Mount Kailash Mansarovar Tour By Helicopter- 12 Days

Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Welcome to Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative from your tour agency. After checking in to your hotel, you can take some time to rest and acclimate to the altitude.

If you arrive early, you might explore the nearby Thamel area, known for its shops and restaurants. Enjoy a welcome dinner in the evening, where you’ll meet your team and discuss the exciting Kailash Mansarovar Yatra By Helicopter ahead.

Day 02 Kathmandu Sightseeing (1,400 m)

After breakfast, take a guided tour of some of Kathmandu’s famous UNESCO World Heritage sites. You will visit Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), a stupa atop a hill with stunning city views. Next, head to Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you can admire ancient palaces, courtyards, and temples.

After lunch, visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Finally, end your day at Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in Nepal, where you can witness the vibrant local culture.

Day 03 Fly to Nepalgunj (150 m)

After breakfast, you will take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. This flight offers scenic views of the Himalayas, with the chance to spot the majestic peaks. Upon arrival in Nepalgunj, check in to your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.

You can explore the local markets, sample traditional cuisine, and prepare for the next leg of your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra By Helicopter. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

Day 04 Fly Nepalgunj to Simikot (2,910 m)

This morning, you will take a thrilling flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot, the starting point for your trek to Mount Kailash. The flight takes you over stunning landscapes, with views of mountains and valleys. Upon arrival in Simikot, check in to your lodge. Spend the rest of the day acclimatizing to the higher altitude. If time allows, explore the local village, where you can interact with the friendly locals and learn about their culture.

Day 05 Fly from Simikot - Hilsa by Heli (3,600 m) - Taklakot (4,600 m)

Breakfast will be served at 6:00 a.m., followed by a helicopter flight to Hilsa. The journey takes about 25 minutes, passing through the deep Karnali River gorge and narrow, remote valleys. Due to the unpredictable weather, which often turns windy and cloudy in the late morning, flights are scheduled for early in the day to ensure smooth travel.

The flight will be operated using a Eurocopter (B3), which can carry five passengers and up to 10 kg of luggage. Since space is limited, it is advised not to carry unnecessary items. To expedite the process, two helicopters will transfer all group members to Hilsa as quickly as possible.

Once everyone has arrived, the group will cross the Nepal-China border and drive to Taklakot (Purang), a journey of approximately 45 minutes covering 27 kilometres. It is important to note that all members must enter and exit China together, per visa regulations, meaning no one can cross the border until the entire group is at Hilsa. Meals will be provided throughout the day, and accommodation for the night will be arranged at a guest house in Taklakot, China.

Day 06 Taklakot to Lake Mansarovar (4,560 m) - 90 km / 1.5 hrs drive

After breakfast, set out for Lake Mansarovar, one of the most sacred lakes in Hinduism and Buddhism. The drive takes about 1.5 hours, during which you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the Tibetan plateau.

Upon reaching Lake Mansarovar, you will have time for spiritual rituals and reflection in the serene waters. The lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, is perfect for meditation and prayer. Afterwards, check in to a nearby guesthouse for the night.

Day 07 Drive from Mansarovar to Yamadwara - Trek to Deraphuk (4,800 m)

Today marks the most significant day of our journey as we begin the sacred circumambulation around Mount Kailash. After breakfast at 7:00 am, we will depart from Lake Manasarovar and head towards Yama Dwara, also known as Tarboche in Tibetan. The drive takes about one and a half hours.

Along the way, we will stop briefly at Darchen to complete some necessary formalities with the local police and army officials, including group entry into the region. From Darchen, it's another 30-minute drive to Yama Dwara, where our yaks, porters, and horses will be waiting.

For those trekking around Kailash on foot, the journey to Deraphuk begins immediately from Yama Dwara. Using horses and porters, the rest of the group will commence their journey afterwards. The walk to Deraphuk takes approximately 5-6 hours, depending on your pace. The terrain is relatively flat with a mild ascent, but the high altitude can make it exhausting, so frequent breaks will be necessary.

Tonight, we will stay at Shisapanga Guesthouse, located at an elevation of 4,920 meters (16,138 feet). The temperature during the day is expected to range between -12°C to 18°C, while at night it could drop to -5°C to -8°C. The weather in the region is generally windy, with chances of it being partly cloudy or rainy.

The drive from Lake Manasarovar to Yama Dwara covers 45 km, and the trek from Yama Dwara to Deraphuk spans 10 km. For added comfort, mudhouses are available along the circumambulation route, where we can rest for the night.

Day 08 Deraphuk to Zutulphuk (4,750 m)

Today, we will cover a challenging portion of the trail around Mount Kailash as we make our way to Zutulpahuk. The journey begins early in the morning from Deraphuk, with the trail initially rising steeply. Although there are sections where the ascent becomes more gradual and flat, the path continues to climb steadily until reaching Dolma-La, which sits at an elevation of 5,600 meters. Dolma-La is the highest point of the trek, offering stunning views, but the path afterward leads down to the valley floor.

The descent from Dolma-La is steep and tricky, as the trail is covered with boulders and scree, requiring careful attention. During this part of the journey, we will pass by Gaurikunda, a small glacial pool that is often frozen from May through September. Gaurikunda holds spiritual significance as it is linked to the legend of Mata Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.

Once we descend to the valley floor, the trail flattens out and becomes easier to navigate. The remainder of the trek to Zutulpahuk is relatively straightforward and comfortable. Tonight, we will stay at Norpel Guesthouse or a monastery guesthouse, with dormitory-style accommodations in mudhouses. The trek from Deraphuk to Zutulpahuk covers a distance of 21 kilometers and typically takes 8-9 hours.

The highest point we will cross is Dolma-La Pass at 5,600 meters, while Zutulpahuk is situated at an elevation of 4,820 meters. Daytime temperatures are expected to range from 14°C to 22°C, while at night, the temperature may drop to -3°C to -5°C. The weather will likely be windy throughout the day.

Day 09 Zutulphuk to Hilsa (3,600 m)

Today marks the final stretch of your journey, and it is undoubtedly the most demanding. After breakfast, you will embark on an 8 km trek to complete the sacred circumambulation of Mount Kailash. This walk will take approximately three hours and lead you to the end of the trail, where vehicles will be waiting to take you onward.

Once all group members have gathered, you'll board the vehicle and begin the drive to Taklakot. The journey to Taklakot is about 105 kilometers and will take around two hours. Upon arrival, you must go through immigration formalities before continuing toward Hilsa. A military escort will accompany the group from Taklakot to Hilsa. After completing luggage checks and border formalities at the suspension bridge over the Karnali River, you will cross back into Nepal.

The drive from Taklakot to Hilsa covers 27 kilometres and takes around 45 minutes. You will spend the night in Taklakot, either in a guesthouse or tent accommodation, with basic facilities like toilets.

The elevation at Lake Manasarovar is 3,700 meters, and daytime temperatures range between 22°C and 32°C, with nighttime temperatures dropping to -3°C to -4°C. The weather is typically dry and windy.

Day 10 Hilsa - Simikot - Kathmandu via Nepalgunj

The final day of your Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra begins with breakfast at 6 a.m., after which you'll fly from Hilsa to Simikot. From Simikot, you'll take a connecting flight to Nepalgunj and then proceed to Kathmandu. The total travel time, including all flights, will be around 5 to 6 hours. Lunch will be provided during the journey.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you'll be transferred to your hotel via a private coach or van. The evening will be spent in Kathmandu, where you can relax after your long adventure. Your meal plan includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and you will stay overnight at a comfortable hotel, bringing your incredible journey to a close.

Day 11 Free Day in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

This day allows you to relax or explore Kathmandu at your own pace. You may want to visit additional sights like Bhaktapur Durbar Square or take a day trip to Nagarkot for panoramic views of the Himalayas. Enjoy shopping for handicrafts, trying local dishes, or relaxing at your hotel.

Day 12 Departure

Your adventure comes to an end today. After breakfast, check out of your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing before being transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.