| Duration | 13 |
| Max. altitude | 4890 m |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Transportation | Heli/ 4 W Drive jeep |
| Accommodation | Hotel /Teahouse |
| Trip starts/ends | Kathmandu / Kathmandu |
| Trip route | Kathmandu- Nepalgung-Simikot-Purang Manosrovar- Darchen-Diraphuk- Mansarovar- paryang-Kerung and back to Kathmandu |
The Kailash Manasarovar Helitour is a unique pilgrimage journey designed for travelers seeking spiritual fulfillment combined with convenience and breathtaking natural beauty. Organized by Asiana Treks and Tours Pvt. Ltd., this tour offers a fast yet immersive experience to the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar region, using helicopter transfers to significantly reduce travel time. Starting in Nepalgunj after departing from Kathmandu, the trip covers some of the most remote and spiritually charged landscapes in the Himalayas, blending adventure with deep cultural and religious significance.
This pilgrimage attracts Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of Bon, all of whom regard Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar as sacred. The helitour allows visitors to witness the awe-inspiring Himalayan vistas and partake in traditional rituals and ceremonies, including holy dips and circumambulation (parikrama) around the lake and mountain. The tour is crafted to balance acclimatization needs with comfort, making it accessible to a wider range of travelers who may find traditional trekking physically demanding.
Key Features:
Helicopter rides between remote locations to save time and avoid tough terrain
Guided visits to key spiritual landmarks, including Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash
Opportunities for meditation, worship, and cultural exchange with local Tibetan communities
Managed acclimatization to ensure safety at high altitudes
Tour Highlights
The Kailash Manasarovar Helitour is packed with moments that blend natural beauty, spirituality, and cultural encounters. The journey begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, followed by a transfer to Simikot, a gateway town at a significant altitude, offering stunning Himalayan valley views. From Simikot, the helicopter takes you to Hilsa, near the Nepal-China border, facilitating an easy and scenic entry into Tibet.
Once inside Tibet, travelers move on to Purang, a peaceful Tibetan town situated at over 12,000 feet. This town offers a chance to acclimate and explore local Tibetan culture, markets, and cuisine. The highlight includes a visit to the sacred Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash, where participants perform rituals and parikrama. The lake is believed to cleanse sins, and circumambulating Mount Kailash is said to grant spiritual liberation.
Some standout highlights:
Helicopter flight from Simikot to Hilsa, cutting days of trekking
Holy dip in Lake Manasarovar, a serene and pristine high-altitude lake
Circumambulation (parikrama) around Mount Kailash, a 52 km sacred circuit
Meditation and rest at high altitude to aid acclimatization
Scenic drives and visits to Buddhist temples and local Tibetan towns
Journey Summary & Itinerary Outline
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m) – Welcome and briefing.
Day 2: Preparation and visa collection in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Flight Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m) – overnight stay.
Day 4: Flight Nepalgunj to Simikot (1800m), acclimatization day with Himalayan views.
Day 5: Helicopter ride Simikot to Hilsa (border town), then drive to Purang (3700m) for acclimatization.
Day 6: Drive Purang to Mansarovar Lake (4590m), visit Rakshesh Tal, holy dip in Manasarovar Lake.
Day 7: Drive Mansarovar to Darchen (4600m), gateway to Kailash parikrama.
Day 8: Trek or drive Darchen to Diraphuk (4890m), closer to Mount Kailash base camp.
Day 9: Return trek/drive from Diraphuk to Mansarovar via Zhulthulphuk (4790m).
Day 10: Drive Mansarovar to Paryang (4500m).
Day 11: Drive Paryang to Kerung (3200m), entering Nepal.
Day 12: Drive Kerung to Kathmandu (1350m).
Day 13: Departure from Kathmandu.
This itinerary combines flights, helicopter rides, and road journeys for a fast-paced but culturally rich experience that ensures acclimatization while allowing pilgrims to fulfill their spiritual goals.
Geographical & Cultural Significance
Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar hold profound religious importance across multiple faiths. Mount Kailash is considered the cosmic axis of the world, a sacred peak untouched by climbers, revered as the abode of Lord Shiva by Hindus. Buddhists associate it with Demchok, the representation of supreme bliss. Jains regard it as the site where their first Tirthankara attained liberation, while followers of the Bon tradition see it as a spiritual center of power.
Lake Manasarovar, located near Kailash, is one of the highest freshwater lakes globally, situated at an altitude of nearly 4600 meters. The lake’s crystal-clear waters are said to have purifying properties, making the ritual bathing there a pivotal element of the pilgrimage.
Culturally, the region is rich with Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, traditional Tibetan villages, and ancient trade routes. Pilgrims engage with local customs, enjoy Tibetan cuisine, and often experience the warm hospitality of Tibetan nomads and monks.
Cultural highlights:
Sacred status of Mount Kailash across Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon
Spiritual rituals: parikrama, holy dips, meditation
Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and local Tibetan culture immersion
Pilgrimage as a path to spiritual enlightenment and physical endurance
Altitude & Terrain Overview
Travelers on the Kailash Manasarovar Helitour will navigate some of the highest and most challenging terrains in the world. The journey begins at relatively low altitudes in Kathmandu (1350m) and Nepalgunj (150m), but quickly ascends to high mountain environments.
Key altitude points include:
Simikot at 1800m: first significant altitude gain with acclimatization opportunities
Purang at 3700m: second acclimatization stop with Tibetan town exposure
Mansarovar Lake at 4590m: sacred lake visit with potential altitude challenges
Darchen and Diraphuk (4600m to 4900m): base camps for Mount Kailash parikrama, the highest points of the trek
Return descent to Kerung (3200m) and Kathmandu for recovery
The terrain varies from rugged Himalayan valleys, high-altitude desert landscapes, to alpine lakesides. The use of helicopter transfers and jeep rides minimizes physical strain but acclimatization days are essential to prevent altitude sickness.
Terrain & altitude considerations:
Elevation range: 150m to nearly 4900m
Mix of air travel, jeep rides, and moderate trekking
Importance of acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness
Exposure to harsh mountain weather and terrain conditions
When you arrive at the Kathmandu airport, our representative will wait for you with your placard and assist you to a pre-booked hotel in Thamel. Later, check-in at the Hotel pre-decided for your stay. In the evening, take a stroll to explore the nearby areas of Kathmandu. Later, return to the Hotel for a lavish dinner and night stay.
After breakfast, you will explore UNESCO World Heritage sightseeing in the Bodnath Stupa, Swyambhunath Temple, and Patan Durbar Squire early in the morning. Rest and preparation at Kathmandu.
After having breakfast at the Hotel, you will be dropped at the domestic airport for a Flight to Nepalgunj, which is a 45-minute flight. You will rest here before flying to Simikot and then taking Helicopter to Hilsa.
Early in the morning, after breakfast, you will be taking a mountain flight to Simikot. After an hour's rest, take the Helicopter to Hilsa. The helicopter flight will be about 30 minutes. After Lunch at Hisla, you will be driving to Purang.
On acclimatization day at Purang, we will go for a short excursion drive to Kejia village, Khojarnath temple, and Camping accommodation. It requires proper acclimatization before climbing up to 4500m.
After having breakfast at Paryang, you will be ready to Drive to the highest blue Lake of Mansarovar and take a road trip from Paryang to Mansarovar. This 335 km distance takes about 7-8 hours drive. You will attend the Pooja and Haven at the holy Mansarovar Lake here. Our staff will fix the tents located on the banks of the Lake. Dinner will be served at the dining tent.
According to the religion, on the 7th day of your Kailash Mansarovar tour (Yatra), wake up to take the ritual bath at Mansarovar holy Lake and conduct Pooja, Havan, and other spiritual activities per your tradition. After having breakfast, enjoy a Parikrama of Mansarovar Lake via Land Cruiser. Attending other spiritual programs takes up the remaining time of the day. After lunch, drive 110 km to Darchen overnight.
After having breakfast and preparing for Yak and Porters, your journeys start from Darchen to Diraphuk. From here, you will begin the central cross of Kailash Mansarovar router journey. It takes about 6 to 7 hours continuously. Overnight tent accommodation at Diraphuk.
Embark on a trek from Dirapuk to Zutul-puk through the challenging Drolma-la Pass, which typically takes eight to nine hours to complete. Along the way, you'll encounter Shivasthal, a significant point in your trek and, according to legend, where Lord Shiva and Parvati used to sit. Given the unpredictable weather conditions at Doma-La Pass, including the possibility of sudden snowstorms, it is highly recommended to commence your journey early in the morning for safety. Conclude the day by driving to Mansarover from Zhulthulphuk and spending the night in camping accommodations.
After enjoying the Darshan of the east face of Kailash in the morning, enjoy a trek to Kuber Kund, the famous Lake. Later, enjoy a trekking trip to Zhulthul Park. Upon reaching Zhulthul Park, trek down to reach Darchen and drive towards Mansarovar. Take a dip in the spiritual water from the Mansarovar Lake, which is kept in every home and used in various religious practices.
In the morning, after breakfast, take a road trip to reach Kerung. This will be your last day in the Tibet part. Upon arrival in Kerung, stay at one of our listed accommodation options. Dinner and overnight stay is scheduled at the guesthouse.
Leave early in the morning and drive to the Kerung Border. After completing the immigration formalities, you will cross the border and take approximately six to Seven hours to reach Kathmandu. Overnight stay in a hotel, including a Nepalese cultural program in the evening and farewell dinner.
You will be transferred to the airport as per your flight schedule. We will pick you up from the hotel three hours prior according to your flight schedule.