Why Choose the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter?
Undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is considered a spiritually fulfilling journey in Hinduism,Buddhism and Jainism. Yet, the terrain and thin air at altitudes above 15,000 feet (4,500 m) make it challenging for elderly pilgrims and those with limited travel time.
The helicopter route from Lucknow makes it easier as it cuts down the travel time drastically while maintaining the essence of this journey.
Pilgrims first fly from Lucknow to Nepalgunj (150 m), a border town in Nepal, followed by a flight to Simikot (2,910 m) and then by helicopter to Hilsa (3,640 m) near the Nepal-China border. From there, short drives take travelers to Taklakot (4,752 m), Lake Mansarovar, and finally the Mount Kailash Parikrama point.
This route not only saves time but also provides aerial and scenic views of the Himalayas.
Let's look at the duration and highlights
Typically, the Kailash Yatra by helicopter from Lucknow lasts about 9 days which combines air travel, short drives and halts which allows you to get used to the climate.
Key highlights include:
- Holy dip in Lake Mansarovar: The waters are believed to cleanse one’s sins and purify the soul.
- Mount Kailash Parikrama: A 3-day circling around the mountain, reaching altitudes up to 19,500 feet (5,943 m) at Dolma La Pass (the highest point of the journey.)
Best Time to Visit
The helicopter Yatra usually operates from May to September, when the weather is relatively stable and mountain passes are open. The skies remain clear, offering beautiful views of Mount Kailash’s snow covered peak, and the temperature stays between 5°C to 20°C at most halts.
There are some lesser known facts to this place, let's have a look :
- No one has ever climbed Mount Kailash successfully. Climbers report that their equipment fails and time seems distorted near the summit.
- The mountain’s symmetrical shape resembles a pyramid, leading some scientists to call it “nature’s greatest monument.”
- The Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra and Karnali (a tributary of the Ganges) all originate near Kailash,which symbolizes the origin of life.
Latest Updates (so you don't miss out what's going around)
As of 2025, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by helicopter from Lucknow continues to be operated via Nepalgunj-Simikot-Hilsa route, since the Lipulekh and Nathu La routes have limited accessibility.
Tour operators now offer oxygen support, portable health kits, and acclimatization stays for better comfort and safety.
So to conclude ,for those seeking to blend spiritual awakening with modern convenience, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by helicopter from Lucknow is a blessing. It allows you to experience the divine aura of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar without taking long, difficult treks,making the pilgrimage accessible to all age groups.
Whether you go for faith, fascination or peace, the journey promises something far deeper a connection with the universe itself.
“You don’t climb Kailash to conquer it; you circle it to surrender to its power.”
Altitudes Summary
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra begins at Lucknow (123 m) and gradually goes up through Nepalgunj (150 m) and Simikot (2,910 m). From there, pilgrims cross the Nepal-China border at Hilsa (3,640 m) and continue to Taklakot (4,752 m) for acclimatization. The journey reaches its spiritual highlight at Lake Mansarovar (4,590 m), where devotees take a holy dip and conclude at the Dolma La Pass (5,943 m) which is the highest and most challenging point of the parikrama.