The flight follows the Humla Karnali north through a deep gorge, past the villages of Kermi and Yalbang, with the Nara La pass to the right and the bare brown hills of the Tibetan plateau ahead. Hilsa, at roughly 3,700 m, is a cluster of buildings at the bridge where the Karnali enters Nepal from Tibet.
Helicopters carry fewer passengers at this altitude, typically four to five with limited baggage, so a group of twenty is moved in several shuttles through the morning. Flights stop when wind rises around midday, which is why groups are woken early and why weather can split a group over two days.
From Hilsa you cross the bridge to the Chinese border post and continue to Purang (Taklakot) by vehicle. Rules for Kailash, especially for Indian passport holders, are set by Chinese and Indian authorities and change from year to year; check current status before you travel. Anyone with serious heart or lung conditions, or who is pregnant, should take medical advice before flying to this altitude.
Good for
- Pilgrims
- Seniors
- Groups
Questions travellers ask
How long is the helicopter from Simikot to Hilsa?
About 25–30 minutes each way. Because helicopters carry only four or five people with baggage at this altitude, groups are flown in several shuttles over the morning. Flights stop once the wind picks up around midday, so a delayed start can push part of a group to the next day.
Is the Simikot–Hilsa helicopter safe?
It is a routine route flown by experienced mountain pilots throughout the Kailash season. Operators fly only in suitable weather and will hold flights for wind or cloud. The bigger health risk is altitude: Hilsa is around 3,700 m, so rest, drink water and tell your leader about headaches, dizziness or breathlessness.
Can I walk from Simikot to Hilsa instead?
Yes. The trek along the Karnali takes 5–6 days via Dharapori, Kermi, Yalbang, Tumkot and Yari, crossing Nara La at about 4,620 m before descending to Hilsa. It is a fine acclimatisation route and very quiet, but needs a restricted area permit, a licensed guide and camping or homestay support.
