ADI KAILASH AND OM PARVAT
Overview
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Located in the Kumaon Himalayas of Uttarakhand, near the Indo-Tibetan border.
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Sacred pilgrimage site associated with Lord Shiva and one of the Panch Kailash.
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Highlights include Adi Kailash, Om Parvat, Parvati Sarovar, and Kali River Valley.
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Passes through remote Himalayan villages and stunning high-altitude landscapes.
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Includes mostly road travel with short trekking sections.
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Reaches approximately 14,000–16,000 ft and takes around 7–9 days.
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Best season: May–June and September–October.
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Requires Inner Line Permits due to its border location.
About Trek
Adi Kailash, also called Chhota Kailash, is one of the sacred Panch Kailash peaks associated with Lord Shiva. It is located in the Kumaon Himalayas of Uttarakhand near the Indo-Tibetan border.
The journey combines spiritual significance, high-altitude Himalayan scenery, remote villages, rivers, mountain passes, and sacred lakes. The route also includes the famous Om Parvat, where snow naturally forms the symbol “ॐ”.
The yatra is considered an alternative to the traditional Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage and has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Travel to Kathgodam / Pithoragarh
Travel to Kathgodam or Pithoragarh, the starting point for the journey.
Day 2 — Drive to Dharchula
Scenic mountain drive towards Dharchula, the gateway to the high Himalayan region.
Day 3 — Dharchula to Gunji Region
Drive deeper into the Himalayan landscape towards the Gunji region.
Day 4 — Visit Om Parvat
Journey to Om Parvat for darshan and experience the sacred Himalayan surroundings.
Day 5 — Adi Kailash and Parvati Sarovar Darshan
Visit Adi Kailash and Parvati Sarovar for darshan and spiritual experiences.
Day 6 — Return Journey Begins
Begin the return journey from the high-altitude Himalayan region.
Day 7+ — Return to Kathgodam / Delhi
Continue the journey back towards Kathgodam or Delhi, marking the end of the pilgrimage.
Eligibility
Participants should:
- Be physically fit for high-altitude travel
- Handle long mountain drives
- Walk short distances at elevation
- Maintain good cardiovascular health
People with severe heart or respiratory conditions should consult doctors before joining.
How to Reach
The journey generally begins from:
- Kathgodam
- Haldwani
- or Dharchula
Common route locations include:
- Pithoragarh
- Dharchula
- Gunji
- Nabi
- Kutti
- Jolingkong
- Om Parvat viewpoint
Some itineraries include Narayan Ashram and nearby temples.
Trek Essentials
Clothing
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1 fleece/woollen cap
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Neck warmer or woollen-cotton neck cover
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Thermal innerwear – upper and lower
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3–4 full-sleeve quick-dry T-shirts
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1 fleece T-shirt
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1 fleece/woollen jacket
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1 padded/down jacket
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2–3 trekking pants in woollen/cotton fabric
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3–4 pairs of regular trekking socks
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1 pair of warm woollen socks for nights
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1 pair of warm gloves
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1 waterproof outer layer, preferably one size larger
Footwear
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1 pair of sturdy trekking/sports shoes
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1 pair of comfortable sandals
Backpack
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Daypack with rain cover
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15–20 L daypack if using a porter or mule
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Suitable for carrying water, rainwear, medicines and daily essentials
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Backpack liner or waterproof bags to protect belongings
Trekking & Outdoor Gear
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At least 1 trekking pole
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UV-protected sunglasses
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Headlamp or hand torch with spare batteries
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Rain poncho or waterproof rain jacket
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Lunch box
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Thermos flask
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Water purification tablets
Food & Hydration
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2 × 1 L water bottles, or 1 L bottle with a hydration pack
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Adequate dry fruits, chocolates and energy bars
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ORS/electrolyte sachets as required
First Aid & Medicines
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Personal prescription medicines
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AMS medication as advised by a doctor
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Medicines for fever, headache, motion sickness and allergies
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Medicines for stomach upset, acidity and diarrhoea
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ORS/electrolytes
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Antiseptic cream and Betadine
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Band-aids and gauze
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Cotton and surgical tape
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Crepe bandage
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Pain-relief spray
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Basic first-aid supplies
Personal Toiletries
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Sunscreen
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Moisturiser/body lotion
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Lip balm
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Toilet paper
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Hand sanitiser
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Antibacterial powder
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Toothbrush and toothpaste
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Quick-dry towel
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Soap and shampoo
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Deodorant
Documents
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Original government-issued ID with 3 photocopies
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Doctor-signed medical fitness form
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Required disclaimer form
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2 passport-size photographs
Cancellation Policy
Refund percentages vary depending on cancellation timing:
- Earlier cancellations receive higher refunds/vouchers.
- Emergency situations may qualify for special refund consideration.
FAQs
Is the yatra difficult?
Generally considered easy to moderate because much of the route is motorable.
Is trekking involved?
Yes, but only short sections compared to major Himalayan treks.
Can beginners go?
Yes, physically fit beginners can usually complete it.
Is Om Parvat included?
Most itineraries combine Adi Kailash and Om Parvat.
Is altitude sickness possible?
Yes, due to elevations above 14,000 ft.