MOUNT KAILASH & MANSAROVAR YATRA BY HELICOPTER

12 Days

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter offers the most efficient and comfortable route to Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, blending convenience with spiritual significance. Designed for pilgrims looking to minimize travel time without sacrificing the spiritual depth of the journey, this route includes flights and a scenic helicopter ride, giving you quick and direct access to the holiest sites in the region.

The pilgrimage begins in Kathmandu with visits to Pashupatinath Temple and Budhanilkantha Temple (Sleeping Vishnu), where pilgrims receive blessings before their journey. A short domestic flight then takes you from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, located in the Terai region of Nepal. After an overnight stay, pilgrims continue with a morning flight to Simikot, the gateway to the highlands. From Simikot, a thrilling helicopter ride transports you over breathtaking mountainous terrain directly to Hilsa, near the Tibet-Nepal border.

From Hilsa, travelers cross into Tibet and proceed to Lake Manasarovar, where you can perform rituals, take a purifying dip in the lake’s holy waters, and enjoy the serene surroundings. Pilgrims then journey to Mount Kailash for the kora (circumambulation), an act of deep devotion that is believed to bring spiritual merit and cleansing. The kora around Mt. Kailash allows pilgrims to experience the majestic presence of this sacred mountain up close.

After completing the kora, the return journey follows the same route: a transfer from Lake Manasarovar to Hilsa, followed by the helicopter ride back to Simikot, a flight to Nepalgunj, and finally a return flight to Kathmandu. This efficient 8-day itinerary offers an unforgettable and seamless spiritual journey, allowing pilgrims to complete their yatra with greater ease, comfort, and reverence for this sacred Himalayan pilgrimage.

Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival in Nepal, our representative and driver will greet you at the airport and assist with your hotel transfer and facilitate a smooth check-in. After settling in, attend a short orientation meeting at the hotel to receive a detailed briefing about your upcoming journey and daily program.

Meals: Dinner. Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 2 Kathmandu Sightseeing / Flight to Nepalgunj
After breakfast, embark on a half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s sacred and cultural landmarks:
• Pashupatinath Temple: The holiest Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Gujeshwori Temple: A powerful Shakti Peeth revered by Hindu devotees.
• Buddhanilkantha: A remarkable stone image of Lord Vishnu reclining on cosmic waters.

Return to hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to the domestic airport for your one – hour flight to Nepalgunj. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and rest for the evening.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. Overnight: Hotel in Nepalgunj.
Day 3 Flight to Simikot and Acclimatization
Early morning, take a scenic 55-minute flight to Simikot (2,910 m), – the gateway to Kailash. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for rest and acclimatization. Later, your team leader will assist with obtaining the Humla Restricted Area Permit and conduct a short acclimatization walk if weather permits.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. Overnight: Hotel in Simikot.
Day 4 Helicopter Flight to Hilsa and Border Crossing / Drive to Purang (Taklakot)
After breakfast, take a 45-minute helicopter flight to Hilsa (3,640 m), a border village near Tibet. After arrival, enjoy lunch and complete Nepal exit formalities before crossing the border to the Chinese side. Meet the Tibetan guide and continue a 60 km (approx. 1 hour) drive to Taklakot (Purang, 3,775 m).

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. Overnight: Hotel in Taklakot.
Day 5 Drive to Mansarovar Lake and Parikrama
After breakfast, drive 120 km (aproxe.1.5 hour) to the sacred Lake Mansarovar (4,500 m). On arrival, perform the Parikrama (circumambulation) of the holy lake by vehicle, visiting points of spiritual significance along the route, Experience the divine atmosphere surrounded by snow – capped mountains.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. Overnight: Guesthouse in Lake.
Day 6 Drive to Darchen and Spiritual Retreat
Spend a peaceful morning by the lake, with the option to visit Chiu Monastery, perched above Mansarovar. Later, drive 30 km (approx. 1 hour) to Darchen (4,670 m), the base camp for the Kailash Kora trek. The afternoon is free for spiritual reflection and trek preparation.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. Overnight: Hotel in Darchen.
Day 7 Drive to Tarboche – Trek to Dira-Puk (Frist Day of Kailash Parikarma)
After breakfast, drive 6 km to Tarboche (Yama Dwaar), the starting point of the Kailash Parikarma. Begin your trek through the stunning Lha Chu Valley to Dira Phuk Monastery (4,800 m), offering the first close-up views of Mount Kailash’s north face.
Trekking distance: approx.. 12 km (5-6 hours)

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. Overnight: Guesthouse in Dira – Puk.
Day 8 Trek to Zutul – Puk via Dolma La Pass (Second Day of Parikarma)
This is the most challenging day of the trek. Ascend gradually to the Dolma La Pass (5550 m) – the highest point of the Yatra – then descend towards Gaurikund Lake, a sacred site associated with Goddess Parvati. Continue the trek to Zutul Puk Monastery (4,790 m).
Trekking distance: approx. 22 km (8-9 hours)

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. Overnight: Guesthouse in Zutul – Puk.
Day 9 Complete the Kora – Drive back to Purang or Hilsa
Complete the final 8 km trek to Chongdo, where vehicles will be waiting. Drive back to Darchen and onward to Purang (Taklakot) or, depending on condition, continue directly towards Hilsa. Reflect on your profound spiritual experience.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. Overnight: Hotel in Taklakot or Hilsa.
Day 10 Return Journey – Hilsa to Simikot – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu
Take an early morning helicopter flight from Hilsa to Simikot, then board a connecting flight to Nepalgunj. Continue onward by flight to Kathmandu, Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for rest.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 11 Free Day in Kathmandu – Certificate & Farewell Dinner
Breakfast at hotel, Morning – Afternoon – Free for personal activities, shopping, or rest. Evening – Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Completion Certificate Distribution Ceremony with Farewell Dinner Program with cultural performances.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 12 International Departure
Enjoy a leisure morning or last – minute shopping in Kathmandu. Later, our representative will transfer you to the airport for your international departure. Cherish the memories and sense of fulfillment from your spiritual journey.

Meals: Breakfast.

Inclusions

Round-trip airfare between Kathmandu and Nepalgunj.
Domestic flight between Nepalgunj and Simikot.
Helicopter charter flight between Simikot and Hilsa (maximum 5 persons per helicopter).
4–5★ hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a double/twin sharing basis.
4–5★ hotel accommodation in Nepalgunj on a double/twin sharing basis.
Hotel accommodation in Simikot on a room-sharing basis.
Best available hotels or guest houses in Tibet, Mansarovar, and during Kailash Parikarma on a room-sharing basis.
Airport transfers in Kathmandu for arrival and departure.
Sightseeing in Kathmandu including Pashupatinath, Gujeshowre, and Buddhanilkanth.
Ground transportation in Tibet by tourist coach according to group size and truck for luggage.
Group Tibet Travel Permit and visa fees (urgent visa fees extra).
Additional USD 90 applicable for American and Canadian passport holders.
Three vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) daily during the tour.
Hot lunch provided during drives.
Packed lunch provided during the Kailash Parikarma trek.
English-speaking Tibetan/Chinese guide.
English and Hindi-speaking Nepalese guide.
Required Nepalese Sherpa staff.
Restricted Area Permit for Simikot and Village Development Committee fees.
Staff Tibet Travel Permit and visa fees.
Medical insurance for the Nepalese support team.
Kathmandu monument entrance fees.
All entrance and conservation fees in Tibet except monastery visits.
Yaks and yak handlers for carrying kitchen and camping equipment during Parikarma.
All required camping and cooking equipment.
First aid kit, oximeter, and emergency oxygen.
Company souvenir set including duffel bag, backpack, passport holder, jacket, and cap.
Service charges and government taxes.
Emergency evacuation arrangement.

Exclusions

International airfare to and from Nepal.
Nepal visa fee.
Any additional costs due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural calamities, flight delays or cancellations, road blockages, political unrest, or other force majeure events.
Personal trekking gear including walking sticks, reusable water bottles, and similar items.
Personal expenses such as photography charges, telephone calls, hot showers, laundry, drinks, and shopping.
Travel insurance, emergency evacuation, medical, and hospital expenses.
Riding horse or personal porter for Kailash Parikarma (payable directly to the service provider).
Tips for the Team Leader, Guide, Sherpa staff, Driver, and supporting staff.
Avoid bringing books, magazines, or pictures related to Tibet, Buddhism, or Lamas, as these items are restricted by Chinese Customs.
Fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, and liquids such as ghee or oil are not permitted through Chinese Customs at the border.
Do not take photographs or videos at Chinese Customs, Army, or Police stations.
Follow the instructions provided by your guide regarding queue positions at customs and immigration checkpoints.
Maintain a cooperative attitude with Nepali and Tibetan staff and officials throughout the journey.