By Helicopter via Simikot & Hilsa

Chaliye Kailash, Shivalaya Ke Saath

Parikrama Karwate, Pakadke Haath.

A refined Himalayan pilgrimage combining Kathmandu's spiritual heritage, the remote landscapes of Humla and Tibet, sacred Lake Mansarovar, and the Kailash Parikrama.

Travel from Kathmandu through Nepalgunj and Simikot, cross into Tibet via Hilsa, and continue to the sacred Kailash region by road.

Designed for pilgrims who prefer a more compact Himalayan access route, this 11-day programme combines carefully planned logistics, experienced field support and the spiritual highlights of the Kailash pilgrimage.

Trip Features:

Total Duration : 10 Nights / 11 Days
Route: Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Simikot – Hilsa – Taklakot – Mansarovar – Darchen – Kailash Kora – Hilsa – Simikot – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu
Access: Fixed-wing flight + chartered helicopter + overland
Kailash Kora: Approximately 3 days
Lake Mansarovar : Approx. 4,500 m
Darchen : Approx. 4,560–4,575 m
Journey Starts/Ends : In Kathmandu, Nepal
Accommodation: Hotels, guesthouses and locally available accommodation
Meal: Vegetarian
Group Support: Tibetan guide, tour coordinator & Himalayan support team

Tour Highlights

Kathmandu Spiritual Heritage

Visit Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and other significant religious sites.

Himalayan Flight to Simikot

Fly into one of Nepal's remote Himalayan regions.

Helicopter to Hilsa

Experience the spectacular Simikot–Hilsa helicopter sector.

Lake Mansarovar

Spend time at the sacred lake at approximately 4,500 metres.

Kailash Parikrama

Undertake the traditional circumambulation of Mount Kailash.

Dolma La

Cross the highest point of the Parikrama at approximately 5,640 metres.

North Face Darshan

Depending on current local conditions and permissions, pilgrims may have the opportunity to undertake Charan Sparsh.

Experienced Shivalaya Leadership

Travel with a team built around extensive first-hand Kailash experience.

Note:

Tour itinerary may change based on weather, health conditions of yatris, and restrictions imposed by Chinese authorities. Shivalaya Tours will make all efforts to maintain the tour schedule and complete all important aspects of the Yatra.

BY HELICOPTER YATRA - 2026

MONTHS	FULL MOON DATE	DATES
MAY	1, 31	4, 11, 18, 25, 27*
JUNE	30	1, 8, 15, 22, 26*, 29
JULY	29	6, 13, 20, 25*, 27
AUGUST	28	3, 10, 17, 21*, 24
SEPTEMBER	26	7, 14, 21, 23*, 28

Note:

The above dates indicate departure from India and arrival in Kathmandu.
For helicopter tours, the mentioned dates represent arrival in Kathmandu. If arriving via Lucknow, your arrival will be one day later than the dates listed above.
Departure dates are scheduled to coincide with the Full Moon at Lake Manasarovar.

Important:

Flight schedules, border procedures, permits, road conditions, accommodation and access arrangements can change. The final confirmed itinerary issued before departure will take precedence.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu ( Kathmandu | Approx. 1,400 m)

Welcome to Kathmandu, the gateway to your Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.

Upon arrival, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Subject to the temple's schedule and local conditions, experience the evening Aarati on the banks of the Bagmati River. Return to the hotel and rest.

Overnight: 5-star hotel in Kathmandu

Meals: As per arrival programme

Day 2: Kathmandu | Nepalgunj

Spiritual Kathmandu & Himalayan Gateway

Begin the morning with a visit to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world's great Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

Continue to Jal Narayan, also known as the Sleeping Vishnu Temple.

After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight to Nepalgunj.

The flight takes approximately 45 minutes.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and prepare for the following day's early Himalayan flight.

Flight: Kathmandu – Nepalgunj

Approx. flight time: 45 minutes

Overnight: Soaltee Westend Premier or similar

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Nepalgunj | Simikot | Hilsa | Taklakot

Into the High Himalaya

An early morning departure takes you by fixed-wing aircraft from Nepalgunj to Simikot. From Simikot, board a chartered helicopter for the spectacular flight to Hilsa. After landing at Hilsa, complete the required border procedures and cross into Tibet. Continue by road toward Taklakot, also known as Purang.

The remainder of the day is dedicated to rest and initial acclimatization.

Flight: Nepalgunj – Simikot

Approx. flight time: 1 hour

Helicopter: Simikot – Hilsa

Approx. flight time: 22 minutes

Road transfer: Hilsa – Taklakot

Overnight: Hotel in Taklakot

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Taklakot (Acclimatization Day | Approx. 3,900 m)

Today is an important acclimatization day. The purpose is simple: allow your body time to adjust before travelling higher.

Enjoy a relaxed morning and gentle activities around the area, subject to local conditions.

Your focus today:

Rest
Hydration
Light movement
Avoid unnecessary exertion
Prepare your daypack
Attend the group briefing

The team will also review the upcoming Lake Mansarovar and Kailash programme.

Overnight: Hotel in Taklakot

Altitude: Approx. 3,900 m

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5: Taklakot | Lake Mansarovar ( Approx. 4,500 m)

The First Darshan of Lake Mansarovar

Today you travel deeper into the sacred Kailash landscape. After breakfast, drive toward Lake Mansarovar, approximately 90 km away. As the landscape opens across the Tibetan Plateau, the approach to the sacred lake becomes one of the defining moments of the journey. Upon arrival, pilgrims may have time for prayer, meditation, puja and other spiritual practices, subject to local regulations and conditions.

Any bathing or ritual activity must follow the regulations and instructions applicable at the time of travel. Overnight: Guesthouse / locally available accommodation

Altitude: Approx. 4,500 m

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6: Lake Mansarovar | Darchen (Approx. 4,560–4,575 m)

Enjoy the morning around Lake Mansarovar according to the operational schedule.

Later, drive toward Darchen, the principal gateway to the Kailash Parikrama.

Darchen is located at approximately 4,560–4,575 metres and is where pilgrims prepare for the three-day Kora.

Kora preparation

Organize your daypack
Keep warm layers accessible
Prepare water and snacks
Check trekking footwear
Keep personal medication with you
Attend the team briefing
Rest adequately

Overnight: Hotel in Darchen

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7: Darchen | Sershung | Dirapuk

Kailash Parikrama — Day 1

After breakfast, drive toward Sershung, the roadhead for the trekking section.

Begin the walk toward Dirapuk through the spectacular Lha Chu Valley.

The trail provides progressively closer views of Mount Kailash.

The walking section from the Yamadwar area toward Dirapuk is approximately 12 km, subject to the operational route. A packed lunch will be provided.

Dirapuk

Dirapuk provides extraordinary views toward the North Face of Mount Kailash.

Optional Charan Sparsh

Where access is officially permitted and operationally available, pilgrims may have the option to undertake Charan Sparsh.

This is an additional high-altitude walk and should be considered only by pilgrims who are physically prepared and able to undertake it safely.

Trek: Approx. 12 km

Overnight: Guesthouse / locally available accommodation

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

Day 8: Dirapuk | Dolma La | Zuthulpuk

Kailash Parikrama — Day 2

The Most Demanding Day :Today is the most physically demanding section of the Parikrama. Begin early from Dirapuk and ascend toward Dolma La, the highest point of the Kora. Dolma La Approx. 5,640 m / 18,500 ft The ascent is steep and challenging, particularly because of the altitude. Near the route is Gauri Kund, a sacred high-altitude lake associated with the Kailash pilgrimage. After crossing Dolma La, begin the long descent toward Zuthulpuk.

The trail continues through the remote mountain landscape before reaching the Zuthulpuk area. Zuthulpuk; Zuthulpuk is associated with sacred meditation caves and is an important stop on the Kora.

Approx. walking distance: 18–22 km, depending on the final route Walking time: Approximately 10–12 hours, depending on individual pace and conditions

Highest point: Approx. 5,640 m

Overnight: Guesthouse / locally available accommodation

Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

Important:

This is a high-altitude trekking day. The actual walking distance and duration can vary with route conditions, weather and group movement.

Day 9: Zuthulpuk | Darchen | Taklakot | Hilsa

Completing the Parikrama

After breakfast, complete the final section of the Kora. Walk toward the designated road head, where vehicles will meet the group. Continue by road toward Darchen and onward through Purang / Taklakot toward Hilsa. After completing the necessary border procedures, cross back into Nepal.

The day's journey involves several stages and may be long. Operational arrangements and border conditions can affect the exact schedule.

Overnight: Guesthouse / accommodation as per operational arrangement

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10: Hilsa | Simikot | Nepalgunj | Kathmandu

Return to Nepal :

Early morning, board the helicopter from Hilsa to Simikot. Continue by fixed-wing aircraft from Simikot to Nepalgunj, followed by the onward flight to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel.

The remainder of the day is free for rest and relaxation.

Flight sectors:

Hilsa to Simikot
Simikot to Nepalgunj
Nepalgunj to Kathmandu

Overnight: 5-star hotel in Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11: Departure from Kathmandu

Your Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage concludes today. After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Take with you the memories of the Tibetan Plateau, Lake Mansarovar and the sacred journey around Mount Kailash. Yatra concludes — Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast

Permits & Border Arrangements

Permits & Border Arrangements
Kailash-related permits
Group visa arrangements as applicable
Chinese visa fee, where applicable
Upper Humla permit

Flights

Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Simikot to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu by fixed-wing aircraft
Simikot to Hilsa to Simikot by chartered helicopter, subject to operational conditions

Accommodation

2 nights Kathmandu at a 5-star property
1 night Nepalgunj at Soaltee Westend Premier or similar
Best available hotels / guesthouses in Tibet according to local availability

Ground Transportation

Overland transportation in Tibet as per itinerary
Airport transfers
Border transfers
Supporting vehicle/truck for designated food and kitchen equipment

Meals

Vegetarian meals throughout the programme as specified

Pilgrimage & Field Support

Tibetan guide
Tour coordinator
Experienced Himalayan support team
Group oxygen support
Camping and kitchen equipment where required
Entrance fees as applicable

Personal Equipment

Complimentary duffel bag
Daypack
Down jacket on return basis

Permits, Taxes & Charges

Applicable government fees
Service charges
Taxes included in the confirmed package

Rates do not include:

International airfare to and from Kathmandu
Personal travel insurance
Emergency medical treatment
Emergency evacuation
Medical evacuation or repatriation
Additional accommodation resulting from weather or operational delays
Additional meals or expenses caused by delays
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities
Laundry
Beverages
Telephone and internet charges
Pony or porter for personal use during the Kailash Parikrama
Any service not specifically listed under Inclusions

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Your policy should specifically be checked for:

High-altitude travel
Trekking
Emergency medical treatment
Emergency evacuation
Repatriation
Trip cancellation
Trip interruption
Delays caused by weather

Please read the exclusions carefully.

Passport

A clear passport copy should be submitted at least 2 months before the group's planned entry date, or earlier where required. The passport should have a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of travel, subject to applicable regulations.

Important

Visa, permit and entry requirements may change. Final documentation requirements will be confirmed before departure.

Payment Policy

Booking Confirmation

INR 25,000 per person or USD 300 at the time of submission of the naming list and passport copy.

Second Payment

50% of the tour cost due one month before the group's travel date.

Final Payment

Balance due at least 15 days before arrival in Nepal.

The payment schedule stated in the final booking confirmation will apply.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Period	Applicable Charge
At naming-list submission	INR 25,000 per person
Prior to 15 days	30% of tour cost
Within 10 days	50% of tour cost
Within 7 days	100% of tour cost

Final cancellation terms are governed by the booking confirmation and applicable supplier conditions.

Important Information

Kailash Mansarovar is a remote, high-altitude pilgrimage. The programme can be affected by:

Weather	Flight operations	Road conditions
Border procedures	Permit availability	Government regulations
Health conditions of pilgrims	Altitude-related concerns	Natural events
Local operational restrictions

Accordingly, the published itinerary should be considered a planned programme rather than a guarantee of exact timings.

Shivalaya Tours will make every reasonable effort to operate the journey as published while prioritizing pilgrim safety and compliance with applicable regulations.

High-Altitude Considerations

The journey reaches approximately 5,640 metres at Dolma La.

Pilgrims should undertake appropriate physical and medical preparation before travelling.

During the journey:

Walk slowly.	Stay hydrated.	Rest when required.
Follow acclimatization instructions.	Communicate symptoms immediately.

No pilgrim should feel pressured to continue walking if they are experiencing significant health concerns.