Kailash Yatra by Helicopter Via Simikot 11 Days

Useful Information

Best Time to Visit Mount Kailash & Lake Manasarovar

The helicopter trip to Kailash Mansarovar that passes through Simikot is operable from May to September. Besides this, there are some tours that run in the month of October and helicopter services are used depending on availability, weather, and permit by the government.

October, along with May, June, and September, is considered one of the best seasons for such a holy pilgrimage with steady operation of helicopters.

We all know that the weather of the Himalayan regions is always unpredictable, but for Kailash Parikrama, it is best to choose from May, June & September. 

Best Months at a Glance

Why These Months?

• Good weather conditions for helicopter tours. 

• Open views of Mt. Kailash.

• Comfortable weather for trekking.

• Good conditions on the road and trekking trails. 

• Best weather for the ritual of Lake Manasarovar and photography. 

• Fixed-date departures regularly from Kathmandu through Simikot.

Navigating the Simikot–Hilsa Flight Bottleneck: Classic Vacations Nepal’s Contingency Protocol

Traveling through the skies to Mount Kailash, via the relatively short helicopter route from Kathmandu to Simikot, saves precious time, but depends on favorable Himalayan weather conditions.

This necessitates morning departures and flight operations from Nepalgunj to Simikot, and immediately after, the helicopter flight to Hilsa – the Nepal-Tibet border. These operations are susceptible to wind delays and poor visibility.

Kathmandu] -> Flight/Drive -> [Nepalgunj] -> Flight on Twin Otter Aircraft -> [Simikot(2,910 m.)] -> Flight on Helicopter -> [Border to Hilsa]

Classic Vacations Nepal ensures our clients' security and travel comfort through a robust and proactive management system for the Simikot/Humla flight sector instead of denial of the possible issues.

• Incorporation of Buffer: Our 11- day Itinerary has incorporated a buffer day or two at the beginning of your travels within Tibet to accommodate potential weather delays without sacrificing your time at the sacred Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash.

• Proactive Measures for Weather delays: Upon the announcement of any delay in flight operations from Nepalgunj to Simikot, our ground team at Nepalgunj arranges for immediate food and comfortable lodging for all group members. Our operations team closely monitors the satellite weather updates for Nepal's mountain ranges hour by hour and immediately mobilizes the ground team as soon as, and if, weather conditions improve.

• Coordination of Charter operations: To prevent any unwanted delays upon arrival at Simikot from Nepalgunj, we pre-book our helicopter charter services with preferential treatment for our groups, ensuring swift transfers to Hilsa once the aircraft lands at Simikot airport.

Why the 11-Day Simikot Helicopter Route is the Safest and Fastest Way to Mount Kailash

Ideal choice for devotees who look for a mixture of deep spirituality with personal convenience, the 11-day Kailash Yatra through Simikot with a helicopter offers an ultimate solution for them.Compared to the incredibly grueling 14-day overland journey on bumpy Tibetan roads, this dedicated Kailash tour reduces the time spent in transit and is particularly suitable for senior citizens and travelers with less time available. The journey starts by flying from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, then by a wonderful helicopter ride over hills, fields, and mountains, all the way to Simikot.

The latter half of the journey consists of a spectacular helicopter flight from Simikot to the border town of Hilsa. This flight passes right above the breathtaking valley of Humla and leaves you right at the doors to Tibet, avoiding all days of travel and allowing you to rest and recover from fatigue before you embark on the journey of the Parikrama. 

Crucial Acclimatization and Safety Protocols for the 5,630m Dolma La Pass

The Dolma La Pass at 5,630M (18,471 feet) represents the highest point on your trek as well as the hardest physical challenge as you cross over the 5,630M peak of Mount Kailash located in the high-altitude desert of Tibet, where the air is thin and the atmospheric pressure is low. At 5,630M, your safety cannot be a guess.

• Our certified safety procedure includes an acclimatization stop at (Purang) at 4,025M, where you will spend time acclimatizing to the altitude and allowing your body to adjust to the higher elevation before continuing to ascend.

• Here is an example of how we maximize your safety:

• Daily Health Check-ups: Our Sherpa guides always carry a pulse oximeter for regular measurement of your oxygen status during the entire trekking trip, and hence keep a close tab on your health.

• Emergency medical equipment: All the first aid kits and portable life-saving oxygen cylinders accompany our trips.

• Emergency evacuation: We maintain constant contact with the helicopter rescue operation in Nepal, which will come to your rescue at any time for evacuation from Hilsa (Nepal) or Simikot (Nepal) if you are in acute mountain sickness (AMS).

Age Limitations and Compulsory High-Altitude Medical Fitness Certification

Located at a high altitude, the Ngari prefecture puts an excessive burden on cardio-respiratory health. Transportation co-operatives and the Tibetan administration impose severe conditions upon individuals seeking trek to Kora on grounds of legal issues. 

• The age range for gaining entry for a Kailash Mansarovar journey is 12 to 70 years. Those over 70 years of age are subject to a higher degree of scrutiny and approval to trek. The Kora is at the complete discretion of TTB officials based on current medical assessments.

• Medical Certification: Prior to your tour Reservation being confirmed, you are required to obtain a Medical Certificate signed by a physician or government hospital. The certificate must specifically state that you are physically fit to travel and trek in altitudes over 5,000 meters.

• Pre-existing Conditions: Asthma, severe. Uncontrolled advanced heart disease and extremely unstable blood pressure are contraindications for travel and are thus greatly discouraged.

Crucial Travel Insurance Requirements: High-Altitude Coverage and Helicopter Evacuation

•  Important Travel Insurance Requirements: High-Altitude and Helicopter Evacuation Coverage.

• There is no off-the-shelf travel insurance policy that will come with coverage for the Kailash Yatra via Simikot, as the flight from Hilsa to Simikot will be taken on chartered helicopters in a remote area of the Himalayas; therefore, your insurance must be a special one that contains: 

• Altitude Rider - your policy must specifically state that it will cover you for adventure activities including trekking at altitudes up to 6,000 meters (this will safely cover you for the 5,630m Dolma La Pass). 

• Emergency Helicopter Evacuation - your policy must provide coverage for unlimited emergency medical evacuation by helicopter from Hilsa and Simikot to higher trafficked hospitals located in Kathmandu. 

• Proof of Insurance - you need to carry physical printouts of your insurance certificate and 24/7 international emergency hotline number for the entire 11-day journey. 

Managing Currency and Payments: Carrying Cash in Remote Western Tibet

Cash is king on the high plateau of Western Tibet (Hilsa border to the trek). When you cross the suspension bridge to Taklakot, you have officially exited the international banking system. Budgeting for your personal expenditure demands careful consideration of cash planning, as:

Your currency: Chinese Yuan (RMB) is the only accepted currency for your personal expenses.

Credit cards, international bank cards, Indian Rupees (INR), and Nepali Rupees (NPR) are not accepted by local Tibetan shops, guesthouses, or horse owners.

Where are ATMs?

You will not find any functioning international ATMs on the trail or in Darchen. The only ATMs that accept international cards, in or out of Tibet, are within the city of Shigatse (well after the start and before the finish of the trek), and these are notoriously unreliable. You must convert all currency to Chinese Yuan before you leave Nepal/India or on arrival in Taklakot.

How much cash?

You should plan to carry approximately RMB 2,500–RMB 3,500 (US$350–500) per person. You’ll be carrying all of your personal items, personal food and snacks, and horse and guide (if any) at the Yam Dwar. 

Pre-Yatra Physical Training: Preparing Your Body for the Tibetan Plateaus

The success of our 11-day helicopter trip to Tibet will largely depend on your overall stamina. The helicopters save days and days of driving, but your body will be subject to a considerable amount of physical strain, not to mention low oxygen. We suggest a workout programme starting 6 to 8 weeks prior to your date of departure:

• Cardiovascular workouts at a high intensity level: Take a 30 to 45 minute power walk, hike uphill, or run 4 days a week to condition your heart to pump faster and recover quicker.

• Breathing exercises (Pranayama): Learn to do breathing techniques like Anulom Vilom and Kapalbhati from a qualified yoga teacher. It is one of the most direct ways to prepare the breathing muscles.

• Lower body training: You will need to take care of stairs, squats, and lunges, which will strengthen your legs. You will need this to safely carry your legs across Dolma Pass to Zuthulpuk which you may need to carry across on a rough patch of rock.

Arranging Ponies, Porters, and Yamadwar Logistics on the Spot

The Outer Parikrama (Kora) is the route around Mount Kailash, measuring 52 kilometers. The trek begins at Yamadwar, the Sacred entrance point for Pilgrims. Here, it is possible for travelers to make the choice of either to traverse the rugged terrain on foot or to engage the services of an agent that can help facilitate.

[Darchen] → Drive 6km → [Yamadwar] → Start of 52km Kora Trek

We regularly offer pre-booked horses or porters; however, the reality is that pre-booking does not exist due to Tibetan local regulations. Ponies and porters are all managed under strict jurisdiction by an established co-op system organized by the Tibetan community for a fair distribution of income to local families.

• Coordination on the Spot: On the day of the Kora at Yamadwar, our highly experienced Classic Vacations Nepal/Tibetan guide coordinates directly with the local Tibetan community co-op to obtain an available supply of ponies and porters for our Yatris (Yatris are travelers on pilgrimage to Mount Kailash).

• Cash and Currency Issues: All pony and porter fees must be paid in cash on-site in Chinese Yuan (RMB). It is highly recommended that all travelers to Mount Kailash exchange their currency into Chinese yuan before traveling to the area, as Indian Rupees, Nepalese Rupees, and international credit cards are not accepted by local handlers on the Kora.

• Sherpa support. If you've opted to hire a pony, one of our friendly Sherpas will travel with you the entire way to help with pacing, balancing and keeping an eye on your safety.

Tibet Group Visa and Passport Protocols for Indian & International Tourists

Tibet Entrance Requirements for International Travelers & Indian Nationals Entering Tibet (TAR). Tibet can be notoriously difficult to access and is riddled with complex permit rules and requirements. Your requirements to enter Tibet are dependent on your passport.

• Indian passport holders: The entry procedures require processing via the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, via the China India Pilgrim Reception Area (CIPRA) based in Kathmandu, and also the Chinese Embassy. Therefore, (Classic Vacations Nepal) will manage the entire group permit processing for each collective group. You must work with our staff in Kathmandu to set up this procedure before your trip so that your information is 100 percent compatible with your Indian Passport.

• Non-Indian Passport Holders: To receive a Group Visa stamp on your passport, you are required to submit your actual passport to the China Embassy in Kathmandu for a minimum of 3-4 business days (day(s) spent in Kathmandu will have to be accounted for in your itinerary). While you are in Kathmandu, will also provide you with opportunities for touring and cultural activities around the Kathmandu Valley.

• Essential to Verify Proper Name Matching: A very small typographical error on one permit could prevent the entry of an entire group at the Hilsa border. Before leaving Kathmandu, the ticketing/operations group at Classic Vacations Nepal will verify each passport scan against the official permits issued by TTB (Tibet Tourism Bureau).

Helicopter Luggage Limits & Managing Weight Restrictions

Flying a helicopter safely into higher mountainous regions can only happen with adherence to a weight ceiling. With decreasing air density as you gain altitude, lighter machines can only take off safely if they do not take up too much load with them.

• 10-15 kg Restriction: Domestic flights to Simikot and helicopter shuttle services to Hilsa restrict you to main carry-on luggage between 10 to 15 kg of weight per pax.

• The packing: We do supply a full packing list for how to pack thermals, down jacket, etc layer-able for our customers in a light, packable Duffel instead of rigid, bulky bags.

• Luggage Store for Free in Kathmandu: For extra luggage, extra clothes, bags that are no longer required for travelling to Tibet can be stored at our affiliated hotels for Free in Kathmandu or Nepalgunj; your baggage will be labelled and kept at a safe space till your arrival from the mountains.

Essential Packing Guide: Dressing for Sub-Zero Tibetan Temperatures

Ngari Prefecture is a high-altitude plateau with abrupt temperature changes. It could be blazing sunshine one moment, and the next minute, blizzards with high winds descend, with temperatures far below the freezing point. When traveling to these remote areas of the Tibetan plateau, you have to plan carefully: the layering strategy for dressing is as important as your own well-being.

• First Layer of Clothing: Synthetic-based, sweat-wicking thermal tops and bottoms (not cotton, because cotton will trap moisture and make you rapidly hypothermic).

• Second Layer of Clothing: Heavy fleece-lined and high-loft down-filled jacket (should withstand -15°C or less for nights at Dirapuk and Zuthulpuk).

• Third Layer of Clothing: Waterproof, windproof trekking trousers and a breathable shell top which cuts out the wind at Dolma La Pass.

• Shoes and Accessories: Durable, well-worn, waterproof trekking shoes with ankle support. Thick woollen trekking socks (4 - 6 pairs). A balaclava with thermal lining. UV-protection sunglasses. High-power battery pack to recharge devices (there is limited power in guesthouses that rely on solar energy).

Emergency Return Protocol: What Happens if You Get Sick During the Kora?

The tour operator’s expertise is measured in the context of how he manages medical situations above 5,000m. We need to be able to initiate the highest-level contingency plan the moment a pilgrim succumbs to illness or becomes severely exhausted between Dirapuk and Zuthulpuk.

Emergency Split Protocol:

 [Ill Pilgrim + Escort Sherpa] ---> Descend down-valley ---> [Darchen Base Clinic / Vehicle Support]

 [Remaining Group + Lead Guide] ---> Advance safely ---> Complete Kora route to Zuthulpuk

• Escort Separation Plan: We do not abandon the weakened Yatri in solitude, nor do we keep the group hostage until they recuperate. In case the tour physician identifies any risk associated with trekking through Dolma La Pass, a nominated Sherpa will immediately accompany him/her through a safer route via the low-lying valley path towards Darchen.

• Support Vehicles: In support, we have a support vehicle which remains parked at the accessible road head near Darchen. Once the escort team brings the patient down, our vehicle transfers him/her directly to a nearby medical facility with a provision of high-flow oxygen.

• Arrangement of return shuttles in an emergency: In the event of immediate need for a medical evacuation or return trip to lower altitudes from the mountains, the Hilsa border office and helicopter pilots in the Kathmandu office will manage immediate return charter services to Simikot and Nepalgunj.