Kailash Mansarovar Heli Tour
Fly directly into the sacred Himalaya. A swift, deeply moving pilgrimage to Lake Manasarovar and the Kora of Mount Kailash — guided by Himalayan Zen.
Why Fly With Us
By combining scheduled flights, chartered helicopters, and short off-road transfers, this Yatra reaches Mount Kailash in less than half the time of the classic overland route — while keeping every sacred stop, every holy dip, and every step of the Kora.
Time Efficient
Reach Lake Manasarovar on Day 5 instead of Day 7. Ideal for pilgrims with limited leave and senior travellers.
Scenic Flying
Soar over the Annapurna and Nilgiri ranges on the Nepalgunj–Simikot sector — an experience in itself.
Complete Kora
Every sacred ritual preserved: Manasarovar Parikrama, Holy Bath, Puja & Hawan, and the full 3-day Kailash Kora to Drolma La.
Himalayan Zen Care
3:1 guest-to-guide ratio, daily oxygen & BP checks at altitude, and Nepali Sherpa staff alongside every group.
The Journey
A swift Himalayan passage — by air, by helicopter, and on foot across the sacred Kora.
support_agent Direct Support
Have questions about the Heli Yatra? Message our lead guide directly.
Phase I: Kathmandu & Departure Prep
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. You will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. In the evening, join your group for a full Yatra briefing with our lead guide — documents, permits, packing list, and altitude guidance. Overnight at hotel.
Morning darshan at Pashupatinath Temple — one of the holiest Shiva shrines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — followed by Budhanilakantha (Sleeping Vishnu). After lunch, transfer to the domestic terminal and fly to Nepalgunj. Overnight at a hotel in Nepalgunj.
After an early breakfast, transfer to Nepalgunj Airport for the scheduled flight to Simikot, the remote Humla district headquarters at 2,950m. A free afternoon for acclimatization — visit the local Shiva temple, walk gently, hydrate well. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Phase II: Across the Himalaya by Helicopter
Early morning helicopter flight to Hilsa on the Nepal–China border — a spectacular 20-minute flight over the Karnali gorge. After clearing immigration and customs on both sides, drive 30 km to Purang (3,750m) in Tibet. Rest and acclimatize. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, drive 90 km (approx. 3 hours) to the sacred Lake Manasarovar. Complete the Parikrama by environmental bus, then take the holy dip — a moment of deep spiritual significance. Evening on the lakeshore with the first darshan of Mount Kailash reflected in the turquoise water. Overnight at guesthouse near Chiu Gompa.
Phase III: The Sacred Kailash Kora
Morning Puja and Hawan on the banks of Manasarovar — a priest-led ceremony with offerings, sacred chants, and the traditional havan. After lunch, drive 40 km to Darchen (4,620m), the base camp of Mount Kailash, with its dramatic view of the south face and Nandi Parvat. Health check by our Sherpa staff. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast with a light packed lunch, drive 8 km to Yamdwar — the "Gate of the God of Death" — and begin the first day of the Kora. Yaks carry our supplies. The trail follows the Lha Chu Valley past meadows and waterfalls, opening into the majestic North Face of Kailash at Diraphuk. Those who are able can perform Kailash Charan Sparsa. Overnight at guesthouse.
The longest and most sacred day. We begin at first light with a light breakfast and packed lunch. The trail climbs steadily to Drolma La (5,630m), adorned with prayer flags and offering a view of the emerald Gauri Kund — the Lake of Compassion. A moment of spiritual rebirth before descending through the Drolma Chu valley to Zuthulphuk. Overnight at lodge.
A short early-morning trek back to Darchen completes the Parikrama. After breakfast, drive back to Purang or Hilsa (depending on flight scheduling). Overnight at hotel / guesthouse.
Phase IV: Descent & Departure
After breakfast, transfer by helicopter to Simikot, then by scheduled flight to Nepalgunj, connecting onward to Kathmandu. Evening at leisure in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. Carry home the blessings of Mount Kailash and the profound memories of a lifetime pilgrimage.
Sacred Landmarks on the Way
Simikot
The remote administrative hub of Humla district at 2,950m — the vital launch point for the helicopter crossing into Tibet.
Hilsa
A tiny Himalayan border village on the Karnali river, perched above one of the deepest gorges in the world. Entry point to China.
Lake Manasarovar
The highest freshwater lake of its turquoise color, ringed by Mount Kailash, Gurla Mandhata and Rakshastal. Holy dip and Parikrama.
Darchen
The gateway village of the Kora at 4,620m, with dramatic views of the south face of Kailash and Nandi Parvat.
Drolma La Pass
The highest point of the Kora at 5,630m. Adorned with prayer flags fluttering in the wind — the moment of spiritual rebirth.
Gauri Kund
The emerald Lake of Compassion on the descent from Drolma La, sacred to Goddess Parvati, believed to purify the soul.
Visions of the Yatra
The Triumph of the Pass
Prayer flags at 5,630m on Drolma La.
Sacred Interiors
Alpenglow Peaks
The High Plateau
Vast expanses leading to the sacred mountain.
Preparing for the Yatra
Physical Fitness
Begin cardiovascular training (walking, jogging, swimming) 2–3 months prior. Focus on stamina and leg strength for the Drolma La day.
Essential Gear
Broken-in trekking boots, thermal layers, down jacket, polarized sunglasses, sun cream, lip balm, thermal flask, and a small daypack. Duffel & down jacket provided.
Mental Preparation
Altitude, unpredictable weather, and basic amenities on the Kora require flexibility and patience. A calm, prayerful mindset is essential.
Logistics
All scheduled flights, chartered helicopter transfers, 4WD transport in Tibet, porters, yaks, permits, Tibet visa fee, and Humla/VDC permits are fully arranged.
Safety Protocol
Supplemental oxygen cylinders, air compressor bag, portable toilet, high-altitude medicines, first-aid kits, and daily oxygen/BP monitoring by trained Sherpa staff.
Cuisine & Comfort
Pure vegetarian meals prepared by our own crew throughout the Yatra. Best-available guesthouses and hotels at every stop on the route.
What's Included & Excluded
Full transparency on everything covered in your Himalayan Zen Heli Yatra.
check_circle Included
- check 2 nights' accommodation in Kathmandu with all veg meals
- check 1 night in Nepalgunj, 1 night in Simikot with all veg meals
- check Half-day Kathmandu sightseeing (Pashupatinath & Budhanilakantha)
- check Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Simikot round-trip scheduled flights
- check Simikot – Hilsa – Simikot by chartered helicopter
- check Best available hotels & guesthouses in Tibet per itinerary
- check All vegetarian meals served by our crew in Tibet
- check Deluxe coach transportation in Tibet
- check Day bag, duffel bag & down jacket (returnable)
- check Tibet/China normal visa fee, Humla Permit & VDC fees
- check Kailash Parikrama by foot & Manasarovar Parikrama by luxury bus
- check High-altitude medicine, portable toilet, oxygen cylinders & air compressor bag
- check Experienced English/Hindi-speaking Nepali guide & Sherpa staff
cancel Excluded
- close Personal travel insurance, rescue & emergency costs
- close Multiple-entry Nepal visa fee for NRI/foreign nationals
- close Horse & helper hire during Parikrama (approx. 3,400 Yuan)
- close Food & transport caused by weather delays or unforeseen events
- close Costs incurred if a yatri separates from the group
- close Expenses from natural disaster, bad weather or political disruptions
- close Extra accommodation in Nepal if returning early from Tibet
- close Visa split cost, transport & hotel for early returnees
- close Personal expenses (laundry, calls, tips, beverages)
2026 Fixed Departures
Small groups, capped at 30 pilgrims. Departures fill quickly due to helicopter capacity.
Why Fly With Himalayan Zen
A pilgrimage this sacred deserves care this close.
Expert-Led Journey
Led by Himalayan veterans — including an Everest summiteer and a guide who has completed the Kailash trek over 70 times.
3:1 Guest-to-Guide Ratio
Close personal attention through every stage of the Yatra — from arrival in Kathmandu to the Drolma La crossing.
Small Groups, Max 30
Helicopter capacity limits each departure — every group stays intimate, prayerful, and unhurried.
Daily Health Monitoring
Blood pressure and oxygen saturation checked every morning and evening at altitude, backed by medical support.
Our Lead Guides
Moti Bhattarai
Over four decades in Himalayan tourism and more than 70 completed Kailash treks. His calm presence is the backbone of every Himalayan Zen Yatra.
Anil Bhattarai
Anil summited Everest in 2005 and has led Himalayan expeditions for nearly three decades — trusted for his high-altitude experience and steady care.
What Travellers Say
The helicopter leg was breathtaking — and the Kora was priceless
We saved nearly a week by flying. But nothing prepared me for walking the final descent from Drolma La with Gauri Kund shimmering below. Moti knew every prayer flag on that pass. Utterly transformational.
read more +Ideal for my elderly mother — and me
The heli route made Kailash possible for my 72-year-old mother. Oxygen checks twice a day, gentle pacing, and Anil personally made sure she was comfortable at every stop. A company that leads with heart.
read more +Flawless logistics across Nepal and Tibet
Permits, border formalities, helicopter slots, yaks, tents, meals at 4,800m — all handled with a level of professionalism I did not expect on a pilgrimage of this scale. Never once had to worry about the next step.
read more +Reserve Your Seat on the Heli Yatra
Helicopter departures are strictly limited by seat capacity and Chinese permit quotas. Speak with our team to confirm your place.
schedule Guides typically reply within 1 hour