09 Days Kailash Yatra by Helicopter from Lucknow

Day 1: Lucknow to Nepalgunj

The Kailash Yatris meeting place in Lucknow is where the Kailash yatra by helicopter from Lucknow will meet our host (123m). Once you arrive and deposit your bags on the bus, you will have a relaxing four to five-hour drive to Nepalgunj (152m). You will be provided with water and light snacks on the bus. After we stop for tea or coffee, we will be on our way to Nepalgunj. After you reach Nepalgunj, you will check into the hotel. In the evening, we will have a yatra briefing for all group members from our staff. Spend overnight in Nepalgunj and enjoy the scrumptious dinner.

Day 2: Fly Nepalgunj to Simikot

The flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot is part of this journey for the Kailash yatra by helicopter from Lucknow; the flight to Simikot is the most challenging portion of our journey. The weather on this route is volatile and can cause delays before or after our flight to and from Simikot. As indicated by the guide, we will be at Nepalgunj airport early in the morning to catch the first available flight to Simikot. Our agent will meet you at the airport when you arrive in Simikot and deal with the checked luggage. Simikot will have the rest of the day to acclimatize to the local weather. There, you will be facilitated with a dorm-style guesthouse. If the weather and other conditions stand favourable, then we may board a second helicopter flight to Hilsa today as well.

Day 3: Fly Simikot to Hilsa by helicopter. Drive to Taklakot

Your group will be taken to Simikot Airport, with timings coordinated according to our scheduled helicopter flights to Hilsa. For the Kailash Yatra by helicopter from Lucknow, your group will board alongside no more than five passengers and depart Simikot on a 25-minute helicopter ride to Hilsa. From there, you’ll walk across a swinging bridge to reach the river crossing and proceed to the immigration office. After completing the formalities, you’ll cross the Nepal–China border on foot, where a bus will be waiting to receive you on the Chinese side.

The China immigration office is about a five-minute drive from the border, and your bus will take you directly there. Once the immigration checks are complete, you’ll continue on a short 22-kilometre drive to Taklakot. Before reaching your hotel, one final stop will be made at the China customs office for verification. After arrival at your hotel, take time to relax and acclimatize to your new surroundings. In the evening, we will gather for dinner at the Taklakot Hotel.

Day 4: Taklakot – Free day for acclimatisation

This day will be a free day in Taklakot. You can choose to simply relax and rest at your hotel or step out to explore the local markets of Taklakot. The town has several local shops, restaurants, and stores where you may find trekking essentials like shoes, gloves, walking sticks, and empty water bottles — handy items for the journey ahead.

Day 5: Taklakot to Lake Mansarovar

This is the most important day of your Kailash yatra by helicopter from Lucknow that we’ve all been waiting for, as today’s journey takes us from Taklakot to the sacred Lake Mansarovar. Not only will we catch our first glimpse of the holy Mount Kailash, but we’ll also have the opportunity to spend time by the lake’s serene waters. After breakfast, we’ll begin our drive from Taklakot, making our first stop at Lake Rakshas Taal, also known as Ravana’s Taal or the Lake of Demons. From here, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking ground-level view of Mount Kailash, towering above the surrounding snow-clad peaks. Take this time to relax, click photographs, and enjoy the scenic beauty with your fellow travellers.

Afterward, we’ll continue towards Lake Mansarovar, check in at our guest house near Chiu Gompa, and then head to the lake for puja, hawan, and ritual ablutions, performed in your own personal way. Later, board the bus to join the group for the parikrama (circumambulation) of Lake Mansarovar — a 90-kilometre route that takes around 3 hours. If conditions permit, the driver will stop midway to allow you to witness Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash from a different vantage point. After completing the parikrama, we’ll return to the guest house for rest and dinner.

Day 6: 1st Day parikrama/kora of Mt. Kailash, 13 km trekking to Dirapuk

If anyone wishes to take a holy bath and perform puja at Lake Mansarovar this morning, please consult with your guide beforehand. The day ahead will be a long and meaningful one, as we begin our Mount Kailash journey from Darchen. After breakfast, we’ll drive 35 kilometres to Darchen, a sizable town with several hotels, guest houses, shops, and markets, located at the base of Mount Kailash. From Darchen, we’ll continue by bus on a short 6-kilometre drive to Tarboche, the starting point of the Mount Kailash parikrama. At Tarboche, you may choose to hire a horse/pony and a porter for the trek, though availability can sometimes be limited as many pilgrims arrive early and book them.

NOTE: Don’t forget to carry a flask of hot coffee to help keep your body warm and comfortable along the way.

A short hike from here leads to Yam Dwar, known as the Gate to Moksha (liberation). This spot offers a magnificent view of the south face of Mount Kailash. From Yam Dwar, the trek truly begins. The destination for today is Dirapuk, which lies 12 kilometres away. Most pilgrims complete this distance in 4 to 6 hours. The trail is largely level, with occasional gentle ascents and descents. However, the high altitude and thin oxygen levels may cause restlessness and fatigue. Stay hydrated by sipping water or juice regularly, pace yourself slowly, and keep moving steadily towards your goal.

En route, we’ll pause at a tea stall where you can buy water, juices, and light snacks. As we approach Dirapuk, the trail opens into a wide valley dotted with chortens and small structures. Although the surrounding mountains are striking, nothing compares to the sight of the enormous, dark, diamond-shaped north face of Mount Kailash, which rises majestically over the landscape to our right. It will be cold in the evening, so make sure to take photographs, meditate, have a warm meal, and then head to bed for well-deserved rest.

Day 7: 2nd Day parikrama, 19 km trek to Zuthulpukh via Gauri Kund

If you wish to witness the enchanted moment when Mount Kailash glows in golden hues at sunrise, step outside your guesthouse early this morning. With a calm mind and a little focus, you might find yourself immersed in a scene that feels straight out of a fairytale, with several other divine wonders visible near the summit.

After this unforgettable experience, prepare to embark on the challenging 19 km trek to Zuthulphuk. About an hour into the journey from Dirapuk, you’ll reach Dolma La Pass — the highest and most demanding point of the entire yatra. Near Dolma La lies Shiva Tsal (Shiva Sthal), a deeply symbolic site where pilgrims leave behind clothing, jewellery, locks of hair, or even a drop of blood, marking the symbolic shedding of their old life and hardships in the hope of spiritual renewal.

After a steep ascent to Dolma La and a sharp descent, you’ll encounter Gauri Kund (Parvati Kund) to your right, a serene, sacred lake believed to be closely associated with Goddess Parvati. Pause here for darshan and to absorb the spiritual energy before continuing towards Zuthulphuk, where you will rest for the night.

The trail after Dolma La gradually evens out, but it’s important not to rush — walk slowly, stay mindful, and allow your body to adjust as you make your way to the night’s halt.

Day 8: 3rd Day 06 Kms trek to Darchen, drive to Taklakot

Breakfast will be served near the camp or guesthouse, and the morning hours can be used to explore the nearby caves, temples, and shrines. An elderly couple traditionally oversees the temple here, supported by six or more Tibetan devotees, attendants, and family members who manage its daily upkeep. The caves in this area hold deep spiritual significance, with multiple meditation levels accessible for those who wish to spend time in quiet reflection. It is considered meaningful to climb to these caves, marking the final phase of the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Afterward, we’ll embark on a 6-kilometre hike (approximately 2 to 3 hours) to the endpoint of the kora near Cheongdo. At Cheongdo, our vehicles will be waiting to pick us up. We’ll then drive back to Darchen, rejoining the other group members. After a quick snack and rest, we’ll begin our return journey to Taklakot, where we’ll check in and stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Fly to Nepalgunj via Simikot and drive to Lucknow

After an early breakfast, we will begin our journey towards the China–Nepal border, approximately 45 kilometres away. Upon arrival, we’ll complete the necessary immigration formalities before walking across the border into Hilsa, Nepal. From Hilsa, you’ll board a 25-minute helicopter flight to Simikot, followed by a connecting flight to Nepalgunj. Upon arrival in Nepalgunj, a road transfer to Lucknow will be arranged for your onward journey.

If all flight connections operate as scheduled, we should comfortably reach Lucknow by evening. However, please be aware that due to weather-dependent flights and logistical factors in this region, additional overnight stays at Hilsa, Simikot, or Nepalgunj might be required in case of delays. Any such arrangements will depend on the availability of flights and accommodations at the respective locations. We advise keeping flexibility in your travel plans for this day.