Kailash Manasarovar Tour from Hlisa by Helicopter

Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport  in Kathmandu, proceed through immigration where your passport will be stamped. As you step out of the airport, you will be greeted by our representative from Namaste Nepal Trekking, holding a signboard with your name.

From the airport, you will be escorted in a private vehicle to the hotel we have arranged for you. Once you check in, take some time to freshen up and relax after your journey. You can enjoy the hotel’s amenities or take a short stroll nearby to get your first glimpse of Kathmandu’s vibrant atmosphere.

Nepal Tourist Visa Information:

• For Indian Citizens: Travelers holding a valid Indian passport do not require a tourist visa to enter Nepal. Entry is free whether arriving by air or by land. However, a valid passport is mandatory for flights and for obtaining the group visa for Tibet.

• By Land Entry: Indian citizens can also enter Nepal using an Aadhaar Card or other government-issued identity documents.

• For Indian Citizens with Foreign Passports: If you are an Indian citizen traveling with a passport from another country, you can easily obtain an on-arrival visa to Nepal by paying the applicable visa fee.

Begin your day with an early morning breakfast at the hotel. Afterward, you will visit our office, as today we will submit your application for the Chinese Group Visa required for your Kailash Mansarovar journey.

Please remember to bring your passport and a few recent passport-size photographs, as they are essential for completing the visa application process.

Once the formalities are complete, your sightseeing adventure in Kathmandu begins with the guidance of our experienced tour guide. Today, you will explore three of the valley’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

• Patan Durbar Square – A stunning example of Newar architecture, showcasing intricately carved temples, courtyards, and historical palaces.

• Kathmandu Durbar Square – The cultural heart of the capital, home to ancient palaces, temples, and the residence of the Living Goddess, Kumari.

• Swayambhunath Stupa – Also known as the Monkey Temple, this ancient Buddhist site offers panoramic views of the valley and holds deep spiritual significance.

You will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant during the tour. After completing the sightseeing, we will return to the hotel where you can relax and prepare for the next day’s journey.

As the visa process continues and may take a few days, we will make the most of your free time today by visiting some of Kathmandu’s most sacred and culturally rich sites.

In the morning, our private vehicle will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the revered Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here, you will have the opportunity to enter the main sanctum, participate in a traditional puja ceremony, and explore the temple’s spiritual atmosphere with guidance from our tour expert.

After the temple visit, we will enjoy breakfast near the temple premises before continuing our journey to two more iconic sites:

• Boudhanath Stupa – One of the largest stupas in the world and a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists, surrounded by vibrant prayer flags, monasteries, and meditation spaces.

• Budhanilkantha Temple (Sleeping Vishnu) – A remarkable open-air temple featuring a large stone statue of Lord Vishnu reclining on a bed of cosmic serpents in a sacred pond.

Following the sightseeing tour, we will return to the hotel in our private vehicle for an afternoon at leisure.

Activity: Free day in Kathmandu
Max Altitude: 1,400m / 4,593ft
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel

This morning, we will collect your Chinese Group Visa and provide a comprehensive pre-trip briefing to ensure you are well-prepared for the journey ahead. After the briefing, we will proceed to the airport for your domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj—a distance of approximately 364 km, covered in about 50 minutes.

Upon arrival at Nepalgunj Airport, our local representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel reserved for your stay. Here, you will be introduced to other group members, including those traveling directly from India who will be joining the tour at this point.

If time permits, you can explore the surrounding areas with your group and enjoy the warm atmosphere of this vibrant border city.

Note:
Travellers joining directly from India must arrive in Nepalgunj on this day with all required travel documents, including the Chinese Group Visa.

Activity: Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Trip Duration: 1 hour
Max Altitude: 150m / 492ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel

Early in the morning, we head to the airport for our flight fr om Nepalgunj to Simikot. This short domestic flight covers approximately 208 km (129 miles) in about 1 hour, offering stunning aerial views of the Himalayan foothills. Please note that flights in this region are subject to weather conditions, so short or even extended delays are common.

Upon arrival in Simikot, we will board a private helicopter bound for Hilsa. With panoramic window seats and experienced pilots, the ride offers breathtaking sights of lush green hills, the winding Karnali River (Nepal’s longest), and the rugged terrain of the region. The flight duration is brief, and soon we will land in Hilsa, located near the Nepal–Tibet border.

From here, we take a 30-minute walk to the border crossing. After completing immigration and customs formalities, we will continue by vehicle to Taklakot (Purang) in Tibet—a scenic drive of about 27 km, taking roughly 1 hour.

Once we arrive, our Tibetan guide will meet us and escort us to the guesthouse reserved for your stay.

Important Note:

• Helicopter luggage lim it: 15 kg per person (including hand baggage).

• Each helicopter accommodates only 4–5 passengers, so for larger groups, some waiting time at Hilsa may be necessary until everyone has arrived.

Activity: Flight, Helicopter Ride & Drive
Trip Duration: 5–6 hours (subject to weather)
Max Altitude: 3,900m / 12,795ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Located at an altitude of 3,900 meters (12,795 ft), Taklakot serves as an important stop for altitude acclimatization before continuing deeper into the Tibetan plateau. This rest day allows your body to adjust to the thinner air, significantly reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

We will spend the day relaxing at the guesthouse. You may choose to rest completely or take a gentle stroll through the local market, where you can browse Tibetan goods, try local snacks, or simply observe the unique way of life in this remote border town.

Please remember to inform your guide before leaving the hotel premises and return before nightfall, as temperatures can drop quickly after sunset.

Activity: Rest & Acclimatization
Max Altitude: 3,900m / 12,795ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Today marks one of the most sacred and anticipated moments of the journey — our first glimpse of Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash. After breakfast in Taklakot, we begin our scenic drive through the rugged Tibetan plateau.

After about 1.5 hours, we reach Lake Rakshas Taal — also known as Ravan Taal or the “Lake of Demons.” This shimmering body of water lies in stark contrast to Mansarovar and is steeped in legends from Hindu mythology. From here, you can witness the majestic silhouette of Mount Kailash rising above the surrounding mountains.

We pause here for photographs and quiet reflection before continuing to the serene waters of Lake Mansarovar. On arrival, we settle into our guesthouse and enjoy lunch before embarking on the Mansarovar kora (circumambulation) by vehicle, a sacred ritual for many pilgrims.

Later, we visit Chiu Gompa, perched on a hilltop near the lake, offering panoramic views of the turquoise waters and distant peaks. The remainder of the day is yours to engage in spiritual activities — take a holy bath, perform puja or havan, meditate by the lakeshore, or simply soak in the tranquil beauty. A shower tent will be arranged for the ladies near the lake for privacy.

We begin the day early, taking in the crisp mountain air and preparing for one of the most spiritually significant parts of the journey — the full circumambulation of Lake Mansarovar by vehicle.

After a simple breakfast, we set off towards Chiu Gompa, a striking hilltop monastery overlooking the turquoise expanse of Mansarovar. At an altitude of 4,590 meters, it offers sweeping panoramic views of the lake, Mount Kailash, and the surrounding snow-clad peaks. Here, you can explore the monastery, spend a few quiet moments in prayer or meditation, and interact with the resident monks who tend to this sacred site.

Continuing our kora by vehicle, we pass Seralung Monastery and other notable spiritual landmarks, each offering unique perspectives of both Mansarovar and Mount Kailash. The changing angles of the holy mountain, especially as we approach the northern side of the lake, are truly unforgettable.

By afternoon, we complete our circumambulation and make the short, scenic drive to Darchen — the administrative center of the Kailash region and the starting point for the legendary Mount Kailash Parikrama. Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation, rest, and later stroll through the small town. In the evening, you may be rewarded with the sight of Mount Kailash glowing under the golden hues of sunset.

Today marks the beginning of the sacred Kailash Kora — a three-day circumambulation around the holy mountain. After an early breakfast, we drive for about 30 minutes fr om Darchen to Tarboche, also known as Yama Dwar (“Gate of the God of Death”).

From here, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mount Kailash’s west and south faces — one of the closest vantage points to this revered peak. This is also the place wh ere yaks, horses, and porters (pre-arranged by Namaste Nepal Trekking) will be organized for those who have hired them.

The first day’s trek covers around 10 km from Yama Dwar to Diraphuk and typically takes 5–7 hours. The trail is mostly flat with gentle inclines, making it manageable despite the high altitude. However, the final stretch involves a short but steeper ascent lasting about 30 minutes.

At 4,920 meters, Diraphuk offers a truly spectacular reward — an awe-inspiring close-up of Mount Kailash’s north face. Nowhere else on the journey provides such an intimate view. Take your time to absorb the moment, capture photographs, and appreciate the spiritual energy of this sacred landscape.

On arrival, check into the guesthouse and enjoy a warm dinner. Rest is crucial tonight — the temperature will drop significantly, and oxygen levels will be lower than what we’ve experienced so far.

Note: Those who prefer not to trek can remain in Darchen and rejoin the group after the Kora. Horses, ponies, and porters can be hired on-site with the assistance of your Tibetan guide (direct payment). Your assigned horse/porter will remain with you throughout the Kora.

Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. We will trek over 22 km across rugged, high-altitude terrain, crossing the legendary Dolma La Pass — the highest point of the entire journey.

We start early at around 5:00 AM after packing our belongings and having a light breakfast. The trail fr om Diraphuk begins with a steady climb, which gradually becomes steeper as we approach higher elevations. At over 4,900 meters, it’s natural to feel shortness of breath or headaches, so we’ll keep a slow, steady pace and stay hydrated throughout.

After about 4 hours of determined trekking, we reach the Dolma La Pass (5,660m), adorned with fluttering Tibetan prayer flags. Standing here, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and the spiritual energy of Mount Kailash, is a moment to cherish forever.

From the pass, we descend carefully toward the sacred Gauri Kunda, a small glacier lake steeped in Hindu mythology. This section is steep, rocky, and unsuitable for horses, so all trekking must be done on foot.

Once past Gauri Kunda, we descend for about 1.5 hours to the valley floor, wh ere the trail becomes flat and more forgiving. Fr om here, it’s a 3-hour walk to Zutulphuk.

Upon arrival, we check into the guesthouse for a well-earned dinner and rest. Zutulphuk is renowned for the Cave of Miracles, wh ere the great yogi Milarepa is believed to have meditated and performed miracles — a fitting end to this powerful day.

(Final Day of Kailash Kora & Return Journey)

Today marks the completion of the sacred Kailash Kora. We begin the morning with an easy, gentle trek along a mostly flat trail toward the Mani Wall (4,800m) — a long wall of intricately carved prayer stones symbolizing blessings and spiritual devotion. This final stretch takes about 3 hours and allows time to reflect on the extraordinary journey we’ve undertaken.

Upon reaching the end point of the Kora, we board our vehicle and drive back to Darchen (4,575m) for a well-deserved breakfast. After refreshing and packing our belongings, we reunite with the rest of the group who stayed behind during the trek.

With the guidance of our Tibetan team, we begin the long but scenic drive back. The route takes us through Paryang (4,550m) and Dzongba (4,450m), crossing wide plains and mountain passes before finally arriving in Taklakot (3,900m).

Once in Taklakot, we settle into our guesthouse for dinner and a well-earned night of rest — our hearts full of the memories and blessings gathered from Mount Kailash.

(Drive & Helicopter Transfer)

After an early breakfast in Taklakot, we set out on a short but scenic 45-minute to 1-hour drive toward the Nepal–China border. Here, we bid farewell to our Tibetan guide and driver, whose support and hospitality have been invaluable throughout our Kailash journey.

Once at the border, we complete the necessary immigration formalities, then take a short walk to Hilsa — a small border settlement on the Nepal side. From Hilsa, we board a helicopter flight to Simikot, enjoying stunning aerial views of the mountains, valleys, and rivers below.

The rest of the day in Simikot will be at leisure, allowing time to rest and prepare for the onward journey home.

After an early breakfast, we board a morning flight fr om Simikot to Nepalgunj, followed by a connecting flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for some well-earned rest.

Note: The flight from Simikot to Nepalgunj is highly dependent on weather conditions. In the event of poor weather, flights may be delayed or canceled. Should this occur, you will remain in Simikot, wh ere we will arrange basic guesthouse accommodation. Facilities in Simikot are limited, and lodging and meals will be simple. We recommend staying together as a group during such delays, and please inform us immediately if you feel unwell so that prompt medical assistance can be arranged.

Accommodation costs arising from weather-related delays are not included in the package and will need to be paid separately.

In the event of a medical emergency, Namaste Nepal Trekking will assist in arranging a helicopter evacuation. Please ensure that you have comprehensive travel insurance covering both helicopter rescue and emergency medical evacuation. Travel insurance cannot be purchased in Nepal and is not sold by local travel agencies, so it must be arranged in your home country prior to travel.

After completing your sacred and spiritually fulfilling journey in Tibet, it’s time to bid farewell. Our Namaste Nepal Trekking & Research Hub representative will pick you up from your hotel in a private vehicle and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule. We wish you a safe journey home and hope the blessings of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar remain with you always.

Note: If you wish to extend your stay in Nepal, there are many exciting options available. You can opt for a short trek in the Himalayas, visit Pokhara for adventurous activities such as bungee jumping, paragliding, rafting, or hot air ballooning, or head to Chitwan National Park for a thrilling jungle safari. Extensions can be easily arranged upon request.