Adi Kailash & Om Parvat Yatra
Region
Uttarakhand India
Duration
6 Days
Max Altitude
14,500 ft.
Trekking ( Km)
5 KM
Grade
Easy
Overview of Adi Kailash & Om Parvat
Adi Kailash and Om Parvat are two of the most sacred and enigmatic destinations in the Himalayas. They are revered for their spiritual aura, natural beauty, and connection to Hindu mythology. Located in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district near the Indo-Tibetan border, these sites offer a unique blend of pilgrimage and adventure, attracting devotees and trekkers alike.
Why Visit Adi Kailash & Om Parvat?
- Spiritual Benefits: Believed to cleanse sins and grant divine blessings.
- Adventure: Moderate-to-challenging trek through remote Himalayan trails.
- Cultural Experience: Interact with Bhotia tribes and learn their traditions.
- Affordable: Cheaper alternative to Tibet’s Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Adi Kailash (Chhota Kailash)
Elevation: 6,191 meters
Significance:
- Called the “Younger Brother of Mount Kailash” (Tibet) due to its striking pyramidal shape.
- Believed to be the winter abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
- Hosts the sacred Parvati Sarovar, a glacial lake at its base.
Key Features:
- Parikrama (Circumambulation): A 14 km trek around the mountain, considered highly auspicious.
- Mythological Link: Associated with the Pandavas from the Mahabharata.
- Temple: Ancient Shiva temple at Jolingkong, en route to the peak.
Om Parvat
- Named after the natural OM symbol formed by snow deposition on its black rock face.
- Visible only during specific months (May–June and September–October).
- Considered a divine manifestation of Lord Shiva’s cosmic energy.
Geographical
- Location:
- Adi Kailash: Near the Nepal border in the Kumaon Himalayas.
- Om Parvat: Visible from Gunji and Kutti villages during the trek to Adi Kailash.
- Nearest Town: Dharchula (base camp for the yatra).
- Permits: Inner Line Permit is required for Indians, and Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required for foreigners.
How to Reach Adi Kailash & Om Parvat?
Route:
- Delhi/Kathgodam → Dharchula (500 km/12-hour drive).
- Dharchula → Tawaghat → Gala → Budhi → Gunji → Adi Kailash (trek).
- Om Parvat is visible en route near Kutti village.
Transport Options:
- Trekking: 6–8 days round trip from Dharchula.
- Helicopter: Limited services available from Pithoragarh or Dharchula (subject to weather).
Key Attractions
- Parvati Sarovar: Sacred lake reflecting Adi Kailash’s peak.
- Narayan Ashram: A 1936 spiritual retreat en route.
- Kutti Village: Closest viewpoint for Om Parvat’s OM symbol.
- Kali River: Forms the Indo-Nepal border, crossed during the trek.
Best Time to Visit
- May–June:
- Clear skies, blooming rhododendrons, and moderate temperatures (10°C–20°C).
- Ideal for photography and parikrama.
- September–October:
- Post-monsoon freshness, vibrant landscapes, and fewer crowds.
- Temperatures: 5°C–15°C.
- Avoid July–August due to landslides and heavy rains.
Adi Kailash & Om Parvat Itinerary:
A Detailed Day-by-Day Guide Perfect for May, June, September & October Trips – Includes Routes, Altitudes & Pro Tips
Day 1: Kathgodam to Pithoragarh
Altitude: 1,585 m / 5,200 ft
Driving Distance: 200 km
Driving Time: 7-8 hrs
Route: Via Jageshwar Dham (stop for darshan at ancient Shiva temple)
Highlights:
- Scenic drive through Kumaon hills.
- Visit Jageshwar Temple Complex en route.
- Overnight stay in Pithoragarh.
Pro Tip: Start early to avoid fog in winter months.
Day 2: Pithoragarh → Dharchula → Gunji/Nabi
Altitude (Dharchula): 915 m / 3,000 ft
Altitude (Gunji/Nabi): 3,200 m / 10,500 ft
Driving Distance: 170 km | 7-8 hrs
Route:
- Drive along Kali River (Indo-Nepal border).
- Permit Stop: Collect Inner Line Permits at SDM Office, Dharchula.
- Ascend to Gunji/Nabi via Lipulekh Pass route.
Note: Pack motion sickness tablets for winding roads.
Day 3: Gunji/Nabi → Nabidhang (Acclimatization Day)
Altitude (Nabidhang): 4,300 m / 14,100 ft
Driving Distance (One Way): 25 km | 2-3 hrs
Activities:
- Test drive to Nabidhang for altitude acclimatization.
- Explore nearby valleys and interact with Bhotia tribes.
- Return to Gunji/Nabi for overnight stay.
Road Condition: Rocky terrain – 4×4 vehicles recommended.
Day 4: Gunji/Nabi → Jolingkong (Adi Kailash Base) → Parvati Kund
Altitude (Jolingkong): 4,420 m / 14,500 ft
Route Breakdown:
- Gunji → Kuti: 1 hr drive
- Kuti → Jolingkong: 15 km | 1 hr drive
- Jolingkong → Parvati Kund: 500 m trek
- Optional: Trek to Gauri Kund (2 km | 1 hr one way)
Key Highlights:
- Darshan at Adi Kailash Shiva Temple (Jolingkong).
- Visit Bheem ki Kheti (mythological farm site).
- Meditate at Parvati Sarovar (sacred glacial lake).
Note: Carry oxygen cans for high-altitude trekking.
Day 5: Gunji/Nabi → Chaukori
Driving Distance: 180 km | 7-8 hrs
Route: Descend through Jauljibi and Berinag
Highlights:
- Sunset views of Panchachuli Peaks from Chaukori.
- Stay in a Himalayan-view cottage.
Pro Tip: Try local Kumaoni cuisine (Bhatt ki Churkani).
Day 6: Chaukori → Kathgodam via Patal Bhuvaneshwar
Driving Distance: 230 km | 8-9 hrs
Route:
- Morning visit to Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple (limestone cave shrine).
- Drive through Almora and Bhimtal.
Note: Allocate 1-2 hours for Patal Bhuvaneshwar exploration.
Important Notes for the Itinerary
- Buffer Day: Add 1-2 extra days for weather delays or altitude sickness.
- Permits:
- Indian nationals: Inner Line Permit from SDM Dharchula.
- Foreigners: Protected Area Permit (PAP) from Delhi.
- ID Proofs: Carry 2 copies of Aadhar Card/Passport + 4 passport-size photos.
- Road Conditions: Expect rough patches between Dharchula and Gunji.
- Altitude Care:
- Stay hydrated.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Use Diamox after consulting your doctor.
Travel Tips
- Fitness: Prepare with cardio exercises; the trek involves altitudes up to 4,500 meters.
- Packing:
- Warm layers, trekking shoes, raincoat, sunscreen.
- Dry snacks, reusable water bottles, and basic medicines.
- Stay: Campsites and basic guesthouses along the route.
- Connectivity: Limited mobile network; BSNL works intermittently.
FAQs
No, Adi Kailash is in Uttarakhand, while Mount Kailash is in Tibet.
Yes, with proper acclimatization and guided support. Helicopter options are available for those unable to trek.
Yes, Indians need Inner Line Permits from SDM Dharchula; foreigners require PAP from Delhi.
The naturally occurring, permanent OM symbol on its face—considered a divine phenomenon
Conclusion
Adi Kailash and Om Parvat offer a rare combination of spiritual awakening and Himalayan adventure. Whether you’re drawn by faith or the call of the mountains, this journey promises breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersion, and a profound connection with nature. Plan your trip during May–June or September–October for the best experience, and let the Himalayas transform your soul! 🏔️✨