Nepal Helicopter Service | Kathmandu, Nepal
Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet are among the holiest places for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bon followers. For many pilgrims from India, the journey goes through Nepal, and the quickest version of it includes a short helicopter flight across the far north-west of the country.
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Two ways to reach Kailash from Nepal
- Overland via Kerung: drive north from Kathmandu to the border at Kerung, then continue by road across Tibet. It is long but less dependent on flights.
- By air via Simikot and Hilsa: fly from Nepalgunj to Simikot in Humla, take a helicopter to Hilsa on the Tibetan border, then drive to Mansarovar. It is shorter on the road but depends heavily on the weather.
The Simikot–Hilsa route, step by step
- Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. A domestic flight to the plains of western Nepal.
- Nepalgunj to Simikot. A small plane over the hills to Simikot, the headquarters of Humla district.
- Simikot to Hilsa. A short helicopter hop up the Karnali valley to Hilsa, a tiny settlement on the border.
- Into Tibet. Cross the border and continue by road to Lake Mansarovar and Darchen, the starting point of the Kailash parikrama.
The parikrama around Kailash is about 52 km and usually takes three days on foot. Most packages via this route take around 10 to 12 days in total.
Documents for Indian pilgrims
After the arrangement between India and China, the yatra reopened to Indian passport holders, and operators report it is running in 2026. Typical requirements are:
- An Indian passport valid for at least six months
- A Chinese visa and Tibet permits, arranged through a registered tour operator
- In recent seasons, giving biometrics in person for the visa, so allow extra time
- Operators commonly accept pilgrims aged 18 to 70 who are physically fit
Rules for the yatra change from season to season, so check the current requirements with your tour operator before booking flights.
Why weather matters so much
The Nepalgunj–Simikot–Hilsa sectors are some of the most weather-dependent flights in Nepal. Cloud in the Karnali valley can hold both planes and helicopters for a day or more. If you take this route, build buffer days into your plan, both going and coming back, and avoid tight connections to international flights home.
Altitude on the yatra
Lake Mansarovar lies at about 4,590 metres, and the Drolma La pass on the Kailash parikrama is over 5,600 metres. This is serious altitude. Acclimatise slowly, talk to your doctor before you go, and make sure your travel insurance covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation. Our article on helicopter rescue and insurance explains what to look for.
How we can help
Nepal Helicopter Service arranges helicopter charters across western Nepal, including flights in the Humla and Karnali region. If your group needs a private helicopter for part of the journey, or you are planning a pilgrimage flight elsewhere in Nepal, see our helicopter charter service or ask us directly.
Quick answers
Can Indians do the Kailash Mansarovar yatra via Nepal in 2026?
Operators report that the yatra is open to Indian passport holders in 2026, with a Chinese visa arranged through a registered tour operator. Check the current rules before booking.
Where does the helicopter fly on the Kailash route?
From Simikot in Humla to Hilsa on the Tibetan border, after a small-plane flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot.
How long does the Kailash yatra via Simikot take?
Usually around 10 to 12 days, but weather delays on the Simikot and Hilsa flights are common, so plan buffer days.
Need a helicopter in western Nepal? Tell us your route and dates. WhatsApp +977 9818392976.
Kailash yatra rules depend on arrangements between India, China and Nepal and can change each season. This article reflects public information available in September 2026.
