The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter is one of the most revered pilgrimages in the world, drawing Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers from across the globe. This journey, nestled in the Himalayas and stretching into the vast plateaus of Tibet, takes you to Mount Kailash, a sacred site believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, and Lake Manasarovar, considered a symbol of purity. Undertaking the yatra via Simikot and Taklakot offers a remote yet beautiful route that blends spiritual significance, natural beauty, and cultural encounters.
In this blog, we will guide you through every step of the yatra, from your arrival in Kathmandu to your circumambulation (Kora) of Mount Kailash and your return. We will delve into the cultural and religious importance of the journey, provide practical advice for pilgrims, and share a day-by-day account of this life-changing pilgrimage.
Understanding the Significance of Kailash Mansarovar
Mount Kailash: The Abode of Lord Shiva
Mount Kailash, standing at 6,638 meters (21,778 feet), is not just another peak in the Himalayas. For Hindus, it is the spiritual center of the universe, believed to be the home of Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati. According to ancient scriptures, this mountain is where Shiva performs his eternal dance of destruction and creation. Buddhists revere it as the home of Demchok, representing supreme bliss, while Jains believe it to be the site where their first Tirthankara attained enlightenment.
The mountain’s significance extends beyond religious symbolism; it has remained an unconquered peak, as climbing Mount Kailash is prohibited due to its sacredness.
Lake Manasarovar: The Symbol of Purity
At the base of Mount Kailash lies Lake Manasarovar, sitting at an altitude of 4,590 meters (15,060 feet). Hindus believe that drinking or bathing in the lake washes away sins and brings salvation, while Buddhists regard it as a representation of the purity of mind. The lake’s crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding snow-capped mountains, creating an otherworldly setting.
Preparation for the Yatra: Planning, Permits, and Packing
Before embarking on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Simikot and Taklakot, thorough planning is essential. This is a high-altitude pilgrimage, and it requires both physical and mental preparation, as well as a grasp of the logistics involved.
Permits and Documentation
To enter Tibet, a Chinese visa and special permits for the Mount Kailash region are required. These are usually arranged by your tour operator, and it’s essential to ensure all documentation is in order well in advance. In addition, permits for entering restricted areas such as Simikot and Humla in Nepal are required.
Key Permits Needed:
- Chinese Visa and Tibet Travel Permit: This is required to enter the Tibet Autonomous Region.
- Kailash and Manasarovar Special Permit: Issued by Chinese authorities for visiting the holy sites.
- Restricted Area Permit (Nepal): Required for Simikot and Hilsa regions in Nepal.
Physical Preparation and Acclimatization
The journey takes you to altitudes over 5,600 meters (18,372 feet), with the trek around Mount Kailash involving significant physical exertion. High-altitude acclimatization is critical to prevent altitude sickness. It’s advisable to practice trekking in the months leading up to the yatra and to maintain a level of fitness that allows you to walk several kilometers in challenging conditions.
Packing List
Packing the right gear is crucial for this high-altitude pilgrimage. The climate can vary significantly, from warm in the lowlands to freezing temperatures at night in the high-altitude regions. Here’s a list of essentials:
- Clothing: Warm layers, a windproof and waterproof jacket, thermal underwear, gloves, hats, trekking pants, and sturdy trekking shoes.
- Health and Safety: High-altitude medicine (Diamox), first aid kit, sunscreen, lip balm, water purification tablets, and personal medications.
- Spiritual Supplies: Pilgrims often carry holy water bottles, prayer beads, and offerings for rituals at Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash.
Day-by-Day Journey through the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)
Your journey begins with your arrival in Nepal’s bustling capital, Kathmandu. The city is a hub for pilgrims and trekkers alike, and you’ll feel the energy and excitement as you prepare for the sacred journey. After a warm welcome at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel where you can rest after your journey. In the evening, you will meet your fellow travelers and your guide, who will provide a briefing on the upcoming days.
Highlight: Walking around the lively streets of Thamel, experiencing Nepalese culture and cuisine.
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Fly to Nepalgunj (150m)
The day starts with a visit to some of Kathmandu’s most revered spiritual sites. You will visit Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, where pilgrims offer prayers for a successful yatra. Next, you will visit the Boudhanath Stupa, a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
After completing your sightseeing, you will take a late afternoon flight to Nepalgunj, a city near the border with India. Nepalgunj serves as the gateway to Simikot, and here you will spend the night before your early flight the next morning.
Highlight: Experiencing the religious atmosphere of Pashupatinath and Boudhanath, followed by a scenic flight to Nepalgunj.
Day 3: Fly Nepalgunj to Simikot (2,910m) – Helicopter to Hilsa – Drive to Taklakot (3,770m)
Today marks the beginning of the high-altitude journey. After an early breakfast, you will board a small plane to Simikot, a remote town in the northwest Himalayas. The flight takes around an hour and offers spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges. Upon landing in Simikot, you will take a helicopter ride to Hilsa, a village on the Nepal-Tibet border.
After crossing the border and completing immigration formalities, you will drive to Taklakot (also known as Purang), where you will spend the night. The Tibetan landscape is strikingly different from the lush hills of Nepal, with vast plains and barren mountains creating a dramatic backdrop.
Highlight: The transition from lush hills to the barren beauty of the Tibetan plateau.
Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Taklakot (3,770m)
This day is crucial for acclimatization, allowing your body to adjust to the higher altitude. You’ll have the day to rest and explore Taklakot, a vibrant trading town. Short hikes may be organized to help with the acclimatization process, and you’ll have time to enjoy the views of the rugged Tibetan terrain. Proper acclimatization is key to preventing altitude sickness and ensuring a successful journey.
Highlight: Relaxing in Taklakot and soaking in the vastness of the Tibetan plateau.
Day 5: Drive to Lake Manasarovar (4,590m)
Today, you embark on a drive to the sacred Lake Manasarovar, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. The drive takes you through the stark, beautiful landscapes of Tibet, offering incredible views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Gurla Mandhata.
As you approach Lake Manasarovar, you will be struck by its serene beauty and spiritual significance. Pilgrims often perform rituals, including bathing in the holy waters and offering prayers. The lake is a key part of the Kailash pilgrimage and is believed to wash away sins and purify the soul.
Highlight: Arriving at the pristine Lake Manasarovar, a site of deep spiritual significance.
Day 6: First Day of Outer Kora – Visit Ashtapad and Trek to Dirapuk (4,900m)
Today marks the beginning of the Kora, the circumambulation around Mount Kailash. After visiting Ashtapad, a site located at the foot of Mount Kailash offering close views of the mountain, you will begin your trek to Dirapuk.
The trek offers stunning views of the north face of Mount Kailash, and the spiritual energy of the place is palpable. Along the way, you’ll pass fellow pilgrims and Tibetan herders as you make your way through barren valleys and high-altitude terrain.
Highlight: The awe-inspiring sight of Mount Kailash and the beginning of the Kora.
Day 7: Second Day of Outer Kora – Trek to Zuthulpuk via Dolma La Pass (5,645m)
The second day of the Kora is considered the most challenging yet spiritually rewarding. The journey begins early as you ascend towards the Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the Kora at 5,645 meters (18,522 feet). This pass is named after Tara, the Tibetan Buddhist goddess of compassion, and reaching the summit is an emotional and spiritual moment for many pilgrims.
The ascent is steep and demanding, often requiring breaks to catch your breath and acclimatize. At the top of the pass, you’ll find prayer flags fluttering in the wind and small shrines where pilgrims leave offerings. Many pilgrims pause here for reflection and prayer, appreciating the sanctity of the moment.
After crossing the Dolma La Pass, the descent begins, which can be equally challenging due to the rocky and uneven terrain. As you descend, you’ll pass Gauri Kund, a sacred lake associated with the goddess Parvati, who is said to have bathed here.
By the late afternoon, you will reach Zuthulpuk Monastery, where you’ll spend the night. Zuthulpuk is named after a cave where the Tibetan yogi Milarepa meditated, and it offers a serene environment for rest after a long day of trekking.
Highlight: The spiritual experience of crossing Dolma La Pass, with its spectacular views and deep religious significance.
Day 8: Completing the Kora – Drive to Hilsa via Taklakot
Today marks the completion of your Mount Kailash Kora. The trek from Zuthulpuk Monastery is relatively easier compared to the previous day, with a gentler terrain leading you back to Darchen, the starting point of the circumambulation.
Upon completing the Kora, there is a deep sense of accomplishment, both physically and spiritually. Pilgrims often express gratitude for having completed this sacred journey, one that many Hindus believe can lead to moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).
After lunch at Darchen, you will drive back towards the Tibetan-Nepalese border, retracing your route through Taklakot. By late afternoon, you will arrive at Hilsa, where you’ll spend the night before flying back to Simikot the next morning.
Highlight: Completing the sacred Kora around Mount Kailash and returning to the peaceful village of Hilsa.
Day 9: Fly to Nepalgunj via Simikot, Then Fly Back to Kathmandu
The return journey begins with a morning helicopter ride from Hilsa to Simikot, where you will board a flight back to Nepalgunj. The helicopter ride offers one last chance to admire the breathtaking scenery of the Humla region, with its rugged mountains, deep gorges, and verdant valleys.
After arriving in Nepalgunj, you’ll connect to a flight back to Kathmandu, where you will be transferred to your hotel for some well-earned rest. By now, the physical toll of the journey will be apparent, but so will the profound sense of spiritual fulfillment that comes with completing such a revered pilgrimage.
In the evening, you can take time to relax in Kathmandu, reflecting on the life-changing experiences of the past days. Many pilgrims visit Pashupatinath Temple again to offer prayers of thanks for a safe and successful journey.
Highlight: The scenic flight from Simikot to Nepalgunj, followed by the return to the vibrant city of Kathmandu.
Day 10: Departure from Kathmandu
On your final day in Nepal, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. The memories of the pilgrimage will stay with you as you leave the Himalayas behind, taking with you not only photos and souvenirs but also a sense of spiritual renewal.
For many pilgrims, this yatra represents the culmination of a long-held dream, and departing from Kathmandu often feels like closing one chapter of spiritual growth while opening another. Whether you continue on to other sacred journeys or return to your everyday life, the profound impact of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will remain with you for a lifetime.
Highlight: Reflecting on the transformative nature of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as you prepare to return home.
Map of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Simikot and Taklakot
A Closer Look at the Sacred Sites: Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, and the Kora
Mount Kailash: The Mountain of Spiritual Ascent
The true significance of Mount Kailash goes beyond its imposing physical presence. It is considered the axis mundi, or the center of the world, in multiple religious traditions. For Hindus, this peak is the cosmic axis, the spiritual center of the universe. It is here that Lord Shiva, the destroyer and transformer, resides with Parvati, engaged in eternal meditation and dance.
For Buddhists, Mount Kailash is the home of Demchok, a representation of supreme bliss. Jains believe that Rishabhadeva, their first Tirthankara, attained nirvana here, while followers of the Bon faith, Tibet’s oldest spiritual tradition, regard the mountain as the seat of Shenrab Miwo, their founder.
What makes Mount Kailash unique is its inaccessibility—it has never been summited, and climbing the mountain is strictly prohibited due to its sacredness. Pilgrims instead perform the Kora, walking around the base of the mountain in an act of deep devotion. Completing the Kora is believed to purify one’s soul and bring spiritual merit.
Lake Manasarovar: The Mirror of the Mind
Lake Manasarovar, sitting at the base of Mount Kailash, is equally significant. Its clear waters are said to reflect the purity of the mind, and bathing in the lake is believed to wash away one’s sins. According to Hindu mythology, the lake was created by Brahma, the creator, to allow the devas (gods) to bathe and perform rituals.
For pilgrims, a visit to Lake Manasarovar involves rituals of purification, including drinking its water, offering prayers, and performing havan (fire rituals). The lake, despite its high altitude, remains calm and clear, reflecting the snow-capped mountains that surround it. The tranquility of this place gives pilgrims a deep sense of peace and connection to the divine.
Practical Tips for Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrims
- Physical Preparation: The Kora around Mount Kailash is a physically demanding trek. Train by walking long distances, practicing yoga, or engaging in other cardiovascular exercises in the months leading up to the yatra.
- Acclimatization: Altitude sickness is a real risk, especially when crossing Dolma La Pass at 5,645 meters. Ensure you spend adequate time acclimatizing, especially in Taklakot and Darchen. Taking Diamox or other altitude sickness medications may help, but consult with your doctor beforehand.
- Packing Essentials: Bring warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly, even in the summer months. A good pair of trekking shoes, sunscreen, lip balm, water purification tablets, and a basic first aid kit are essential. Oxygen cylinders are available on the trek, but it’s advisable to carry portable oxygen cans as well.
- Mental and Spiritual Readiness: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not only physically demanding but also mentally and spiritually challenging. Take time to meditate or pray, preparing yourself for the journey’s deeper spiritual aspects. The pilgrimage is often described as a test of faith and perseverance.
- Travel Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation. Helicopter rescues may be necessary for some, and having insurance will provide peace of mind.
Conclusion: A Journey of Transformation
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Simikot and Taklakot is not just a trek; it’s a journey of the soul. For those who undertake this pilgrimage, the experience is one of deep personal transformation. From the moment you set foot in the Humla region of Nepal to the completion of the Kora around Mount Kailash, the journey is filled with physical challenges, breathtaking beauty, and profound spiritual moments.
The yatra represents more than just a physical journey to a distant land. It’s a passage into the heart of spiritual truth, a quest for inner peace, and a connection with the divine forces that govern the universe. By the time you return to Kathmandu, you will have not only traversed the high Himalayas but also touched the deeper realms of your own consciousness.
For those who seek to combine adventure with spirituality, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra offers an unparalleled opportunity. Whether you are drawn to the majesty of Mount Kailash, the purity of Lake Manasarovar, or the ancient spiritual traditions that have surrounded these sacred places for millennia, this journey is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will remain with you forever. For more details WhatsApp us at: +9779841953467
