How Many Days Does the Simikot Hilsa Kailash Route Take From Kathmandu?

hurtigt svar

The Simikot Hilsa Kailash route takes 18 to 24 days from Kathmandu, including 4 days of flights and acclimatisation at Simikot, 6 to 8 days of trekking to Hilsa, 3 days of Kailash parikrama, and 5 to 7 days of return transport. The route crosses the 4,600 m Nara Lagna pass and costs USD 4,500 to USD 7,500 per person. Allow 2 to 3 buffer days for weather.

Detaljeret opdeling

Day 1 is a Nepalgunj flight from Kathmandu. Day 2 is a Simikot flight at 2,950 m with 2 acclimatisation days. Day 4 to 9 trek from Simikot to Hilsa via Majgaon, Yalbang, Muchu, and Yari, crossing the Nara Lagna pass at 4,600 m on day 8. Day 9 enters Tibet at Purang. Day 10 to 12 drive to Lake Manasarovar and Darchen.

Day 13 to 15 is the 3 day Kailash parikrama via Dira Phuk at 5,210 m and Zutul Phuk at 4,790 m, crossing the 5,638 m Drolma La pass. Day 16 to 24 are return transport to Kathmandu via Hilsa, Simikot, and Nepalgunj. Day stages run 5 to 8 hours on dirt and glacial terrain.

Omkostning/komponentopdeling

Hvad påvirker svaret

Acclimatisation is the biggest factor. The route climbs from 2,950 m at Simikot to 5,638 m at the Drolma La in 14 days. Skipping the 2 Simikot acclimatisation days triggers altitude sickness in 20 to 30 percent of trekkers. Weather is the second factor. Simikot flights cancel 25 to 40 percent of the time in October because of cloud cover, adding 1 to 3 buffer days.

Chinese border closure is the third factor. The Hilsa border closes 2 to 4 weeks each year for Tibetan New Year in February and political anniversaries. Group size is the fourth factor. A 6 person group pays USD 5,000 per person, while a 2 person group pays USD 7,500.

Bookingtips

Book through a Kathmandu agency 8 to 12 weeks ahead because Chinese Tibet permits take 3 to 4 weeks to process. Carry USD 500 to USD 800 in cash because no ATMs operate beyond Nepalgunj. Hire a guide with 5 or more Kailash trips because the Drolma La pass route is unmarked and snow covered in May and October. Pack a 4 season sleeping bag for the parikrama nights at 5,210 m and a satellite phone because mobile signal vanishes beyond Simikot.

Sammenligning med alternativer

The Lhasa to Kailash overland route takes 14 to 18 days via Lhasa, Shigatse, and Saga for USD 3,500 to USD 5,500. The Kodari to Kailash route takes 12 to 16 days via Friendship Bridge for USD 3,200 to USD 5,000. The Simikot Hilsa route takes 18 to 24 days for USD 4,500 to USD 7,500 and is the most acclimatisation friendly because the 6 day trek from Simikot to Hilsa builds altitude gradually.

Almindelige fejl at undgå

A common mistake is to book only 18 days without buffer. Simikot flight cancellations add 1 to 3 days and Chinese border delays add 1 to 2 days. A 21 day booking is safer. A second mistake is to skip the 2 Simikot acclimatisation days. Trekkers who fly straight to Yari get altitude sickness at 3,700 m. A third mistake is to attempt the Drolma La without proper gear. The 5,638 m pass sees 30 cm of snow in October and May.

FAQ

How many days does the Simikot Hilsa Kailash route take from Kathmandu? 18 to 24 days including 4 days of Kathmandu to Simikot flights and acclimatisation, 6 to 8 days of trekking, 3 days of Kailash parikrama, and 5 to 7 days of return transport. Allow 2 to 3 buffer days.

Hvornår er den bedste sæson? May to September for stable Tibetan weather and October for clear Himalayan views. Avoid November to April for snow on the Drolma La and June to August for monsoon rain on the Nepal side.

Do I need a Chinese visa? Yes. The Chinese Tibet permit costs USD 400 to USD 500 and takes 3 to 4 weeks to process. Book through a Kathmandu agency that handles Tibet travel because individual permit applications are not accepted.

Can I trek from Hilsa back to Simikot? Yes. The return trek crosses the Nara Lagna pass in 4 to 5 days, faster than the outward leg because of acclimatisation. Most groups fly from Hilsa to Simikot by helicopter at USD 2,500 to USD 3,500 per group.

oversigt

The Simikot Hilsa Kailash route takes 18 to 24 days from Kathmandu, crossing the 4,600 m Nara Lagna pass and the 5,638 m Drolma La, for USD 4,500 to USD 7,500 per person with 2 to 3 buffer days.

ende

Plan 21 to 24 days for the Simikot Hilsa Kailash route. Book 8 to 12 weeks ahead through a Kathmandu agency, carry USD 800 cash, and pack a 4 season sleeping bag for the 5,210 m parikrama nights.

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