Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be received by our designated tour officer who will extend a warm welcome and facilitate your transfer to the hotel. Today, you will have leisure time to settle in. Later in the evening at 7:30 PM, we will convene for a concise briefing session regarding your tour, led by our tour manager. Dinner will be served thereafter, around 9:00 PM. Your accommodation for the night will be arranged in a hotel room equipped with twin beds and an attached bathroom for your comfort.

Day 2: Sightseeing Tour & Fly to Nepalgunj

In the morning, you will enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before we embark on a sightseeing tour, starting with the renowned Pashupatinath Temple and Budhanilkantha Temple, also known as the Jal Narayan Temple, which houses the revered sleeping Vishnu statue. Following the sightseeing tour, we will return to the hotel for lunch. Afterward, we will facilitate your transfer to the domestic airport for your onward journey to Nepalgunj via a domestic flight. Upon arrival in Nepalgunj, our representative will be waiting to greet you at the airport and escort you to Hotel Kalptaru or a similar accommodation. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure, allowing time for relaxation and for meeting with other group members who may have traveled directly to Nepalgunj from Lucknow. Your overnight stay will be arranged in a twin-sharing room with an attached bathroom for your comfort. The flight duration from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj is approximately one hour.

Day 3: Flight to Simikot by domestic aircraft & continue helicopter flight to Hilsa then drive to Purang / Taklakot (3700 m)

You will need to rise early in the morning, and breakfast will be served at the hotel before our tour manager facilitates your transfer to the airport for your flight to Simikot. Normally, flights commence around 6:00 AM, but the actual departure time depends on the prevailing weather conditions in both the Nepalgunj and Simikot regions. Occasionally, flights may experience delays of a few minutes to several hours, or even cancellations due to unforeseen adverse weather. In such instances, we kindly ask travelers for their patience and cooperation to ensure smooth operations. If a flight is canceled, arrangements will be made for an overnight stay in Nepalgunj, with attempts to reschedule for the following day.

Upon arrival in Simikot, our tour manager will assist you with immigration formalities before arranging a chartered helicopter to transport you to Hilsa, located at the Nepal border. In Hilsa, our local representative will oversee arrangements at a teahouse until all members of the group have landed, ensuring that earlier flight groups may need to wait briefly. Subsequently, you will be escorted to the Tibet border, with porters arranged to assist with luggage transportation. Occasionally, we may experience delays in Hilsa, even after the arrival of all groups, as we coordinate with the Tibetan side to ensure the readiness of guides, vehicles, permits, and military formalities. Once all logistics are in order, we will proceed to cross the border into Tibet and embark on a one-hour drive to Taklakot (Purang) from Sher (China border).

Your accommodation for the night will be arranged at Hotel Himalaya or a similar establishment, where rooms will be allocated on a triple-sharing basis with attached bathrooms. The flight duration from Nepalgunj to Simikot is approximately one hour, using Twin Otter or Dornier aircraft with 18 seats. The helicopter journey from Simikot to Hilsa typically takes around 15 minutes using a B2/B3 Eurocopter with 5 or 6 seats. Following this, a 15-minute trek is required from Hilsa to Sher, and finally, a one-hour bus ride covering a distance of 25 km will transport us from Sher to Taklakot.

Day 4: Acclimatization Day

Today will be dedicated to rest and acclimatization in Taklakot (Purang). It’s essential to allow your body to adjust to the altitude and climate of Tibet. You’re encouraged to engage in light walking around the Taklakot town, which will aid in acclimatization and ensure your well-being during the journey. Your overnight accommodation will be provided at Hotel Himalaya or a similar establishment, with triple-sharing rooms featuring attached bathrooms for your comfort.

Day 5: Drive, Purang to Lake Manasarovar (Chiu Gompa) – 4600 m

After an early morning breakfast, we’ll embark on our journey towards our ultimate destination, Lake Mansarovar (4560 m – Chui Gompa). Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Rakshas Taal (Lake Ravana) against the backdrop of the Holy Mount Kailash. Our vehicle will make a short stop at this picturesque spot for photography opportunities. Continuing our journey, we’ll pause at Lake Manasarovar, where you’ll have the opportunity for a holy dip and to pay homage to Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar in accordance with your religious customs.

For accommodation, we’ll be staying overnight at a guesthouse offering dormitory-style rooms, similar to Dharamshala, with shared Tibetan-style toilets. The distance from Taklakot to Lake Manasarovar is approximately 85 km and takes about 2 hours to travel. The total distance for the circumambulation of Lake Manasarovar is 72 km and usually takes around 3 hours to complete.

Day 6: Drive, Manasarovar to Yama Dwara Darshan then start trek to Diraphuk (4950 m)

Today, we’re up early again as we won’t be staying in Darchen; our journey continues for the Kailash Kora. After about an hour and a half of driving in the morning, we’ll reach Yama Dwar (or Sherson, at 4750m), marking the auspicious gateway to the Parikrama (circuit) around Mt. Kailash. Here, the group will have the best opportunity for a close view of Mt. Kailash and receive divine darshan.

At this juncture, the group splits into two parts: those proceeding ahead to attempt the Parikrama either on foot or via horseback, and those opting not to, who will return to Purang after Yama Dwar and Kailash darshan. Our guide will arrange transport for their return journey to Darchen, where they’ll wait for two days in Purang until the trekkers’ group returns. The group continuing the Parikrama will trek towards Diraphuk.

Today’s trekking trail is relatively easy and flat, with short gradual climbs, lasting about 5 hours and covering approximately 14 km on the first day. Upon reaching Diraphuk, our guide or Sherpa will assist in arranging accommodation at a guesthouse or tented lodge, providing basic dormitory-style rooms. Hot tea or coffee will be served in the rooms. Here, you’ll be blessed with the opportunity to witness the closest view of the North face of Mt. Kailash. Those who arrive early and are in good health may embark on a short hike of about 2 hours for Charan Sparsh of Mt. Kailash.

Your overnight stay will be at the guesthouse or tented lodge, offering basic accommodation. The distance from Lake Manasarovar to Darchen is approximately 40 km, requiring about an hour’s drive. From Darchen to Yam Dwar is 8 km, requiring a 30-minute drive, while the trek from Yama Dwar to Diraphuk covers 14 km and takes around 5 hours to complete.

Day 7: Trek to Zuthulphuk (4850 m) via Dolma La Pass (5600 m)

Today, we embark on our trek to Zuthulphuk, starting before dawn with an early breakfast. The uphill trek continues until we reach the challenging Dolma-la Pass (5600m), considered the toughest day of our trip. After descending from the pass, we’ll encounter the sacred Gauri Kunda, believed to have been bathed in by Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva, making its waters holy.

The downhill trails lead swiftly to the valley of Zuthulphuk, with flat terrain alongside the river. Accommodation for the night will be arranged at Zuthulphuk Monastery. The trek covers about 22 km and takes approximately 8 to 9 hours to complete.

Your overnight stay will be at the guesthouse, offering basic dormitory-style rooms. The trekking journey from Deraphuk to Zuthulphuk Gomba spans 22 km and typically takes 8 to 9 hours.

Day 8: Finish Trek near Darchen & Drive back to Purang and continue exit to Hilsa

Today, the trekkers (Parikrama) group will enjoy a flat and easy trek lasting about 2 hours. After breakfast, we’ll hike to the Darchen valley, covering approximately 11 km. Our vehicle will be waiting at the trek’s end to transport us to Purang, circling Lake Manasarovar along the way.

In Purang, we’ll have a quick lunch before heading to Sher, where all group members will gather. Our guide will handle immigration and military procedures until reaching the Sher border. Then, we’ll cross into Hilsa (Nepal Border) via a suspension bridge over the Karnali River.

Upon arrival in Hilsa, our representative will assist with accommodation in a local lodge and arrange meals.

Your overnight stay will be at a basic lodge with dormitory-style rooms. The trek from Zuthulphuk to the trek’s end spans 11 km over 2 hours. From the trek’s end to Purang is a 3-hour drive covering 145 km. The drive from Purang to Sher takes about 1 hour for 25 km. Finally, the trek from Sher to Hilsa is a brief 10-minute walk.

Day 9: Fly, Hilsa – Simikot (Heli) – Nepalgunj (fixed wing aircraft) – Kathmandu

After an early morning breakfast, you’ll need to be ready to fly back to Hilsa. The helicopter could arrive at any time in the morning depending on the weather. Our Hilsa representative will assist with boarding you and your luggage onto the helicopter, which will then transport you back to Simikot.

Upon arrival in Simikot, our tour manager or Simikot representative will guide you for the next flight to Nepalgunj according to the flight schedule. Upon reaching Nepalgunj, you will catch a connecting flight to kathmandu. The flight duration from Hilsa to Simikot is approximately 15 minutes by helicopter, while the flight from Simikot to Nepalgunj takes about 1 hour by aircraft and finally the flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu takes about 1 hour.

Upon arrival, we’ll check into the hotel and freshen up. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure, whether you choose to explore the city, go shopping, or simply relax and unwind.

Day 10: Departure

After breakfast, our tour officer will provide farewell assistance by transferring you to the International Airport for your flight home.

Inclusion

• Two nights hotel (5 star) on twin sharing in Kathmandu with vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
• One night hotel in Nepalgunj with vegetarian meals (twin sharing)
• One night lodge in Hilsa (basic dormitory room) with all meals
• Pick up & drop transfers in Kathmandu
• One half-day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
• Necessary arrival / departure transfers in Nepalgunj (very normal vehicle available here)
• Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu air ticket (fixed wing – Yeti Air OR Buddha Air)
• Nepalgunj – Simikot – Nepalgunj air ticket (fixed wing – Twin otter aircraft OR Dornier)
• Simikot – Hilsa – Simikot by Helicopter (only 5 OR 6 persons can be carried at a time with 12 kg weigh each incuding luggage & handbag)
• Domestic airport taxes (all sectors)
• Tibet group visa and travel/trekking permits
• Guesthouse in Tibet (for the entire journey) – except in Taklakot all places have dormitory Guesthouse with Tibetan common toilet
• All Indian vegetarian meals in Tibet (breakfast, lunch & dinner) while on the tour
• Transportation in Tibet by Luxury Bus or Jeep/Van
• Tour around Lake Manasarovar on vehicle
• English speaking Tibetan guide
• One tour Manager
• Necessary supporting crew (Cook, Sherpas from Nepal)
• All necessary Kitchen & camping equipments
• Yaks & Yak men during the Parikrama to carry foods and kitchen logistic.
• Oxygen for emergency use
• Medical kit bag / First Aid kit
• Humla region restricted area permit & royalties
• Porter cost in Hilsa (while going and coming back)
• Free gifts – Duffle Bag & Backpack Bag
• Complimentary use of Down Jackets if require (returnable after tour finished)
• All applicable taxes & service charges

Exclusion

• International air ticket to Kathmandu & return
• Nepal entry visa fee for NRIs
• Personal porter & riding Horse during the Parikrama
• Your travel insurance
• Insurance for emergency rescue & evacuation service
• Personal expenses
• Bottled Drinks
• Asthapad Darshan (Govt. prohibited this trip if permitted can arrange on additional cost)
• Tips for leader, guide, service staff & driver.
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu in case of early arrival from Kailash.
• Extra night charges for accommodation & meals in Nepalgunj, Simikot and Hilsa due to flight cancellation
• Any additional cost due to natural calamity and unforeseen circumstance.