Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter from Kathmandu

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and transferred to the hotel. It’s only 6km from the airport to the downtown area.

Stay overnight in Kathmandu

After breakfast, you will leave for pilgrimage sightseeing to Pashupatinath Temple and Budhanilkanth Temple, for seeking blessings from Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu respectively. After lunch transfer to the domestic airport for a flight to Nepalgunj (150m, 45min flight.). After arriving in Nepalgunj, you will check into the hotel.

In the early morning, you will be transferred to Nepalgunj airport for your flight to Simikot (2,910m). The flight between Nepalgunj and Simikot takes about an hour. Walk to the lodge, take a rest and walk around. After lunch proceed to hike the Shiva temple and return to the hotel. The rest of the day is for leisure activities and getting acclimated to the high altitude.

In the early morning, you will be transferred to the airport and take a flight to Hilsa (3,704m, 15min flight) by Chartered Helicopter. 5 persons in each flight and luggage should not beyond 10kg per person. The flight would pass through deep Karnali River-gorge and narrow remote valleys. After arriving, you will cross the bridge, complete immigration formalities and walk to the Chinese side – known as Sera for the China side Immigration. As per the visa rule of the Chinese government, all group members must enter together and exit together.

Then you will meet your Chinese guide & driver and proceed to Taklakot (4,025m), Known as Purang to Chinese. The drive from Hilsa to Taklakot takes about 30 minutes and the driving distance is about 30km. At Taklakot, you will check into the hotel and be free for the rest of the day to acclimatize to the altitude.

Stay overnight at a hotel in Taklakot.

After breakfast, drive to Mansarovar (4,556m). Go all the way west. En route, you will be able to have the first view of the holy mountain Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. Mansarovar is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world with a turquoise surface. When arriving at Mansarovar, you may take a holy bath; perform Puja, Hawan, and Devtarpan, etc., followed by Mansarovar parikrama. Freshly cooked dinner will be served at the edge of Mansarovar lake. Stay overnight at the guesthouse.

After a short 45-minute drive, you will reach Darchen (4,664m). En route, you can visit Chiu Gompa Monastery as well as the hot spring behind it. Finally, you will arrive in Darchen, which is situated on the foothill of Mount Kailash and is considered the base camp for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. From Darchen, you can see the mighty west face of Mount Kailash. During the auspicious pilgrimage time, this place will be flooded with pilgrims with hundreds of tents all around.

Stay overnight in Darchen

Today, you will start the sacred circumambulation around holy Kailash. A light breakfast will be served before your departure. Then drive 6km to Tarboche, which is the starting point of the Yatra. In Yama Dwar, also known as the Gates of the Lord of Death, you will meet with your porter, horses and yaks and then set off together to trek to Diraphuk. After 6 kilometers, you will get to Chukku Monastery, usually, people will have lunch with their packed meal boxes here.

Then, continue trekking to Dirapuk (4,765m). It stands at an elevation of 4,920m. This is the only place where you can see up close the mighty north face of Mt. Kailash.

Stay overnight stay at a guesthouse

Today is the longest, hardest but holiest day of your pilgrimage Yatra and you will continue your Parikrama. After leaving Dirapuk for 3km, you will go uphill and see the sky burial platform. Keep moving 2 kilometers, you will reach the highest point of this divine trip - Droma La Pass (5,585m), full of fluttering prayer flags. After a short break, you will make a gentle descent from this pass, you will spot a tiny glacial lake on the right side of the trail. This is Gauri Kunda. The legend of this pool is connected with Mata Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.

After Gauri Kunda, you will be led downward along a steep and stony trail and eventually reach your campsite at Zulturpuk Monastery (4,790m).

Stay overnight stay at a guesthouse

Today is the last day of this divine circumambulation. You will follow an easy and flat trail, which takes about 3-4hrs in the morning to complete your Kailash Parikrama. Packed lunch will be served on the way.

In Darchen, your vehicle will be waiting for you and take you and the group to Taklakot. Stay overnight at a hotel.

After breakfast, you will drive to Hilsa & walk to Hilsa helipad and take a 25-minute chartered helicopter flight back to Simikot. Proceed for Nepalgunj scheduled flight after documentation at Simikot. Arrive & stay overnight at the hotel in Nepalgunj.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Nepalgunj Airport and take your scheduled flight directly back to the medieval city of Kathmandu. Our representative shall escort you to your respective hotel where you can take your long-awaited showers and get freshened up. Later you may stroll around the city for sightseeing or some souvenir shopping as it is your last day here in Nepal.

Today is the end of our incredible Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. After having your breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for an onward flight with fresh energy and a refreshing perspective on life.