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Tour Summary
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter Via Lucknow
- Duration
- 08 Nights / 09 Days
- Destinations Covered
- Nepalgunj - Simikot - Taklakot - Manasarovar - Deraphuk - Zutulphuk - Hilsa
- Price
- Price on request
Overview
Accommodation & Tour Overview
| PLACES | ACCOMMODATION |
|---|---|
| Nepalgunj | 1 nights |
| Simikot | 1 nights |
| Taklakot | 2 nights |
| Manasarovar | 1 nights |
| Deraphuk | 1 nights |
| Zutulphuk | 1 nights |
| Hilsa | 1 nights |
Service Includes
- One night hotel in Nepalgunj on twin sharing with vegetarian meals (twin sharing)
- Accommodation in Simikot (basic dormitory room with common bathroom) with all meals
- Necessary arrival / departure transfers in Nepalgunj (very normal vehicle available here)
- Nepalgunj - Simikot - Nepalgunj air ticket (fixed wing — Twin Otter or Dornier)
- Simikot - Hilsa - Simikot by Helicopter (only 5 persons + 10 kg baggage per passenger)
- Domestic airport taxes (all sectors)
- Tibet group visa and travel/trekking permits
- Guesthouse in Tibet (detail about guesthouses are given below)
- Indian vegetarian meals during the tour in Tibet (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Transportation in Tibet by Bus
- Tour around Lake Manasarovar on green vehicle (not the vehicle that we take from Taklakot)
- English speaking Tibetan guide
- Tour Manager from our office
- Necessary supporting crew (Cook, Assistance cook, Sherpas from our company)
- All necessary Kitchen & camping equipment
- Yaks & Yak men during the Parikrama to carry foods and baggage
- Oxygen for emergency use
- Medical kit bag / First Aid kit
- Humla region restricted area permit & royalties (US $ 40 per person or equivalent)
- Porter cost in Hilsa (while going and coming back)
- All applicable taxes & service charges
Service Excludes
- Riding Horse during the Parikrama (price on request).
- Porter service during the Parikrama (price on request).
- Your travel insurance
- Insurance for emergency rescue & evacuation (helicopter cost, hospital bill, vehicle bill etc.)
- Asthapad darshan (it is banned to visit Asthapad)
- Personal expenses & bottled drinks
- Tip for guide & driver
- Extra accommodation charge in Nepalgunj, Simikot and Hilsa, if the flight cancelled due to bad weather condition
- Any additional cost due to natural calamity and unforeseen circumstances
| SUPPLEMENT COST FOR NRI/S | - | - |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. NATIONAL | US $ 450 | For domestic air ticket cost different, visa & permit |
| NRI/S OTHER THAN U.S. NATIONAL | US $ 350 | For domestic air ticket cost different, visa & permit |
DEPARTURE DATES:
Departure dates for the coming season are shared on request. Send an enquiry or call +91-9634801801.
NOTE:
1. All dates are arrival dates in Lucknow, with the transfer to Nepalgunj the same day
2. The distance between Lucknow and Nepalgunj is 183 km and the drive takes about 5 hours to reach Nepalgunj. We request our customers/ partners to take morning flight to arrive Lucknow. The border between Nepal and India remains opened from 07:00 a.m. till 08:00 p.m., hence you have to manage to cross the border after 07:00 a.m. and before 08.00 p.m.
On the return, take either the late-night flight or the one the next morning. We recommend keeping the return flight open.
3. Hotel in Taklakot has twin bed room with attached bathroom. There are new wing and old wing. Our cost is based on old wing that CIPSC provides. However, if customers want to stay in new wing they have to pay INR. 1100 per person per night supplement cost. Both wings have room with attached bath.
4. Aircrafts that we use between Nepalgunj and Simikot has capacity of carrying 16 passengers + 15 kg baggage at a time. Hence, please do not travel with luggage with excess weight. We request you to travel with a maximum 10 to 12 kg weight of luggage.
5. Helicopters that we use to airlift you from Simikot to Hilsa can carry only 5 passengers + 10 kg luggage. At high altitude the aircraft must carry less weight, for safety. Please keep this in mind sincerely.
Day by Day
Itinerary
Those who have restriction, with time, can also opt the route to Kailash- Manasarovar via Lucknow. Lucknow has easy air/ train access from all over India. After arriving Lucknow, you have to make an overland journey of approximately 183 km to reach India- Nepal border town (Nepalgunj). You have to stay overnight in Nepalgunj and proceed for Yatra, the very next day. Nepalgunj has choices of hotels with comfort & facilities.
People, who are traveling via Kathmandu, will also join in Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj is the gateway to Kailash via Helicopter route.
DAY 01: LUCKNOW ARRIVAL THEN DRIVE TO NEPALGUNJ
Upon arrival in Lucknow. Please, furnish your arrival details to us in advance, so our representative can show his presence at the airport/railway station accordingly. From Lucknow, we have to make a road journey of presumably 183 km to reach Nepalgunj. The highway is not in better condition, so it may take at least 5 hours to reach there, which is a significantly long duration than you probably have anticipated.
On arrival in Nepalgunj we check into the hotel and freshen up. The evening is free, to rest or to walk around Nepalgunj.
- Overnight at Hotel Siddharth Cottage
- Lucknow to Nepal border (Rupadiha): 183 km | 5 hours drive.
- Rupadiha Border to Nepalgunj: 3 km
DAY 02: FLY TO SIMIKOT & OVERNIGHT STAY
Early morning, at 5.00 a.m., transfer to Nepalgunj airport for your flight to Simikot. The flight between Nepalgunj and Simikot takes about an hour. The air route to Simikot passes over the remote mountain region of Nepal where weather often gets cloudy and notorious. Generally, the weather in the mountain area, in the morning, is calm and clear. This is the reason why we should fly to Simikot early morning.
Simikot is situated at an altitude of 2910 m., this is an ideal place to make a night halt for acclimatization motive. Simikot has a STOL airport (Short Take Off and Landing) where only small aircraft can go. The aircraft, we fly from Nepalgunj, can carry only 16 people at a time.
We stay overnight in Simikot for acclimatization.
- Overnight Sunvalley Resort or Nepal Trust Guesthouse (dormitory room & shared bathroom).
- Nepalgunj to Simikot flight: 1 hour.
- Aircraft type: Dornier or Twin otter
- Carrying capacity: Only 16 people at a time.
- Elevation of Simikot: 2910 m | 9545 fts.
- Expected temperature: day time:- 18 to 25 degree Celsius | night time:- 4 to -2 degree Celsius.
- Climatic condition: Generally cloudy & rainy.
DAY 03: SIMIKOT - HILSA (BY HELICOPTER) THEN ENTRY TAKLAKOT (TIBET)
Early morning, after breakfast, you will pack up our baggage then trek down to the airport and board on the helicopter. The helicopter flight from Simikot to Hilsa takes about 25 minutes (one way) only. The flight route passes through deep Karnali River-gorge and narrow remote valleys, where weather normally turns windy & cloudy from late morning onward. So, we try to operate more flights early in the morning and bring all group members to Hilsa.
We operate Euro copter (B3) that can carry only 5 persons + 10 kg luggage at a time. Since, helicopter has limited capacity to carry, we request you not to carry any unnecessary stuff. We use two helicopters at a time, so we can airlift our group members to Hilsa as soon as possible.
After all group members shifted to Hilsa by helicopter, you will cross the border then drive to Taklakot (Purang). As per the visa rule of the Chinese government, all group members should enter together and exit together. So, until and unless all members do not come to Hilsa, no one can cross the border.
The drive from Hilsa to Taklakot takes about 45 minutes. The driving distance is about 27 k.m.
- Overnight Purang Guesthouse (Old wing)
- Simikot to Hilsa: by helicopter
- Flight duration: 25 minutes
- Carrying capacity: 5 persons + 10 kg baggage each.
- Hilsa to Chinese immigration (Sher): only 10 minutes walk.
- Sher to Taklakot: 27 km | 45 minutes drive by Bus.
- Elevation of Taklakot: 4025 m. | 13202 fts.
- Expected temperature: day time:- 22 to 28 degree Celsius | night time:- up to -3 degree Celsius.
- General climatic condition: mild windy.
DAY 04: REST IN TAKLAKOT FOR ACCLIMATIZATION
There is no proper activities will be conducted. You are free to wander around on your own.
DAY 05: TAKLAKOT TO LAKE MANSAROVAR
As usual, after having morning meal, we pack our belongings, then board on the vehicle and be ready to move towards Lake Manasarovar. Right from the beginning, the highway commences making gradual ascend. The road still keeps ascending up to the high pass, that lies before Rakshas lake. The lake 'Rakshas' represents the devil force. This is where Ravana, 'the mighty King of Lanka', had performed a penance to lord Shiva for 5000 years. We will take a brief halt at the shore of lake Rakshas, soak in views and take pictures; then continue our journey towards lake Manasarovar.
We check in to the Guesthouse of lake Manasarovar (Chiugompa) then walk to the lakeshore for having sacred dip and performing pooja. After pooja, we will have afternoon meal; board on the vehicle then set off for circumambulation around the lake. The entire circumference of the lake is presumably 82 km, and it demands a minimum two hours to accomplish this part of the journey.
- Overnight guesthouse.
- Taklakot to Lake Manasarovar: 88 km | one & half hour.
- Elevation of Lake Manasarovar: 4550 m. | 14,925 fts
- Expected temperature: day time:- 22 to 32 degree Celsius | night time:- -3 to -4 degree.
- Climatic condition: windy.
DAY 06: DRIVE, MANASAROVAR TO YAMA DWARA- THEN TREK TO DERAPHUK
Today is the highlighted day of our journey. The most exciting part, sacred circumambulation around Kailash, commences today from Yama Dwara. Morning, after breakfast, we depart from lake strand to Yama Dwara (also called 'Tarboche' in Tibetan) that demands approximately one & half hour to reach there. We should make a brief halt in Darchen because some travel documents obtained from local Police and Army officials as well as we have to make group entry in the region. From Darchen, it is another half an hour to reach Yama Dwara.
Our Yaks, porters and horses are waiting here for us. Those who are making circumambulation around Kailash on feet can instantly proceed for Deraphuk; rest of members can commence their journey after taking their horse/s and porter/s. The Total walk to Deraphuk is for 5 to 6 hours but the timing depends on your own pace. The route is quite easy, flat but mild ascend. Due to its extreme elevation, we feel tired while walking and need to have break very frequently.
- Overnight at Shisapanga Guesthouse.
- Lake Manasarovar to Yama Dwara: 45 km | 1 & half hour drive.
- Yama Dwar- Dhriraphuk: 10 km | 5 - 6 hour trek.
- Elevation of Dhriraphuk: 4920 m. | 16,138 fts
- Expected temperature: day time:- 12 to 18 degree Celsius | night time: -5 to -8 degree.
- Average climatic condition: windy and partly cloudy & rainy
DAY 07: DERAPHUK TO ZUTUPHUK
Today you have to cross a significant distance through the rugged portion of the trail around the mount Kailash before reaching Zutulpahuk. You have to commence your journey from Deraphuk very early in the morning. Right from the initial moment, the trail commences leading you rapidly up, however in between it turns into flat with gentle ascend. Up to Dolma-La (5630 m.), the path keeps you taking up & up. Dolma La is the highest bit of this journey. From here onward, the trail leads you all the way down to the valley floor. This particular portion of the trek is a rapid incline and the track is full of boulders and screes, so one should pay continue attention while trekking down.
While descending from Dolma La, we will pass alongside a small glacial pool, which is almost frozen during May through September. This is Gaurikunda. The legend of this pool is connected with Mata Parvati, the consorts of lord Shiva.
Once we make descend journey to the valley floor, the trail becomes flat & easy. The trail is easy and flat up to the Zutulphuk.
- Overnight Norpel Guesthouse or Monastery guesthouse (Mud house) | dormitory.
- Dhiraphuk to Zutulphuk: 21 km | (8 - 9 hours trek).
- The highest point to cross over: Dolma La pass (5630 m. | 18,471 ft)
- Elevation of Zutulphuk: 4820 m. | 15,810 fts.
- Expected temperature: 14 to 22 degree Celsius | night time: -3 to -5 degree.
- Average climatic condition: windy
DAY 08: END TREK THEN DRIVE BACK TO HILSA
Undoubtedly, today is the most hectic day of your journey. You, yet to go for another 08 km walk to accomplish the circumambulation; then drive all the way to Hilsa. As usual after morning meals, you will pack up your belongings then be ready to move on to Darchen. It requires presumably 3 hours to reach the other end of the trail where our vehicle is waiting to fetch you up. After getting-together of all members, you will board on vehicle and proceed for Taklakot then continue to Hilsa.
- Overnight Guesthouse
- Zutulphuk to trek ending point: 08 km | 3 hours.
- Trek ending point to Taklakot: 105 km | 2 hours.
- Taklakot to Hilsa: 27 km | 45 minutes drive
DAY 09: FLY TO SIMIKOT THEN CONTINUE FLY TO NEPALGUNJ
It takes 25 minutes to reach Simikot by helicopter, where you will catch the flight then fly back to Nepalgunj.
- Hilsa to Simikot by helicopter: 25 minutes
- Simikot- Nepalgunj: 45 minutes flight.
- Nepalgunj- Lucknow: 183 km | 5 hours.
Stay
HOTELS / GUESTHOUSES WE USE DURING THE TRIP:
| PLACES | NAME OF HOTELS | REMARKS |
|---|---|---|
| NEPALGUNJ | HOTEL SIDDHARTHA COTTAGE | 4 STAR HOTEL |
| SIMIKOT | SUN VALLEY RESORT | DORMITORY ROOM WITH ATTACHED BATHROOM + DORMITORY ROOM WITH COMMON TOILET & SHOWER. |
| TAKLAKOT | TAKLAKOT GUESTHOUSE (old Wing) | TWIN SHARING ROOM WITH ATTACHED BATH ROOM. |
| MANASAROVAR | HOTEL GYANG CHEN | DORMITORY ROOM WITH COMMON TOILET. NO SHOWER. |
| DERAPHUK | SHISHPANGAM GUESTHOUSE | DORMITORY ROOM WITH COMMON TOILET. NO SHOWER. |
| ZUTULPHUK | NORPEL GUEST HOUSE OR MUDHOUSE | DORMITORY ROOM WITH COMMON TOILET. NO SHOWER. |
Planning Guide
The route via Lucknow, Nepalgunj and Simikot
Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar are in Tibet, so this package reaches them through Nepal. You arrive in Lucknow and drive about 183 km to the Rupadiha border, then 3 km on to Nepalgunj. Pilgrims travelling via Kathmandu join the same group at Nepalgunj, which is the gateway to Kailash on the helicopter route.
From Nepalgunj a small fixed-wing aircraft (Twin Otter or Dornier) flies to Simikot in about an hour. Simikot sits at 2910 m and is the night halt for acclimatisation. The next morning a helicopter flies from Simikot to Hilsa in about 25 minutes, through the Karnali river gorge. From Hilsa it is a 10-minute walk to Chinese immigration at Sher, then a 27 km drive by bus to Taklakot (Purang).
From Taklakot the rest of the yatra is by road and on foot: the drive to Lake Manasarovar, the drive to Yama Dwara via Darchen, and the three-day Kailash Parikrama past Deraphuk, Dolma La and Zutulphuk. You come back the same way: drive to Hilsa, helicopter to Simikot, flight to Nepalgunj, and the road to Lucknow.
So the helicopter is one leg, Simikot to Hilsa and back. It does not fly you to the lake or around Kailash, and it does not remove the altitude or the walking.
The nine days in plain words
In short, this is what each day asks of you:
- Day 01, Lucknow to Nepalgunj. A road day of about 183 km that takes at least 5 hours. The India–Nepal border is open from 07:00 a.m. till 08:00 p.m., so arrive in Lucknow on a morning flight.
- Day 02, fly to Simikot. Transfer to Nepalgunj airport at 5.00 a.m. for the flight of about an hour. Overnight in Simikot to acclimatise.
- Day 03, helicopter to Hilsa, into Tibet. The helicopter flies the group to Hilsa in the early morning. Under the Chinese visa rule the whole group enters and exits together, so no one crosses until everyone has reached Hilsa. Then the drive of about 45 minutes to Taklakot.
- Day 04, rest in Taklakot. No activities; this day is for your body to adjust to 4025 m.
- Day 05, Lake Manasarovar. A drive of 88 km, about one and a half hours, with a halt at Rakshas lake. Holy dip and pooja at Manasarovar, then the drive around the lake, which needs at least two hours.
- Day 06, Parikrama begins. Drive to Yama Dwara with a halt at Darchen for documents and group entry, then a 10 km trek of 5 to 6 hours to Deraphuk.
- Day 07, Dolma La. The longest day: 21 km, 8 to 9 hours, over Dolma La (5630 m), the highest point of the journey, past Gaurikunda and down to Zutulphuk.
- Day 08, finish and drive to Hilsa. The last 8 km of the Parikrama in about 3 hours, then 105 km to Taklakot and 27 km on to Hilsa.
- Day 09, fly out. Helicopter Hilsa to Simikot in 25 minutes, the 45-minute flight to Nepalgunj, and the road to Lucknow.
Cost of the 9-day tour via Lucknow
The tour cost for this package is on request: you get a written quote for your date and group size, inclusive of taxes, before anything is paid. It is a full package price, not a helicopter fare: the Nepalgunj–Simikot–Nepalgunj air ticket and the Simikot–Hilsa–Simikot helicopter sit alongside stays, meals in Tibet, permits, transport, guide and crew. The full list is in the Service Includes box above.
What is not in that price, as the page lists it:
- A riding horse during the Parikrama, price on request.
- Porter service during the Parikrama, price on request.
- Travel insurance, and insurance for emergency rescue and evacuation.
- Extra accommodation in Nepalgunj, Simikot and Hilsa if a flight is cancelled due to bad weather.
- Personal expenses, bottled drinks, tips, and costs from natural calamity or unforeseen circumstances.
What changes your final amount. Your nationality (U.S. nationals pay a US $ 450 supplement and other NRIs US $ 350, for the difference in domestic air ticket, visa and permit). Whether you hire a horse or porter for the Parikrama. Whether you choose the new wing in Taklakot (INR 1100 per person per night extra). Whether weather holds the group for extra nights on the way. And your own travel to and from Lucknow, which is not in the inclusions list. A complimentary person is charged INR 40,000 against the Chinese visa, travel permit, entry fees and restricted area permit.
Documents and permits
The package includes the Tibet group visa and travel/trekking permits, and the Humla region restricted area permit and royalties (US $ 40 per person or equivalent) for the Nepal side. On Day 06 the group halts at Darchen while travel documents from local Police and Army officials are obtained and the group entry is made.
Because the visa is a group visa, the group crosses into Tibet together and comes out together. Permits are arranged in advance, so plan months ahead rather than weeks. Ask us for the current passport and document requirements for your nationality when you enquire, and send your details early so the permits can be applied for in time.
Altitude and fitness
The helicopter shortens the approach; it does not shorten the climb. The itinerary goes from Simikot at 2910 m to Taklakot at 4025 m, Lake Manasarovar at 4550 m, Deraphuk at 4920 m and Dolma La at 5630 m. The night in Simikot and the rest day in Taklakot are there on purpose, for acclimatisation, and should not be skipped.
The elevation means you tire quickly and need frequent breaks, and the descent from Dolma La is steep, over boulders and scree. A riding horse can be hired for the Parikrama at extra cost, and yaks carry the food and baggage. Oxygen for emergency use and a first aid kit travel with the group, but rescue and evacuation are not covered, so arrange that insurance yourself.
Talk to your doctor before you book, tell them the altitudes above, and follow their advice. If you have any heart or breathing condition, that conversation comes first.
Season, weather and spare days
Departure dates for the coming season are shared on request. Mornings in the mountains are usually calm and clear; from late morning the Karnali gorge turns windy and cloudy, so flights run early. Nights on the Parikrama drop below zero (−5 to −8 degree Celsius at Deraphuk).
The Simikot–Hilsa helicopter is the weather-dependent link in both directions, and groups can be held at Simikot or on the Tibet side for a day or more. Extra nights caused by a cancelled flight are paid by you. Keep spare days at the end of the trip: take the late-night flight from Lucknow or the one the next morning, and keep your return flight open if you can.
What to check before paying
- The departure date and the group you are joining, in writing.
- That the written inclusions match the Service Includes list on this page, and whether the Lucknow–Nepalgunj road transfer is in your price.
- Your nationality supplement, if any, and the room wing in Taklakot.
- Whether you want a horse or porter for the Parikrama, booked in advance.
- Who pays for extra nights if weather holds the group, and the cancellation terms.
- Travel insurance that covers rescue and evacuation at these altitudes.
- Luggage: 10 kg per person on the helicopter, and 10 to 12 kg is requested on the Nepalgunj–Simikot flight.
How to book
Send the enquiry form below or call +91-9634801801 with your preferred month, the number of travellers, your nationality and your arrival plan into Lucknow. We reply with available departures, the full price in writing and the documents needed for the permits. You pay only after checking the written itinerary and terms.
Comparing options? See the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by helicopter overview, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by road, and our article on how the Nepal helicopter route works.
COST DETAILS:
TOUR COST: Price on request, with a written quote before anything is paid.
Note: Complimentary person will be charged INR. 40,000/- against Chinese visa, travel permit, entry fees in Kailash Manasarovar area and restricted area permit in Nepal.
Why Book with us?
- Permit-holding helicopter operators
- Full price in writing before you pay
- Clear itinerary and terms in writing
- Support by phone before and during the trip
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