Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (Helicopter) Ex. Lucknow

Drive from Lucknow to Nepalgunj via Bahraich

Meet our team in Lucknow at 8:30 AM, board the bus, and drive 4-5 hours to Nepalgunj via Bahraich. Enjoy light refreshments on board with a short tea/coffee break en route. Complete border formalities on both the Indian and Nepalese sides before reaching Nepalgunj. Check into the hotel, attend the yatra briefing session in the evening, and stay overnight with dinner provided.

45-minute Flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot

The Nepalgunj to Simikot flight is a crucial yet unpredictable part of the trip, as it depends entirely on weather and wind conditions, often causing delays. To secure the earliest possible flight, we reach Nepalgunj airport early as per the tour guide’s instructions. Upon landing at Simikot’s small airport (45-minute flight), our team will welcome you and escort you to the guesthouse. They will also coordinate with the airline to ensure your luggage is delivered to your stay. The rest of the time at Simikot will be free for acclimatization.

Simikot to Hilsa Drive to Purang (Taklakot)

At Simikot, have an early breakfast and proceed to the airport for your helicopter flight to Hilsa. Complete border customs & immigration on both Nepal and Hilsa sides, then cross the swinging bridge into Tibet.
Border formalities may take time, especially during peak season. A Chinese bus will transfer the group to Purang (25 km, ~1-hour drive), with another customs check at Purang Custom Office.

Upon arrival at Purang (3900m), rest if you experience altitude sickness. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Purang.

Free for Acclimatization at Purang (Taklakot)

This day is reserved for acclimatization at Taklakot (Purang). Rest at your hotel or take a short walk to explore the local market, which offers sticks, gloves, caps, shoes, water bottles, fruits, and other essentials. Shops close by dark, so plan accordingly. Meals and overnight stay will be in Purang.

Purang (Taklakot) to Lake Manasarovar

Today is a significant day as we journey to the holy Lake Manasarovar. After breakfast, we drive 1.5 hours through scenic mountains to Rakshas Taal (Ravan Taal), also known as the ‘Lake of Demons’, where we get our first glimpse of Mount Kailash. After a brief stop for photos, we continue to Lake Manasarovar, reaching Chui Gompa for an overnight stay.
The rest of the day is free for exploring the lake, taking a holy bath, performing rituals, and prayers. A shower tent for ladies will be arranged. Find a suitable spot for puja/havan as per your customs. Meals and stay will be at the guesthouse.

First day of Kora/Parikrama : 13 km trek from Yam Dwar to Dirapuk

Start the day with a light breakfast, then head to Tarboche. Fill your water bottle before the trek. At Tarboche, visit Yam Dwar, the sacred gateway marking the start of the Kailash Kora.
Here, pilgrims can hire horses/ponies or porters, but availability and pricing are controlled by the local union, beyond our team’s control.
The 13 km trek to Dirapuk begins from Yam Dwar. The path is mostly flat and easy, but the high altitude makes breathing difficult. A brief tea stop midway offers some rest before continuing.
Upon reaching Dirapuk, witness the majestic North Face of Mount Kailash up close—an awe-inspiring sight. Capture stunning photos, then settle into your guesthouse near Dirapuk Monastery.
Night temperatures drop below freezing, so we will have a quick, light dinner (Khichdi, soup, etc.) before resting.

Second day of Parikrama of Mount Kailash : 22 km trek to Zuthulpukh via Gauri Kund

Early Morning : Wake up before dawn to witness the Golden Kailash, as the first sunlight illuminates the peak—a truly divine sight.
Toughest Trek Day (22 km) :

• Begin the trek to Zuthulpukh, crossing the challenging Dolma-La Pass (5,630m)—the highest point of the Yatra.
• Before Dolma-La, see the sacred footprints of Milarepa and visit Shiva Tsal, where pilgrims leave belongings, a drop of blood, or a lock of hair, symbolizing the end of past suffering.
• After crossing Dolma-La, witness the holy Gauri Kund.

Caution :

• Cross Dolma-La early before strong winds start.
• Steep, rocky descent—walk carefully and stay with the group.
• Pony riders may need to dismount for safety.

Arrival at Zuthulpukh (4,790m) :

• Follow a flat trail to Zuthulpukh Gompa.
• Stay in a dormitory-style lodge with bed, bedsheet, and warm blankets.
• Enjoy a quick dinner before resting for the night.

Trek from Zuthulpukh - Drive to Purang (Taklakot)

After breakfast near the guesthouse, take some time to explore the sacred caves, temples, and shrines in the area. These ancient sites hold deep spiritual significance, with meditation platforms inside the caves. A married elderly couple oversees the temple, assisted by a small group of Tibetan devotees and helpers who maintain the site.
Climbing up to these caves before completing the final trek of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is highly rewarding. After this, we embark on a 6 km trek from Zuthulpuk to Chongdo, where our vehicles will be waiting. From Chongdo, a short 6 km drive takes us to Darchen, where we reunite with group members who did not attempt the trek or returned from Dirapuk.
We then continue our journey to Taklakot, where we will stay overnight, reflecting on the incredible spiritual experience of the Yatra.

Taklakot to Lucknow via Simikot, Nepalgunj

After an early breakfast, we embark on a 45 km drive toward the China-Nepal border. Upon arrival, we cross the border on foot, completing the immigration formalities before reaching the Hilsa helipad. From here, we board a 25-minute helicopter flight to Simikot, followed by a connecting flight to Nepalgunj.
Upon reaching Nepalgunj, we continue the drive to Lucknow, where the journey concludes with a final drop-off. Trip terminates.