For Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and followers of Bon, Mount Kailash (6,638 m) is the holiest mountain on earth – the abode of Lord Shiva and the axis of the universe – and Lake Mansarovar beneath it is the purest of waters. The 13 Days Kailash Heli Tour from Kathmandu is the quickest and most comfortable route to them: instead of days on the road, you fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, take a mountain flight to Simikot in remote Humla and a short helicopter hop to Hilsa on the Tibetan border, and then drive to Purang (Taklakot) and the sacred lake. Flights, helicopter, all meals, accommodation, Tibet visa and Kailash permits, Nepali and Tibetan guides, a Nepali crew and yaks to carry your bags on the parikrama are included.
The yatra begins in Kathmandu with darshan at Pashupatinath and the sleeping Vishnu of Budhanilkantha, and Patan’s Krishna Mandir, while your visa is processed. After a day of acclimatisation in Simikot (2,950 m) and Purang (3,900 m), you reach Mansarovar (4,590 m) for puja, havan and a holy bath, with a parikrama of the lake by vehicle.
From Darchen you set out on the three-day Kailash parikrama: up the Lha Chu valley to Dirapuk beneath the north face, over the Dolma La (about 5,630 m) and past Gauri Kund to Zuthulphuk, and back to the road – the sacred circuit that is said to wash away the sins of a lifetime. You then return the same way to Kathmandu.
Why choose this yatra?
- The shortest overland section – flights and helicopter via Simikot and Hilsa.
- All meals, permits, Tibet visa, guides, crew and yak support included.
- Full Mansarovar puja and the complete three-day Kailash parikrama.
Who is it for?
Devotees and adventurous travellers in good health. Grade: moderate to strenuous because of the altitude (up to about 5,630 m) and long walking days; ponies and porters can be hired for the parikrama. Main season May to September, with special full-moon departures.
Leave a Reply