Overview
Itinerary
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Trip Info & FAQsMr. Gyaljen Sherpa
Mr. Gyaljen Sherpa was born and raised in the Everest region, and his Sherpa heritage gives him deep, lifelong knowledge of the mountains, local commu...
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The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter via Simikot is a spiritually enriching journey that combines breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, sacred sites, adventure, and deep personal reflection. This 11-day pilgrimage takes you from Kathmandu through the remote Himalayan region of western Nepal and into Tibet, where you will experience the spiritual significance of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
The journey begins in Kathmandu, with preparations and prayers before heading toward Nepalgunj and Simikot. From Simikot, the adventure continues by helicopter to Hilsa, a small border point near Tibet. After completing the necessary border formalities, you enter Tibet and travel toward Purang (Taklakot).
As the journey progresses, you gradually move into the high-altitude Tibetan landscape, surrounded by vast plateaus, snow-covered mountains, and dramatic scenery. One of the most anticipated moments is reaching Lake Mansarovar, considered one of the holiest lakes in the Himalayas. Here, pilgrims can spend time in prayer, meditation, Puja, and simply absorbing the peaceful atmosphere of this sacred place.
From Mansarovar, the journey continues to Darchen, the starting point of the sacred Kailash Parikrama (Kora). The three-day Kora is the spiritual heart of the pilgrimage. Walking in the presence of Mount Kailash offers a deeply personal experience, with each step becoming part of the pilgrimage.
The most challenging section is the crossing of Dolma La Pass, located at an altitude of around 5,600 metres. The combination of steep terrain, cold weather and thin air makes this section physically demanding, but reaching the pass and continuing the journey is also one of the most rewarding moments of the entire Yatra.
After completing the Parikrama, you return toward Purang and retrace the route through Hilsa and Simikot, eventually flying back to Kathmandu.Although the helicopter route makes the journey shorter and reduces the amount of difficult road travel, this remains a high-altitude pilgrimage, requiring good preparation, patience and a positive mindset. Weather and local conditions can also affect helicopter flights and the itinerary.
Overall, the 11-day Kailash Yatra via Simikot is much more than a sightseeing trip. It is a journey of faith, endurance and self-discovery—taking you through some of the most remote and spectacular landscapes of the Himalayas while allowing you to experience the sacred beauty of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
Although the helicopter route makes the journey shorter and reduces the amount of difficult road travel, this remains a high-altitude pilgrimage, requiring good preparation, patience and a positive mindset. Weather and local conditions can also affect helicopter flights and the itinerary.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by the representative of the Kailash Yatra team and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you can take some time to rest and recover from your international journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may have an introductory briefing about the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in the evening. During the briefing, your guide will explain the complete journey, border procedures, Tibet travel arrangements, accommodation, meals, helicopter flights, trekking arrangements, and important safety precautions. You will also be advised about altitude acclimatization and the things you need to carry during the three-day Kailash Parikrama. The evening is generally kept relaxed so that you can get enough rest before the journey begins.
After breakfast, you will begin your Kathmandu sightseeing and spiritual preparation for the Kailash pilgrimage. Depending on the flight schedule, you may visit important religious sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Since Mount Kailash is traditionally regarded as the abode of Lord Shiva, many pilgrims consider visiting Pashupatinath before beginning the Yatra especially meaningful. After sightseeing and lunch, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Nepalgunj, a city in southwestern Nepal close to the Indian border and an important gateway for the Humla–Simikot route. The flight usually takes around one hour. After arriving in Nepalgunj, you will check into your hotel, have dinner, and attend a final briefing regarding the next morning's flight to Simikot and helicopter transfer to Hilsa.
You will start very early in the morning with a flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot, the administrative headquarters of Humla district in northwestern Nepal. The flight offers beautiful views of the Himalayan mountains and remote valleys. Simikot is situated at approximately 2,900–3,000 meters, so you will already begin to feel the increase in altitude. After completing the necessary arrangements at Simikot, you will board a helicopter for the scenic flight to Hilsa, a small settlement near the Nepal–Tibet border. The helicopter flight generally takes around 25–30 minutes, although actual timings depend on weather and operational conditions.
At Hilsa, you will complete the Nepal-side and Tibet-side border formalities with the assistance of your guides. After entering Tibet, you will continue by vehicle toward Taklakot, also known as Purang, situated at approximately 3,900 meters. The drive takes you through the spectacular Tibetan landscape, with barren mountains, valleys, rivers, and vast high-altitude terrain. Upon arrival in Purang, you will check into your accommodation, have dinner, and rest. Because you have gained considerable altitude in a short period, it is very important to walk slowly and drink plenty of water.
Today is an important acclimatization day in Purang. Rather than immediately continuing toward the even higher altitude of Lake Mansarovar and Darchen, you will spend the day allowing your body to adjust to the Tibetan altitude. After breakfast, you may take a very short and easy walk around the town or visit nearby local and religious sites if permitted by the itinerary. You should avoid strenuous physical activity because the purpose of the day is to allow your body to adapt. During the day, your guide may conduct another briefing about the upcoming Mansarovar visit and the three-day Kailash Parikrama. You can also use this time to organize your trekking bag, check your warm clothing, prepare your medicines and make sure you have everything required for the trek. At approximately 3,900 meters, some travelers may experience headache, tiredness, reduced appetite or difficulty sleeping. Any unusual or severe symptoms should immediately be reported to your guide.
After breakfast, you will begin the drive from Purang toward the sacred Lake Mansarovar. As you travel across the Tibetan plateau, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with vast open plains, rugged mountains, snow-covered peaks and an almost completely untouched landscape. Eventually, you will reach the area of Lake Mansarovar, situated at approximately 4,590 meters above sea level. For Hindu pilgrims, Lake Mansarovar is one of the holiest places in the world and is traditionally associated with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Depending on local regulations and the conditions of the day, you may have time for prayers, meditation, puja, or other permitted religious activities beside the lake. You may also have views of the nearby Rakshas Tal. After the Mansarovar visit, you will continue toward Darchen, the traditional starting point of the Kailash Parikrama. Darchen is situated at more than 4,500 meters, so you should conserve your energy and avoid unnecessary walking. In the evening, your guide will provide instructions for the next day's trek and you will prepare a small backpack with only the essentials required for the Parikrama.
Today marks the beginning of the most important part of the pilgrimage—the Kailash Parikrama, or Kora around Mount Kailash. After breakfast, you will travel by vehicle from Darchen to Yamadwar, traditionally regarded as the gateway to the Kailash Kora. At Yamadwar, pilgrims usually take a moment for prayers and spiritual preparation before starting the trek. From here, you will begin walking through the beautiful Kailash valley toward Diraphuk. The trail gradually gains altitude and follows the valley with spectacular views of Mount Kailash. As you progress, the northern face of Mount Kailash becomes increasingly impressive and dominates the landscape. The trek is approximately 12 kilometers and may take around five to seven hours depending on your walking pace, weather and altitude conditions. Although the trail itself does not require technical mountaineering skills, the altitude makes walking considerably more difficult than a normal trek. Upon reaching Diraphuk, situated at around 4,850–4,900 meters, you will settle into basic accommodation and rest. If weather conditions are clear, you may have magnificent views of the northern face of Mount Kailash.
Today is the most difficult and physically demanding day of the entire Kailash Yatra because you will cross Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the Parikrama at approximately 5,630 meters. You will start very early from Diraphuk after breakfast because the day involves a long trek, a steep ascent, crossing the high pass, and then a demanding descent. The trail initially climbs gradually but becomes increasingly steep as you approach Dolma La. At this extreme altitude, even a short distance can require considerable effort, so you must walk slowly and follow the instructions of your guide. When you reach Dolma La Pass, you will see numerous prayer flags and religious offerings placed by pilgrims. The pass is considered highly sacred and is traditionally associated with Goddess Tara, or Dolma. After spending only a short time at the pass, you will begin the steep descent toward the area of Gauri Kund and then continue through the valley toward Zuthulphuk. The descent can be challenging because of loose rocks and steep sections, so trekking poles can be extremely useful. Eventually, the trail becomes easier as you approach Zuthulphuk, where you will spend the night after completing the hardest section of the Parikrama. Overnight: Zuthulphuk.
After breakfast at Zuthulphuk, you will begin the final section of the Kailash Parikrama. Compared with the previous day, today's walking is considerably shorter and easier because you are gradually descending from the higher areas of the route. You will walk through the valley until you reach the point where your vehicle will meet you. Once you reach the designated pickup point, you will have officially completed the three-day Kailash Kora. This is an important and emotional moment for many pilgrims because completing the Parikrama is considered the central spiritual experience of the journey. After meeting your vehicle, you will drive back toward Darchen, where you can collect your remaining luggage, refresh yourself and have some food. You will then continue by road toward Taklakot/Purang. After several days at altitudes above 4,500 meters, returning to Purang at approximately 3,900 meters may feel more comfortable. You will check into your accommodation, have dinner and rest after completing the Parikrama.
Today you begin your return journey from Tibet to Nepal. After breakfast, you will drive from Taklakot/Purang toward Hilsa, following the same spectacular Tibetan mountain route that you traveled earlier in the journey. At the border, you will complete the necessary Tibet-side exit and Nepal-side entry formalities with the assistance of your guide and staff. After crossing back into Nepal, you will reach Hilsa and board the helicopter for the flight to Simikot. The helicopter journey provides another opportunity to enjoy the dramatic Himalayan landscape of the Humla region.
Once you arrive in Simikot, you will connect with the domestic flight to Nepalgunj. After arriving in Nepalgunj, you will transfer to your hotel and have the opportunity to take a proper rest after several demanding days at high altitude. The lower altitude of Nepalgunj will generally feel much more comfortable compared with Tibet. Overnight: Nepalgunj.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Nepalgunj Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. The flight normally takes around one hour, subject to the airline schedule and weather conditions. On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel and given time to relax after completing the Kailash Parikrama and returning from the high-altitude Tibetan plateau. Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day can be used for shopping, visiting nearby temples, relaxing at the hotel or simply recovering from the trek. This is also a good opportunity to organize your belongings and souvenirs before your international departure the following day. In the evening, you can enjoy a final dinner in Kathmandu and reflect on the completion of your Kailash Manasarovar pilgrimage. Overnight: Kathmandu.
After breakfast, you will have some free time depending on the departure schedule of your international flight. Your representative will arrange your transfer from the hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight time. You will complete the airport check-in and departure formalities and begin your journey home. With this, your 11-day Kailash Manasarovar Yatra by helicopter via Simikot, including the sacred Lake Mansarovar visit and the three-day Kailash Parikrama, comes to an end. You depart Nepal carrying the memories of Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar, Dolma La Pass, the Tibetan plateau and the spiritual experience of completing one of the world's most significant pilgrimage journeys.
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Kailash Yatra by Helicopter via Simikot is an 11-day pilgrimage journey from Kathmandu to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar via Nepalgunj, Simikot, and Hilsa. The helicopter sector between Simikot and Hilsa reduces the amount of difficult overland travel and provides access to the Tibet border.
The standard itinerary takes around 11 days / 10 nights, including travel from Kathmandu, acclimatization, the Mount Kailash Parikrama, and return to Kathmandu.
The highest point during the Kailash Parikrama is Dolma La Pass, at approximately 5,630 m. Because of the high altitude, proper acclimatization and physical preparation are essential.
The helicopter route can be more convenient than a longer overland route, but it is still a high-altitude pilgrimage involving several days above 4,000 m and trekking during the Parikrama. Senior citizens should consult a doctor and assess their fitness before joining.
Travelers generally need the necessary Tibet Travel Permit, Chinese Group Visa, and other applicable border or restricted-area permits. These are normally arranged by the authorized tour operator as part of the organized pilgrimage.
No. For an organized Kailash Yatra, the required Tibet permits and group travel documentation are generally processed by the tour operator before entering Tibet.
Yes, travelers entering Tibet through the Nepal–China border generally travel under the required Chinese Group Visa arrangements. The exact documentation requirements depend on nationality and current regulations.
A valid passport, applicable Nepal visa, Tibet/China travel documentation, required permits, travel insurance, medical documents where applicable, and passport-sized photographs may be required.
Travel insurance with high-altitude trekking, emergency medical treatment, and evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Travelers should carefully check whether their policy covers activities at altitudes above 5,000 m.
Yes. Organized Kailash Yatra groups are generally accompanied by experienced tour leaders/guides and local Tibetan support staff.
Porter services may be available at an additional cost depending on the operator and current local regulations. Travelers should confirm porter arrangements before departure.
Accommodation ranges from hotels in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj to basic guesthouses and lodges in Simikot and Tibet. Facilities become more basic as you travel into remote and high-altitude areas.
No. Private attached bathrooms are not guaranteed throughout the trip. Accommodation around Simikot, Mansarovar, and the Parikrama route can have shared or basic bathroom facilities.
Single rooms may be available in Kathmandu and some other locations for an additional charge, subject to availability. During the Parikrama and remote sections, shared accommodation is generally expected.
Most organized Kailash Yatra packages provide vegetarian meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Food becomes simpler during the high-altitude Parikrama.
Hot meals are generally arranged by the support team, although food variety and availability can be limited in remote areas and during adverse weather conditions.
Mineral or boiled water is generally arranged during organized tours. Travelers should also carry a reusable water bottle and maintain regular hydration, particularly at high altitude.
Weather around Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar can be cold, dry, and unpredictable. Temperatures can drop significantly at night, while strong winds and sudden weather changes are possible.
Yes. Flights between Nepalgunj, Simikot, and Hilsa are highly dependent on weather and visibility. Delays or cancellations can occur because of poor weather, so travelers should keep some flexibility in their schedule.
If flights are delayed due to weather, travelers may need to wait at Simikot or another location until flying conditions improve. The itinerary may therefore change depending on weather and local flight operations.
Yes. Although the helicopter route reduces some travel time, the journey remains physically demanding because of high altitude and the three-day Kailash Parikrama, including the climb over Dolma La Pass.
Regular cardiovascular exercise, walking, hiking, and strength training before the trip can help. During the Yatra, ascend gradually where possible, stay hydrated, eat properly, rest adequately, and immediately report symptoms of altitude sickness to your guide.
Headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, and difficulty sleeping can occur at high altitude. Severe symptoms should never be ignored, and the affected traveler should descend or receive medical assistance as advised.
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