Description
Mt. Kailash & Manasarovar Helicopter Tour is the most sought out pilgrimage journey and a quick tour into the holy land of Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. It’s ideal for those having a limited traveling time-frame and also to skip some few days of hiking (about 5 days) in the Nepal section during the quest to Mt. Kailash. Helicopter flight is taken from Simikot to Hilsa and start the overland journey towards the Lake Manasarovar, and after the trip, again fly back to Simikot and eventually to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu. Helicopter flight above the Mt. Kailash and the surrounding areas is prohibited so it flies only till Hilsa.
What to Expect?
Mt. Kailash & Manasarovar Helicopter Tour allows you to witness the world’s highest fresh-water Lake Manasarovar, at an elevation of 4,583 meters which is also is a world famous pilgrimage destination for all the Hindu, the Buddhist, the Jain and the Bon devotees and also view 6714 meters elevated Peak, Mount Kailash with the diverse landscape, and peaceful surrounding.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
After landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu from your designated destinations, you will be received by a representative of the travel company at the arrival gate who will then transfer you to you allotted hotels. If the time persists, you can either visit the city or relax at the hotel to overcome your jet lag. O/N Hotel.
Day 02: Fly to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu (55 min)
Today fly to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu on regular aircraft (fixed wing) which takes about 55 minutes. Upon arrival, check-in hotel and the rest of the time is free to explore around Nepalgunj/market area. O/N Hotel.
Day 03: Fly to Simikot (2910m) from Nepalgunj
Early in the morning again flight to Simikot from Nepalgunj (fixed wing aircraft) for about 55 minutes. Check-in guest house in Simikot and today is rest at Simikot for acclimatizing. O/N Guest House.
Day 04: Fly to Simikot by plane & flight to Hilsa by helicopter & drive to Taklakot (3700m)
On fourth day of Mt. Kailash & Manasarovar Helicopter Tour, in the morning, board a chartered helicopter and flight to Hilsa which is about 15 minute’s flight. Then drive to the Chinese border from Hilsa and continue the drive up till Taklakot for the overnight stay. This overland drive is about 1 & half hour. O/N Guest House.
Day 05: Acclimatization day in Taklakot (3700m)
This day is rest and get acclimatize in Taklakot. The day is spent with a short excursion drive to Kejia village where Kejia monastery is located at the middle of the village. The monastery is also called Khojarnath temple -Chenga Sherab Jungne (1187-1241) bestowed the king of Taklakot, Jowo Atigman (Jo Bo a tig sman), with spiritual teachings and the transmission of Mahamudra. In turn, as a token of appreciation, the king presented the Drikung order with additional territories and with the famous shrine of Khojar (kho char lha khang), known as the shrine of Khojarnath. Up till now the impressive building, surrounded by white washed stupas and a large wall of mani-stones and yak-skulls inscribed with mantras, is one of the foremost objects of pilgrimage in western Tibet. O/N Guest House.
Day 06: Drive to Lake Manasarovar (4550m)
After breakfast, drive to the holy Lake Manasarovar. You can also do the ‘Havan’ puja by your priest at the banks of the lake and Mt. Kailash in front. Explore around Manasarovar and also prepare for the Mt. Kailash Kora tomorrow. On completing the puja and exploration, return back to the hotel. O/N Guest House.
Day 07: Drive to Tarboche valley via Darchen. Start Kailash Kora to Diraphuk (4860m) 2 hrs drive & 4 hrs trek
Today drive (46 kms) to Tarboche Valley via Darchen then start parikarma 14 kms to Diraphuk. Kailash circuit covers 53 kms and takes 3 days. The route heads west in clockwise direction & after a few kilometers it climbs up to a cairn at 4730 m from where the northern face of Mt. Kailash can be spotted. O/N Guest House.
Day 08: Second day of Kailash Kora – Trek from Dirapuk to Juthulpuk (4820 m) 8 hrs trek
On the eight day of Mt. Kailash & Manasarovar Helicopter Tour cross Drolma La pass (5630 M), the highest point during parikarama. The trail is flat and easy walking till Drolma la pass for about 8 km then hardest uphill walking crossing the pass and hike down to Juthulpuk. O/N Guest House.
Day 09: Finish parikarma & drive to Taklakot via Darchen & Mansarover
The final day of the parikarma which is an easy 2-3 hrs walk down to where the river emerges on to the Barga plain. On compilation of the parikarma meet our vehicles at Lamchu valley and drive to Taklakot via Darchen and Lake Mansarover. O/N Guest House.
Day 10: Flight to Hilsa by helicopter & fly to Nepalgunj by plane
Early morning, trace the route back to Hilsa from Taklakot and board a helicopter flight to Simikot. Then catch the connecting flight to Nepalgunj on a scheduled plane. If time permits then fly back to Kathmandu in the evening the same day or stay overnight at Nepalgunj O/N Hotel.
Day 11: Extra day – Kathmandu
This is the extra day if the flight disturbance/canceled for the Nepalgunj to Kathmandu flight. If already in Kathmandu, you are free to explore around the city or rest at your hotel. O/N Hotel
Day 12: Departure
Your Mt. Kailash & Manasarovar Helicopter Tour terminates today, drive towards the international terminal and then board the flight towards your onward destination.
Cost Includes
- Airport pick up / drop off by private vehicle as per the itinerary.
- Accommodation in Kathmandu/Nepalgunj including breakfast as per the itinerary.
- Guided Kathmandu city tours inclusive of private vehicle and guide.
- Private transportation as per itinerary in Tibet/Kailash.
- English speaking Tibetan Guide.
- Accommodation on twin sharing room basis except guest houses in Tibet/Kailash.
- Daily breakfast.
- All flights (Fixed wing aircraft + Helicopter) as per the itinerary
- Domestic departure tax
- All Monastery entry fees as per your itinerary.
- Tibet travel permit.
Cost Excludes
- Lunch & Dinner.
- Insurance of any kind.
- Natural or political disturbance which beyond our control.
- Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, porter charge etc.
Trip Note
During the trip; weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factor, that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered. We will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but an easy going nature will be an asset!
