Kailash Yatra By Helicopter

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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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.

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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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