Kailash Mansarovar Tour — Helicopter via Simikot–Hilsa
- Nepal/Tibet Border
- 10 Days/9 Nights
Kailash Mansarovar Tour Helicopter - via Simikot–Hilsa Nepal/Tibet Border — 10 Days/9 Nights
For pilgrims short on time or unable to manage a long overland drive, this route reaches Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in roughly half the time of the classic Lhasa overland tour. From Kathmandu, you fly to Nepalgunj, then take a mountain flight to Simikot, followed by a short helicopter flight over the Himalayas to Hilsa on the Nepal-Tibet border. From there, it’s a comfortable overland drive to Taklakot (Purang) and on to Lake Mansarovar and Darchen, where the classic 3-day Kailash Kora begins. Note that helicopters aren’t permitted over Tibetan airspace itself — the Simikot–Hilsa leg is the only flight segment; the rest of the journey in Tibet is by road.
Package Included:
- Kathmandu airport pickup and drop-off
- Chinese Group Visa processing
- Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Simikot flights
- Simikot–Hilsa–Simikot chartered helicopter (shared, typically 5–6 people per helicopter)
- All ground transportation in Tibet
- Hotel/guesthouse accommodation throughout
- All meals in Tibet (vegetarian, per pilgrimage tradition)
- English-speaking Tibetan guide and Nepali team leader
- All Tibet travel permits and Chinese visa fees
- Yak/porter support for the Kailash Kora
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
- All government taxes
Package Not Included:
- International flights to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance (must cover high-altitude trekking, helicopter transport, and emergency evacuation — mandatory)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra drinks, laundry)
- Tips for guide, driver, and porters
- Extra nights or costs due to flight/helicopter delays (common on this route due to weather)
Itinerary:
Equipment:
Clothing
- Base Layers (Inner Wear)
- 2–3 moisture-wicking T-shirts (synthetic or merino wool)
- 1–2 thermal tops and bottoms
- Insulating Layers
- 1 fleece jacket or pullover
- 1 down jacket (lightweight and warm)
- Outer Layers (Shell)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Waterproof trekking pants or rain pants
- Bottoms
- 2–3 pairs of trekking pants
- 1 pair of shorts
- Undergarments
- 3–4 pairs of moisture-wicking underwear
- 3–4 pairs of trekking socks
- 1 pair of thermal socks
Footwear
- Waterproof hiking boots (well broken-in)
- Lightweight sandals or camp shoes
- Gaiters (optional)
Headwear & Handwear
- Warm beanie or wool hat
- Sun hat or cap with neck protection
- Buff or neck gaiter
- UV-protection sunglasses
- Lightweight liner gloves
- Insulated gloves or mittens
Backpacks & Bags
- 35–45L daypack (with rain cover)
- 60L duffel bag for porter
- Waterproof stuff sacks or dry bags
- Small lock
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (-10°C to -15°C rating)
- Sleeping bag liner (optional)
- Earplugs
Personal Hygiene & Toiletries
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Biodegradable soap
- Quick-dry towel
- Wet wipes
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Moisturizer
- Razor (optional)
- Nail clipper
Health & First Aid
- Personal first aid kit
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Altitude medication (consult doctor)
- Pain relievers
- Prescribed medicines
- Rehydration salts or electrolytes
Accessories & Tools
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Trekking poles (adjustable)
- Reusable water bottles (2L total)
- Pocket knife or multi-tool (optional)
- Power bank (10,000 mAh+)
- Charging cables
- Adapter (Type C, D & M)
Optional but Useful
- Camera or GoPro
- Journal and pen
- Books or e-reader
- Travel games/cards
- Snacks (trail mix, protein bars, chocolate)
Documents & Money
- Valid passport (copy + originals)
- Travel insurance copy
- Extra passport-sized photos (2–3)
Pro Tips
- Keep daypack under 7–8kg and duffel under 15–20kg
- Layer for variable temperatures
- Pack essentials only – go lightweight
