The challenging Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage is now more accessible and time-efficient with the Helicopter Kailash Yatra from Kathmandu. Perfect for those with limited time, this journey offers a quicker way to experience the spiritual significance of the region. The trip starts with a scheduled flight from Kathmandu to Simikot, followed by a chartered helicopter ride to the Nepal-Tibet border. From there, Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash are just a short distance away. If you’re interested, explore the Kailash Yatra for more details.
Ngari region is home to traditional Tibetan music and many important scholars of Tibetan Buddhism such as Guru Padmasabhawa, Gampopa, Milarepa, and Naru Panchung. You will visit ancient monasteries and meditation caves dating back more than one thousand years. Check our tours in Tibet. Check our office location on map. Advice on Trekking in Tibet
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, where a representative from Adventures In Tibet will greet you and assist with the transfer to your 4-star hotel. Enjoy a relaxing evening with a delicious dinner. This is your first night at an elevation of 1400m, just a 10 km drive from the airport.
Note: Non-Indian travelers should ensure their arrival aligns with the visa processing for China. Visas can be obtained at the airport for around US$35, but the process takes 2-3 working days.
Accommodation: 4-star equivalent hotel (twin/triple sharing)
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Kathmandu, visiting the Pashupatinath Temple, Jal Narayan Temple, and Guheshwari Temple. Following the tour, you’ll be transferred to Kathmandu Domestic Airport for a one-hour flight to Nepalgunj. Upon arrival, a bus will take you to your pre-booked hotel, where fellow travelers from Lucknow will join the group.
Meals: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Max. Elevation: 150m
Distance: 522 km (1-hour flight)
Accommodation: 4-star equivalent hotel (twin/triple sharing)
The journey to Simikot from Nepalgunj is weather-dependent, and delays may occur. Early morning, we’ll take the first flight to Simikot. After a scenic 45-minute flight, your representative will meet you at Simikot Airport and transfer you to a guesthouse for check-in and acclimatization.
Meals: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Max. Elevation: 2910m
Distance: 295 km (45-minute flight)
Accommodation: Guesthouse (or 4-star equivalent in Taklakot/Purang)
Remark: Due to weather unpredictability, a one-night stay in Simikot has been added as a buffer. If the weather permits, a helicopter transfer to Hilsa or Taklakot may be arranged today.
After an early breakfast, we’ll board a helicopter to Hilsa. Upon arrival, we’ll cross a swinging bridge and complete the necessary immigration formalities. Afterward, a short 5-minute bus ride will take us to China’s immigration office, followed by a 22 km drive to Taklakot at an altitude of 4025m.
It is crucial to acclimatize, so take it easy and stay hydrated. In the evening, a Kailash Yatra briefing will be held by our expert guide to answer questions and share experiences.
Meals: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Max. Elevation: 4025m
Distance: 25-min helicopter ride to Hilsa + 22 km drive to Taklakot
Accommodation: 4-star equivalent hotel in Taklakot (or lodge in Hilsa)
Remark: Hilsa is prone to extreme weather. All travelers must cross the border together under one visa to avoid complications. We recommend carrying light snacks, dried fruits, and energy bars for the journey.
Spend the day resting and acclimatizing to the high altitude of Taklakot (Purang). Take a leisurely stroll through local markets, where you can purchase essentials such as snacks, water bottles, and clothing for the journey.
Meals: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Max. Elevation: 4025m
Distance: 0 km
Accommodation: 4-star equivalent hotel
Today, we journey to the sacred Lake Mansarovar, starting with a scenic 1.5-hour drive through stunning landscapes to Rakshas Taal (Lake of Demons), where we will admire the towering Mount Kailash. We’ll then continue to Chui Gompa, our lodging near the lake, where you can bathe in holy waters, perform rituals, and enjoy spiritual reflection.
Meals: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Max. Elevation: 4590m
Distance: 70 km to Chui Gompa + 90 km Mansarovar parikrama by local bus
Accommodation: Basic guesthouse with multi-sharing rooms
Remark: Mansarovar Lake is used for various purposes like bathing and cooking. Though the water is safe for boiling, we recommend using water purifier tablets if you prefer.
After an early breakfast, we’ll drive to Darchen, the base for the Kailash circumambulation (parikrama). From here, we’ll trek 12 km toward Dirapuk, passing through Yama Dwar before reaching the North Face of Mount Kailash. You can opt to trek or hire a horse for the journey.
Meals: Veg. Breakfast, Packed Lunch/Snacks, Light Dinner
Max. Elevation: 5210m
Distance: 35 km drive to Yama Dwar + 12 km trekking
Accommodation: Guesthouse on sharing basis
Remark: If you’re unable to complete the trek, you can stay in Darchen and experience the view of Mount Kailash. The trek to Charan Sparsh is a 3 km extension from Dirapuk, which is considered a sacred spot for many pilgrims.
This is the most challenging day of the Yatra. We begin with a pre-dawn trek towards Dolma La Pass (5630m), the highest point of the circumambulation. Descend toward Gauri Kund for a rest and lunch before continuing the trek to Zuthulpuk Gompa, where we’ll spend the night.
Meals: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Max. Elevation: 5630m
Distance: 22 km trekking
Accommodation: Basic guesthouse on sharing basis
Remark: The ascent and descent near Dolma La can be steep and rocky. Ensure you stay hydrated, and take care during the descent to avoid injury.
After breakfast, explore the nearby caves and temples in Zuthulpuk before trekking 6 km to Chongdo. From here, vehicles will take us back to Darchen, where we’ll meet the rest of the group. We’ll then drive back to Taklakot for an overnight stay.
Meals: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Max. Elevation: 4575m
Distance: 110 km (2 hours’ drive)
Accommodation: 4-star equivalent hotel
After breakfast, we’ll drive to the Nepal border, where we’ll complete immigration procedures. Then, we’ll take a 25-minute helicopter flight to Simikot, followed by a flight to Nepalgunj, and then connect to Kathmandu.
Meals: Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Max. Elevation: Hilsa 3640m, Simikot 2910m, Nepalgunj 150m, Kathmandu 1400m
Distance: 1.5-hour drive + 25-minute helicopter + 45-minute flights + 1-hour flight
Accommodation: Basic guesthouse
Day 11 is a day to rest and relax in Kathmandu. In the evening, we’ll host a farewell dinner with a cultural performance and present your Yatra certificate. On Day 12, you’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home or onward journey.
During the Kailash Yatra, you will cross from Nepal to Tibet via a helicopter ride from Simikot to Hilsa. After landing in Hilsa, you will complete the immigration process at both the Nepal and China borders. From there, a short bus ride will take you to Taklakot (Purang), your first stop in Tibet.
The highest point on the Yatra is Dolma La Pass, which reaches 5630m. To help with acclimatization, we’ve built in extra rest days in Taklakot and Simikot, along with gradual elevation gains. It’s essential to drink plenty of water, eat well, and avoid overexerting yourself to minimize altitude sickness.
Accommodation ranges from basic guesthouses to 4-star equivalent hotels. In remote areas like Lake Mansarovar, you’ll stay in multi-sharing guesthouses or camps. While accommodations are simple and functional, they provide everything needed for your comfort and safety during the Yatra.
Yes, the Kailash Yatra is physically challenging, especially due to the altitude and the 3-day trek around Mount Kailash. The terrain is rugged, and some days involve long distances and steep ascents, particularly near Dolma La Pass. It’s recommended to prepare by doing physical conditioning before the trip, including cardiovascular and endurance exercises.
It’s essential to pack for cold, high-altitude conditions. Key items include warm clothing (layers), sturdy trekking shoes, sunscreen, a water bottle, snacks, energy bars, a first-aid kit, and a small backpack for trekking. You may also want to bring your own personal items like a sleeping bag, and it's highly recommended to carry water purification tablets or a purifier if you're concerned about the local water quality.
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Adventures In Tibet is a highly trusted and reliable travel agency, renowned for offering the best-organized tours across the Tibetan plateau. With expert planning, personalized services, and a commitment to exceptional experiences, we ensure every traveler enjoys a seamless and unforgettable journey to the Roof of the World.
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