Mt.Kailash Helicopter Tour -15 Days

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)

Upon arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you need to accomplish your entry/visa formalities. You will then be received by a representative from Marron Treks and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. Welcome drinks will be served, followed by a quick pre-trip meeting. You can then spend the remaining time resting. In the evening may stroll around the vicinity of your hotel just to get the feel of this flamboyant capital of Nepal. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.

Day 02: Kathmandu city sightseeing (1400m)

After breakfast, hop in to our private tourist vehicle and head off for a guided tour to the renowned historical and cultural landmarks of Kathmandu, in the accompaniment of an experienced city guide. You will be visiting the sites like - Pashupatinath Temple (the most revered Hindu shrine), Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and Kathmandu (Basantapur) Durbar Square. All these sites have been listed in the UNESCO world cultural heritage list. After the entertaining and informative tour, you willl be driven back to the hotel.  The remaining time can be spent either resting or doing some travel shopping at Thamel. Our guide will help you identify the genuine shopping outlets or you can opt to be on your own. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.

Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m/50min)

After breakfast, you will be driven to the domestic wing of the Kathmandu Airport. About an hour’s flight would take you to Nepalgunj, the western region hub of Nepal, which borders the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh to the South. As we don’t have a connecting flight to Juphal, from where our trek commences, it gives us the opportunity to explore this hot and humid terra firma. The city center, Dhamboji, happens to be the business hub, dotted with plethora of hotels and shops. Hindu as well as Muslim culture influence the town. Bageshwori temple and Muslim market are also worth visiting. Overnight at hotel in Nepalgunj; breakfast included.




Day 04: Flight from Nepalgunj  to Simikot (2870m/1hr)

We are going to be aerial for most part of this trip. Gobbling up an early breakfast, we drive to the Nepalgunj airport to board on a flight to Simikot. After about an hour, we land at the Simikot airport. Simikot is the administrative hub of Karnali zone of Nepal. Landing at Simikot, we will actually have gained quite a bit of an altitude. So today, we just go for a gentle acclimatization hike around the vicinity of this picturesque town. In the days ahead, we will be attaining even higher elevations, so it is always better if we get used to the thinnig air. Overnight at hotel in Simikot; breakfast included.

Day 05: Fly from Simikot to Hilsa by helicopter (3720m/20min); take a 15 minutes' walk across the border and drive to Taklakot (3900m/2 hrs)

Let's gear up for the big day! We savor a succulent breakfast at our hotel in Simikot, simultaneously relishing some of the most jaw dropping views of the surrounding mountains. After sometime, we hear the sound of a chopper thumping close to us. Well, it is inviting us to be on board. With unprecedented zeal, we get in to this fantastic fly machine and hit the sky with a loud rattle. About 20 minutes of pulsating flight, gets us to the helipad at Hilsa. Located in the northwestern fraction of Nepal, Hilsa is small town in the Karnali Zone, bordering the autonomous region of Tibet.  From the helipad, we take a quick 15 minutes' walk across the border and then head on for a comfy drive to Taklakot, which takes about a couple of hours. Taklakot, also known as "Purang", is actually the first transit point in Tibet for the pilgrims heading towards Mt. Kailash. Our custom formalities are accomplished here and if need be, we can exchange the currency. Overnight at hotel in Taklakot; breakfast included.

Day 06: Drive from Taklakot to Manasarovar (4558m/3hrs)

The day begins with a drive to Manasarovar, one of the holiest places in Tibet. On reaching Manasarovar, we check in to one of the guesthouses and then rest for some time. We can then circumambulate the holy Manasarovar Lake. The turquoise freshwater and the stunning backdrop of Mt. Kailash, Mt. Gurula Mandela and Rashekshi Lake, make the environ absolutely heavenly. In the evening, we may partake in "Havan (fire sacrifice)", one of the most significant rituals observed in Manasarovar. It is believed that offering all our vices to the "fire god" makes us immaculate. Well, we are at one of the most pious places in Tibet, so why not sanctify ourselves! Overnight at guesthouse in Manasarovar; breakfast included.

 

Day 07: Get engrossed in some spiritual activities at Manasarovar and drive to Darchen/Tarchen (4565m / 5 hrs)

Before we drive to Tarchen (Darchen), we can readily indulge ourselves in some spiritual activities at Manasarovar. Taking a holy dip in the lake and performing a pooja of the supreme Hindu deity, "Lord Shiva" are definitely on the cards (depends upon your health condition). You can also opt for a Manasarovar Parikrama (circumambulation) by yak/horse ride (incurs additional cost), or alternatively do the same by our private Land Cruiser as we drive to Tarchen. After this spiritual indulgence in Manasarovar, we hit the road once again. Upon arrival at Tarchen, the mode of accommodation is switched to camp. Overnight at tent in Tarchen; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Note: An excursion to Ashtapad Mountain can be availed at extra cost.

Day 08:  Drive from Tarchen to Yam Dwar (Serson)- 45 minutes; trek from Yam Dwar to Dirapuk (5000m/7 hrs)

Post breakfast, we set off for a short 10 kms' drive to Yam Dwar, also known as Serson. After several days on the wheels, we are finally about to do some trekking. From Yam Dwar, we saunter towards Dirapuk. Our luggage and camping equipments will be transported by Yaks. The march continues along the rocky terrain, under the canopy of a crystal clear blue sky, witnessing some splendid waterfalls en route. The sight of Mt. Kailash is intermittent. Mind you, we are actually walking on the routes where once Lord Shiva is believed to have walked, so it is quite natural to feel blessed and ecstatic. This 18 kilometers' journey could very much test your physical aptitude. But believing on our enthusiastic eyes more than on our tired legs, we finally arrive at Dirapuk, the north face of Mt. Kailash. Overnight at tent in Dirapuk; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

 

Day 09: Trek from Dirapuk to Zuthul Puk (4760 m) via Drolma La Pass (5757m / 6-7hrs); visit Shivasthal, Parvatisthal and Gauri Kund en route 

Let's gear up for the toughest part of this pilgrimage tour-trek combo. We start off a bit early, because crossing the Drolma La Pass could be jeopardized due to adverse weather conditions as the day progresses. We gradually trudge up the pass. On our way to the pass, we visit the "Shivasthal", a place believed to be the abode of "Yama- the Lord of Death". There is a belief that once we enter the Shivasthal, we are dead, and actually guided by Yamaraj on our journey ahead to the pass; we revive only after crossing the Drolma La. This means that all our sins are sanctified while we walk in the premises of Shivasthal and we get a new immaculate life once we arrive at the pass. Sounds strange, doesn't it? The feel of being at the top of the pass is indeed so  very thrilling, as it caters us the spellbinding ambience of the arid Tibetan landscapes amidst the fluttering prayer flags. You can get engrossed in some medidation and also make some holy offerings. The offerings could be anything as simple as your favorite clothes, caps etc. to as dreadful as a drip of your blood!!
From the top of the pass, we make a meticulous descent towards the valley floor on on the other side of Dromla La. En route, we also pay a visit to the Parvatisthal and Gauri Kund. By late afternoon, we arrive at Zuthul Puk (the cave of Miracles). The great ascetic, "Milerappa", is believed to have performed flabbergasting miracles here. Overnight at tented camp in Zuthul Puk; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 10: End of Kailash Parikrama; walk from Zuthul Puk to the "trek end point" near Tarchen (11kms / 3 - 4 hrs ) and drive to Manasarovar (4558m/1 .5 hrs)

Let's offer our gratitude to Lord Shiva for keeping us hale and hearty throughout the trip. On this last day of the "Parikrama", we take an easy walk towards the trek end point in the vicinity of Tarchen, where we find our sturdy Land Cruiser waiting for us. The drive for about one and half hours brings us to Manasarovar. We will have some free time and can spend it exploring the places nearby or simply circumambulating the holy lake. Overnight at guesthouse in Manasarovar; breakfast included.



Day 11: Drive from  Manasarovar to Saga (4450m/10-12 hrs)

Capturing the pious sights of Mt Kailash and Manasarovar Lake for the last time, we get on wheels for the longest return leg of the journey back to Saga. Overnight at hotel in Saga; breakfast included.

Day 12: Drive from Saga to Nyalam (3750m/6-7 hrs)

Back to back long journeys on the wheels could be hectic and monotonous. But you never know when your next visit to Tibet is going to be, so this return leg, we hungrily shower our glances on all the important landmarks we witness en route! Overnight at guesthouse in Nyalam; breakfast included.

 

Day 13: Drive from Nyalam to Kathmandu (1400m/7hrs)

After breakfast, we drive to Zhangmu and then towards the Friendship Bridge. Our Nepal plated tourist coach or car (depending upon the group size) will be waiting for us. We accomplish our custom formalities and drive back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. You can spend the remaining time resting.  Since you have gotten back from a long tiring trip, so you would probably want to flex your muscles a bit and get groomed. You have an extra day at Kathmandu tomorrow. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.
 

Day 14: Free Day in Kathmandu  

A free day in Kathmandu to fulfill anything that you missed out spotting in this energetic capital of Nepal. You can indulge yourself in shopping or strolling around some of the cultural and historical landmarks of Kathmandu. Thamel is your hot spot for shopping, where you can haul all the souvenirs representing Nepal and its culture. May be that in addition to your interesting trip anecdotes, you would also want to take back some mementos for your friends and relatives back home.
In the evening, Marron Treks will host a farewell dinner program; a full fledged Nepali fiesta, featuring a range of traditional Nepali cuisines and a live cultural show. Savor the Nepali cookeries while you tap your feet on the peppy folk numbers, being streamed live in front of you. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast and dinner included.



Day 15: Final departure

A representative from Marron Treks will escort you to the Tribhuwan International Airport, three hours prior to your flight schedule. Goobyes are not forever, goodbyes are not the end, they just mean we will miss you, till we meet again! Have a safe flight back home and we look forward to being your travel companion in Nepal again!
Trips can always be extended. You can try out some of our other exciting packages like  Bungy Jumping, Mountain Biking, Jungle Safari, White Water Rafting, Golfing & Paragliding etc. Please let us know about your desire for trip extension so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

  Important  Snippets  

The itinerary prescribed above is the standard template of the trip plan offered by Marron Treks which can be readily customized to match the guests’ preferences. However, the guests are expected to understand that the execution of the trip plan might be circumvented by an array of uncontrollable factors like bad weather, political turmoil, strikes, blockades and other unforeseen contingencies. Under such abnormal circumstances, the trip plans might undergo slight or sharp alterations, taking into consideration the best interest of the clients. Wherever the changes are made, Marron Treks cannot be held responsible for the consequences. Nevertheless, we shall endeavor our level best to make sure that the trip is carried out with respect to the original trip specifics.

For some reason (illness, high altitude sickness or any other personal reason), if the guests need to abandon the trip and return early, they are still liable to pay all the relevant trip expenses in full (like group visa charges, accommodation, transportation etc.), including the medical expenses incurred en route. There shall not be any refund or cost adjustment, because the Chinese Government does not have any refund policy for the trips that are booked.

Accommodation

During Mt.Kailash Helicopter Tour we opt you accommodate in 3 star or 5 star hotels like Hotel Royal Singhi (3 star), Hotel Manaslu (3 star), Radisson (5 star), Yak & Yeti (5 star) or similar in Kathmandu City.

While you are in Tibet, we arrange 3-4 star Standard Hotel to the local budget hotels as per your requirement.

But when we are in other towns like Nepalgunj, Simikot etc. there are 2-3 star hotel one at each towns charging US$ 45 to 65 per night for double room . If you wish to skip these hotels there are no other choices but to stay in local BUDGET guest house, local lodges etc which you may not find as to your expectation.

The facilities of camping tents are provided during Darchen–Tarboche & Trek to Dirapuk including mattress, warm inner sheet, comfortable pillow and sleeping bag.

Meals

We ensure that the food served during the trek is healthy. Generally, we opt for fresh local community food of Tibet such as Tsampa(staple food of Tibet), Buttered tea, Meat and other Tibetian food. This gives you a real sense of the culture and life patterns of the local people, simultaneously providing you the opportunity to boost the sales of the local products. Other than that a wide range of Continental, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisine like Pizza, Spaghetti, French Fries, Soups, Breads etc are also available for your retreat.

Best Months

May to September is considered to be the best months for Mt.Kailash Helicopter Tour

Our Guides

Guides play the most significant role in trekking. Marron Treks has literate, experienced and helpful trekking guides who are multilingual speakers and are very well versed to the culture, language, location and every single detail pertaining to Tibet. Hence your trek becomes informative as well as entertaining.

Travel Insurance

It is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure that your insurance covers you for both medical as well as evacuation costs. Having a travel insurance with you makes you trip safe and hassle free.

To Enter Tibet

There are two common routes for entering Tibet. They are as follows:

1. Kathmandu to Lhasa by flight

2. Kathmandu to Kodari by road.

Obtaining Visa

It is mandatory for all the foreigners to have a valid Chinese visa along with the three different permits viz. Tibet Tourism Bereau (TTB) Permit, Alien’s Travel Permit which is issued by the Police Security Bereau(PSB) , and the Military Permit. These permits give you hassle free access to the unopened areas of Tibet. We do not want you to get into the rigmaroles of obtaining these all by yourself. So, after the confirmation of your tour, you need to send us your passport details (Name, Date of Birth, Sex, Nationality, Passport Number and Occupation). We will commence the documentation for your visa and permits processing instantly. Upon your arrival to Nepal, you will be granted the visa as well as the permits.

For more queries, Visit our  FAQ section or contact us directly at   marketing@marrontreks.com

Starting Price: USD XXXX (On request) on twin sharing accommodation basis.

For other special requirements or bigger group deals, kindly mail us directly at: marketing@marrontreks.com

Cost Includes

• Airport pick up and drop services in Kathmandu by private transportation.
• Guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city.
• All ground transportation in Nepal and Tibet with respect to the itinerary.
• All applicable domestic airfare within Nepal as stipulated in the itinerary.
• Cost of chartering a helicopter (Simikot to Hilsa and vice-versa).
• Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, Simikot & Taklakot on "BB" basis as depicted in the itinerary.
• Camp accommodation throughout the stay in Tibet on "full board" basis.
• Tibet visa fee $ 150.00 for US Citizens and $130.00 for other nationals.
• Entrance and monumental fees during the sightseeing in Nepal & Tibet as prescribed in the itinerary.
• Yaks and yak riders for transporting tent equipments and rations during the circumambulation (Kora) of Manasarovar in Tibet.
• Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) and oxygen cylinders for emergency uses while in Tibet.
• All applicable tourist fees, conservation fees & local permit fees necessary for tour.
• Company’s t-shirt, cap and a day pack (provided as complimentary gears).
• Remuneration to the English speaking city guide for sightseeing in Kathmandu and Tibet.
• Remuneration to the accompanying guide, Kitchen staffs and helpers throughout the trip.
• A comprehensive medical kit (will be carried by the guide).
• Personal insurance for crew members.
• All government and local taxes.
• Farewell dinner with live Nepalese cultural program.

Cost Excludes

• International airfare (Kathmandu to home country) and departure taxes.
• Personal travel insurance.
• Emergency rescue evacuation (to be covered by the client's travel insurance).
• Nepal entry visa fee – Visa can be obtained upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days costs US $ 25 or equivalent foreign currency, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days and 90 days costs US $40 and $ 100 respectively. You will need a valid passport and 2 copies of your recent PP sized photos).
• Personal insurance and other expenses of personal nature (phone calls, laundry, bottled water etc.).
• Bar bills, alcoholic drinks & beverages.
• Lunch and dinner expenses.
• Personal clothing and equipments.
• Tips for tour guides, driver, kitchen staffs, helpers and hotel lobby staff (Tipping is expected but not mandatory).
• In case if horses are required during the "Kora", the clients should notify the guide accordingly; the pony fare will have to be borne by the clients themselves on the spot.
• Cost incurred due to the addition of extra days or change in the real course of the itinerary because of bad weather conditions, political turmoil or any other unforeseen contingencies.
• Other expenses not mentioned in the “Cost Includes” section above.

Departure Date

Unfortunately, we do not have fixed departure dates for this package. Please let us know your preferred travel schedule. We shall endeavor our best to make sure that the trip is organized in tandem with your suitable time frame.