We tell you the truth so you are prepared:
This is the most comfortable route to Mount Kailash. You fly most of the way. It saves you days of driving on rough roads. This trip is best for seniors or those with limited time.
However, this route relies on the weather in Simikot. If flights cancel, delays happen. 2026 is the “Year of the Horse”. Tibetan beliefs say one trip this year equals twelve trips in a normal year. Demand for helicopter seats is extreme. You must book early.
11 Days
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Moderate
5,630 meters
1-50
Trekking and Tour
Luxurious Homestays
Nepal-China
Peak Year of the Horse pilgrimage dates. Limited permits and accommodation availability.
| Month | Full Moon | KTM Arrival | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | May 31 (Sun) | May 21 | |
| June | June 29 (Mon) | June 19 | |
| July | July 29 (Wed) | July 19 | |
| August | Aug 27 (Thu) | Aug 17 |
Head and Feet
Sun hat and warm wool cap
Sunglasses with UV protection
Warm gloves and waterproof outer gloves
Hiking boots (broken in)
Comfortable camp shoes
Warm wool socks
Clothing
Down jacket (We can rent one for you)
Windproof and waterproof jacket
Thermal tops and bottoms (2 sets)
Fleece jacket or sweater
Trekking trousers (No jeans)
Gear (Remember: 15kg Limit)
Sleeping bag (-20 degrees)
Small daypack for water
Water bottle
Headlamp with batteries
Sunscreen and lip balm
Personal medicine and Diamox
Power bank
Weather Delays: The flight to Simikot is difficult. Clouds often block the route. We may get stuck in Nepalgunj or Simikot for days. This is normal for this route. You must prepare your mind for delays.
Luggage Limit: The helicopter is small. You can bring only 15 kg in total. This includes your big bag and your small backpack. Leave extra clothes at the hotel in Kathmandu.
High Altitude We fly to high places quickly on this trip. We stop in Purang to rest. This helps your body adjust. You must drink water and walk slowly. If you feel sick, tell the guide immediately.
We'll meet you at the airport. We take you to your hotel. We collect your passport and explain the trip details. Elevation: 1,400 meters
We go to the Visa Center for your fingerprints. You visit Pashupatinath Temple for darshan. We fly to Nepalgunj in the afternoon (1 hour). We sleep in Nepalgunj. Elevation: 150m
We take an early morning flight to Simikot. The flight takes 45 minutes. You see snow peaks from the window. We rest in Simikot to adjust to the air. Elevation: 2,910m
We take a 20-minute helicopter ride to Hilsa. We cross the bridge into Tibet. We drive 1 hour to Purang. You rest at the hotel. Elevation: 3,800m
We stay here for acclimatization. You can walk around the local market. This helps your body get ready for the high altitude. Elevation: 3,800m
We drive 3 hours to the holy lake. You will see Mount Kailash clearly. We drive our bus around the lake. You can take a holy dip here. Elevation: 4,590m
We drive a short distance to Darchen. This is the base camp. We prepare our bags. Those who cannot walk hire a horse here. Elevation: 4,670m
We walk 12 km today. It takes about 6 hours. You get the best view of the North Face of Kailash. We sleep in a guesthouse. Elevation: 4,900m
We start early at 5 AM. We climb to Dolma La Pass. This is the highest point (5,630m). We walk down past Gauri Kund. We sleep at Zuthulpuk. Elevation: 4,760m
We walk 10 km to finish the trek. We drive to Hilsa. We fly by helicopter to Simikot, then by plane to Nepalgunj, then to Kathmandu. Elevation: 1,400m
We will drop you off at the airport for your flight home.
Yes. All pilgrims need a Chinese Group Visa. We handle the paperwork. You just need to bring your original passport to Kathmandu 3 days before the trip.
Bring Chinese Yuan (RMB) for Tibet. Indian Rupees and US Dollars are not accepted in small Tibetan towns. You can exchange money in Kathmandu.
Yes, but Google, Facebook, and WhatsApp are blocked in China. You need a roaming plan or a special SIM card. We can help you buy a SIM in Nepal.
We check your health daily. If you are sick, our guide will treat you. We have oxygen and Gamow bags. If it is serious, we will drive you down to a lower altitude immediately.
Yes. Our own cooks prepare fresh vegetarian meals. We do not eat at random local restaurants. The food is hygienic and safe.
Generally, pilgrims should be between 18 and 70 years old. If you are over 70, you need a medical certificate to prove you are fit.
This happens often due to weather. We will wait in Nepalgunj. If the delay is long, you pay for the extra hotel nights. We do our best to reschedule.
Yes. We use experienced pilots. The flight is short (20 minutes). We only fly when the weather is clear.
You can carry 15 kg total (Luggage + Handbag). This is a strict rule. Leave extra clothes in Kathmandu.
Yes. If you cannot walk, you can stay at Darchen. You will wait for the group to return. You still get good views of the mountain.
Yes. This event happens once every 12 years. The merit is 12 times greater. Pilgrims from all over the world will come. Hotels and buses will sell out. You must book 6 months in advance.
