Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Helicopter Tour – 14 Days is the perfect spiritual journey for devotees and adventure-seekers who want to explore the sacred sites of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in a faster and more comfortable way. Starting from Kathmandu, this 14-day itinerary includes a scenic helicopter ride to Simikot and a mesmerizing overland drive through the remote Humla region into Tibet. Along the way, you’ll witness majestic Himalayan panoramas, serene high-altitude landscapes, and immerse yourself in the deep spiritual essence of Tibetan culture and ancient Buddhist traditions.
This Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Helicopter Tour – 14 Days gives you the rare opportunity to complete the sacred Kora (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash and take a holy dip in the divine waters of Lake Manasarovar—believed to purify the soul and wash away sins. With proper acclimatization, comfortable lodging, and the support of experienced guides, this tour is specially crafted for those with limited time or physical endurance, yet who wish to undertake one of the most spiritually transformative pilgrimages on earth.
8 days / 7 nights Kailash Manasarovar Helicopter trip
Feel the Spirit of the Mountains in Tibet
Highlights
- A spiritually rewarding journey designed for those with limited time, covering key highlights of the Kailash Yatra in just 8 days.
- Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas with helicopter flights from Nepalgunj to Simikot and Hilsa, easing access to remote Tibet.
- Visit one of the holiest lakes in Hinduism and Buddhism, where a ritual bath is believed to purify the soul and cleanse past sins.
- Witness the revered Mount Kailash, considered the abode of Lord Shiva and a spiritual center for multiple faiths.
- Participate in a shortened yet spiritually meaningful Kora around Mount Kailash, believed to bring enlightenment and liberation.
- The tour includes proper acclimatization, vegetarian meals, comfortable stays, and support from experienced staff throughout.
- A perfect blend of divine connection, high-altitude landscapes, and cultural immersion in the sacred land of Tibet.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, our representatives will warmly welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. In the evening, we will meet at hotel to discuss the upcoming trek.
Visit our office for visa processing (about 1–2 hours). Afterwards, you can explore Thamel, the heart of Kathmandu’s tourist area.
Enjoy a free day to relax or explore Kathmandu at your own pace.
Morning visit to Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to Lord Shiva, followed by Budhanilkantha Temple, home to a large reclining Vishnu statue carved from a single black stone. After lunch, fly to Nepalgunj (55 minutes). Overnight at the hotel.
Early morning flight to Simikot (3000m). In the afternoon, visit Shiva Mandir, located on Simikot’s southeastern edge, offering scenic views of the 6000m+ Five-Peak and the Humla Karnali River. Overnight in hotel.
After breakfast, fly by helicopter to Hilsa (3640m). Cross the Nepal-Tibet border via the Hilsa bridge and drive one hour to Purang (4755m). A Tibetan guide will accompany you to explore local monasteries. Overnight at Purang.
Drive about 3 hours to Lake Rakshastal, where you’ll get your first view of Mt. Kailash. After a holy bath and puja, continue to Lake Manasarovar (4573m) and begin the parikrama (circumambulation) by bus. Overnight at a guesthouse.
After morning puja, drive 45 minutes to Darchen (Kailash Base Camp, 4575m). Take a short evening walk around town. Overnight in hotel.
Drive 25 minutes to Tarboche (4606m) and visit Yam Dwar. Meet yaks and horses (if booked) for carrying supplies, then trek 5–6 hours (9 km) to Diraphuk (5210m). The trail is mostly flat and offers views of Mt. Kailash’s north face. Overnight at guesthouse.
This is the longest and most challenging day (10–12 hours). Ascend 4 hours to Dolma-La Pass (5600m), then descend through Gauri Kunda (holy lake linked to Goddess Parvati). The rocky descent requires care. Continue trekking to Zutulphuk (4780m). Overnight at guesthouse.
Trek to Zongdo (3 hours), then drive 4 hours back to Darchen and onward to Hilsa. Overnight at guesthouse.
After early breakfast, fly from Simikot to Nepalgunj and then on to Kathmandu. Overnight in a standard hotel.
Use your remaining time for shopping or sightseeing. We will assist with packing and transfer you to the airport according to your departure schedule. Our representatives will bid you farewell and wish you a safe journey.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Scheduled flights: Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu and Nepalgunj – Simikot – Nepalgunj
- Shared charter helicopter (5–6 persons) between Simikot and Hilsa
- Double occupancy hotel accommodation in Nepalgunj
- Twin-sharing accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu
- Tourist bus transport up to Lake Manasarovar
- Nepali team leader, Sherpa support team, and staff medical insurance
- English-speaking Tibetan guide
- All vegetarian meals during the trip and guesthouse stays in Tibet
- Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after the trip)
- All camping and cooking equipment
- All entrance and conservation fees in Tibet
- Upper Humla permit and helicopter landing charges
Cost Excludes
- All beverages during the trip and in Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Simikot
- Extra accommodation costs due to weather-related flight delays
- Personal items such as walking sticks and water bottles
- Client travel insurance and emergency evacuation costs
- Horse-riding fees during the Kailash Parikrama
- Domestic excess baggage charges and airport taxes
- Tips for the support staff
FAQs
Tibet is located in southwest China and borders India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. Traditionally, it consists of three provinces: U-Tsang, Kham, and Amdo. While all residents identify as Tibetan, each region has its own distinct culture and dialect.
Under Chinese rule, Tibet has been divided and integrated into various Chinese provinces. The term “Tibet” now officially refers to the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), which includes U-Tsang and parts of Kham. The rest of Kham lies in Sichuan and Yunnan, while Amdo is split among Gansu, Sichuan, and Qinghai. Tibet covers around 1.22 million km²—about 12.8% of China’s total area. With its stunning landscapes, deep Buddhist culture, and proximity to Nepal, Tibet is a popular destination for trekkers and mountaineers.
Tibet follows China Standard Time (GMT+8), which is 6 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Travel to Tibet requires both a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit. These can be arranged through a travel agency in Kathmandu (for entry via Nepal) or in China. Even if you have a valid Chinese visa, you still need a Tibet Travel Permit to enter the region.
To get the permit:
- Book a guide for your entire stay.
- Arrange private transportation for travel outside Lhasa.
- Additional permits are needed for certain regions and are handled by your travel agency.
Passport & Visa Requirements
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months.
- Chinese Visa: Required for entry to China. Can be obtained at Chinese embassies or through agencies like China Highlights.
- Group Visa: Needed for entry from Nepal; allows onward travel in China. Applying for this cancels any existing individual visa.
- Tibet Entry Permit: Mandatory for all foreigners, issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau.
- Additional Permits (for restricted regions):
- Travel Permit: Issued after arrival for closed areas.
- Military Permit: Required for militarily sensitive areas.
By Road:
- Sichuan-Tibet Highway: Chengdu to Lhasa
- Qinghai-Tibet Highway: Xining to Lhasa
- Yunnan-Tibet Highway: From Yunnan to Tibet
- Xinjiang-Tibet Highway: Crosses remote deserts and mountains
- China-Nepal Highway: The only international road into Tibet
By Air:
- All flights to Lhasa require transit via China or Nepal.
- Lhasa Gonggar Airport is 98 km south of Lhasa.
- The only international flight is between Kathmandu and Lhasa.
By Rail:
- The Qinghai-Tibet Railway runs 1,142 km from Golmud to Lhasa.
Tibet has a high-altitude climate and is generally cold. Days in Lhasa are sunny and cool, while nights and mornings are cold. Weather conditions vary greatly by region, so bring warm clothing regardless of the season.
Tibet is best visited from April to early November, with August and September being ideal. Lhasa has a milder climate and can be visited year-round. Sunlight is intense, especially in Lhasa—nicknamed the “Sunlight City.” May, June, and September are peak seasons in eastern tibet.
No. Independent travel is not allowed. Due to strict Chinese regulations, only authorized travel agencies can arrange the required permits and organize tours for foreign travelers.
Yes. Tibet’s high elevation may cause altitude sickness, especially for travelers from low-altitude areas. Common symptoms include headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Most people adjust after a few hours to a few days. Consult your doctor about preventive medications like AMS pills. Your guide will assist you in managing symptoms.
ATMs are available in Lhasa and Shigatse, but they are rare in smaller towns. Always carry sufficient cash.
The official currency is the Chinese Yuan (RMB). Foreign currency can be exchanged at the Bank of China, which is closed on weekends. Traveler’s cheques and credit cards are not widely accepted, especially outside Lhasa.
No, as long as tourists stay with their group and avoid political discussions or protests, they are unlikely to encounter any issues.
It is advised to consult your physician before travel. Recommended vaccinations include:
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria & Tetanus
- Hepatitis A & B
- Influenza (Flu)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Pneumonia
- Polio
- Rabies
- Tuberculosis
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever
No. English-speaking guides are provided, and many hotel staff in larger cities also speak English. Commonly spoken languages include Tibetan, Chinese, English, and Nepali.
Yes, though limited. Internet is available in Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse, and Tsedang, especially in hotels and a few cafés.
Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Helicopter Tour – 8 Days is a spiritually enriching and time-efficient pilgrimage designed for those seeking a quicker yet fulfilling way to experience the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. This short but meaningful journey is ideal for pilgrims with limited time, offering all the key highlights of the Kailash Yatra in just 8 days. The tour begins in Nepalgunj, followed by a scenic helicopter ride to Simikot and onward to Hilsa, before entering the mystical land of Tibet.
Throughout the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Helicopter Tour – 8 Days, travelers are treated to awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas and the serene beauty of the Tibetan Plateau. This sacred journey takes you to Lake Manasarovar, believed to be one of the holiest lakes in Hinduism and Buddhism, where devotees can take a ritual bath in its sacred waters. The lake is considered to purify the soul and cleanse past sins, offering spiritual rejuvenation in a tranquil, high-altitude setting.
A major highlight of the tour is the opportunity to witness the majestic Mount Kailash, regarded as the abode of Lord Shiva. Pilgrims participating in the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Helicopter Tour – 8 Days have the chance to perform a partial Kora (circumambulation) around Mount Kailash, believed to bring enlightenment and liberation. This sacred trek, although shortened, is deeply meaningful and spiritually transformative.
The tour is thoughtfully planned with proper acclimatization and includes comfortable accommodations, vegetarian meals, and the guidance of experienced support staff to ensure safety and well-being at every stage. The use of helicopter transfers significantly reduces travel time and physical exertion, making the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Helicopter Tour – 8 Days an accessible option for elderly pilgrims and those with health or mobility concerns.
Whether you are a spiritual seeker, cultural explorer, or nature lover, this journey offers a perfect blend of divine experience, scenic landscapes, and cultural richness. The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Helicopter Tour – 8 Days is not just a pilgrimage—it’s a life-changing adventure that leaves a lasting imprint on the soul.
Visa Information
Traveling to Tibet requires both a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit, which can be obtained in Kathmandu through a travel agency (for Tibet via Nepal). Note that a valid Chinese visa alone does not grant entry to Tibet—you must also secure a Tibet Travel Permit. Even travelers entering Tibet from within China need this permit. To get it, you must book a guide for your entire trip and arrange private transport for travel outside Lhasa. Additional permits for areas beyond Lhasa are also required and will be handled by your travel agent.
Passport and Visa Requirements
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
- Chinese Visa: Obtainable at Chinese embassies or through agencies like China Highlights (for entry from China).
- Group Visa: Required for entry from Nepal to Tibet; travelers can visit mainland China afterward with this visa.
- Individual Chinese visas become invalid once a group visa is issued during your trip.
- Tibet Entry Permit: Issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau, mandatory for all foreign visitors.
- Additional Permits:
- Travel Permit: Needed for visiting restricted areas, issued upon arrival in Tibet.
- Military Permit: Required for certain sensitive military zones.
Weather Information
Tibet’s climate is similar to mainland China but cooler due to high altitude. Summers feature warm days with strong sunshine and cool nights; higher elevations can be chilly even in summer. Winters are cold with little snow. Lhasa enjoys abundant sunshine year-round. Frost lasts about six months in most areas, and some high-altitude lakes freeze from October to March. Weather varies by region, with Lhasa being more temperate due to its valley location.
Safety Guidelines
- Carry at least two copies of your Tibet Permit.
- Secure your belongings at all times.
- Inform your guide immediately if you feel unwell or experience altitude sickness symptoms.
- Avoid rushing to see sights immediately after arriving in Lhasa; allow time for acclimatization.
- Be cautious when shopping; avoid aggressive bargaining, wildlife products, unknown herbal medicines, and counterfeit items.
- Always carry your money and valuables with you.
- Spend a few days in Lhasa to acclimate and ascend gradually to higher altitudes.
- Avoid heavy drinking and smoking.
- Respect local religion, customs, and taboos.
- Protect yourself from the alpine climate: sunburn and sudden temperature changes are common.
- Carry necessary medications as advised by your doctor.
- Do not travel alone at night or visit unknown areas without informing your guide.
- Cash is the preferred payment method; prepare enough small bills and change.
- Report emergencies promptly to your guide.
- Never carry materials related to the Dalai Lama or calls for Tibetan independence.
- It is also advisable not to bring any Tibet guidebooks.
