Nepal11 days
Kailash and Manasarovar by Helicopter — 11 Days
Nepal and Tibet, Kathmandu to Mount Kailash parikrama via chartered helicopter and high-altitude drive
This 11-day itinerary covers the sacred Mount Kailash circuit and Manasarovar Lake via helicopter from Nepal into Tibet. The route begins in Kathmandu, moves through the remote valley town of Simikot, and reaches the Tibet border at Hilsa after a 25-minute helicopter flight. From there, a 27-kilometer drive leads to Taklakot (Purang) for acclimatization at 4,025 meters. The journey then heads 88 kilometers to Manasarovar Lake at 4,550 meters, where participants circumambulate the sacred lake before moving to Darchen to begin the three-day Mount Kailash parikrama — a 39-kilometer walking circuit that crosses Dolma La pass at 5,613 meters. The helicopter approach significantly shortens access time compared to overland routes, making this option suited for travelers with limited time. All permits, guides, meals, and transportation are coordinated throughout.
Highlights
- Kathmandu valley temples including Pashupatinath, Mata Guheswori, and Budhanilkantha
- Chartered helicopter flight from Simikot to Hilsa at the Nepal-Tibet border
- Acclimatization stay in Taklakot at 4,025 meters
- Manasarovar Lake circumambulation and ritual puja at the lakeshore
- Three-day Mount Kailash parikrama, 39 kilometers including ascent of Dolma La pass at 5,613 meters
- Derapuk and Juthulpuk overnight stays on the Kailash circuit
Day by day
1Arrival in KathmanduTribhuvan International Airport · hotel in Kathmandu's Kathmandu Valley
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. A company representative meets participants and transfers them to the hotel in Kathmandu's Kathmandu Valley. Check-in and a briefing on the Kailash tour itinerary, including acclimatization protocols and necessary documentation. Overnight at hotel at 1,350 meters.
2Kathmandu Valley Temples and Flight to NepalgunjNepalgunj · Pashupatinath Temple · Mata Guheswori Temple · Budhanilkantha Temple · hotel in Nepalgunj
Half-day sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley includes visits to Pashupatinath Temple, Mata Guheswori Temple, and Budhanilkantha Temple. Return to hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, a one-hour flight departs for Nepalgunj at 150 meters. Check-in at hotel in Nepalgunj. Overnight at hotel.
3Simikot to Hilsa to Taklakot via HelicopterSimikot · Simikot to Hilsa · Hilsa · Taklakot · Nepalgunj to Simikot · Hilsa to vehicle staging area · vehicle staging area to Taklakot
Early-morning flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot (2,910 meters), a 55-minute journey by small aircraft. A scheduled group flight transfers participants to a chartered helicopter at Simikot. The 25-minute helicopter flight crosses into Tibet, landing at Hilsa on the Nepal-Tibet border. Immigration formalities for both Nepal and Tibet are completed. A 25-minute walk reaches the vehicle staging area on the Tibet side. The 27-kilometer drive to Taklakot (Purang) at 4,025 meters takes approximately one hour. Overnight in guesthouse at Taklakot for acclimatization at high altitude.
4Acclimatization Day at TaklakotTaklakot
Rest day for high-altitude adjustment at 4,025 meters. Walking around Taklakot, yoga, and meditation are available. Overnight in guesthouse.
5Taklakot to Manasarovar Lake and KoraTaklakot to Manasarovar · Manasarovar · Rakas Lake
After breakfast, begin the 88-kilometer drive from Taklakot to Manasarovar, sitting at 4,550 meters elevation—a journey of approximately two hours. En route, pause at Rakas Lake for photographs and views before continuing toward the sacred waters. Upon arrival at Manasarovar, check into the guesthouse and rest before lunch. The afternoon is devoted to a vehicle-based kora, or circumambulation, around the lake's perimeter, allowing time to observe the landscape and visit significant sites. Overnight at the guesthouse.
6Manasarovar Exploration and Drive to DarchenDarchen · Manasarovar Lake · Manasarovar Lake to Darchen
Morning exploration of Manasarovar Lake with ritual puja and bathing in the lake. After lunch, a one-hour drive of approximately 55 kilometers proceeds to Darchen at 4,575 meters. Preparations begin for the Kailash circuit walk. Overnight in guesthouse at Darchen.
7Mount Kailash Parikrama: Darchen to DerapukDerapuk · Tarboche (Valley of God) · Tarboche · north face of Mount Kailash
The three-day Mount Kailash parikrama begins. The drive to Tarboche (Valley of God) serves as the starting point. For participants with reserved horses and helpers, Tibetan government formalities are completed at Tarboche. Walking begins across terrain leading toward the north face of Mount Kailash. The walk to Derapuk at 4,920 meters takes 4-5 hours. Overnight in guesthouse at Derapuk.
8Mount Kailash Parikrama: Derapuk to Juthulpuk via Dolma LaDerapuk to Juthulpuk via Dolma La · Juthulpuk · Dolma La pass
The second day of parikrama covers the most demanding terrain, totaling approximately 22 kilometers over eight to nine hours. The route climbs steadily toward Dolma La pass at 5,613 meters, the highest point of the circuit and the primary objective of Kailash circumambulation. Packed lunch is provided before the walk begins. At the pass, participants rest briefly for photography and observation before beginning the steep descent. Gaurikunda sits approximately 200 meters below the trail. The descent continues for roughly two hours until terrain flattens, and walking continues toward Juthulpuk at 4,820 meters. Overnight in guesthouse at Juthulpuk.
9Juthulpuk to HilsaJuthulpuk · Hilsa · Darchen · Nepal-Tibet border at Hilsa · guesthouse at Hilsa
Early-morning walk of approximately two hours from Juthulpuk reaches the vehicle rendezvous point. A vehicle transport returns participants toward lower elevations. Lunch is provided at Darchen. The drive continues to the Nepal-Tibet border at Hilsa. Immigration procedures exit Tibet. A final walk crosses into Nepal at Hilsa. Overnight in guesthouse at Hilsa.
10Return via Helicopter to KathmanduKathmandu · Hilsa · Simikot
Early-morning helicopter flight from Hilsa returns to Simikot, followed by a scheduled flight to Nepalgunj. Participants may depart from Nepalgunj to Lucknow, India, or continue on a scheduled flight to Kathmandu. An evening meeting reflects on the itinerary. Participants are transferred to the airport for onward journeys. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu or departure.
11Departure
Departure.
Where you go
- 1Tribhuvan International Airport
- 2Nepalgunj
- 3Pashupatinath Temple
- 4Kathmandu
Included
- Included
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Half-day sightseeing in Kathmandu
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu, twin sharing based
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Nepalgunj
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Simikot
- Schedule a flight from Kathmandu - Nepaljung - Kathmandu
- Schedule a flight of Nepaljung-Simikot-Nepaljung
- Chartered a helicopter from Simikot-Hilsa-Simikot
- group sharing a guesthouse in Kailash part as per the itinerary
- Buffet Indian veg. meals (breakfast/dinner/packed lunch) during the trip
- transportation by bus/van
- Truck to keep goods, your bid bags, and foods
- Kailash permit and visa
- Entrance fees for Lake Manasarovar and Kailash
- All camping equipment for the kitchen
- Enough oxygen cylinders and a pillow
- Yaks & Yak men for luggage during Kailash Parikrama.
- All service charges and taxes
Not included
- Excluded
- Personal Horse and Helper during Kailash Parikrama/ Kailash Round/ Kailash Kora
- Using extra nights in hotel/ guesthouse (except the hotels mentioned in the itinerary)
- Rescue/ evacuation, or all the extra costs incurred due to splitting from the main group, or a serious health condition
- insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Any extra expenses due to flight delay/cancellation with a valid reason
- Any extra cost due to a late permit/visa from the Tibet part
- Tipping to staffs
- Hotel/ Guest house upgrading