notification-icon Kailash Mansarovar Tour booking open for 2026

Kailash Heli Tour

Based on 56 reviews in trip-advisor
duration

Trip Duration

12 Days
difficulty

Trip Difficulty

Moderate
max-altitude

Max. Altitude

5,630m. / 18,471ft.
activity

Activity

Tour, sightseeing, and Kailash Kora
destination

Destination

Tibet
group-size

Group Size

2-100+
accommodation

Accommodation

3-4 star hotel in kathmandu, Normal hotel during tour
meals

Meals

Vegetarian breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Highlights of Kailash Heli Tour

  • A convenient and time-efficient journey to Kailash Mansarovar 
  • Designed to offer safety, comfort, and spiritual fulfillment to the pilgrims
  • Comfortable transportation: No tiring road journey
  • Explore sacred temples such as Pashupatinath Temple and Swayambhu Temple in Kathmandu
  • Fly over the Himalayas in a helicopter
  • Witness aerial views of the Himalayan mountains, including Mt. Kailash
  • Ideal for travelers seeking premium service and comfort during Kailash Yatra
  • A perfect Kailash Mansarovar package for elderly travelers 
  • Best for a private Kailash Yatra with your friends and family
  • Explore the holy Mansarovar Lake
  • Complete the Kailash Kora
Price starts

US$ 3150

We offer group discounts

  • 1 - 15 person
    US$ 3350
  • 16 - 25 person
    US$ 3150
  • 26 over 9999
    US$ 2900

Total Cost:

US$ 3350

Gopal Thapa
Need Help? Ask to Travel Expert

Trip Overview of Kailash Heli Tour

Make your journey to Kailash Mansarovar convenient and time-efficient with our Kailash Heli tour package. Traveling to Kailash Mansarovar is not as easy as other sacred destinations around the world. However, the Kailash Heli tour makes this remote location accessible to everyone who has ever dreamed of Kailash darshan.

Unlike other Kailash Mansarovar tour packages, the Kailash Heli tour is designed to offer safety, comfort, and spiritual fulfillment to the pilgrims.

Whether you are planning a pilgrimage trip to Kailash Mansarovar or are interested in the adventure and exploring the mystical energy this place carries, the Kailash Heli tour will be an excellent choice for you.

Mount Kailash is the peak of faith and spirituality for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. Devotees of all these religions dream and pray to visit Mount Kailash at least once in their lifetime.

But traveling to Kailash is easier said than done. The standard route is usually two weeks or longer and includes thousands of miles of driving across the high Tibetan plateau.

The Kailash Heli tour makes this trip not only short but also removes the majority of driving. And the price difference between the Kailash Heli tour and the standard Kailash Mansarovar overland tour or Kailash Mansarovar tour via Lhasa is also not huge.

You only have to pay USD 500 to USD 700 more for the Kailash Heli tour 12 days. For those seeking a premium Kailash Mansarovar Yatra experience or pilgrims with limited holiday, will find our Kailash Heli tour program perfect.

Why do the Kailash Heli tour?

The Kailash Heli tour is a thrilling experience that will make your trip quite memorable. You will be flying in the Himalayas and witness the aerial views of the magnificent Mt. Kailash. Witnessing the close aerial view of Mt. Kailash is a privilege, and only a handful of pilgrims get to experience it.

Comfortable transportation: No tiring road journey

Unlike the overland tour, the Kailash Mansarovar Heli tour makes traveling quite comfortable and less exhausting.

We provide hassle-free transportation between the airports and a tourist-standard four-wheeler to drive from Hilsa to Taklako to Darchen.

In total, you will drive less than 12 hours in the whole trip. The longest you will drive is around 2 hours (from Taklakot to Mansarovar Lake).

Short trip:

Usually, the Kailash Mansarovar trip is 16 to 17 days long. However, the Kailash Heli tour allows you to finish this trip in just 12 days. It is great for pilgrims who cannot take 2 to 3 weeks off for the trip.

For an even shorter itinerary, check out our Kailash Mansarovar tour via Lucknow.

Premium service and comfort:

Travelers who are seeking premium service and comfort will love our Kailash Heli tour. It is a great alternative to the road journey and also offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains.

Less physical exhaustion:

During the Kailash Heli tour, you will take multiple domestic flights in Nepal and two helicopter flights. It significantly reduces the overall traveling time to Mansarovar Lake and saves you from hundreds of miles of driving on mountain roads.

Therefore, you will not be physically tired by the time you reach Mansarovar Lake and begin Kailash Kora. You will be in great shape physically while starting the Kora, which increases the success rate.

Less complicated permit and border crossing procedures:

One of the best things about the Kailash Heli tour is that the permits are less complicated to acquire, and border crossings are also less bothersome.

Perfect for senior travelers:

Traveling long hours in a bus may not be easy for all elderly travelers, and because of the long journey, many senior travelers don’t do the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The Kailash Heli tour makes traveling easy in body and mind, so it is perfect for senior travelers.

Small private groups or family pilgrims:

If you want to do a private Kailash Yatra with your friends and family, the Kailash Heli tour is a great option. It is also a great option for couples.

Compared to other Kailash Mansarovar tour programs, you will experience personalized care and flexible pacing during the Kailash Heli tour.

Helicopter flights add excitement and stunning aerial views to the journey:

Along with the sense of exclusivity, the helicopter flight will also make the overall journey quite exciting. You will witness breathtaking aerial views of the remote Himalayan valleys and mountains.

Kailash Heli tour itinerary

The Kailash Heli tour makes the journey very easy and comfortable. Following our Kailash Heli tour itinerary, you will begin the trip in Kathmandu.

In Kathmandu, you will explore a few sacred temples, such as Pashupatinath Temple and Swayambhunath Temple, before leaving for Tibet.

From Kathmandu, you will travel to Nepalgunj. In around 45 minutes of flying from Kathmandu, you will reach Nepalgunj. The next day, you will fly from Nepalgunj to Simikot, and the same day, fly to Hilsa in a helicopter.

You will enter Tibet via Hilsa (Nepal border). A short 45-minute drive from Hilsa will take you to Taklakot (Tibet border). We take an acclimatization break in Taklakot to adjust to the elevation and avoid altitude sickness.

From Taklakot, you can reach Mansarovar Lake in just two hours of driving. Overall, your body will not be exhausted while traveling to Mansarovar Lake. After the Mansarovar Lake darshan, you will head to Darchen and begin the Kailash Kora.

*Although Kailash Kora is part of our Kailash Heli tour itinerary, you do not necessarily have to do it. You can just spend time in Darchen while other members of your group do the Kailash Kora.

From Darchen, a short ride will take you to Yam Dwar, the starting point of Kailash Kora (parikarma). You will hike on rugged terrain and ascend to DiraPuk.

The next day, you will ascend to Dolma La Pass. It will be a bit demanding hike due to high altitude and steep terrain. From the pass, the trail descends to Zuthulphuk.

On the last day of the Kailash Kora, you will descend to Zongdui. The Kailash Kora ends in Zongdui, and you will drive back to Taklakot the same day. In three days, you will complete the Kailash Kora.

Then, follow the same route back to Kathmandu. First, drive from Taklakot to Hilsa and take a helicopter flight from Hilsa to Simikot. A standard domestic flight will bring you back to Nepalgunj from Simikot and fly back to Kathmandu from Nepalgunj.

*Some Indian travelers also prefer to end the Kailash Heli tour in Nepalgunj. They enter India via the Rupaidiha border (Bahraich District, Uttar Pradesh, India).

Places you will explore during the Kailash Heli tour 12 days

During the Kailash Heli tour 12 days, you will explore the following places:

→ Kathmandu: Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and the starting point of the Kailash Heli tour 12 days. The city is situated at an altitude of 1,324 meters. Here, you will explore Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Temple, and other sacred temples. Kathmandu is also a great place to do last-minute shopping for the Kailash Heli tour. You will spend two nights in Kathmandu.

→ Nepalgunj: Nepalgunj is a border city with India in western Nepal. It is also a transit point on the Kailash heli tour. You will fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and take a flight to Simikot the next day. You will spend a night in Nepalgunj.

→ Simikot: Simikot is the headquarters of Humla district and a remote Himalayan area. Situated at 2,901 meters, Simikot is another important transit point on the Kailash Heli tour route. Moreover, you will spend around half an hour here before boarding a helicopter to fly to Hilsa the same day, which is excellent for acclimatization. You will spend a night in Simikot while returning.

→ Hilsa: Hilsa is a small Nepali border village with Tibet. It is situated 3,640 meters above sea level. You will travel from Simikot to Hilsa in a helicopter. It will be around 20 to 30 minutes of flight. You will not spend a night in Hilsa.

→ Taklakot: Taklakot also goes by the name Purang. It is a Tibetan town bordering Nepal. Taklakot is situated at 4,755 meters above sea level. The tourist infrastructure is better in Taklakot. You will spend an acclimatization day here as well to adapt to the high altitude.

→ Mansarovar Lake: From Taklakot, you can reach Mansarovar Lake in around two hours of driving. The lake is situated at 4,590 meters above sea level. It is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world and holds tremendous spiritual significance to Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and Bon devotees. You will spend a night here.

→ Darchen: Darchen is a small settlement at the base of Mount Kailash. It is situated at 4,670 meters above sea level. Darchen is the official starting and ending point of Kailash Kora. There are comfortable guesthouses available here for tourists. You will spend one night in Darchen.

→ DiraPuk: On the first day of the Kailash Kora, you will hike from Yam Dwar (located around 6 km away from Darchen) to DiraPuk. It is located on the northern side of Mount Kailash at an altitude of 5,210 meters. The hiking distance is 17 km. You will spend a night in DiraPuk.

→ Dolma La Pass: From DiraPuk, you will ascend to Dolma La Pass. It is the highest point you will reach during the Kailash Heli tour. The pass stands 5,630 meters above sea level, and crossing it is quite challenging due to high altitude, cold, icy trails, low oxygen levels, and wind. You will not spend a night in Dolma La Pass.

→ Zuthulphuk: ZuthulPhuk is the second main location on the Kailash Kora. From DiraPuk, you will hike to Dolma La Pass and descend to ZuthulPhuk to spend the night. ZuthulPhuk is situated at 4,760 meters, and the total distance from DiraPuk to ZuthulPhuk is 22 km.

→ The last day of the Kailash Kora: On the last day of the Kailash Kora, you will descend 12 km to Zongdui. It is the ending point of the Kailash Kora. From here, you will drive back to Taklakot the same day.

Is the Kailash Heli tour package suitable for you?

The Kailash Heli tour package is best for:

  • Senior citizens and elderly pilgrims who want to avoid long, tiring road journeys.
  • Travelers who want to complete the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in two weeks.
  • Travelers who want to have an exclusive journey.
  • Travelers seeking to witness Mt. Kailash from the air.
  • Small private groups and family trips.
  • Travelers who seek comfort and premium service.

Kailash Heli tour price and booking 2026

You will get the best Kailash Heli tour price with us. We have fairly priced our Kailash Heli tour package. For up to 15 travelers, our Kailash Heli tour costs USD 3,300 per person.

Likewise, if you are in a group of 16 to 25 travelers, you can enjoy USD 200 off per person. Finally, groups of over 26 travelers can do the Kailash Heli tour at just USD 2,900 per person.

Our Kailash Heli tour pricing is nominal compared to other travel agencies. Similarly, the service you will receive will exceed the package value.

Kailash Heli tour 2026 bookings are open. If you have any questions regarding the Kailash Heli tour cost, feel free to contact us.

Why do the Kailash Heli tour with Leaf Holidays Treks?

We are one of the most reputed Kailash Mansarovar travel companies based in Kathmandu, Nepal. We take many Indian and foreign groups to Kailash Mansarovar every year.

In fact, we specialize in the Kailash Mansarova Yatra for Indian pilgrims. Check out our gallery to see the groups who successfully concluded the Kailash Mansarovar tours with us in 2025.

  • 22+ years of expertise in the field
  • A well-established, professional team to handle every detail of the Kailash Heli tour journey, including permits, transportation, and hotel reservations
  • Guaranteed departure
  • Safety priority
  • Best hotels and guesthouses
  • Pure vegetarian meals
  • A certified guide and friendly support crew
  • No hidden charges
  • Hassle-free trip
  • Free duffel bag to use during the tour
  • Unlimited bottled drinking water
  • 24/7 support
  • Flexible itinerary

Detail Itinerary of Kailash Heli Tour

Meet the team of Leaf Holidays Treks and Expedition at the airport. You will experience a warm welcome. They will drive you to the hotel and help you check in. The remaining day is free to rest and explore your surroundings on your own.

altitude-icon

Highest Altitude

1324m. (Kathmandu)
meal-icon

Meals

Welcome dinner
accommodation-icon

Accommodation

Hotel

Includes and Excludes

What is included?

  • Three vegetarian meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with vegetarian meals
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Nepalgunj (standard hotel with vegetarian meals)
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Simikot (standard hotel with vegetarian meals)
  • 7 nights accommodation in Tibet- Taklakot, Mansarovar, Darchen, DiraPuk & ZuthulPhuk (basic guesthouses/hotels with vegetarian meals)
  • Tibet Group Visa and Travel Permit fees
  • All ground transportation by bus
  • Hiking equipment and support staff
  • Guided Kathmandu temple tours
  • Airport transfers as per the itinerary
  • Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu domestic flights
  • Nepalgunj – Simikot – Nepalgunj domestic flights
  • Simikot – Hilsa – Simikot helicopter flights
  • Tourist bus to travel from Hilsa to Taklakot to Mansarovar Lake to Darche and vice versa
  • English-speaking Tibetan guide
  • Humla region restricted area permit & royalties
  • All government taxes & service charges
  • All hiking and camping equipment, including oxygen cylinders

What is excluded?

  • Yak, porter, and horse for personal use (4000 Chinese Yuan per person)
  • Extra night at any place outside the itinerary
  • Rescue/evacuation, or all the extra expenses because of a partition from the main group
  • International flights to/from Kathmandu
  • Visa splitting charge and extra transportation cost, if returning early from Tibet
  • Nepal travel visa fee
  • Any additional cost due to natural calamities, flight cancellations or delays, and unforeseen circumstances
  • Tips for the guide, drivers, and support team
  • Any expenses not mentioned in our Cost Include section

Trip Information

Accommodation during the Kailash Heli tour

In Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, Taklakot, and Darchen, you will spend nights in comfortable tourist-standard hotels. Single and twin-shared rooms are available in these places.

At Mansarovar Lake and during Kailash Kora, you will spend a night in simple but clean and cozy guesthouses. The washroom can be shared in guesthouses.

Meals and drinking water during the Kailash Heli tour

We provide pure vegetarian meals during the Kailash Heli tour. Likewise, travelers get an unlimited water bottle throughout the trip. You will have meals in hotels in Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, Taklakot, Mansarovar Lake, and Darchen.

However, while at Kailash Kora, our team prepares the melas for you. We carry all the ingredients and essentials to cook our meals. You will have a delicious meal throughout the trip.

Best time for the Kailash Heli tour

The Kailash region is open from May to October for travelers. For the rest of the year, the Kailash route remains closed for all travel activities due to adverse weather and poor road conditions.

In June, July, and August, the domestic flights in Nepal may be disrupted due to the monsoon season. However, once you reach Hilsa, the rainfall drastically decreases because Mt. Kailash is located in the rainshadow area of the Tibetan plateau.

*Rainshadow areas do not receive heavy rainfall.

  • June to August is the peak pilgrimage period.
  • May is great to avoid crowds, and the weather is excellent.
  • September is perfect to avoid the overwhelming pilgrim crowd.
  • October has perfect weather. The day begins to get shorter. No crowd. Ideal for a tranquil journey.

Safety rules for helicopter flight

  • Follow your pilot’s and crew’s instructions at all times during the flight.
  • You are not allowed to change seats or move around once you are airborne.
  • We have a strict luggage limit, so kindly pack smartly and do not go beyond the weight limit.
  • We only operate helicopter flights in clear and safe conditions. In case of unfavorable weather, flights can be grounded. So, prepare your mind and also budget 1-2 days of expenses for backup.
  • Approach the helicopter only after the signal from the ground staff. Likewise, only leave the helicopter after the pilot’s signal.
  • Always approach from the front or side—never the rear.
  • Secure loose clothing, scarves, and hats.
  • Seat belts must be worn throughout the flight.
  • Remain calm during turbulence, which is normal in mountains.
  • Avoid alcohol and smoking before flights.
  • Oxygen support is available if required.
  • Do not throw any items from the helicopter.

Altitude sickness during the Kailash Heli tour and how to avoid it

The Kailash Heli tour takes pilgrims to high altitude rapidly. On the very first day of the journey, you will travel from Nepalgunj to Taklakot. It is a very high and rapid gain in elevation, which can lead to altitude sickness.

Therefore, to accommodate the high altitude, we have added a rest day in Taklakot. Travelers should keep themselves warm and hydrated at all times to avoid altitude sickness. If they feel sick or uneasy, inform the guide and get first aid.

*Helicopter flights reduce physical strain from the Kailash Mansarovar trip but do not eliminate altitude risk. So, do not underestimate high altitude and follow our advice strictly.

  • Symptoms of altitude sickness: Headache, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, trouble breathing, dizziness, loss of appetite, etc.
  • Preventive measures: Keep yourself hydrated, maintain your pace during Kailash Kora, have lots of soups and ginger-honey teas, keep yourself warm, avoid unnecessary physical exertion, eat carbohydrate-rich meals, and listen to your body.

Kailash Heli tour difficulty

The Kailash Heli tour is not a difficult trip. In fact, it is one of the most comfortable and easy ways to travel to Kailash. The only challenging part of this trip is the three days of Kailash Kora.

The Kailash Kora distance is around 53 kilometers. You will cover this distance in three days of hiking from Yam Dwar to DiraPuk, DiraPuk to ZuthulPhuk via Dolma La Pass, and ZuthulPhuk to Zongdui.

During the Kailash Kora, you will walk on steep, rugged terrain. The high altitude, cold, and wind make the Kora challenging. By maintaining your pace, wearing clothes in proper layers, and following our guide’s instructions, you will be able to complete the Kailash Kora.

Communication during the Kailash Heli tour

In Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, you will have a good WiFi network in your hotel and cafes to stay connected with your friends and family. We can also help you buy a Nepali tourist SIM.

The network is not that good in the Simikot and Hilsa area. Likewise, once you enter Tibet, you can use a Chinese SIM. In Taklakot, WiFi will be available in your hotel. The network is affected by the weather.

At Mansarovar Lake, Darchen, and at Kailash Kora, the WiFi and mobile network are not reliable. Once you start the Kailash Kora, there will be no network at all.

Charging and hot showers

Charging and hot showers are available in all places. It is best to carry backup like a power bank and extra batteries for your mobile and camera.

Mansarovar Lake, Darchen, and the Kailash Kora route are at high altitude. So even though a hot shower is available, taking a bath will be quite challenging.

Moreover, if your body does not retain heat quickly after a bath, there will be a high risk of altitude sickness. So, we recommend travelers not to take a bath daily, especially during the kora.

Hire a porter or a horse for Kailash Kora

Porter will help you carry your backpack. It will make walking easy. We can help you hire a porter for the Kailash Kora duration. It costs around USD 120 to USD 200 per porter for the 3 days of Kora, and you are expected to tip as well.

Similarly, pilgrims who wish to do Kailash Kora but cannot do it because of their health reasons can hire a horse. A horse comes with a horseman and costs USD 400 to USD 680 for 3 days. You are also expected to tip the horseman.

*Neither of these expenses is covered in our Kailash Heli tour package.

Travel insurance for the Kailash Heli tour

Travel insurance for the Kailash Heli tour is a personal preference. Travel insurance is not mandatorily required, but it will be a great backup. You can include trip cancellation, medical bills, rescue, loss/theft of personal belongings, etc.

Nepalese and Chinese currency

You cannot use Indian currency in Nepal or Tibet. So, we recommend travelers to bring some cash in USD and exchange it in Kathmandu.

It is easier to exchange USD than other currencies, but you can exchange currency from all around the world in Kathmandu. You can exchange for both Nepalese and Chinese currencies.

Likewise, you can also withdraw money from an ATM in Kathmandu. Make sure your cards are activated for international transactions.

Nepal travel visa

You need a Nepal travel visa to enter Kathmandu either through the Tribhuvan International Airport or via land borders. Our Kailash Heli tour package does not include the Nepal travel visa fee.

Travelers have to get the Nepal travel visa by themselves. An on-arrival travel visa is available for travelers from many countries. Kindly check more details about the Nepal travel visa on this site.

Kailash Heli tour packing list

Follow the packing list below to pack for the Kailash Heli tour:

Clothing:

  • Breathable underwear
  • Travel towel
  • Base layers
  • Warm clothes (thermals, fleece jacket, sweater, etc)
  • Windproof/waterproof jacket
  • Comfortable hiking shoes
  • Casual footwear

Accessories:

  • BackpackSun hat
  • Socks
  • Thermal socks
  • Sunglasses
  • Scarf
  • Gloves
  • Beanie

Toiletries:

  • Personal first aid kit
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Toilet paper
  • Soap
  • Shampoo
  • Moisturizer
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Deodorant
  • Wet wipes

Miscellaneous:

  • Local sim (can be obtained upon arriving at the destination)
  • Camera
  • Mobile
  • Charger
  • Universal travel adapter
  • Power bank
  • Snacks
  • Journal/pen (optional)
  • Extra batteries

Travel documents:

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
  • Nepal travel visa
  • Passport-size photos
  • Permits
  • Travel insurance documents (optional)
  • Chinese currency
  • Credit/Debit cards

Frequently Asked Questions

Trip Reviews

Price starts

US$ 3150

We offer group discounts

  • 1 - 15 person
    US$ 3350
  • 16 - 25 person
    US$ 3150
  • 26 over 9999
    US$ 2900

Total Cost:

US$ 3350

Gopal Thapa
Need Help? Ask to Travel Expert
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