Kailash Mansarovar Helicopter Tour

Your spiritual journey begins with your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, situated at an altitude of 1,400 meters. Upon landing, you will be warmly welcomed by the professional team from Higher Path Treks & Expeditions, who will assist you with your transfer to a comfortable hotel located in the lively district of Thamel. This day is intended for rest and acclimatization after your international flight, giving your body time to adjust to the moderate altitude. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the bustling streets of Kathmandu, known for their rich cultural heritage, vibrant markets, and historic architecture. In the evening, a welcome briefing will be conducted by your guides to familiarize you with the upcoming itinerary, health and safety protocols, and essential information for the journey ahead. This session is also a chance to meet fellow travelers, ask questions, and prepare mentally for the sacred pilgrimage. A nutritious dinner will be provided at the hotel, offering a variety of local and international dishes to suit your palate. Overnight stay in Kathmandu ensures you are well-rested and ready for the days ahead.

After breakfast, your day begins with a half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s most iconic spiritual and cultural landmarks. You will visit the magnificent Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most revered Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Next, your journey takes you to the serene Boudhanath Stupa, a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists, where you can spin prayer wheels and absorb the tranquil atmosphere. The tour continues to Swayambhunath Stupa, perched atop a hill with panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley, known as the Monkey Temple due to its resident monkeys. This sightseeing experience is not only culturally enriching but also serves as gentle acclimatization to Kathmandu’s altitude of 1,400 meters. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Nepalgunj, located at a low altitude of 150 meters in the Terai plains. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Upon arrival in Nepalgunj, you will be transferred to a hotel for an overnight stay, allowing you to rest and prepare for the early morning flight to Simikot. Dinner and overnight in Nepalgunj.

Rise early to catch your morning flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot, which sits at an altitude of 2,910 meters in the remote Humla district of western Nepal. This flight, approximately 40-50 minutes long, offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayan foothills, rugged valleys, and snow-capped peaks as you ascend to higher altitudes. Upon arrival in Simikot, you will transfer to a local guesthouse or lodge arranged by Higher Path Treks & Expeditions. Simikot serves as the gateway to Tibet and the Kailash Mansarovar region. The town itself is charming and steeped in Tibetan culture, with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze and monasteries nearby. This day is primarily for rest and acclimatization to the thinner air at this higher elevation. You may take short walks around the town to aid adjustment, but avoid strenuous activity. Your guides will provide a detailed briefing about the next day's helicopter journey to Hilsa, including logistical and safety details. Enjoy a nourishing dinner featuring local flavors and get a good night's sleep to prepare for the exciting days ahead.

Today’s adventure begins with a thrilling helicopter ride from Simikot to Hilsa, a small border town at around 3,600 meters on the Nepal-Tibet frontier. The flight takes roughly 30-40 minutes, flying over spectacular Himalayan landscapes marked by deep gorges and soaring peaks. Upon arrival in Hilsa, you will complete the necessary customs and immigration formalities to cross the international border into Tibet. Once across, a comfortable vehicle will be ready to take you on a scenic drive to Taklakot (also known as Purang), a Tibetan town situated at approximately 4,300 meters altitude. The drive lasts around 4-5 hours, traveling through the vast Tibetan plateau, surrounded by expansive views of mountains, rivers, and nomadic yak herds. Taklakot is an ancient trading hub with deep spiritual significance and Tibetan cultural richness. After settling into your hotel or guesthouse, the evening is free for relaxation and acclimatization. Your guides will assist with final preparations for the sacred pilgrimage, including health checks and spiritual discussions. Dinner will feature Tibetan cuisine to nourish and prepare you for the days ahead. Overnight stay in Purang.

Purang, perched at 4,300 meters, offers a serene and peaceful setting for an important day of acclimatization. This rest day is crucial for allowing your body to adjust fully to the high altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness during the coming days. You may spend the morning visiting local monasteries or walking gently through the town to experience Tibetan culture and spirituality. The ancient Purang Fortress and nearby temples offer opportunities for reflection and prayer. Throughout the day, Higher Path Treks & Expeditions guides will be available to monitor your health, provide guidance on hydration and nutrition, and share insights into the spiritual significance of the region. Many pilgrims use this day for meditation, journaling, or yoga, helping to prepare mentally for the sacred journey ahead. In the evening, a group prayer or puja may be held to invoke blessings for a safe and fulfilling pilgrimage. A nourishing Tibetan meal will be served before a restful night’s sleep in Purang.

On this deeply spiritual day, you will drive from Purang to the sacred Lake Manasarovar, situated at 4,590 meters altitude. The drive takes approximately 2-3 hours, crossing the vast and pristine Tibetan plateau, where prayer flags flutter in the mountain breeze and yaks graze peacefully. Lake Manasarovar is one of the holiest lakes in Asia, revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike for its purifying and healing powers. Upon arrival, pilgrims engage in puja rituals and meditation beside the crystal-clear waters, believed to cleanse the mind, body, and soul. Many take a holy dip in the lake, an act said to wash away sins and negative karma, enhancing spiritual merit. The tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking scenery provide a perfect backdrop for reflection and connection with the divine. The team from Higher Path Treks & Expeditions will facilitate the rituals, ensuring that each pilgrim can fully immerse in this sacred experience. After a day filled with spiritual rejuvenation, you will return to Purang for overnight rest, enriched and blessed by this unforgettable encounter with nature and divinity.

Following breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive from Purang to Darchen, located at 4,700 meters altitude and the gateway town to Mount Kailash. The drive lasts approximately 4-5 hours across the stark yet majestic Tibetan plateau, characterized by barren hills, yak herds, and clear blue skies. Upon reaching Darchen, you will check into your guesthouse or tented camp arranged by Higher Path Treks & Expeditions. This town marks the starting point for the highly revered Parikrama, the circumambulation trek around Mount Kailash, which is considered a deeply spiritual and transformative practice. The afternoon is dedicated to essential preparations, including a thorough briefing on the trek route, altitude challenges, safety measures, and spiritual customs. Your guides will assist with packing, organizing porters or ponies if required, and conducting health checks to ensure everyone is ready for the demanding trek. A group dinner in the evening will foster camaraderie and spiritual focus. Early rest is recommended to prepare your body and mind for the pilgrimage ahead.

Today begins with a short drive from Darchen to Yamdwar (literally “Gateway of the God of Death”), situated near the start of the Parikrama route. At Yamdwar, pilgrims symbolically leave behind attachments and negative karma by throwing offerings into the river, marking the spiritual commencement of the circumambulation. From Yamdwar, you will trek approximately 12 kilometers to Diraphuk, perched at 4,890 meters. The trek takes around 5 to 6 hours and follows a mostly flat high-altitude trail with stunning views of Mount Kailash’s northern face. Along the way, prayer flags and mani stones adorn the path, enhancing the sacred atmosphere. Upon arrival in Diraphuk, you will rest in a guesthouse or tented camp arranged by Higher Path Treks & Expeditions. The peaceful surroundings and dramatic mountain vistas provide a perfect setting for meditation and reflection. Your guides will monitor health and provide assistance as needed, ensuring you acclimate well to the high altitude. Evening offers time for quiet contemplation, prayer, and preparing mentally for the next challenging day.

This day is the pinnacle of the Parikrama pilgrimage, featuring the ascent and descent of the Dolma La Pass, the highest point on the route at 5,600 meters. The trek covers approximately 22 kilometers and typically takes 8 to 10 hours, demanding physical endurance and mental resilience. Starting early, pilgrims ascend steeply through rugged terrain to the pass, where the spiritual symbolism of shedding negative karma is most potent. At the summit, you pause for prayer and reflection amidst breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks and valleys below. The descent to Zuthulphuk, located at 4,800 meters, is less strenuous but still requires care due to the altitude. Along the way, you will pass Gauri Kund, a sacred lake associated with the goddess Parvati. Upon arrival in Zuthulphuk, accommodations arranged by Higher Path Treks & Expeditions provide a place to rest and recover. The evening is for sharing experiences, quiet meditation, and nourishing meals to restore energy after this demanding day.

The final day of the Parikrama trek begins with a relatively easy descent from Zuthulphuk to Taklakot (4,300 meters), where you will reunite with your vehicle. This marks the completion of the sacred circumambulation of Mount Kailash. After a warm welcome and rest in Taklakot, you will be driven back to Purang, retracing the scenic route across the Tibetan plateau. The journey provides ample time for reflection on the profound spiritual experiences and physical challenges you have faced. Later in the day, you will walk downhill to Hilsa, the border town where you first entered Tibet. This gentle walk is a symbolic closing of your Tibetan pilgrimage. At Hilsa, border formalities will be completed, and you will spend the night in a local guesthouse arranged by Higher Path Treks & Expeditions. The evening is for rest and preparation for your return flights the next day.

Today you will take an early morning helicopter flight from Hilsa back to Simikot, flying over some of the most spectacular Himalayan terrain once again. The flight takes about 40 minutes. Upon arrival at Simikot, you will board another helicopter or fixed-wing flight to Nepalgunj, approximately 1 hour away. After a brief rest and refreshment in Nepalgunj, you will take your final domestic flight back to Kathmandu, lasting about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Back in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can relax, recover, and celebrate the successful completion of your Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage by helicopter. The day is free for optional sightseeing, souvenir shopping, or simply resting. A farewell dinner organized by Higher Path Treks & Expeditions offers a chance to share memories, photos, and stories with fellow travelers, culminating your spiritual journey with warmth and camaraderie. Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, your sacred journey comes to an end. The team from Higher Path Treks & Expeditions will assist you with your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Although the physical journey concludes here, the blessings and spiritual growth from your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will stay with you forever, guiding your path forward. If you wish to extend your stay in Nepal or require assistance with further travel plans, the team is happy to help. We wish you safe travels and a lifetime of peace, wisdom, and blessings.