pass through Yama Dwar before beginning their trek. If you’d like, you can continue on foot or hire a horse/pony. Along the 12km route there are gorgeous rivers and grassland areas, culminating in sight of a grand black mountain—the North Face of Mount Kailash! Make sure to snap some photos and capture this beautiful view with your camera and your eyes before checking into Dirapuk guesthouse for dinner and lodging for tonight. As the weather will be very cold with low oxygen levels, make sure to rest as much as possible in order to be well-prepared for tomorrow’s trek.

Meal: Veg. Breakfast, Packed Lunch/snacks, Light Dinner
Max. Elevation: 5210m
Distance: 35kms drive to Yama Dwar + 12kms trekking
Accommodation: Guesthouse on sharing basis

Remark: If those who wish to not go on the trekking expedition still want to experience Mt. Kailash, they can stay in Darchen and take care of their accommodation, food and other extra expenses themselves. However, if health allows it, Yam Dwar is a great place to pay homage to the mountain as it offers a clear view of it. Charan Sparsh (5475m) is 3km away from Dirapuk and can be accessed with help from your tour guide assuming weather conditions permit. It is a demanding trek that takes two hours each way; however, many consider it worth it to touch the feet of Mt. Kailash, who is thought to be Lord Shiva Himself.

Day 8: 2nd Day Parikrama, 22Kms Trek To Zuthulpukh via Gauri Kund

Start your day early before the sun rises and witness the beauty of ‘Golden Kailash’ as the first rays of dawn grace its peak. Now, it is time to move ahead and begin our 22km long trek to Zuthulpuk. This is the most challenging leg of the whole Yatra, as you have to go past Dolma La pass (5636m). You will come across Shia Tsal en route; a place where pilgrims can donate some blood, cut off a lock of hair or leave something behind to symbolise freeing themselves from their life’s struggles and hoping for better in their afterlives, according to Tibetan Buddhism.

Climb up towards Dolma-La pass (5630m) swiftly before strong winds start and then start descending towards Gauri Kund. Once you reach there, take a break near a tea stall for packed lunch. The way down is full of rocks and pebbles necessitating careful navigation and remaining with the group for help when required. Afterwards, relatively flat terrain brings us to Zuthulphuk Gompa (4790m). Take dinner and get some rest either at a nearby lodge or fixed tent with bedding provided.

Meal: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Max. Elevation: 5630m
Distance: 22kms trekking
Accommodation: Basic Guesthouse on sharing basis

Remark: This trek (ascent and descent) near Dolma La pass is steep and rocky for about 3-4 kilometers. Also, it is not recommended to descend to Gauri Kund as it may be dangerous. Don’t forget to fill up your flask with hot water prepared in the morning by our kitchen team while starting the trek to Zuthulpuk.

Day 9: 3rd Day Trekking: Drive to Darchen and to Purang

Breakfast will be served near the guesthouse/camp, the perfect opportunity to begin exploring the nearby caves, temples and shrine. Here you will encounter a married elderly couple who tend to the temple. You’ll find half a dozen Tibetan devotees, helpers and relatives busying themselves with keeping up the property. Don’t forget to climb up to these caves which mark the end of your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra! The trek from Zuthulpuk is about 6kms and takes you to Chongdo where our vehicles are awaiting pick-up. 6km further on from there you reach Darchen hotel – this is where other group members (who didn’t take part in the trek or have just come back from Dirapuk) are waiting for you. Finally, head for Taklakot for an overnight.

Meal: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Max. Elevation: 4575m
Distance: 110kms 2hours’ drive
Accommodation: 4star equivalent hotel

Day 10: Purang To Nepalgunj via Simikot, Connect with Kathmandu Flight

After enjoying an early breakfast, begin the 45km drive to the Nepal border. Afterward, you’ll walk across the border and fulfill any necessary immigration formalities. You will then take a 25 minute helicopter flight to Simikot and connect with a flight to Nepalgunj. When you arrive in Nepalgunj, there will be another connecting flight to Kathmandu.

Please note that weather conditions or other factors may cause delays or rescheduling of flights on this sector, and travelers may be required to stay at Hilsa for additional nights. Backcountry accommodation, natural water, limited food and living facilities will be available however it is best for travelers to stay together as a group should any difficulties arise during the trip. Any additional costs incurred from medical treatment or emergency evacuations are to be paid by the traveler directly. First aid facilities are provided but any other additional medical expenses will not be refunded or adjusted against tour packages.

Meal: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Max. Elevation: Hilsa 3640m, Simikot 2910m, Nepalgunj 150m, Kathmandu 1400m
Distance: 1.5hour drive + 25min helicopter + 45min flights + 1hr flight
Accommodation: Basic guesthouse

11/12

Day 11/12: Giving Yatra Certificate and Fly to Home

Day 11 is a rest day in Kathmandu. In the evening, we will have a farewell party, giving out certificate and cultural entertainment with dinner.

Day 12, as soon as possible, you will be transferred to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International airport for your flight home or to your next destination. Kailash Yatra by Helicopter Ends here.