Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar by Fixed Wing and Helicopter

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

For Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains from India, a pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash and Manasarovar Lake is a sacred one for ultimate salvation. Kailash is home and abode of Lord Shiva in Tibet, an autonomous region in China. Pilgrims/visitors can start their Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar Yatra from Kathmandu via Nepalgunj and Simikot by a fixed wing flight and then to Hilsa by Helicopter. Those who desire direct transportation by helicopters to Simikot and Hilsa, helicopters can be arranged. If you want to minimize the stress of long drives, then flights from Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Simikot-Hilsa to the Chinese Border and then short road trip is the best option. This spiritual pilgrimage is a divine trip of life to the purest home of the most revered lord Shiva. Pilgrims will walk around Mt. Kailash in its base. The trek around the mountain is strenuous in challenging terrain under harsh conditions and adverse weather. Our company has tailored the The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Kathmandu, Nepal to cater the need and interest of the pilgrims and visitors seeking the spiritual journey. The region of Mt. Kailash and Manasarovar is steeped in religion and mythology and every year hundreds of pilgrims traverse some of the remotest and toughest regions of the Himalayas to pay their obeisance to the Lord. It is a land where Lord Shiva lives with his consort Parvati. According to religious texts, the abode of creator Brahma is called Brahmaloka, the abode of Lord Vishnu is called Vaikuntha and the abode of Lord Shiva is called Kailash. Of the three, one can go bodily and return in this life having experienced divinity only from Kailash. It is believed that a single set of parikrama around Mount Kailash washes away sins of a lifetime while 108 parikramas will help achieve salvation or Nirvana. The parikrama or kora of Kailash is a three-day trek, 53 kms long and is performed in a clockwise direction. The Dolma pass is the highest point at 5630m. Gouri Kund (5608m), just ahead of the pass, is a group of five small kunds of different shapes containing emerald green water. It is also called the lake of compassion where Parvati bathed. The parikrama starts from Darchen and can be completed comfortably in three days. The locals do it in one long day! Hindus believe that Goddess Parvati has taken the form of the Manasarovar Lake and that deliverance is assured for people taking a bath in Manasarovar. Even drinking the waters of the lake frees a human being from sins committed in a hundred lives. It is believed that Parashuram's ashram too is situated on a hill on the banks of the Manasarovar.

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1324 m, 4344 ft) — - Overnight at Kathmandu Hotel, Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will receive you at the airport and transfer to the Hotel. Depending on your time of Arrival in the morning and early afternoon, an evening visit to nearby Temples and Stupa can be organized. For late arrivals it’s a straightforward hotel transfer. Briefing of the trip and introduction with other members will be conducted in the hotel before the dinner. You will receive a printed copy of leaflet with programs and schedule of the trip. Day Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing departure to Nepalgunj (150 m, 492 ft) — - Kathmandu to Nepalgunj flight: 1 hour - Overnight at Nepalgunj Hotel We will organize a tour to visit Pashupatinath temple and Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historical power center of Nepal and a world heritage site. We will leave at 8 am after the breakfast. Last minute shopping for the Kailash trip can be done in Thamel area where you will have the choice in shops selling adventure gears. Those who desire Mountain Flights to see the Himalayas including Everest can choose to do so in the morning. It’s an hour flight departing early in the morning at 6:30am however weather can cause delays. Seats are subject to availability. We will fly to Nepalgunj in the afternoon or evening for the onward journey to Simikot. It’s about 50 minute’s flight to Nepalgunj. Our representatives will facilitate all the transfers. In the event of weather related cancellation. We will hold another round of briefing in Nepalgunj with remaining members of joining group. You may ask questions to clarify your concerns. Day Day 3: Flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot (2910m/9545ft, 1 hr flight) — - Nepalgunj to Simikot flight: 1 hour- Aircraft type: Dronier or Twin Otter- Carrying capacity: Only 16 people at a time- Elevation of Simikot: 2910 m/9545 ft - Overnight in Simikot Guesthoust Note: Weather related delays can happen frequently and as such, we have added an extra day in Simikot prior to border crossing the next day from Hilsa to taklakot. If weather is fine, same day Helicopter transfer will be organized Day Day 4: Flight from Simikot to Hilsa, Nepal by helicopter and drive to Taklakot, Tibet (4025 m/13202ft) — - 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 ft - Overnight at a Guesthouse in Taklakot After an early breakfast (it will be packed in case of urgent transfer), we will reach Simikot Airport to board the Helicopter to Hilsa, a 25 minute flight. We will cross the Karnali river through a suspension bridge to reach and complete Immigration formalities at Nepal Side. We will then reach the Chinese side and board the bus and ride for 5 minutes to complete the Immigration formalities with the Chinese Authorities. It is 22 km drive from there to Taklakot. Before reaching Taklakot, you have to go through the customs checkpoint in Purang and you will be transferred to the guest house in Taklakot. If you feel shortness in breathing and headache or any discomfort triggered by Acute Mountain Sickness, do not panic and let our guides know. Take caution and drink plenty of fluids, water. If there is a medical emergency, our representatives will make effort to evacuate/transfer you to a safer location. Note: Terrain in Hilsa is dry and desert type and there is very less vegetation. It is important for the group members to cross the Nepal-China border together because everyone is on group visa/permits. During delays, we recommend you to relax, meditate and perform yoga/exercise etc. Carry mask or buff to cover your face from the dust and wind. Stay warm and rehydrated. If we have to spend a night at Hilsa for unseen reasons, we will face shortages of food and water. Please carry snacks and water and remain patient. Always cooperate with our representatives who work hard to ensure your safety and comfort. Day Day 5: Rest and acclimatization in Taklakot / Purang (4025m/13202ft) — - Overnight at a Guesthouse in Taklakot/Purant We reserve this day to keep you adapted in High Altitude. You may take a short walk to Purang market to buy missing essentials or simply rest in the hotel in Taklakot. Drink a lot of water, tea and juice. Please do your chores before late in the afternoon. It is important to preserve your energy. Day Day 6: Taklakot to Manasarovar (4590 m/15060 ft): — - Taklakot to Lake Manasarovar: 88 km, one & half hour- Elevation of Lake Manasarovar: 4590 m /15,060 ft - Overnight at a guesthouse After breakfast at the guest house in Taklakot, we will head to the Holy Mansarovar lake by bus. It is about 70km and takes 1.5 hrs. The drive is through the mountain terrain. You will also see Rakshas Taal (lake) near Manasarovar. Rakhsas Taal is also known as the ‘Lake of Demons’ or ‘Ravan Taal’. It is here Ravan prayed to lord Shiva and received his blessings to be powerful. From here, you will see towering Mount Kailash. We will stop briefly and you may take photos of the lake and mountain. We will continue our drive to Lake Mansarovar for the 90km parikrama and Chui Gompa and transfer to the hotel/guesthouse. You may stroll around the lake after settling at the guest house, take a bath by requesting our Sherpas to get you water in the bucket and perform Hawan rituals and prayers. For ladies, shower tents will be installed by our staffs. Day Day 7: Lake Mansarovar to Yama Dwara / Darchen (4670m / 15320 ft) — - Lake Manasarovar to Yama Dwara/Darchen: 45 km, 1 & half hour drive - Elevation at Darchen - Overnight at a guesthouse in Darchen Pilgrims may perform hawan rituals/ puja following a bath from the lakewater in the morning. Chinese law prohibits visitors/pilgrims to get inside the lake for the dip and our guides will get you the water in a bucket. Please observe caution as the water will be in frigid condition. The grandeur of the lake with the view of Mt. Kailash is simply unbelievable beauty. After the bath and prayers, we are ready to take you to Darchen and will travel on the road with the view of Rakhasa Taal (lake) and Chiu Gompa, a revered Monastery. By this time, visitors will have gone around 2/3rd of the lake. The remaining part of the parikrama will be completed while coming back from Darchen after the Kora or circumnavigation of the holy Mt. Kailash. We will reach and spend our evening at the guest house in Darchen Day Day 8: 1st Day of Kora / Parikrama of Mt. Kailash: Drive and trek 10 km to Dhiraphuk (4920m / 16138 ft): — - Yama Dwar to Dhiraphuk (10 km): 5 - 6 hour trek- Elevation of Dhiraphuk: 4920 m/16,138 ft - Overnight at a guesthouse in Dhiraphuk You will wake up early, take a light breakfast and drive 6 km from Darchen to a place called Tarboche. Pilgrims will visit Yama Dwar or the gate of Yamaraj before the Kora/Parikrama Trek starts. Tarboche is south of Mt. Kailash and for those who face difficulty to trek, a porter pony or horse can be hired. The price and availability of porter, pony or horse is controlled by local union and organizers have no control besides being a facilitator. Tarboche is the starting point of Kora or Parikrama. We will cover 10 km trek to Dhiraphuk Gompa (Monastery) in moderate pace. It’s important to take it slow as breathing will be difficult at that Altitude as the air is thin. We will make frequent stops for tea and continue to Dirapuk. The view of Mt. Kailash from Dhiraphuk is Majestic. We will rest at a guest house near the Dirapuk Monastery. We will have warm soup and traditional Khichdi for dinner and call it a day. We will scale an elevation of 5210m en route to Dhiraphuk. Note: Group Members who do not want to trek can return back to Darchen or Taklakot, bordering Nepal. Guides can arrange for the stay at the hotel. Also, an optional trip from Darchen to visit Ashtapad can be arranged at an additional cost and subject to approval by local authorities. Direct payment will have to be made to the Tibetan Guides. Additionally, pilgrims can also visit Charan Sparsh located at 5475m and 3 km from Dhiraphuk. It is not an easy trek so pilgrims have to brace for the challenges of extreme high altitude. This is done to touch the feet or base of Mt. Kailash, considered to be abode or Lord Shiva Himself. Usually this is not part of the package and visit depends on weather conditions. Guide’s discretion is important. Day Day 9: 2nd Day Kora/Parikrama from Dhiraphuk to Zuthulpuk (4820 m/15,810 ft): — - Dhiraphuk to Zutulphuk: 21 km (8 - 9 hours trek)- The highest point to cross over: Dolma La pass (5600 m/18,368 ft)- Elevation of Zuthulphuk: 4820 m./15,810 ft. - Overnight at Guesthouse (Mud house) – dormitory Pilgrims will wake up early for the long 2nd day Kora/ Parikrama of 21km. Dawn lights are magical and Mt. Kailash turns Golden with the the 1st ray of light from the Sun. No one should miss this moment to see GOLDEN KAILASH. We will take light breakfast, tea and begin our trek to Zuthulpuk. It is the toughest day in the trip as the trek is a steep uphill climb toward Dolma – La Pass (5630m/18368ft). There are prayer flags at the pass, revered as a Shiva Sthal where lord Shiva resided and rested. Then it’s steep downhill to Gauri Kunda (lake).It is not advisable to go to the lake. According to the myth, pilgrims performing parikrama or kora must leave behind a used cloth, ornament, lock of hair or a drop of blood symbolizing renunciation (tyaga) of this life and misery to attain Moksha (ultimate liberation). We will rest at a guest house near Zuthulpuk Monastery. Note: If you do not feel comfortable, you will have to request the guide to make arrangements for the return to Darchen. Descending is the best practice to avoid High Altitude Sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness. Additional expenses of meals, accommodation and transportation will have to borne by you. Day Day 10: 3rd day of Kora/Parikrama to Darchen and Drive back to Taklakot — - Zutulphuk to trek ending point: 08 km, 3 hours- Trek ending point to Taklakot: 105 km, 2 hours - Overnight at a Guesthouse in Taklakot This is the last day of trek. Pilgrims/visitors will wake up early, have light breakfast and continue the trek 6km, mostly downhill to reach a point where vehicles await and head to Darchen. We will refresh in Darchen and head to Mansarovar for the onward journey to Taklakot by vehicle . Day Day 11: Taklakot to Hilsa, Simikot, Nepalgunj and Kathmandu — - Taklakot to Hilsa boarder: 27 km, 45 minutes- Hilsa to Simikot flight by Helicopter- 25 minutes - Overnight Hotel in Kathmandu Pilgrims/visitors will wake up early, have light breakfast and start from Taklakot. We will have immigration formalities at both the Chinese and Nepalese side and then reach Hilsa. Onward journey is a 25 minute flight from Hilsa to Simikot and then transfer to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu subsequently. It may be another day should there be any delays. Day Day 12: Departure from Nepal — Our representative will drop you at the airport for your return back home. Those who depart late in the afternoon or evening may visit temples and do some souvenir or gifts shopping.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE