Kailash Mansarovar Helicopter Yatra: 11-Day Route Guide

The Kailash Mansarovar Helicopter Yatra is an 11-day pilgrimage from Kathmandu that replaces 4–5 days of long road travel with flights: Kathmandu → Nepalgunj → Simikot, then a short helicopter flight from Simikot (2,985 m) to Hilsa (3,640 m) on the Tibet border, crossing the Humla Karnali valley. From Hilsa you drive into Tibet for Lake Mansarovar and the 3-day Kailash parikrama. For pilgrims in their 50s and 60s it is usually the better choice. Pilgrims over 70 are not permitted on any Kailash route. 2027 rates are quoted on request.

Current status: Kailash yatras are currently on hold after the August 2026 Rasuwa floods, and the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung road crossing is currently closed. We are building the 2027 priority list now — message us on WhatsApp to be added. 2027 dates and rates will be confirmed once the Tibet side confirms.

Quick facts — Kailash Helicopter Yatra

Fact	Value
Duration	11 days from Kathmandu
Route	Kathmandu → Nepalgunj → Simikot → Hilsa → Purang → Mansarovar → Darchen
Max altitude	5,630 m (Dolma La Pass on the parikrama)
Days at 4,500+ m	About 5 (vs about 7 on overland)
Age	Pilgrims over 70 not permitted; medical certificate for 60+; minors case by case
Acclimatisation	At least 2 nights above 2,800 m before going higher (2026 rules)
Baggage limit	15 kg checked + 5 kg cabin
Weather	Buffer built in for flight delays
Saga Dawa	Usually May–June (4th Tibetan lunar month); 2027 dates published once confirmed
Rates	2027 rates on request

What used to be a 14–15 day overland journey can be done in 11 days, with the long road sections replaced by flights. This guide explains how the route works, what to expect each day, and whether it is right for you.

The route: Kathmandu → Simikot → Hilsa → Tibet

Instead of the long drive north to the Tibet border, you fly:

1. Kathmandu (1,400 m) — your starting point
2. Nepalgunj (150 m) — short flight south to the Terai plains
3. Simikot (2,985 m) — small-plane flight to a remote airstrip in Humla, western Nepal
4. Hilsa (3,640 m) — short helicopter flight to the Nepal–Tibet border
5. Purang / Taklakot (3,930 m) — short drive into Tibet
6. Mansarovar (4,590 m), Darchen (4,675 m), parikrama (up to 5,630 m) — the holy ground

The flights remove 4–5 days of demanding road travel. You save time and spend fewer days at high altitude overall.

Helicopter vs overland at a glance

Factor	Helicopter (11d)	Overland (13–15d)
Total trip duration	11 days	13–15 days
Days at 4,500+ m	About 5	About 7
Long drive days	0	4–5
Suitable for pilgrims in their 60s	Recommended	With caveats
Rates	On request	On request

Compare both routes in more detail: Helicopter Yatra and 15-day private overland yatra. The choice is mainly about time and how well you handle altitude.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day	Plan	Sleep at
1	Arrive Kathmandu, hotel transfer, briefing	1,400 m
2	Pashupatinath darshan, fly to Nepalgunj	150 m
3	Fly to Simikot, helicopter to Hilsa, drive to Purang	3,930 m
4	Acclimatisation rest day at Purang	3,930 m
5	Drive to Mansarovar, evening puja, holy bath next morning	4,590 m
6	Drive to Darchen, parikrama preparation	4,675 m
7	Parikrama Day 1: Yamdwar → Diraphuk (about 12 km, 5–6 hrs)	4,900 m
8	Parikrama Day 2: cross Dolma La (5,630 m), descend to Zuthulphuk	4,790 m
9	Parikrama Day 3: walk out (about 6 km), drive back to Hilsa	3,640 m
10	Helicopter to Simikot, fly to Nepalgunj, connect to Kathmandu	1,400 m
11	Free morning, departure	—

The rest day at Purang (Day 4) matters: your body goes from 1,400 m to 3,930 m in about a day and needs time to adjust before going higher. Together with the arrival night, it gives the 2 nights above 2,800 m required before continuing up (2026 rules).

What about weather and the helicopter?

This is the question pilgrims ask most. Honest answer: flights to Simikot and the Simikot–Hilsa helicopter are weather-dependent and are sometimes delayed.

How we plan for it:

• Buffer time in the itinerary for weather delays at Nepalgunj or Simikot
• Morning flights — afternoon winds make mountain flying harder
• Rebooking on the next available flight if a flight is cancelled
• A clear plan discussed with the group if delays run longer

Book your international flights to Kathmandu on flexible or changeable tickets so a delay does not cost you a missed connection.

What the package covers

• Chinese Group Visa and Tibet Travel Permit (permits are included in our packages)
• Domestic flights Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Simikot and return
• Helicopter legs Simikot–Hilsa and return
• Accommodation in Kathmandu and on the route in Tibet
• Meals arranged; details in your quote
• English/Hindi-speaking guide throughout, plus a Tibet-licensed local guide
• Oxygen support during the parikrama
• Yaks for group baggage on the parikrama
• Duffel bag, sleeping bag and down jacket on loan for the trip; you can keep them for an extra charge — ask us

Not included: international flights to Kathmandu, travel insurance (required), a personal pony or porter on the parikrama, tips and personal expenses. The exact inclusions are listed in your quote.

Acclimatisation — why we don't push pilgrims up too fast

Diraphuk (4,900 m) on Day 7 is where altitude sickness most often shows up. Our approach:

• Ask your doctor about Diamox before the trip
• No alcohol once you leave Kathmandu
• 3–4 litres of water a day
• Pulse oximeter checks at Diraphuk and Zuthulphuk
• Group leader watches for warning signs — severe headache, repeated vomiting, confusion
• Oxygen cylinders carried by the group
• Descent first — anyone with serious symptoms goes down

Carry travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation up to 6,000 m.

What to pack

The flights have strict baggage limits:

• 15 kg checked baggage
• 5 kg cabin baggage

Pack light:

• 2 thermal base layers
• 1 fleece (the down jacket is on loan)
• Waterproof shell
• Trekking pants (1 warm, 1 light)
• 3 pairs wool-blend socks
• Worn-in trekking boots (do not bring brand-new boots)
• Sleeping bag is on loan — no need to bring your own
• Toiletries, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses
• Personal medicines for at least 5 extra days
• Camera, phone, power bank (no charging on the parikrama)

Documents

Every pilgrim needs a passport valid for at least 6 months — an Election/Voter ID is not accepted for Tibet. Overland from Nepal, everyone travels on a Chinese Group Visa issued in Kathmandu, and any existing Chinese visa in the passport is cancelled. The Tibet Travel Permit can only be obtained by a registered agency; we handle it as part of the package. Documents must reach us at least 30 days before entry into Tibet (2026 rules; 2027 terms confirmed later). Full details: Tibet permit for Kailash Yatra.

Planning for 2027

Helicopter seats from Simikot are limited and shared between operators, so the Saga Dawa period (usually May–June) fills first. 2027 dates will be published once confirmed. Join the 2027 priority list now and we will contact you as soon as dates and rates are set.

See the Helicopter Yatra package →

Or WhatsApp us to talk about dates, group size, or combining the yatra with Muktinath.

Other route options:

• Compare helicopter vs overland in detail →
• Cost guide across all routes →

Frequently asked questions about the Kailash Helicopter Yatra

How much does the Kailash Helicopter Yatra cost?

2027 rates are quoted on request — they depend on group size, room type and dates, and will be confirmed once the Tibet side confirms. Permits, the Chinese Group Visa, domestic flights, the helicopter legs, accommodation, guides and oxygen support are included; international flights and insurance are not.

What is the Simikot–Hilsa helicopter route?

The helicopter leg runs from Simikot (2,985 m), a remote airstrip in Humla, western Nepal, to Hilsa (3,640 m) on the Tibet border. It is a short flight that replaces 4–5 days of road travel. From Hilsa, a short drive takes you into Tibet to Purang (Taklakot).

Is the helicopter or overland yatra better for older pilgrims?

For pilgrims in their 50s and 60s, the helicopter route is usually better: about 5 days above 4,500 m instead of about 7, and no long road days. The parikrama itself — 52 km over 3 days, crossing Dolma La — is the same on every route. Pilgrims over 70 are not permitted on any route.

What happens if the helicopter is grounded by weather?

Flights are weather-dependent and sometimes delayed. The itinerary has buffer time, flights go in the morning, and we rebook on the next available flight. Book flexible international tickets.

What is the age limit for the Kailash Helicopter Yatra?

Pilgrims over 70 are not permitted — this is a Chinese authority rule for all routes, including the helicopter. A medical certificate from your doctor is required for all pilgrims aged 60+. Minors are checked case by case with us before booking. See Kailash Yatra age limit & fitness.

When should I book the Helicopter Yatra for 2027?

Join the 2027 priority list now. Saga Dawa usually falls in May–June (the 4th Tibetan lunar month); 2027 dates will be published once confirmed. Documents must reach us at least 30 days before entry into Tibet (2026 rules; 2027 terms confirmed later).