Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Sky Treks and Pilgrimages. You will be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu where you can rest and acclimatize. The evening will be free for leisure, allowing you to settle in and prepare for your journey. A short briefing about the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will be given, outlining the trek, rules, and customs of the sacred pilgrimage.
After breakfast, we embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. The day's visit includes iconic cultural landmarks such as the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), the historic Boudhanath Stupa, and the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, a major Hindu pilgrimage site. These sites will give you a deeper understanding of the spiritual culture in Nepal. Meanwhile, your visa application for China and Tibet will be processed by our team. After sightseeing, you'll return to your hotel to relax and prepare for the journey ahead.
This morning, we visit the sacred Kailashnath Mahadev Statue, the world's tallest Lord Shiva statue, located in Sanga. We then proceed to the Doleshwor Mahadev Temple, another important pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva. After completing the sacred visits, we drive to Nagarkot Hill Station, a beautiful hilltop retreat located at 2,000 meters, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas. You will spend the night here, enjoying the tranquility of the area and resting for the upcoming journey.
Today, we visit the ancient Changunarayan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest Hindu temples in the Kathmandu Valley, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. After darshan (prayers), we drive back to Kathmandu. In the evening, a detailed briefing will be held regarding the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. You will receive important information about the trek, health precautions, and travel tips to help ensure a safe and successful journey. We also recommend last-minute shopping and packing for the yatra.
This day is dedicated to final shopping and preparations for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. You can visit local markets in Kathmandu to buy any last-minute essentials for the journey, including clothes, footwear, and other items recommended by our team. Our staff will assist you in ensuring all necessary paperwork, luggage, and medical requirements are in order for the trip to Kailash and Mansarovar. Spend the night relaxing at your hotel before the adventure begins.
Early morning, we take a helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Kerung, located at 2,800 meters in Tibet. The scenic flight offers magnificent views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Kerung, you will be greeted by local Tibetan guides and our team, who will assist you in the immigration process. You will have some time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude before we begin the next phase of the yatra. Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Kerung.
Today is a rest day in Kerung for acclimatization. The high-altitude environment requires some time to adjust, and we take the opportunity to rest and explore the surrounding area. You may visit the local Tibetan market, or enjoy the serene landscape. This rest day will help you better prepare for the journey ahead, reducing the risks associated with high-altitude trekking.
We begin our journey by driving from Kerung to Saga, a town situated at an altitude of 4,640 meters. The drive takes approximately 8-9 hours and traverses some challenging roads, but offers scenic views of the Tibetan Plateau. The landscape gradually changes from green hills to the arid, mountainous terrain of Tibet. Upon arrival, we check into our guesthouse in Saga, where you can rest and hydrate to adjust to the high altitude.
Today, we drive to the sacred Mansarovar Lake, located at an elevation of 4,588 meters. The drive takes 8-9 hours and passes through remote Tibetan landscapes, dotted with small settlements. As we approach Mansarovar, the first sight of the holy lake is a deeply spiritual experience. Upon arrival, we will have a holy dip in the lake, which is believed to purify the soul, and perform a havan (sacred fire ceremony) for blessings. Afterward, we drive to Darchen, the base town for the Kailash Parikrama, for an overnight stay.
This day is dedicated to further spiritual practices at Mansarovar Lake. After an early morning havan (sacred fire ceremony), you will have the opportunity to take a holy dip in the pristine waters of Mansarovar, believed to wash away sins and cleanse the soul. We then drive to Darchen, located at 4,560 meters, which serves as the starting point for the Kailash Parikrama. Tonight, we rest in Darchen to prepare for the next day's trek.
We begin the Kailash Parikrama today, the sacred circumambulation of Mount Kailash. The first leg of the trek takes us from Darchen to Deraphuk, located at 4,920 meters. The total distance for the day is 18 kilometers, with 10 kilometers covered by vehicle and the remaining 8 kilometers on foot or horseback. The trek offers breathtaking views of Mount Kailash, and you will feel the spiritual energy of the place. We arrive in Deraphuk, where we will spend the night.
The second day of the Kailash Parikrama is the most challenging. We trek from Deraphuk to Dolmala Pass, the highest point of the yatra at an altitude of approximately 5,860 meters. After crossing the pass, we descend to Zuthulphuk Gompa, situated at 4,790 meters. The total distance for the day is 18 kilometers, and we can either trek or use horseback for the journey. After a long and rewarding day, we rest overnight at Zuthulphuk.
The final leg of the Kailash Parikrama brings us back to Darchen. This is a relatively easy day compared to the previous ones, and we complete the trek back to Darchen, where we will stay overnight. The feeling of completing the Parikrama is deeply spiritual and fulfilling. Tonight, we celebrate the accomplishment and reflect on the profound experience of the yatra.
Today, we start our return journey, driving from Darchen back to Saga. The drive takes approximately 8-9 hours, and along the way, we will pass through the breathtaking Tibetan landscape once more. Upon arrival in Saga, we check into our guesthouse to rest for the night.
We continue our drive back to Kerung today, where we will spend the night before heading back to Nepal. The drive from Saga to Kerung takes approximately 8-9 hours. Once in Kerung, we will rest and prepare for the return flight to Kathmandu.
This morning, we take a helicopter flight from Kerung to Kathmandu, crossing the stunning Himalayan landscape one last time. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. The evening is free for leisure, allowing you to relax after the spiritual journey.
After breakfast, we bid farewell to our fellow pilgrims and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight back home or to your next destination. Thank you for choosing Sky Treks and Pilgrimages for your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter. Safe travels!
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, both considered sacred sites in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. The journey typically involves a combination of trekking and transportation, and the helicopter tour offers a quicker and more accessible way to reach these holy sites, allowing pilgrims to experience the spiritual significance and breathtaking landscapes of the region.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by helicopter usually lasts about 10 to 12 days. This includes the flight to the starting point, the helicopter journey to and from Kailash, and time spent at Mansarovar and the base of Mount Kailash for rituals and sightseeing.
While the helicopter tour significantly reduces the physical demands of the journey, the Yatra still involves high altitudes, with Kailash standing at over 6,700 meters (21,650 feet). Participants should be in good health and acclimatized to high altitudes, as some walking is still required around the lake and during the pilgrimage.
The best times for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra are during the summer months, specifically from late April to early October. This period offers more stable weather and clearer skies, making the journey more enjoyable and accessible.
Travelers need to obtain special permits to visit Kailash Mansarovar, including the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra permit issued by the Government of Nepal. These permits are typically arranged by the tour operator and should be secured in advance.
During the Yatra, accommodation varies from basic guesthouses to tents, especially near Kailash and Mansarovar. While the facilities are simple, they provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere, allowing for a unique cultural experience.
Meals provided during the Yatra typically include vegetarian options, such as rice, lentils, vegetables, and bread. Some tour operators may offer a mix of local and international cuisine, but options can be limited in remote areas.
Preparation for the Yatra involves physical conditioning, particularly to adjust to high altitudes. Engaging in aerobic exercises, hiking, and strength training can be beneficial. It's also important to consult a doctor about altitude sickness and travel medications.
The Yatra is generally safe, but travelers should be aware of the risks associated with high-altitude travel. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and following your guide's instructions are essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable pilgrimage.
