Kailash Yatra by Helicopter: What the Journey Is Really Like

Kailash Yatra by Helicopter: What the Journey Is Really Like

Kailash Yatra by helicopter looks like the simplest way to reach Mount Kailash from Nepal. Actually, though, the helicopter changes only a part of your journey. The issues of high altitude, border procedures, weather road conditions, and physical stamina needed to do the Kailash Parikrama remain.

From Holy Kailash Tours' point of view, we think that the helicopter route is a good option for travelers who would like to get rid of the long overland travel but, at the same time, keep the pilgrimage as a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

The Helicopter Does Not Take You to Mount Kailash 

One significant mistake in understanding is that the helicopter doesn't actually go straight away to Mount Kailash.

The helicopter ride from the Nepal side actually brings you to the Nepal-Tibet border region. From here the traveler is supposed to complete the immigration and China-Tibet entry process before going by road towards Purang and Mount Kailash.

This difference is significant to the way of comparison between a helicopter flight and a land yatra to Kailash.

Why Travellers Go for the Helicopter Ride

The most significant benefit is time and reduction of driving over the roads in Nepal.

Instead of spending several days driving through mountain roads, the helicopter section can cut a big part of the journey.

Older travellers, families, and pilgrims who want to avoid driving the western part of Nepal for long may find this option very helpful. The main issue is the altitude, which helicopter travel can't eliminate completely. When you cross into Tibet, high altitude becomes the key problem.

The First Big Challenge Is getting used to the altitude

Purang is a lot higher than Kathmandu. Your body will need some time to become used to this change.

People always think that because they got their luggage and gear and everything up to the place, the actual start will come right away. No! High-altitude travel is not supposed to be like that.

A great route plan should consist of a few days of acclimating yourself before you even get to the hardest part of the Kailash circuit. At Holy Kailash Tours company, we actually believe that these 'preparatory days' are also holy and part of the trip rather than simply 'dead' travel time.

Lake Mansarovar Changes the Race of the Journey

Mansarovar Lake is not only another scenic place to visit, but it is also one of the emotional peaks of the pilgrimage for many devotees, the place of their feet touching the shore of this holy water.

There is a large, quiet expanse surrounding you when you get there. The atmosphere is rarefied and thin like cotton candy. In this environment, Mount Kailash begins to seem much nearer.

People often stay around the lake based on the allowed schedule and local conditions before moving on to Darchen, the base for the parikrama—circumambulation—of Kailash.

The Parikrama is Not Easier; You Still Need to be Strong

Here is a practical note for travellers.

Helicopters can reduce the travel by road but cannot complete the Kailash Parikrama around it. You must continue to be physically strong in places where you get to walk, mainly around Dolma La Pass.

Parikrama is at its peak around the mark of 5,630 meters. A combination of extreme cold, strong wind, high altitude, and rough ground might stretch your stamina so that just a few kilometres can seem longer than ever.

Dolma La, The Day to Be Admired 

Crossing Dolma La will be for most pilgrims the most difficult part of the whole Yatra.

The ascent is steep in some places, and due to different altitudes, not all people will be equally affected. Those on one side will walk at a slow and easy pace, while those on the other side will then again have to take frequent rests.

Rushing will hardly give you a prize, and the best way is to hike at the pace your physical constitution will permit, take drinking breaks regularly, keep yourself warm, and stick to the directives your guide is giving!

The weather can change everything at the last minute.

Kailash is a remote mountainous area. The snowfall at higher elevations may disrupt transport and communication, mainly helicopter tours and border crossings by vehicles, etc.

In other words, even a well-known plan is just the blueprint.

Tour agencies ought to leave some space in their plans for contingencies and avoid unnecessary anxiety for the tourists.

Who Should Go on a Heli Yatra to Kailash?

This route is the best for those who want to avoid long car or bus drives from Kathmandu through Nepal and take a fast and direct way to reach the Tibet border.

This kind of travel also benefits those who are joining a group from Kathmandu and are looking for an organized tour that includes travel by air and land, hotel permits, and guiding services all sorted for them one after the other.

Choosing the Right Travel Operator Makes a Difference

Going on a Kailash Yatra is not just about arranging travel. Border coordination permits, arrangements in and around Tibet, accommodation, guides, and the daily movement of the party all have to be done together.

At Holy Kailash Tours, we are very focused on handling these practical aspects from Nepal so that the tourists can get maximum benefits out of the pilgrimage.

The most critical question is not simply "am I allowed to travel by helicopter from Nepal?" but whether your entire itinerary reflects a realistic plan based on the altitude, border procedures, weather, and Parikrama.

Still, it is Kailash that makes the journey worth it.

The helicopter is only a part of the way.

Actually, the most interesting part happens as the area changes from noisy to quiet, the air starts to get thin, and Mount Kailash slowly reveals its beauty on top of the Tibetan plateau. In your eyes, you are getting a very unusual and unique view at the same time.

A helicopter Mount Kailash pilgrimage would be a very good way to visit one of the Himalayas' most holy pilgrimage spots and, at the same time, save the most beautiful parts of the journey for when one is physically prepared and fully understands the situation of going up to very high altitude.