Nepal9 days
Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar by Helicopter — 9 Days from Lucknow
Direct route from Lucknow to the Tibetan plateau: helicopter access to Kailash Parikrama and Manasarovar rituals
This nine-day itinerary connects Lucknow to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar via a four-hour overland route to Nepalgunj, followed by fixed-wing and helicopter flights across Nepal's remote northwest into Tibet. The route prioritizes efficiency and altitude acclimatization, with two nights in Nepalgunj as a staging point before ascending to 4,550 meters at Manasarovar. The core of the journey comprises a three-day circumambulation of Mount Kailash (the kora), beginning from Darchen and crossing the 5,613-meter Dolma La pass on day six. Days at Manasarovar allow ritual activities and bathing in the sacred lake; the return follows the same flight and road network, with day eight serving as a weather and operational buffer. Accommodation ranges from hotels in Nepalgunj to shared guesthouses on the plateau. A Tibetan guide, porter support (yaks and handlers), and a Nepal-based coordinator accompany the group throughout.
Highlights
- Four-hour overland transfer from Lucknow to Nepalgunj, crossing the Nepal-India border
- Fixed-wing flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot, then helicopter flight to Hilsa (Nepal-Tibet border crossing)
- Lake Manasarovar at 4,550 meters: ritual bathing and circumambulation
- Mount Kailash Parikrama: three-day circumambulation route with ascent of Dolma La (5,613 meters)
- Yak-assisted trekking and high-altitude acclimatization across the Tibetan plateau
Day by day
1Lucknow to NepalgunjLucknow · Lucknow to Nepalgunj · Hotel Sidhartha
Airport pickup in Lucknow is followed by a four-hour overland drive southward to Nepalgunj, crossing the Nepal-India border en route. Check-in at Hotel Sidhartha (150 meters) includes dinner and overnight accommodation on a twin-sharing basis.
2Nepalgunj to Hilsa via SimikotNepalgunj · Hilsa · Simikot · Taklakot (Purang)
An early-morning fixed-wing flight departs Nepalgunj for Simikot, a regional hub in Nepal's remote northwest. From Simikot, a small helicopter flight crosses into Tibet and lands at Hilsa, the Nepal-Tibet border crossing point. Ground transfer by Tibetan transport then proceeds to Taklakot (Purang), at 3,400 meters. The remainder of the day is reserved for rest and initial acclimatization at the guesthouse.
3Transfer to Lake ManasarovarLake Manasarovar · Taklakot
A short drive from Taklakot reaches Manasarovar at 4,550 meters. The day allows full engagement with the sacred lake: ritual bathing in its waters, circumambulatory walks along the shoreline, and spiritual activities. Extended time at this altitude supports acclimatization before the ascent to Kailash. Overnight accommodation is in a shared guesthouse.
4Manasarovar Exploration and DarchenManasarovar · Darchen · Manasarovar to Darchen
Early morning exploration of Manasarovar is followed by a drive to Darchen (4,575 meters), the base camp for the Kailash Parikrama. Overnight at the best available hotel in Darchen.
5Kailash Parikrama: Darchen to DerapukDerapuk · Darchen to Yemadwar · Yemadwar to Derapuk
The circumambulation begins with a 47-kilometer drive from Darchen to Yemadwar. From there, trekking commences toward Derapuk (4,909 meters), a walking distance of approximately four to five hours. Trekkers with arranged horses and handlers travel with their support team. Overnight accommodation is in a shared guesthouse.
6Kailash Parikrama: Derapuk to Juthulpuk via Dolma LaDerapuk to Juthulpuk via Dolma La · Juthulpuk
The second day of circumambulation begins before dawn and is the most demanding of the three-day kora. The route ascends to Dolma La (5,613 meters), the highest point on the circuit. Total walking time is approximately eight to nine hours. Trekkers descend to Juthulpuk (4,760 meters) for overnight accommodation in a shared guesthouse. Yak handlers and support staff accompany the group throughout.
7Kailash Parikrama: Juthulpuk to DarchenJuthulpuk to Darchen · Darchen · Taklakot (Purang)
The final day of circumambulation is a shorter walk of approximately three hours. Vehicles are positioned near Darchen to collect trekkers and return to Taklakot (Purang) near the Nepal-Tibet border. Overnight accommodation is at a hotel.
8Return Crossing and Helicopter Evacuation BufferNepal-Tibet border crossing at Hilsa · Simikot
The day begins with a Tibetan-operated vehicle transfer to the Nepal-Tibet border crossing at Hilsa. Immigration formalities are completed on foot, and the group reaches the helipad. A helicopter flight returns travelers to Simikot, with hotel accommodation arranged. Weather and operational delays are common at this altitude and season; if flight conditions permit onward connection to Nepalgunj on the same day, transfer and accommodation are provided. Otherwise, this day acts as a contingency for rescheduled departures.
9Departure from LucknowLucknow Airport
Your Adventure Asia representative will transfer you to Lucknow Airport for your final departure.
Where you go
- 1Nepalgunj
Included
- Included
- Pick up and drop off at Lucknow airport
- 2 Nights hotel in Nepaljung on twin sharing basis
- Accommodation in guest houses in a group sharing room in Kailash
- Regular flight from Nepaljung - Simikot - Nepaljung
- Small heli flight from Simikot - Hilsa - Simikot
- Immigration formalities and transferring belongings from Immigration
- Fresh veg foods for the entire trip
- Enough oxygen cylinders and related accessories
- Emergency evacuation management
- Yak and Yak man to carry your big bags and other belongings during the Kailash parikrama
- Government-licensed Tibetan guide
- A leader or coordinator from Nepal
- Kitchen team, including cooks and other helpers
- Big bag, small hand carry bag, and a head covered cap
- Warm jacket in returnable based
Not included
- Excluded
- Personal horse and Helper during Kailash Parikrama
- Personal expenses like shopping, phone calls, extra drinks, laundry, yak, etc.
- Any additional expenses caused by reasons beyond our control, such as natural calamities, flight delays, rescheduling or cancellations, accidents, etc.
- Tips to drivers and hotel staff.
- Extra cost of transportation, Porterage etc involved due to landslides and snowfall.
- Trip cancellation charge due to the Tibet government rules and other which are not in our hands.
- Air ticket/transportation till Lucknow and from Lucknow
- Services other than specified.