- Cultural Treks & Expedition
- +977 9851092658 (Kumar)
Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Helicopter Tour is exclusively designed for pilgrims who wish to travel within a limited time but have a strong desire to pay respect to the abode of Lord Shiva. Therefore, Cultural Treks has carefully crafted an itinerary that saves valuable time and avoids the long, strenuous overland journey.
A major part of the journey is covered by specially chartered helicopters. The trip begins with a fixed-wing flight to Nepalgunj, followed by a transfer to Simikot, and then onward to the next stages of the journey. Helicopter services are also used for transfers to and from Simikot. It is important for pilgrims to maintain a cooperative mindset, as flight cancellations may occur due to adverse weather conditions. Our company will make every effort to ensure the comfort and satisfaction of our clients.
Guests should be mentally and physically prepared for basic accommodation in Simikot and Hilsa, and should be ready to accept the challenges that may arise once the journey begins.
Cultural Treks has partnered with professional crews to provide a complete service experience. Our team includes Humla Resort in Nepalgunj and a chain of hotels in Purang, Lake Manasarovar, Darchen, Dirapuk, and Zuthulpuk. Furthermore, to ensure a smooth and hygienic dining experience, we maintain a well-managed “fixed kitchen” at all these locations.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (If you land in Kathmandu early in the morning, we can apply for a visa on the same day before 12 pm)
Day 02: Visa processing day (max 1 to 2 hrs in our office for paperwork), after that you can visit Thamel (center of the tourist industry)
Day 03: Leisure Day in Kathmandu
Day 04: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Budhanilkantha Temple
Day 05: Fly to Nepalgunj (55 min flight)
Day 06: Morning fly to Simikot (3000m), afternoon visit Shiva Mandir
Day 07: Fly to Hilsa (3640m) and drive to Puran (4755m)and rest (By Helicopter 20 min fly & drive 1hr)
Day 08: Drive to Manasarovar Lake (4590m), Start Parikrama of Manasarovar ( 3hrs drive)
Day 09: Drive to Darchen (45 min drive)
Day 10: Drive to Yam Dwar (4750m) and trek to Diraphuk (5210 m, 25 min drive and 5-6hrs trek
Day 11: Diraphuk - Dolma-La Pass (5600m) Gaurikund Zutulphuk (4780m) trek 10-12hrs
Day 12: Zutulphuk - Darchen (3hrs trek, and 4 hrs drive)
Day 13: Early morning, fly to Simikot – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu
Day 14: Final Departure Day.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our company representatives will be there to warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, we will gather at our office for a briefing and discussion about the upcoming trek, followed by a transfer back to the hotel.
Today, you will visit our office for the visa process (approximately 1 to 2 hours for paperwork). After that, you can explore Thamel, the center of the tourist district.
In the morning, we visit Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pashupatinath is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in Asia for devotees of Shiva and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Kathmandu Valley.
We then proceed to Budhanilkantha Temple, the sacred site of the Sleeping Lord Vishnu, located in the northern part of the Kathmandu Valley at the base of the Shivapuri Hills. It features a remarkably large statue of Lord Vishnu reclining on a bed of coiled serpents, believed to be carved from a single block of black stone. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, we drive to the airport for a flight to Nepalgunj. Overnight at a hotel in Nepalgunj.
We fly to Simikot early in the morning and visit Shiva Mandir in the afternoon. It is located on the southeastern edge of the Simikot ridge—literally at the edge of town. It is not a large or elaborate site, but it offers a pleasant destination for an afternoon or early evening stroll. From here, you can enjoy views to the north of the “Five Peak” mountain (for lack of a better name), rising above 6,000 meters, as well as a view down to the Humla Karnali River, nearly a thousand meters below. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, we fly by helicopter to Hilsa. From the Nepal–Tibet border at Hilsa, we cross the bridge and enter Tibet, where we continue our journey by road into the Tibetan terrain. A Tibetan guide will meet us on arrival and accompany us to Purang, where we can explore local monasteries and the surrounding area. This offers a unique experience of walking in a high-altitude landscape. Overnight in Purang.
After breakfast and a brief stop, we proceed towards the shore of Lake Rakshastal, from where you will get your first darshan of Mount Kailash. After performing a holy bath, puja, and other rituals, we continue our drive to Lake Manasarovar (4,573 m). Upon arrival, we take a parikrama of the lake by bus. Overnight at the guesthouse.
After morning puja and other rituals, we head towards Darchen (Kailash Base Camp, 4,575 m) after lunch. In the evening, we take a short walk around Darchen town. Overnight at the hotel.
Early in the morning, we drive to Tarboche (4,606 m) and visit Yam Dwar. Here, we meet the yaks (used to carry food and necessary equipment) and horses (if you have booked one), and then proceed with the trek to Diraphuk. Along the way, you will also get a view of the north face of Mount Kailash.
The distance from Yam Dwar to Diraphuk (4,920 m) is approximately 9 km and takes around 5 to 6 hours to complete. The trail is relatively flat and moderately easy. Overnight at the guesthouse.
Today is the most challenging and longest day of the journey as we cross Dolma Pass (5,600 m). The ascent involves a steep uphill climb of at least 4 hours, although there are some flat sections along the way. After reaching Dolma Pass, the trail descends on the other side of the mountain via Gauri Kunda (also known as Parvati Kunda). It is believed that Goddess Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva, takes a bath in this sacred lake.
The descent from here is rocky, so careful walking is essential. After reaching the valley floor on the other side, the trail becomes wider and flatter. You will continue walking for another 6 hours or so to reach Zuthulpuk (4,790 m). Overnight at the guesthouse.
We drive to Darchen and continue onward via Purang towards the border. Overnight at a guesthouse in Hilsa.
After an early morning breakfast, we fly from Simikot to Nepalgunj and then onward to Kathmandu. Overnight at a standard hotel in Kathmandu.
On the last day, you may use your time for shopping and collect gifts for your friends and family. We will assist you with necessary arrangements and packing, and provide a private vehicle transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule. Our representatives will be there to wish you a safe journey and a successful onward trip.
