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Kailash Heli Tour for Foreigners 13 Nights | 14 Days
Route: Kathmandu → Nepalgunj → Simikot → Hilsa → Taklakot → Mansarovar → Darchen → Deraphuk → Zutulphuk → Taklakot → Hilsa → Simikot → Nepalgunj → Kathmandu.
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,324 m). Meet our tour leader and transfer to the hotel
Om Nama Shivaya! Welcome to Kathmandu, from where your pilgrimage to the sacred Kailash begins. Upon your arrival at TIA, our tour leader will receive you at the airport with the sign of our company. After a short introduction, he will drive you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Please rest in your room and get used to the religious aura of the city. Then, you can walk around and see the religious monuments found in every nook and corner of Kathmandu Street. In the evening, you can have the first taste of delicious vegetarian cuisine in Kathmandu.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal(s): Veg. Dinner
- Altitude: 1,324 m (Kathmandu)
Day 02: Tibet visa processing day – stay in Kathmandu (1,324 m)
Early in the morning, our tour leader will organize a group meeting at the hotel to collect all required travel documents for the Tibet Group Visa. As per Chinese government regulations, all Kailash Yatra participants must be present at the Chinese Embassy to complete the Tibet visa processing formalities.
After completing the visa process, we will visit Kathmandu’s sacred spiritual sites, including Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and Boudhanath Stupa. In the evening, we will attend the holy Aarti and Pooja at Pashupatinath Temple, praying for a smooth, successful, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Meal(s): Veg. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Altitude: 1,324 m (Kathmandu)
- Activity: Tibet visa processing, temple visits & evening Aarti
Day 03: Rest day in Kathmandu – Visa Collection (1,324 m)
After breakfast, enjoy a peaceful morning at your hotel while our team finalizes and collects your Tibet group visa from the Chinese Embassy. This day provides an excellent opportunity to rest, prepare spiritually, and acclimatize before your sacred journey to Mount Kailash. Later, visit the holy Pashupatinath Temple to perform Rudravishek (special worship of Lord Shiva) conducted by a Brahmin priest. The day continues with visits to Budhanilkantha Temple (the reclining Vishnu) or Doleswor Mahadev, believed to be the head part of Kedarnath in India. Return to your hotel in the evening for relaxation and a trip briefing.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Meal(s): Veg. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Altitude: 1,324 m (Kathmandu)
- Activity: Rudravishek, temple visits & rest day
Day 04: Explore Kathmandu Valley and fly to Nepalgunj (150 m)
After an early breakfast, we begin our half-day sightseeing tour with a visit to Sanga Mahadev, featuring the world’s second-largest Shiva statue (143 ft tall) constructed from copper, steel, zinc, and concrete. This towering monument beautifully reflects Nepal’s deep devotion to Lord Shiva. We then explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic royal courtyard and a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing intricate wooden architecture and ancient temples. After lunch at the hotel, prepare for your flight to Nepalgunj. Upon arrival, our representative will transfer you to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay before the next day’s mountain journey.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Nepalgunj
- Meal(s): Veg. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Altitude: 150 m (Nepalgunj)
- Activity: Sightseeing, flight transfer & evening rest
Day 05: Nepalgunj – Simikot (2,910 meters) – Hilsa (3,700 meters) – Taklakot (Purang) (3,900 meters)
After an early breakfast, we proceed towards Hilsa from Simikot by helicopter. On landing at Hilsa, we walk up to the Chinese checkpoint, which is situated about half a km across the river. We then cross the bridge on foot, where we will meet our Sherpas to take care of the luggage. After all the formalities, we board the awaiting Jeeps, which will take us to Purang (Taklakot). We stay overnight at Purang, a small border town in Tibet. You can buy personal items here in the local market. Overnight at our hotel, where you can relax, acclimatize, and enjoy stunning views of the Tibetan landscape and mountain surroundings.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Altitude: 2,910 m (Simikot)
- Activity: Helicopter flight, border formalities & drive
Day 06: Rest day in Taklakot for acclimatization
Today is a full rest day in Taklakot to help your body adjust to the altitude. Optional visit to the Khojarnath Temple or explore the ancient ruins of Taklakot, interact with locals, enjoy scenic views, and prepare for the upcoming journey.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal(s): Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Altitude: 4,755 m (Taklakot)
- Activity: Acclimatization
Day 07: Drive to Lake Mansarovar via Rakshas Tal
After breakfast, we drive 88 km (approx. 1.5 hrs) to the sacred Lake Mansarovar. En route, we stop briefly at Rakshas Tal. Upon reaching Mansarovar, take a holy dip, enjoy the serene surroundings, and perform a 3-hour circumambulation by private jeep. Immerse yourself in the divine atmosphere, capture breathtaking landscapes, and feel the powerful spiritual energy of this sacred lake, beautifully framed by the majestic Mount Kailash reflecting over its tranquil blue waters. Spend peaceful moments meditating by the lakeside, participate in evening prayers, and witness the changing colors of the lake under the golden glow of the setting sun.
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
- Meal(s): Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Altitude: 4,556 m (Lake Mansarovar)
- Activity: Drive + Parikrama by Jeep
Day 08: Puja at Lake Manasarovar, then drive 40 km (1 hr) to Darchen (4,550 m)
Waking up early in the calm and revered atmosphere of Lake Mansarovar cannot be expressed in words. The Lake is mentioned in the epic Hindu scripture Ramayana. In Hindu belief, it was created by God Brahma (creator of the Universe).
It is also believed that Lord Shiva and Parvati purified themselves in its sacred water. Buddhists believe it is where the gods transported Buddha after his birth to cleanse him.
The Lake lies at the foot of Mount Kailash, surrounded by Swastika Mountain (Gurla Mandhata) and Chiu Monastery of Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). It is separated from the saltwater lake of Rakshastal (Demon’s Lake).
The circumnavigation of Mount Kailash is incomplete without the parikrama of Lake Mansarovar. We will bathe in its water (direct bathing is prohibited), perform puja on the shores, and begin the circumambulation of the Lake (4–5 hours).
If energy permits, we can explore Chiu Gompa, translated as Little Bird. The monastery is said to be Guru Padmasambhava’s meditation spot.
After visiting the monastery, we drive about an hour to Darchen at the foothills of Mount Kailash, the starting point of the sacred Kora. After dinner, a group briefing prepares you for the Parikrama.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal(s): Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Altitude: 4,575 m (Darchen)
- Activity: Puja, short drive, rest, and Parikrama preparation
Day 09: Drive from Darchen to Yama Dwar and trek to Dirapuk
After Breakfast, we drive from Darchen to Yama Dwar, the sacred starting point of the Mount Kailash Parikrama. From there, we trek approximately 12 km (5–6 hours) to Dirapuk Monastery, passing gentle ascents and enjoying stunning views of the surrounding valleys and the north face of Mount Kailash. Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere, observe local customs, and spend the night at Dirapuk amidst the serene Himalayan landscape.
- Accommodation: Guesthouse at Dirapuk
- Meal(s): Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Altitude: 5,210 m (Deraphuk)
- Activity: Drive + Trek (approx. 12 km)
Day 10: Trek to Zutulphuk via Dolma La Pass (5,636 m)
Start early for the toughest day of the Parikrama, trekking over Dolma La Pass (5636m), the highest point, with stunning mountain views. Descend steeply past Gaurikund and continue on relatively flat trails through valleys and yak grazing areas, seeing prayer flags and local life, before reaching Zutulphuk Monastery by late afternoon. Take time to rest and soak in the serene surroundings of the monastery. In the evening, interact with monks and experience the spiritual ambiance of this remote Himalayan location.
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
- Meal(s): Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Altitude: 4,820 m (Zutulphuk)
- Activity: Trek (21 km)
Day 11: Finish Kailash Kora – drive to Taklakot
Walk the final 8 km (approx. 3 hrs) to complete the Kailash Parikrama, ending near Darchen. Drive 105 km (approx. 2 hrs) to Taklakot, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way. Spend the evening relaxing, reflecting on the spiritual journey, and interacting with fellow travellers.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal(s): Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Altitude: 4,755 m (Taklakot)
- Activity: Trek, drive, sightseeing, and rest
Day 12: Taklakot – Hilsa – fly to Simikot
After breakfast, drive about 45 minutes to Hilsa, complete immigration formalities, and cross the Karnali suspension bridge on foot. From Hilsa, take a 25-minute helicopter ride back to Simikot, enjoying aerial views of the mountains and rivers. Arrive in Simikot and relax for the evening.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Simikot
- Meal(s): Veg. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Altitude: 2,910 m (Simikot)
- Activity: Drive, helicopter ride, and rest
Day 13: Simikot – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu
Early morning, take a flight from Simikot to Nepalgunj, enjoying the scenic descent from the mountains to the Terai plains. Upon arrival in Nepalgunj, you continue by flight to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel for check-in and relax. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Altitude: Simikot ~2,910 m → Nepalgunj 150 m → Kathmandu 1,350 m
- Activity: Flight from Simikot to Nepalgunj; onward journey by flight to Kathmandu, hotel check-in
Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Bid farewell to Nepal, carrying unforgettable memories of the landscapes, culture, and experiences from your journey. Assistance will be provided for airport formalities.
- Accommodation: N/A
- Meal(s): Breakfast
- Altitude: 1,350 m (Kathmandu)
- Activity: Hotel check-out and airport transfer for departure
Note: If you come with an individual visa, you won’t need to stay extra days in Kathmandu.
To process your Tibet Group Visa, we need:
Visa Processing Requirements:
• Clear, color-scanned copy of your passport (valid for at least six months)
• 25% advance payment
Packing list for your Kailash Yatra
Clothing:
- Base layers: moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms
- Mid layers: fleece jackets or sweaters for insulation
- Outer layers: waterproof and windproof jacket and pants
- Trekking pants: quick-dry and comfortable
- Warm hat: for cold weather
- Gloves:insulated and waterproof
- Scarves/balaclava: to protect your face from cold winds
- Sun hat: for sun protection during the day
- Socks: several pairs of moisture-wicking, warm socks (both thin and thick)
- Footwear: sturdy trekking boots, well-broken-in and waterproof
Gear:
- Backpack: a comfortable, durable backpack with a rain cover
- Trekking poles: useful for stability on uneven terrain
- Headlamp/flashlight:with extra batteries
Note: Duffle bag, hand carry bag, down jacket, and cap will be provided by our team.
Health and Safety:
- Personal medications: any prescription or over-the-counter medicines you need
- Altitude sickness medication: consult your doctor before the trip
- Water bottle/water purification tablets: staying hydrated is crucial
- Sunscreen: high SPF for protection against sunburn
- Lip balm: with sunblock
Documentation and Essentials:
- Passport and visa: ensure these are valid and stored securely (passport must be at least 6 months valid from the travel date)
- Permits: necessary for the Yatra (We will manage)
- Travel insurance: covering high-altitude trekking and medical emergencies
- Cash: in local currency and small denominations
Miscellaneous:
- Camera/phone: for capturing memories (with extra batteries)
- Chargers and power bank: for electronics
- Snacks: high-energy foods like nuts, dried fruits, and granola bars
- Towel: quick-dry
- Toiletries: minimal items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and biodegradable soap
- Plastic bags: for keeping dirty or wet clothes separate
- Raincoat
Special Considerations:
- Personal identification: copies of important documents
- Emergency contact information: for family or friends
- Notebook and pen: for journaling or notes
- Passport size photograph
Do’s & Don’ts for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Things You Must Do:
- Pack snacks such as mint, chocolates, glucose, etc., for energy during the journey.
- Engage in physical fitness activities like aerobics, yoga, or light exercise to prepare your body.
- Bring warm, woolen clothing, including caps, thermals, jackets, and gloves to stay comfortable in cold temperatures.
- Carry high-quality sunglasses and sunscreen to protect against sunburn.
- Maintain a steady pace during the Kailash Parikrama, don’t rush, and listen to your body.
- Pack rough, durable bags and only the essentials needed for the trek.
- Keep your required identification documents with you at all times throughout the trip.
- Remember to maintain team spirit, walk together, and help fellow members in case of emergency or need.
Things You Shouldn’t Do:
- Avoid traveling if you have medical conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure, or breathing problems.
- Never sleep with your shoes or boots on to avoid discomfort and maintain hygiene.
- Do not carry excessive luggage or extra clothes; pack light.
- Refrain from drinking alcohol or smoking during the journey.
- Don’t neglect proper nutrition and ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the trek.
- Avoid carrying books related to the Dalai Lama or similar religious texts.
What is included in the package?
- Tibet Group visa and travel permit fee
- 04 nights stay in Kathmandu
- 01 night stay in Nepalgunj
- 01 night stay in Simikot
- 03 nights stay in Taklakot (Purang)
- 04 nights during the Kailash Kora (1 night at Lake Mansarovar, 1 night in Darchen, 1 night in Deraphuk, and 1 night in Zutulphuk)
- All transportation within Tibet is by private bus
- Helicopter transfers between Simikot ↔ Hilsa.
- Services of Sherpa staff and trekking equipment
- Arrival & departure transfers in Nepalgunj
- Kathmandu – Nepalgunj-Kathmandu domestic flight tickets
- Nepalgunj – Simikot – Nepalgunj flight tickets
- All vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as mentioned in the itinerary
- Tour around Lake Mansarovar by private vehicle
- English-speaking Tibetan guide
- Humla region restricted area permit & royalties
- All applicable government taxes and service charges
- Trekking and camping equipment, including oxygen cylinders
What is excluded?
- Yak, porter, and horse for personal use
- Extra nights at the hotel are not mentioned in the itinerary
- Rescue/evacuation or all the extra costs because of a partition from the main group or a serious health condition
- Any International flight
- Visa splitting charge and extra transportation cost, if returning early from Tibet
- Any additional cost due to natural calamities, Flight cancellation or delay, and unforeseen circumstances
- Any extra transportation/Accommodation/visa cancellation charge (for those who separate from the main group and early return)
- Tips for the Tibetan guide, the Sherpa team, and the drivers
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