11-Day Tour of Nepal: A Sacred Journey to Kailash Mansarovar by Helicopter

Embark on a spiritual adventure through Nepal and Tibet with this 11-day journey to the revered Kailash Mansarovar. Combining breathtaking landscapes, cultural heritage, and religious significance, this trip offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for pilgrims and adventurers alike. Below is a detailed day-by-day itinerary for this transformative journey:

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will warmly welcome you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The day is set aside for relaxation and preparation. In the evening, there will be a comprehensive briefing about the tour, ensuring you are well-prepared for the journey ahead. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel, such as Dusit Princess or The Everest.

– Meals: Dinner

– Altitude: 1,400 m

Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Flight to Nepalgunj

Start your day with a delicious breakfast, followed by a half-day city tour of Kathmandu. Visit the renowned Pashupatinath Temple and Mata Guheswori Temple, revered sites that provide a serene start to your pilgrimage. By late morning, return to your hotel to check out and have lunch before heading to the airport for your flight to Nepalgunj. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and rest for the evening.

– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

– Distance Covered: 510 km

– Altitude: 150 m

Day 3: Flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot

Begin your day with an early morning tea before transferring to Nepalgunj airport for your flight to Simikot. At 2,910 m, Simikot serves as the gateway to Kailash Mansarovar. Spend the day acclimatizing to the altitude and exploring the picturesque surroundings of this mountain town. This period of rest is crucial for preparing your body for the upcoming journey. Immigration procedures for Nepal are completed during this time.

– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

– Altitude: 2,910 m

Day 4: Helicopter to Hilsa and Drive to Taklakot

After breakfast, take a short but scenic helicopter ride from Simikot to Hilsa. Marvel at the stunning vistas of green hills, deep river gorges, and snow-capped peaks. Once in Hilsa, cross the Karnali River on foot to reach the Tibetan border, where immigration formalities will be completed. A vehicle will then take you to Taklakot (also known as Purang), located at an altitude of 4,025 m. Rest and acclimatize at your hotel.

– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

– Distance Covered: 155 km

– Altitude: 4,025 m

Day 5: Acclimatization in Taklakot

This day is dedicated entirely to acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to the high altitude. Spend your time resting or exploring the small town of Taklakot. Proper acclimatization is essential for a successful and safe pilgrimage.

– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

– Altitude: 4,025 m

Day 6: Drive to Lake Mansarovar

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the sacred Lake Mansarovar, located at an altitude of 4,550 m. En route, stop briefly at Rakshas Tal, another beautiful but lesser-known lake. Upon reaching Mansarovar, enjoy the serene atmosphere and the first glimpse of the majestic Mount Kailash. Take a holy bath in the lake’s waters, known for their spiritual and purifying properties. Complete a parikrama (circumambulation) of the lake by vehicle before retiring to your guesthouse.

– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

– Distance Covered: 110 km

– Altitude: 4,550 m

Day 7: Journey to Yam Dwar and Trek to Deruphuk

After breakfast, drive to Yam Dwar (Tarboche), the starting point for the Mount Kailash Parikrama. This day’s trek covers 12 km to Deruphuk, offering stunning views of rocky cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and the sacred north face of Mount Kailash. For those who opt not to trek, accommodations will be arranged in Darchen until the group returns from the parikrama. Overnight stay will be at a guesthouse in Deruphuk.

– Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, and Dinner

– Distance Covered: 61 km

– Altitude: 4,909 m

Day 8: Trek to Zutulphuk via Dolma La Pass

This is the most challenging day of the journey. Begin with an 8 km trek to Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the trip at 5,700 m. The ascent to the pass is steep and requires considerable effort, but the stunning views and spiritual significance make it worthwhile. Descend past Gaurikund, a sacred site, before continuing the trek to Zutulphuk. The day’s total trek is 22 km, taking approximately 8 hours.

– Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, and Dinner

– Altitude: 5,700 m (Dolma La Pass)

Day 9: Trek Back to Hilsa or Simikot

After an early breakfast, trek 8 km to meet your vehicle, which will take you to Darchen for lunch. Continue the drive to the Nepal border, completing exit formalities before crossing back to Hilsa. Depending on the time and weather, you may continue to Simikot for the night. Accommodation in Hilsa is basic, so reaching Simikot is preferred if feasible.

– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

– Altitude: 3,640 m (Hilsa)

Day 10: Return to Kathmandu

From Hilsa, take a helicopter ride to Simikot, followed by a flight to Nepalgunj. After a short rest and lunch at your hotel, fly back to Kathmandu. Spend your final evening in Nepal reflecting on the incredible journey. Enjoy a farewell dinner and a comfortable stay at your hotel.

– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 11: Departure from Kathmandu

On your final day, our representative will transfer you to the airport for your departure. Take with you cherished memories of this sacred journey, hoping to return for another pilgrimage to the majestic Himalayas.

– Meals: Breakfast

For those wishing to extend their spiritual journey, an optional visit to Muktinath is available at an additional cost of INR 34,600 or USD 760. This sacred site is revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike and offers a unique blend of natural beauty and spiritual fulfillment.

This 11-day itinerary offers a seamless blend of adventure, spirituality, and cultural immersion, ensuring an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Himalayas.