Kailash Mansarovar Yatra By Helicopter

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra By Helicopter cost 2024 | 2025 | 2026
  • Duration 10 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Max. Altitude 5650m
  • Trip Start Kathmandu
  • Trip End Kathmandu
  • Trip Area Nepal & Tibet
  • Nature of Trip Religious
  • Major Activities Trek & Drive

Overview

For Hindus all over the world, Mt. Kailash stands as the Lord Shiva’s residence and is a spiritually charged place. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter is one of the most preferred by those who have no time to do the journey on foot or a jeep but want to complete the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. It starts from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and Simikot by flight and then helicopter to Hilsa. From Hilsa, tourists are taken by Land Cruiser to the border and then to Manasarovar and Kailash Parikrama. 

Air travel is more common than overland routes, and hence, altitude sickness becomes more common than on other routes. The other site is at Mt Kailash, also called Mt Meru, which is 6,700 meters high and situated in the western part of Tibet. This is considered to be the place where Tonpa Shenrab – the founder of the Bon religion – came from heaven. The tantric Buddhists believe that Mount Kailash is the abode of Buddha Demchok, who symbolizes the ultimate state of joy. In Jainism, Meru Parvat or Sumeru is celebrated as Kailash and Ashtapada, the nearby mountain where the first Jain sage Rishabhadev achieved Keval Gyan or Nirvana.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter starts from Nepalgunj to Simikot and then to the Hilsa border. After immigration formalities on the Chinese side, one will visit the Kailash Himalayas, passing through the temple of Khojernath/Ramsita Gompa, Taklakot/Purang. This is the shortest circuit to visit Mt. Kailash & Lake Mansarovar for those tourists and pilgrims who would like to explore the sacred and spectacular Kailash Mansarovar region in the shortest possible time. This tour provides an opportunity for worshippers to pray to Lord Shiva and Buddha in one of the sacred sites for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. 

In Hindu culture and tradition, Mt. Kailash is associated with Lord Shiva, and Mansarovar is the place where Shiva and Parvati take baths. For Buddhists, Kailash and Mansarovar are known as the ‘ Jewel of Snows’ where the Buddhists – particularly the followers of Guru Rinpoche meditate.

Highlights of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra By Helicopter

  • Go on a helicopter ride over the Himalayas; this largely reduces the time and strain on oneself regarding the trip.
  • Helicopter tours to the Himalayas offer breathtaking views of these landscapes—from bird' eye view, these landscapes are just magnificent.
  • Have a spiritually enchanted sightseeing journey to Mt. Kailash, which would fill your soul.
  • Holy Dip in Lake Mansarovar: It's the holy place where people surrounding it are supposed to purify the soul and clean all sins.
  • Do rituals and practices of parikrama around the Mt Kailash

 

Itinerary
Expand AllCollapse All

  • Accommodation3 Star Hotel
  • Altitude/Time1400m | 45 min

Upon your arrival at the airport, our tour agent will welcome you and accompany you to the comfortable 4-star hotel in Kathmandu. Here, you can relax from the journey and get carried away by the calm environment of the place that comes with amenities like an attached bathroom, 24/7 electricity, and internet services.

In the evening, you will be attending a briefing about the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra that we are going to undertake. This session is basically to give you mental and spiritual preparation for the great journey, the meaning of the journey, and what to expect in the next few days. 

In the evening, enjoy a tasty dinner in the hotel where you will meet people from other groups and have kind of a foretaste of the further spiritual journey. Get a good night's sleep in your fancy hotel rooms, for tomorrow is the first official day of your pilgrimage.

 

  • Accommodation3 Star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Altitude/Time150m | Full Day

The second day of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra starts with a healthy breakfast, and the second day is also considered for exploring spirituality. In the morning, at 8:00 am, we will proceed for a half-day tour to some of the holiest of holies in the area. The tour begins with the Pashupatinath Temple, which is enlisted in the World Heritage List and is a sacred temple of Lord Shiva. Here, the air is saturated with religious feelings as people from all over the world come to pray. 

After that, we will go to the beautiful Boudhanath Stupa which is one of the largest stupas in the world and a religious site among Buddhists. The proportions of the mandala are gigantic, and it probably ranks as one of the biggest spherical stupas in Nepal; the spirituality of the place can be felt as one circling the structure, twirling the prayer wheels while being surrounded by complete serenity. 

By midday, we will transfer to your hotel for the preparation of the next part of your travel. At 2:15 pm, there will be a domestic flight to Nepalgunj, which is an entrée to the unexplored regions of Western Nepal. On arrival, a comfortable transfer will pick you up from the airport and check you into a nearby hotel. 

By evening you will be in the lively town of Nepalgunj in preparation for the next day’s journey.

 

  • AccommodationHotel With Attached Bathroom
  • MealsBreakfat Lunch Dinner
  • Altitude/Time4755m

The day starts early with a morning drive at 5:15 AM to the airport for a flight to the peaceful village of Simikot. After that, at 9 in the morning, we will have to go by helicopter to the Hilsa, an isolated area that acts as the starting point of the tour to Tibet. Since the Yatra is organized on a group visa, all people are to enter Tibet together, and thus, the togetherness of the travelers is quite well observed. 

The journey continues in the middle afternoon, around 3:00 PM, from Hilsa to Taklakot, which is situated on the Tibetan plateau. As per the weather and other circumstances, the night will be spent in Simikot, Hilsa, or Taklakot. In any case, there are breathtaking views of the calm nature and the distinctive ethnography of this holy place. 

Throughout the day, we can enjoy the diverse culinary offerings: breakfast in either Nepalgunj or Simikot, lunch at Hilsa, and dinner at the comfortable hotel at Taklakot, where you will be lodging. It is also an advantage that the hotel at Taklakot comes with most of the modern basic amenities, which include an attached bathroom, thus allowing for a comfortable night despite the rough environment.

 

  • AccommodationHotel With Attached Bathroom
  • MealsBreakfast Lunch Dinner
  • Altitude/Time4755m

Today is a rest day, but it is also necessary for the participants to get used to the high altitude and the tranquillity of the region in Taklakot. We will have a healthy breakfast in the morning in a hotel and feel fresh and energized by the mountain air. 

You will wake up in the morning free as a bird to do whatever you want, including taking a walk, going for a tour, or simply taking a break and relaxing in your hotel room.

All through the day, take meals that are healthy meals well-prepared to cater for your needs. Breakfast is included in the package, while lunch and dinner are also available in your hotel, so you will not run out of food to energize your next activities. 

The place for your stay in Taklakot is comfortable, it even has its own attached toilet and bath, everything that you will require to have a comfortable rest. At the end of each day, sleep well, for you are one day closer to the holy shrine of Mount Kailash. 

 

  • AccommodationHotel With Attached bathroom
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Altitude/Time4600m

On the fifth day of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter, get ready for a life-changing experience as you proceed to Mansarovar Lake by drive. The drive will be about 90 kilometres and will take about 3 hours, and this will be the first time you will have a glimpse of Mount Kailash and the holy Mansarovar Lake. 

Upon arrival at the lake, which is at 1:00 PM, you will bathe in holy water and also participate in a Puja. After this ritual, take the Parikrama of the Mansarovar Lake in which one has to go around the lake and feel the serenity of the place. 

Your day will be spent in the Mansarovar Lake Side Lodge, where you can spend your leisure time in leisure and digest what you will have seen and experienced during the day with meals taken in the lodge: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

 

  • AccommodationHotel With Attached Bathroom
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Altitude/Time5210m

The sixth day of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter is dedicated to the spiritual journey; Ashtapad Temple is constructed here, where one gets the closest view of Mount Kailash and even does puja. Afterward, we proceed for a drive to Tarboche to have a look at Yama Dwar, the starting point of the Kora circuit. The trek to Dirapuk at an altitude of 15900 feet gives a stunning view of the North face of Mt. Kailash. 

Here, you are going to have the deep experience of having the mountain at your feet. Those who do not want to trek have to spend time in Darchen. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be taken at the Mansarovar Lake Side Lodge or while on the trek.

  • AccommodationHotel With Attached Bathroom
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Altitude/Time5650m

On the seventh day of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter, it is time to undertake a steep 14 km trek from Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk. We will reach the most difficult part of the yatra at the Dolma La Pass of 5,6100 meters, where trekkers have to tread a steep route. The road leading down to Gaurikund and the track alongside the river to Zuthulpuk are also wonderful. Zuthulpuk has a comfortable lodge where we can rest after a day full of spiritual and physical challenges. Meals that people take in a day are breakfast, lunch and dinner. For those not undertaking the Parikrama, there is a rest day again in Darchen.

 

  • AccommodationHotel With Attached Bathroom
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Altitude/Time3640m

Day 8 of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter is another exciting day as from here onwards, the scenic beauty is replaced by a short trek. By 9:00 AM, we get to Darchen; this is a beautiful town, and we meet the other travelers who have been waiting for our arrival. After Darchen, it is a fascinating drive to Hilsa and Simikot, passing through the beautiful countryside of Taklakot. This journey provides scenic views and the best opportunity to take a good look at the fantastic natural environment of the area. In the evening, after a day of wonder and exploration, we are in the Mansarovar guest house at Simikot or a similar one to have a delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

 

  • Accommodation3 Star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast & Lunch
  • Altitude/Time1400m

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter Day 9 is the day of transformation and self-introspection. Breakfast is served in the calm and quiet environment of Simikot before heading to the flight to Nepalgunj. From there you proceed further on the beautiful flight to Kathmandu. Have a tasty meal in Nepalgunj before heading to the colorful core of the country. The evening is going to be of leisure and comfort as one gets to relax and sit back in a 4-star hotel like Hotel Vaishali where you would be served a delicious dinner. After that, the night is going to be special as it is going to be the end of this remarkable journey. This day is a gentle conclusion to your spiritual pilgrimage, which brings the serenity of the Himalayas and the welcome of Kathmandu.

  • MealsBreakfast
  • Altitude/Time1400m

The final day of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter is the 10th day and you get to spend a leisurely day in this pilgrimage site. The breakfast will be had in the morning as you wake up to a rather calm morning, giving you ample time to think and maybe reconsider your trip as you prepare to leave. We will make arrangements to transfer you to the airport about two hours before your flight, and the trip will take approximately 30 minutes. This final day is quite serene as it gives a peaceful ending to the day of fasting and prayer that is full of divine events and discovery of the self.

 

Not satisfied with this regular itinerary?

Are you interested on planning custom trip? Feel free to contact us.

Useful Info

Best Time To Do Kailash Mansarovar Yatra By Helicopter

The best time to go for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by helicopter is also flexible depending on personal wish but should be done in consideration of weather, visibility, and climate. Ideally, the best time of the year is during the Spring and Autumn Seasons as the weather is comparatively better and the sky is not so cloudy, but the view of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake is very beautiful. These are the months when the climate is a little cool, and therefore, the trip is more comfortable. However, it is possible that personal characteristics like fatigue resistance, religious purpose, or proximity could affect the choice. Finally, planning with good weather avoids the risk of accidents and makes the experience more enjoyable.

Spring Season [March to May]

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by helicopter can be performed anytime, looking at the feasibility of weather conditions. However, the best time to visit the region is during the spring season. When the snow starts to thaw, the field is filled with the colors of spring and new foliage, making for a very peaceful setting for this kind of film. During spring, the weather is relatively moderate, and the sky is clear; this makes the helicopter experience very smooth and comfortable, and this enables the pilgrims to have a clear view of Mount Kailash and the crystal clear waters of Lake Mansarovar. Further, the spring season has less chance of disruptions by harsh weather and therefore makes the Yatra easy and spiritually fulfilling.

Autumn Season [September to October]

This Yatra by helicopter during the autumn is something that is beyond a spiritually enriching experience and physically challenging; it is also an experience that provides the best of the natural beauty that the Himalayas provide. Autumn season is usually very clear in this region, and one can get a bird’s eye view of the great Mount Kailash and the beautiful Mansarovar Lake while in the helicopter. The fact is that cooler temperatures and mild weather eliminate acute physical discomfort, so the journey is much easier.

Also, the autumn foliage contributes to the beauty of the region by giving the natural scenery a rich hue of colors in the fall season. The crowds are also fewer during this season, thus making this season one of the best times to make the pilgrimage by helicopter.

Accommodation during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra By Helicopter

The accommodation during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by helicopter is quite basic as the terrain of the area is quite rigorous. Accommodation in Tibet is very basic, and pilgrims are likely to find themselves sleeping in dorms or twin-sharing rooms depending on the lodge or camp. At Taklakot, where the yatra has a considerable halt, the facilities are relatively better, where one can get double-bedded rooms.

Nevertheless, it should be pointed out that while rooms are available in Taklakot that offer en suite bathrooms, these do not include hot shower services. As for the lodging facilities, they are simple along the tracks of the yatra since the travelers who go through this route are mainly on pilgrimage. Yet, the emphasis is made on the fact that the mission is to create comfortable and safe conditions for the guests to relax after the journey and to carry on their pilgrimage to the blessed Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

Transportation During The Journey

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter is one of the easiest ways to experience the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra tour. The trekking starts with a helicopter from Nepalgunj to Simikot and from Simikot to Hilsa this reduces the time and energy required for trekking to the conventional method. After arriving at the Tibetan plateau, the actual trekking turns into more of a walking as you begin the Parikrama (Kora) around Mount Kailash, which is considered to be the holiest part of the journey.

In Parikrama, yaks are useful in porterage of your luggage, food, and equipment that you may require during the journey. These strong animals are supplied by the Indian Pilgrimage Service Centre (IPSC) in the proportion of one yak per two pilgrims. If there is extra baggage, additional yaks can be hired with prior notice, often 48 hours prior to the trip. Charges for hiring the yaks also vary from one time to another depending on the prevailing market demand, especially during the times of the year when most of the tourists visit the region. A yak handler attends to each three yaks to make sure your possessions are supervised and safe during the trek.

Difficulty Level of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra By Helicopter

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter is, in fact, a mixture of adventure and comfort, which has been designed to help those who wish to seek spirituality without going through the rigorous trekking trail. Although the use of the helicopter makes it easier and faster to get to the region, there is still some hiking and exploring of the Mansarovar area on foot. Thus, all the difficulties can be classified as easy to moderate.

Members should expect both aerial tours in helicopters and short hikes and hence need moderate fitness levels. This is further compounded by the high altitude, which is typical of the region. The helicopter route reduces some of the more rigorous aspects of the traditional pilgrimage. If one preplans and gets used to the conditions, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by helicopter is a worthy experience that a wide range of people can undertake.

Required Permits for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra By Helicopter

Tibet Travel Permit

For a foreigner to travel to Tibet, you will require the Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) that is required for entry into the country. This has to be acquired from the Tibet Tourism Bureau, and it can only be done through a licensed tourism company. Without it, tourism to Tibet in general and Mount Kailash in particular is impossible.

Alien's Travel Permit

But for such places as Mount Kailash in western Tibet, you will also require the Alien’s Travel Permit. This permit is provided by the local authorities of the Tibetan Autonomous Region and, similar to the TTP, can be secured exclusively through an officially registered travel company.

Military Permit

Besides, if you are going to visit military-restricted areas such as Ngari (which has Mount Kailash and Mansarovar), Nyingchi, or Chamdo, you need a Military Permit. The military also issues this permit, which has to be obtained through an accredited travel agency.

Foreign Affairs Permit

For some locations in China, including such places as Mt. Kailash and eastern Tibet, you will require both a Foreign Affairs Permit and a Military Travel Permission. The Lhasa Foreign Affairs Office is responsible for the issuance of Foreign Affairs Permits, while the Cultural Antiquities Department deals with the permits for western Tibet destinations such as Tholing, Tsaparang, and the Saga Dawa Festival. It usually may take around 10-15 business days, and the application is done through a travel agency. Always ensure that you have a Chinese Group Visa or China visa, which you should produce together with a photocopy of your passport. Because of the processing time for these permits, it is wise to apply for these permits before you plan for your trip to Tibet.

Inner Line Permit

Besides the permit mentioned above, if you are an Indian citizen and wish to travel directly to Mount Kailash from the India-China border, you will require an Inner Line Permit, which is a travel document issued by the authorities in India. This permit is needed to get to some of the specially controlled areas inside the territory of India.

These permits can be rather difficult to get, and the process can take a rather long time. If possible, it is preferable to contact a licensed Kailash Operator with a good network of contacts in Tibet. They can help in obtaining the required permits and as for the accommodations, food, and transportation, everything will be arranged for you.

Things To Consider | Required Preparations

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter is an adventurous trip, but it is not easy. One needs to plan well before doing it. Among the factors that can be considered to be major challenges, the first one is the meteorological conditions in the Simikot and Hilsa areas. Changes in weather conditions characterize these areas, and this poses a great problem to travelers. For instance, the flights between Nepalgunj and Simikot may take one or two days extra or may be completely canceled due to bad weather. This could lead to some likely alterations in your timetable; therefore, it is advisable to add a day before flying back and make sure that your tickets permit you to make alterations in case they are necessary.

Another factor is the need to arrive in Simikot for immigration control on the way to Kailash Mansarovar and again on the return. This compulsory halt makes it a little more challenging for the trip. Depending on the size of your group and the current weather conditions, you may need to use a helicopter and then change to a fixed-wing aircraft for the Nepalgunj to Simikot sector. But the Simikot to Hilsa segment has no other option than to be built by helicopters only, which underlines the need to consider and plan these logistic peculiarities.

Is Travel Insurance Required?

Every time one is planning a journey as sacred as the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by helicopter, one is bound to ask – is travel insurance compulsory? Although it is not a legal requirement to obtain proper insurance coverage for the trip, it is highly advised. The yatra, which is religious and physically strenuous, is undertaken in one of the most inaccessible and most elevated tracts of the globe. The combination of these factors brings some certain risks, such as high altitude sickness, and abrupt changes in the weather, as well as the shortage of medical facilities.

Travel insurance is always helpful in case of an emergency, for example, in case of having to be evacuated due to illness, having to cancel the trip because of an illness, or other situations that are not foreseen. Be it for medical expenses, for coverage against mishaps during the travel or for a hassle-free journey, availing the travel insurance for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter should be considered a wise financial investment for any devotee.

You can purchase travel insurance from the following sites:

FAQs
  • The key highlights include the aerial views of the Himalayas, visiting the sacred Mount Kailash, performing rituals at Lake Mansarovar, and the option to complete the Parikrama (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash.

     

  • The Yatra typically takes around 8-10 days, depending on the specific itinerary and weather conditions. We do have 10-day itinerary for this adventurous package.

     

  • While the helicopter reduces the need for strenuous trekking, participants should still be in good health and able to handle high altitudes. A medical check-up is recommended before undertaking the journey.

     

  • The Yatra usually starts from Kathmandu, Nepal. From there, travelers are flown to Nepalgunj and then to Simikot before taking the helicopter to Hilsa, near the Tibet border.

     

     

  • Accommodations typically range from basic guesthouses to tents, depending on the location. In more remote areas, facilities may be quite basic, so travelers should be prepared for simple living conditions.

     

  • Essential items include warm clothing, sturdy shoes, personal medications, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, snacks, and toiletries. It's also advisable to carry a power bank and a camera.

     

  • The best time for the Yatra is Spring [March to May] and Autumn [September to November] when the weather conditions are more stable and the helicopter services are operational.

     

  • Costs range from USD 4,000 to 6,000, depending on the package and services included.

  • Yes, travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended.

  • A valid passport, Chinese visa, and Tibet travel permit are required.

Add-ons Trips
You may also like

Ask a Question

Need Help? We're at your service
Trip Planner (Rohit)+977 9845449032
Operation Manager (Raju)+61 423 765 587
Send Us a Message[email protected]