Kailash Manasarovar Helitour

The Kailash Mansarovar Helitour by Asiana Treks and Tours is a spiritually transformative journey designed for pilgrims and adventure seekers. This 13-day itinerary combines air travel and road transfers to make the pilgrimage more accessible, especially for those with time or physical limitations. You’ll fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and continue via Simikot and Hilsa to Tibet. Key highlights include the sacred Lake Mansarovar, Mount Kailash, and a partial trek (Kora) to Diraphuk. All arrangements are professionally managed to ensure comfort and safety.

The Helitour is one of the most senior-friendly and less strenuous options for reaching Mount Kailash. While there are still moderate physical activities like walking during the Kora from Darchen to Diraphuk (12 km), the tour avoids multi-day trekking. Acclimatization days are built in to support adjustment to high altitudes. Asiana Treks and Tours also provides medical support and guidance throughout the tour. With basic fitness and proper preparation, even travelers over 60 have successfully completed this journey.

The tour reaches elevations above 5000 meters (16,000+ ft), which can pose altitude sickness risks. Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, and fatigue. Asiana Treks and Tours incorporates rest days for acclimatization, especially at Purang and Mansarovar. Travelers are advised to consult their doctors about altitude sickness medication such as Diamox before departure. Hydration, slow movement, and avoiding alcohol also help reduce risks. Oxygen cylinders and first-aid support are available on-site to manage any emergencies efficiently.

Asiana Treks and Tours offers a comprehensive package covering domestic flights (Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and Simikot), ground transport in Tibet, full-board meals, accommodation, Tibet group visa, permits, and guide support. Hotel stays in Kathmandu and guesthouses en route are included. While basic lodging is standard during the pilgrimage portion, every effort is made to ensure cleanliness and comfort. Indian and Nepali veg meals are typically served. Personal expenses, travel insurance, and international flights are not included in the base cost.

Yes, a Tibet group visa and travel permits are required, which are arranged entirely by Asiana Treks and Tours. On Day 2 of your itinerary, your original passport will be submitted for visa processing in Kathmandu. It’s crucial to have a passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry. Individual visas are not accepted for this route; group permits are mandatory. Asiana ensures all paperwork, entry formalities, and border transitions are managed smoothly on your behalf.

The ideal time to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Helitour is from May to September, when the weather is most stable, and mountain passes are accessible. The monsoon in Nepal doesn’t significantly affect Tibet, making summer months optimal for high-altitude travel. Special dates during Saga Dawa Festival (usually May or June) attract many pilgrims. Asiana Treks and Tours schedules multiple departures during this season to align with weather patterns and religious events, ensuring a memorable and meaningful journey.

Due to the high altitude and unpredictable weather, it’s important to pack smartly. Essentials include warm clothing, a good quality down jacket, thermals, trekking shoes, gloves, a sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Also carry your personal medications, a water bottle, energy snacks, a flashlight, and copies of important documents. Asiana Treks and Tours provides a detailed packing list to all confirmed participants. Porters or yaks are available during the Kora for luggage support, but you’ll need a small daypack too.

Accommodation varies by location. In Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, you’ll stay in comfortable 3-star or boutique hotels arranged by Asiana Treks and Tours. Once inside Tibet, especially at Mansarovar, Darchen, and Diraphuk, lodging becomes more basic guesthouses or dormitory-style lodges, often with shared bathrooms. Warm blankets are usually provided, but bringing a sleeping bag is recommended. Despite the simplicity, these lodges are situated in breathtaking locations and are the only viable option in remote high-altitude areas. Hygiene is maintained as best as possible.

Yes, the Kailash Mansarovar Helitour is open to pilgrims and travelers from all nationalities, though the visa and permit process may vary slightly depending on your citizenship. Indian nationals often have different permit channels compared to others. Asiana Treks and Tours has years of experience in managing diverse groups and ensures smooth coordination for travelers of all backgrounds. English-speaking guides and multilingual staff are available to support communication throughout the journey. Do inform the team early about your nationality for precise visa processing.

Asiana Treks and Tours is a trusted specialist in spiritual and high-altitude journeys across Nepal and Tibet. With years of experience in managing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, they provide expert logistical support, experienced guides, medical backup, and cultural insights that enrich your experience. Their well-structured helitour is ideal for busy professionals, senior citizens, and spiritual seekers wanting to complete this sacred journey with minimal stress. Personalized care, ethical practices, and safety-first planning make Asiana a reliable partner for this once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage.

Each Kailash Mansarovar Helitour group organized by Asiana Treks and Tours usually consists of 15 to 25 participants. This size ensures a balance between personalized attention and the logistical advantages of group travel. The group often includes pilgrims, spiritual seekers, and adventure travelers from various backgrounds. A dedicated tour leader, support staff, and local guides accompany the group throughout the journey. This group size also facilitates smooth permit processing and efficient management during border crossings and high-altitude transitions in Tibet.

The Helitour focuses on a partial Kora, primarily covering the first day’s trek from Darchen to Diraphuk (12 km), allowing participants to witness the north face of Mount Kailash. The full Kora is 52 km and involves trekking over the Dolma La Pass (5630m), which is not included in this itinerary due to altitude and time limitations. However, if you’re physically fit and wish to complete the full Kora, Asiana Treks and Tours can assist with customized arrangements on request.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory, and it must include high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage. Traveling to remote areas like Mount Kailash involves potential risks due to altitude, unpredictable weather, or health emergencies. Asiana Treks and Tours strongly recommends purchasing comprehensive insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, helicopter evacuation, and loss of belongings. Proof of insurance is required before departure. The company can also recommend trusted insurers that offer policies suitable for high-altitude pilgrimages and Tibet-specific travel.

Throughout the tour, vegetarian meals are provided, keeping in mind the spiritual nature of the pilgrimage. In Nepal (Kathmandu and Nepalgunj), meals are served in hygienic restaurants or hotels. While in Tibet, food is prepared by local staff or served in guesthouses. Typical meals include rice, lentils, vegetables, bread, soups, and tea. Packaged snacks, noodles, and hot drinks are often available during long drives. Asiana Treks and Tours maintains food quality to ensure participants stay nourished and energized throughout the journey.

In cities like Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, hotels have modern toilet and bathroom facilities. However, as you move into remote Tibet, especially near Mansarovar and during the trek to Diraphuk, facilities become basic or shared, sometimes using outdoor pit toilets. Hot water may not always be available at high-altitude guesthouses. Asiana Treks and Tours advises participants to carry essentials like toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and personal hygiene kits. The team ensures that the best available facilities are used throughout the trip.

Mobile and internet access are limited and inconsistent during the Kailash Mansarovar Helitour, especially after leaving Simikot and throughout the Tibet leg. Nepalgunj and Kathmandu have good connectivity, but once you enter Tibet, Chinese SIM cards are required, and even then, coverage is sporadic. Some guesthouses may offer basic Wi-Fi for a fee, but it’s slow and unreliable. Asiana Treks and Tours recommends informing family in advance and using this sacred journey as a digital detox and spiritual retreat.

In Tibet, the official currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). You'll need it for personal expenses such as snacks, water, donations, or minor shopping. Indian Rupees and Nepali Rupees are not accepted in Tibet. Asiana Treks and Tours helps participants exchange currency in Kathmandu before departure. Credit cards are not commonly accepted in remote areas, so carrying enough local currency is essential. It’s also advisable to keep small denominations for convenience, especially in markets or roadside stalls during long drives.

Asiana Treks and Tours ensures all groups are accompanied by experienced guides trained in first-aid and equipped with basic medical kits. Oxygen cylinders are carried during high-altitude sections, especially at Mansarovar and Diraphuk. For serious altitude-related issues or emergencies, arrangements for emergency evacuation by helicopter from the Nepal side can be coordinated. However, evacuation from the Tibet side is more complex and may take time. Therefore, pre-travel health check-ups and appropriate insurance are crucial for your safety and peace of mind.

You are welcome to carry your own luggage, but porter services or yaks are available during the trek, especially from Darchen to Diraphuk, to carry heavier bags. Asiana Treks and Tours recommends keeping your main luggage under 12-15 kg, and carrying a small daypack for essentials like water, snacks, and medicine. Luggage transport is well-managed during flights and road travel. Participants are advised to pack light and smart to make transitions easier and to ensure compliance with weight restrictions.

Pilgrims believe that just seeing Mount Kailash and bathing in Lake Mansarovar cleanses lifetimes of sins and brings inner peace. The journey represents a symbolic path of surrender, humility, and self-discovery. Whether you're spiritually inclined or simply curious, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra offers deep emotional and mental clarity, often leaving participants transformed. With Asiana Treks and Tours managing the logistics, you’re free to focus on the spiritual aspects—chanting, meditation, rituals, or simply absorbing the powerful energy of the Himalayas.