Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter from Kathmandu

The Mount Kailash Kora is a 52km, 3-day trek around the sacred Mount Kailash in Tibet, revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. It’s not just a physical challenge but a spiritually uplifting journey through stunning Himalayan landscapes at an average altitude of 4,600–5,600 meters. For trekkers, it’s a bucket-list adventure combining rugged terrain, high-altitude endurance, and cultural immersion. The Kora’s highlight, crossing the Dolma La Pass (5,630m), tests your grit and rewards you with jaw-dropping views.

The ideal windows are May, June, and September. These months offer the clearest skies for a “Darshan” of the North Face and more stable weather for helicopter operations between Simikot and Hilsa

The Kora is challenging due to its high altitude (4,600–5,630m) and rugged 52km trail, which takes 3 days to complete. You’ll need strong physical fitness, stamina, and no serious heart or respiratory issues. Our oldest trekker was an 82-year-old German, proving age isn’t a barrier if you’re fit and prepared! Consult your doctor before tackling this high-altitude adventure. Acclimatization in Lhasa or other lower-altitude stops is critical to avoid altitude sickness.

International trekkers need a Chinese Visa (or Chinese Group Visa if entering from Nepal) and a Tibet Travel Permit, plus additional permits for Kailash: the Alien’s Travel Permit, Military Permit, and Foreign Affairs Permit. These must be arranged through a licensed Tibetan tour operator like Super Trekkers, as independent travel isn’t allowed. For Indian passport holders, bookings must go through the Foreign Affairs Office of the Tibet Autonomous Region or the Tibet-India Pilgrim Reception Center. We handle all permit applications for you—just send us a scanned passport and visa!

Yes, travel permits are required to visit Mount Kailash due to its remote and restricted location in Ngari, western Tibet. The combination of permits depends on how you are traveling to Tibet and Mount Kailash.

No, you can’t. To visit Mount Kailash, joining an organized tour is mandatory for international tourists.

The popular option for travelers from Nepal is to fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa and continue with an overland tour to Mount Kailash. The shortest drive route to Mt. Kailash from Lhasa is around 1400 km.

The best time to visit Mount Kailash and Manasarovar is spring (May to June) and autumn (September to October), offering high visibility, stunning views, and comfortable temperatures.

In Major Towns/Starting Points (e.g., Lhasa, Kathmandu, Kerung, Saga, Darchen): You can expect more comfortable hotel stays, ranging from 3-star to 4-star options. These typically offer private attached bathrooms, hot showers, heating, and sometimes Wi-Fi. In Darchen, at the foot of Mount Kailash, there are increasingly better hotels like the Himalaya Kailash Hotel. During the Kora (Trek around Mount Kailash – Dirapuk, Zuthulpuk): Accommodation becomes very basic. You will primarily stay in simple guesthouses, often in dormitory-style rooms with shared sleeping arrangements (3-4 people per room). Amenities are minimal:

• Beds: Basic beds with mattresses, blankets, and pillows are provided. It’s highly recommended to bring your own sleeping bag for added warmth and hygiene.
• Heating & Electricity: Limited or no heating in rooms. Electricity might be available for a few hours (e.g., via solar power or generators), but it’s unreliable. Bring a power bank for charging devices.
• Showers: Generally not available at the guesthouses during the Kora. You will go without showers for these days.
• Wi-Fi: Mostly unavailable or very unreliable during the Kora. Local phone networks might offer some patchy connectivity.

Toilet facilities are also quite basic, especially during the Kora, and require an open mind:

• In Major Towns/Hotels: Hotels in larger towns and Darchen usually have private attached bathrooms with western-style flush toilets.
• At Lake Manasarovar: There are often no fixed washroom facilities. Tour operators typically provide portable toilet tents for groups.
• During the Kora (Dirapuk, Zuthulpuk):
  • Guesthouses: Toilets are almost always shared and located outside the main guesthouse building. These are typically squat-style (Asian) toilets. They may not be consistently clean due to high usage and limited maintenance in remote areas.
  • On the Trek Route: During the day’s trek, there are virtually no designated toilet facilities. You will need to use the open natural environment, adhering to Leave No Trace principles (digging a cat hole, packing out all trash, including toilet paper).
• Hygiene: Bring your own supply of toilet paper, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer as these are rarely provided.

In Lhasa, Shigatse, and Saga, expect 3–4-star hotels or decent guesthouses. During the Kora, you’ll stay in basic guesthouses or yak tents at Dirapuk and Zuthulpuk, with limited facilities (no running water, pit toilets). Electricity is available from 8–12 PM for charging. Food includes Tibetan staples like tsampa, yak butter tea, and noodles, plus Chinese dishes. Vegetarian options are available, and bottled water is cheap and widely available

Altitude sickness is a real risk above 4,500m. To minimize it:

• Spend 2–3 days acclimatizing in Lhasa (3,650m) or Kathmandu before heading to Darchen (4,600m).
• Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and eat light, high-carb meals.
• Ascend gradually—our itineraries are designed to ease you into higher altitudes.
• Watch for symptoms like headaches or fatigue and inform your guide immediately. Our guides carry oxygen tanks and are trained to handle altitude issues.

Yes. 100% satvik vegetarian meals throughout the Yatra.

No. Outer Darshan option available for elderly pilgrims.

Yes. The helicopter route significantly reduces the number of days spent trekking at lower altitudes, allowing pilgrims to save their energy for the holy Parikrama. However, all pilgrims must provide a health report from a government hospital 25 days before entry to ensure they can handle altitudes above 4,000 meters

Pilgrims require a valid passport and a Tibet Group Visa, which is arranged by the tour operator. Additionally, special permits for the Humla restricted area and the Tibet Autonomous Region are necessary

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The complete journey spans 10 days. This includes the drive from Lucknow to the border, flight legs through the Himalayas, and the mandatory 3-day Parikrama (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash