Kailash Helicopter Tour

For many travelers, Tibet has a special appeal. This is particularly true of the remote south-western corner where the great curve of the Himalaya swings northwards tilting the Tibetan plateau towards the heavens. Here in isolation, is a solitary mountain and two azure lakes that have been a focus for human interest since earliest times.

Hindus regard Mt Kailas as the earthly manifestation of Mt Meru, their spiritual centre of the universe, a "world pillar’ 84,000 miles high around which all else revolves. On the summit sits Lord Shiva who shares this lofty peak with his consort Parvati, daughter of Himalaya. Below, Manasarovar floats in the shadow of holy Kailas as the lake formed in the mind of God. It was created to show the omnipotence of Brahma’s mind (Manas). To bathe in the lake and to drink its waters is to be delivered to the paradise of Brahma and to cleanse the sins of a hundred lifetimes. Lying as they do beneath the symbolic temple of Kailas, Manasarovar and Raksas Tal represent the water tanks present at the entrance to every Hindu temple. Read More.

Mt. Kailash (22028 Feet), considered to be a physical embodiment of the mythical Mt. Meru, is believed to be the most sacred mountain in the world. Its snow dusted rock pyramid is located in the scenically rich area of western Tibet, which lies between the Himalayas and Karakurum ranges. It is considered most auspicious to make a religious pilgrimage around its fifty-three kilometres circuit (32 miles parikrama).

In fact, the entire region of Mt. Kailash is of important religious significance and includes the two turquoise-blue, pristine high-altitude lakes of Mansarovar and Rakshesa. Mt. Kailash is regarded holy by followers of several religions. To Hindus, Kailash is the abode of Shiva and nearby Manasarobar Lake, the soul of Brahma. Tibetans call Kailash Kang Rimpoche. Jains worship it as Mt Ashtapada, the peak from which the religion's founder, Rishabanatha, achieved spiritual liberation. And the followers of Bon-Po, the ancient pre-Buddhist shamanistic religion of Tibet, revere Kailash as the soul of Tibet.

Trip at a Glance
Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days
Activities: Tour
Grade: Moderate
Max Altitude:

Itinerary in Detail
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu airport, Transfer to hotel and overnight.

Day 02: Half day sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath and Boudhnath. Afternoon fly to Nepalgunj. Transfer to Batika hotel and overnight.

Day 03: Early morning fly to Simikot (9500ft) and further to Hilsa (12500ft) by helicopter, walk half an hour uphill to Sher and drive 30 km to Purang town 3700m (12675ft). Overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 04: Rest day at Purang for acclimatization.

Day 05: Drive 80km to Manasarovar (15000ft). Visit Rakshal Taal. Puja & holy dip at the Lake Manasarovar. Overnight Guest house or camp.

Day 06: Lake Manasarovar parikrama by Landcruiser jeep. En-route visit Seralung Gompa, Tourgo monastery and Chiu Gompa and drive 38km to Darchen (4560m/15480ft). Overnight at Guest house.

Day 07: Drive to Tarboche, to the trek starting point of Kailsh Parikram (10kms). Trek Tarboche to Diraphuk (4900m-9kms) O/n camp from where you have superb view of Mt. Kailash.

Day 08: Continue Parikarma over Drolma-la Pass (5610m) Zuthul-Puk (4700m-18kms). Just below the Dolma La is the Gauri Kund. O/n at camp.

Day 09: Trek back 8km to near Darchen and drive 120km to Purang. Overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 10: After immigration formalities drive to Sher, walk half an hour downhill to Hilsa and fly back to Simikot/Nepalgunj/Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Transfer to airport and fly to connecting onward flights.