Simikot and the Kailash route
In Nepali: सिमकोट र कैलाश मार्ग
Simikot, at about 2,900 m, has no road link to the rest of Nepal's highway network and depends on flights from Nepalgunj and Surkhet. It is the headquarters of Humla, a district of Thakuri, Chhetri and Buddhist Lama communities.
Every summer pilgrims fly in to trek along the Karnali for 4–6 days to Hilsa on the border, then cross into Tibet for the kora around Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. The trail via Yari and the Nara La passes stark, dramatic country.
What to see and do
In Simikot, walk up to the hilltop Shiva temple and the airstrip viewpoints, and visit nearby villages of Thakuri and Lama communities. The walk to Hilsa follows the Humla Karnali through Dharapori, Kermi (with hot springs), Yalbang (with Namkha Khyung Dzong monastery), Yari and over the Nara La.
Good to know
Beyond Simikot a restricted-area permit is required. Kailash tours also need Chinese permits arranged through an agency. Flights to Simikot are small and weather-dependent; allow buffer days. Food supplies in Humla are limited and prices are high.
Quick answers
- Where is Simikot and the Kailash route?
- Simikot and the Kailash route is in Humla district, Karnali Province, in the Himal belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Simikot and the Kailash route?
- About 2,910 m (9,548 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Simikot and the Kailash route?
- For a 10-day trip from Dhangadhi, about NPR 121,000 (≈ US$895) per person on a budget, or NPR 135,000 (≈ US$1,000) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food, permits, a guide and porter. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 48,000 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Simikot and the Kailash route?
- Plan 8 nights there for the trek; with travel from Dhangadhi and back, about 10 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Simikot and the Kailash route?
- Yes. Foreign visitors need a restricted-area permit of about US$50 per person per week, issued only through a licensed trekking agency.
- Do I need a guide for Simikot and the Kailash route?
- Yes. Restricted areas can only be visited with a licensed guide, in a group of at least two.
- When is the best time to visit Simikot and the Kailash route?
- May–October
- How do I get to Simikot and the Kailash route?
- Fly Nepalgunj–Simikot; restricted-area permit beyond Simikot. It is about 185 km (straight line) from Dhangadhi, and usually reached by flight.
- What is Simikot and the Kailash route called in Nepali?
- सिमकोट र कैलाश मार्ग
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