Fly to the Abode of Shiva

Holy Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter — via Nepalgunj, Simikot & Hilsa

A unique combination of domestic flights, helicopter service and pilgrimage: cross the Himalaya from Nepalgunj via Simikot to Hilsa by helicopter, reaching Taklakot, Holy Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash — the swift sacred route to the divine abode of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati.

9/11 Days · Heli Route Nepalgunj · Simikot · Hilsa Max 5,640 m · Dolma-La Pass Season: April – End September Gauri Kund Darshan

Yatra Overview

“Where roads end, devotion flies — the helicopter route carries your body so your soul may walk the kora. Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat”

For devotees who feel the divine call of Mount Kailash (22,028 ft / 6,714 m), this extraordinary yatra via Nepalgunj, Simikot and Hilsa offers a unique combination of domestic flights, helicopter service, overland travel, pilgrimage and Himalayan trekking. The journey begins in Nepal (from Kathmandu, Nepalgunj or Lucknow), crosses into Tibet at Hilsa, and continues from Purang (Taklakot) toward sacred Lake Mansarovar and magnificent Mount Kailash.

Despite its speed, the full spiritual depth is kept: a holy dip and group hawan pooja, puja and meditation on the crystal-clear shores of Mansarovar, darshan of Yam Dwar — the symbolic gateway of spiritual surrender — and the complete 3-day, 52 km Kailash Parikrama crossing Dolma-La Pass, the divine gateway between life and rebirth, with a visit to sacred Gauri Kund, the lake of Goddess Parvati.

Pure sattvik meals are freshly prepared throughout by our experienced Nepalese Brahmin cook, with health assistance, pandit support, portable oxygen and free gifts of Rudraksh and Mansarovar Jal. If you arrive via Kathmandu before the yatra, 2–3 additional days are incorporated for sightseeing, pilgrimage visits, acclimatization and China visa arrangements — completing the 11-day sacred odyssey.

Fire puja on the shores of Lake Mansarovar
Fire puja at Mansarovar
Gauri Kund, the sacred lake of Goddess Parvati
Sacred Gauri Kund on the kora route
Charan Sparsh at the north face of Mount Kailash
Charan Sparsh at the north face

Trip Highlights

  • Darshan of Mt. Kailash — the sacred abode of Lord Shiva, revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains & Bon followers
  • Holy dip in Lake Mansarovar — believed to cleanse the sins of a lifetime and bring spiritual purification
  • Kailash Parikrama (52 km) — the unforgettable 3-day trek around the sacred mountain, a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey
  • Dolma-La Pass (5,640 m) — the highest and most sacred point of the trek, the divine gateway between life and rebirth
  • Visit to Gauri Kund — the sacred lake associated with Goddess Parvati, en route on kora day two
  • Darshan of Yam Dwar — the gateway marking the start of the parikrama, symbolic of spiritual surrender
  • Helicopter over the Himalaya — Simikot to Hilsa in approx. 20 minutes through remote Himalayan Nepal
  • Group hawan pooja at Bageshwari Temple — the oldest temple of Nepalgunj, a revered Shakti Peeth
  • Guided & supported yatra — experienced staff, pandit & health assistance, oxygen support and pure sattvik vegetarian meals throughout
  • Cultural touchpoints — key Hindu temples of Kathmandu: Pashupatinath & Budhanilkantha before the journey begins

Yatra Facts

Duration & Route

9/11 days via the domestic helicopter route: Kathmandu/Lucknow – Nepalgunj – Simikot – Hilsa (helicopter) – Taklakot (Purang) – Mansarovar – Darchen – Kailash kora – return. Departure & arrival city: Kathmandu / Nepalgunj / Lucknow.

Extra Kathmandu Days

If you arrive in Kathmandu before the commencement of the yatra, an additional 2–3 days are required — incorporated for Kathmandu sightseeing, pilgrimage visits, acclimatization, preparation and China visa arrangements, completing the full 11-day plan.

Helicopter Sector

Simikot → Hilsa and Hilsa → Simikot (approx. 20 minutes each way), subject to weather. In case of flight cancellation, additional day hotel-stay expenses are borne by the traveller.

Yatra Season

The ideal period is April to the end of September. From mid-September temperatures drop significantly — carry appropriate warm clothing.

Horse Option

Horse/pony services are available at Darchen for those unable to walk the full three days (CNY 4,500 per horse, paid on-site). Availability is very limited in peak season — book in advance, ideally when confirming your package.

Group & Meals

Private and group-joining departures; groups generally combined to 21–25 persons. Full-board pure sattvik veg meals (no tamasic food) freshly prepared by our experienced Nepalese Brahmin cook.

Sacred Route Map

Yatra routes across Nepal and Tibet (Xizang) — overland, helicopter and Lhasa approaches to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
Yatra routes across Nepal and Tibet (Xizang) — overland, helicopter and Lhasa approaches to Mount Kailash & Lake Mansarovar.

Day-by-Day Sacred Itinerary

  1. Day01150 m

    Kathmandu / Lucknow → Nepalgunj — Hawan Puja at Bageshwari Temple

    Pickup from your Lucknow hotel, airport, train station or bus stand, or a 4–5 hour drive from Kathmandu, brings you to Nepalgunj for lunch. The group then performs hawan pooja at Bageshwari Temple — the oldest temple of Nepalgunj and a revered Shakti Peeth — followed by the yatra briefing at the hotel in the evening.

    Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerNepalgunj Hotel
  2. Day023,660 m

    Fly to Simikot & Helicopter to Hilsa → Drive to Taklakot

    An early morning flight (approx. 1 hour) lifts you over the western hills to Simikot, with time to walk around or meditate in the high mountain air. Then the sacred approx. 20-minute helicopter flight from Simikot to Hilsa; cross the border into Tibet and drive to Taklakot (Purang) to rest and acclimatize.

    Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerTaklakot Hotel
  3. Day033,700 m

    Border Crossing & Acclimatization in Taklakot

    After breakfast, complete the crossing into Tibet (a 10-minute walk to the China border) and drive approximately one hour to Taklakot at 3,700 m. A gentle day of rest and preparation for the Mansarovar and Kailash journey ahead. Overnight in Taklakot.

    Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerTaklakot Hotel
  4. Day044,500 m

    Drive to Holy Lake Mansarovar — Holy Dip & Rituals → Darchen

    After breakfast, a scenic 70 km drive (approx. 2 hours) brings the first darshan of Holy Lake Mansarovar. Take the holy dip believed to cleanse a lifetime of sins, perform rituals and meditate beside the crystal-clear waters, then continue to Darchen — the base of Mount Kailash — for the night.

    Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerDarchen Hotel
  5. Day054,890 m

    Kora Day 1 — Drive to Yamdwar, Trek to Diraphuk

    After breakfast, drive 48 km to Yamdwar, the gateway of the parikrama, and begin the first day of the sacred trek (approx. 12 km / 5–6 hours). The trail climbs beneath the spectacular north face of Mt. Kailash to Diraphuk for the overnight stay — golden light on the sacred mountain at dusk.

    Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerDiraphuk Guest House (Dormitory)
  6. Day06Dolma-La 5,640 m

    Kora Day 2 — Dolma-La Pass & Gauri Kund → Zuthulphuk

    The supreme test and blessing of the yatra: an approx. 22 km trek (9–10 hours) crossing Dolma-La, the highest point of the journey and the divine gateway between life and rebirth. En route, visit sacred Gauri Kund — the lake associated with Goddess Parvati — before descending to the Zuthulphuk Gompa overnight.

    Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerZuthulphuk Guest House (Dormitory)
  7. Day073,700 m

    Kora Day 3 — Trek to Chongdo → Drive to Taklakot

    After breakfast, the final approx. 3-hour trek to Chongdo completes the sacred 52 km parikrama of Mount Kailash. Drive approximately 2 hours via Holy Lake Mansarovar back to Taklakot, carrying the blessings of the sacred mountain.

    Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerTaklakot Hotel
  8. Day08150 m

    Drive to Hilsa → Helicopter to Simikot → Fly to Nepalgunj

    Drive to Hilsa at the border and lift by helicopter back over the Himalaya to Simikot. Connect to the flight back to Nepalgunj for the night — the high country now a memory of snow, prayer and light.

    Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerNepalgunj Hotel
  9. Day09Departure

    Drive to Lucknow / Fly to Kathmandu — Departure

    After breakfast, drive to Lucknow or fly to Kathmandu for your onward departure. The yatra ends with the blessings of Kailash — Om Namah Shivaya, Har Har Kailashpati Mahadev!

    BreakfastDeparture

Cost Includes & Excludes

✓Included in the Yatra

  • Tibet Travel Permit, China visa recommendation letter & China group single-entry visa
  • Accommodation: 2 nights in Nepalgunj; 1 night in Simikot or Hilsa/Taklakot
  • 5 nights’ accommodation in Tibet — twin-sharing tourist-standard hotels & guest houses; dormitory-style rooms (3–4 persons) during the kora; dormitory or open-space arrangements may be required at Lake Mansarovar
  • Domestic flights: Nepalgunj – Simikot – Nepalgunj
  • Helicopter sectors: Simikot – Hilsa – Simikot
  • Full-board pure sattvik veg breakfast, lunch & dinner prepared by our Brahmin Nepalese cook
  • English & Hindi-speaking Nepalese tour manager/guide, English-speaking Tibetan guide & Nepalese Sherpas; divine escorted tour leaders
  • Yatra support by health assistance & pandit; necessary supporting crew from Nepal (cook, helpers & Sherpas)
  • All required tourist mini-coach land transportation; sightseeing in Nepal & Tibet as per the itinerary
  • 1 portable oxygen bottle per person in group, oxygen gas cylinder, kitchen gear, portable holy bath tent & first-aid box
  • Yaks & yak-men during the parikrama (to carry catering food & equipment); company duffel bag, down jacket & daily drinking water bottle
  • Free gifts: Rudraksh, Mansarovar Jal, duffel bag & day bag
  • Kailash Yatra completion certificate from the organizing local company

✕Not Included

  • Travel insurance with full medical service coverage (mandatory)
  • Medical & hospital expenses in case of sickness en route; any medical emergency or rescue service costs
  • Tipping for tour guide, driver & health assistance and daan for pandit — suggested USD $200 per person
  • Horse / pony for the kora — CNY 4,500 per horse, payable on the spot (limited availability; book in advance)
  • Porter if required — CNY 1,000 per porter per day, payable on the spot
  • Stay-back at Darchen if unable to complete the kora — USD $70 per person per night
  • Beverages (soft drinks, bottled water, tea, coffee, alcohol) & meals outside the package
  • Additional day hotel-stay expenses in case of flight cancellation
  • Divine Shiv Guru / Mata ji guidance (optional) — USD $150 per person, confirm in advance
  • Astapad & inner kora (if the Chinese government allows) — INR 10,000 / USD $100
  • International-standard certified Yoga & Meditation master (optional) — USD $70 per person
  • Any expenses not mentioned in the inclusion section; extra costs from natural calamities, political situations or events beyond the local organizer’s control

Important Information

Booking & Advance

This is a semi tailor-made plan requiring a 30% advance deposit at booking; the deposit is non-refundable, though you may postpone (reschedule) by paying the updated trip cost. Last-minute bookings accepted at least 40 days prior to departure from Kathmandu. All dues must be cleared before departure.

Duration & Extra Days

The helicopter yatra core is 9 days from Nepalgunj/Lucknow. If you arrive in Kathmandu before the commencement of the yatra, an additional 2–3 days are required for sightseeing, pilgrimage visits, acclimatization, preparation and China visa formalities — making the full program 11 days.

China Visa & Age Rules

The China single-entry group visa is issued only through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu and takes 9–10 working days from submission of your original passport — plan to be in Kathmandu in time. You may also apply from your own country with our visa-supporting documents (Tibet Travel Permit, itinerary and China visa recommendation letter), which takes approximately 3 weeks. For Indian passport holders, the Chinese visa department imposes an age limit: only pilgrims up to 70 years are eligible to apply. Indian passport holders are not permitted to join pilgrimage groups with other nationalities due to separate security protocols.

Tibet Travel Permits

Five permits are required: Chinese Group Visa, Tibet Travel Permit, Alien’s Travel Permit, Military Area Entry Permit and Foreign Affairs Permit — all handled hassle-free by our team under the rules of the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB).

Helicopter & Weather

The Simikot–Hilsa helicopter sectors are weather dependent; schedules may shift for safety. In case of flight cancellation, additional-day hotel stay expenses are borne by the traveller. No helicopter flights are allowed over the Kailash kora region due to the holiness of the mountain.

High Altitude & Oxygen

The Kailash–Mansarovar region is remote high altitude with significantly less oxygen. Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and heavy meals in the first days and rest frequently. We carry hand-portable O2 bottles for emergencies; small portable bottles can be bought in Tibet for approx. 30–40 RMB. Pilgrims with serious heart or respiratory conditions must consult a physician first.

Horse Assistance

Horse/pony services at Darchen cost CNY 4,500 (or CNY 4,000 for on-the-spot arrangement from Darchen/Diraphuk), payable directly. Availability is very limited in peak season — decide and book at the time of confirming your package.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation 90+ days prior to departure: no charges. After processing of the Kailash road permits: USD $500. Within 7 days before departure: USD $700. Same day of departure: 70% of the total tour cost. If the itinerary changes due to unavoidable or uncontrollable circumstances, all additional expenses are borne by the pilgrim.

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