Tour Highlights
The Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra is one of the most revered spiritual journeys in the Indian Himalayas. Located in the remote Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand near the Indo-Tibetan border, Adi Kailash (also known as Chota Kailash) sits at an elevation of 5,945 meters and is believed to be a replica of Mount Kailash in Tibet. Because recent infrastructure developments have connected these remote areas by road, the journey now requires minimal trekking, making it highly accessible compared to years past.
Day-wise Itinerary
Depart from Delhi in the morning. The drive is mostly on highways to the foothills of the Kumaon region. Check into a hotel in Kathgodam, Haldwani, or nearby Bhimtal for the night to rest before the mountain ascent begins.
Begin the journey into the mountains. En route, make spiritual stops at Kainchi Dham and Jageshwar Dham. Arrive in Pithoragarh (often called "Mini Kashmir" for its beautiful Saur Valley) by evening. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Drive to the border town of Dharchula, located on the banks of the Kali River, which separates India and Nepal. The main operational task today is completing medical check-ups and obtaining the mandatory Inner Line Permits (ILP) from the SDM office. Guests can spend the evening exploring the local market or walking across the suspension bridge into Nepal. Overnight in Dharchula.
Shift to local 4x4 mountain vehicles for the rugged terrain. The route follows the Kali River upstream, passing beautiful villages like Chialekh and Garbyang. Arrive at Gunji or Nabi village (approx. 3,200m). This afternoon is strictly dedicated to resting and acclimatizing to the high altitude. Overnight in a homestay or basic guesthouse.
Start early and drive to Jolingkong, the base camp for Adi Kailash. Enjoy the spectacular darshan of Adi Kailash. Take a short walk (about 1-2 km) to the sacred Parvati Sarovar to perform puja. If fitness permits, you can do a slightly steeper 2 km trek to Gauri Kund. Drive back to Gunji/Nabi for the night.
Early morning drive towards Nabidhang to witness Om Parvat, where the snow naturally settles into a perfect 'Om' symbol. After darshan, visit the Kali Temple at Kalapani and the Vyas Gufa (where Sage Vyas is said to have meditated). After completing the sightseeing, begin the long descent back to Dharchula for the night.
Depart Dharchula and drive back down through the Kumaon hills. Depending on the exact route, stay at a scenic hill station like Chaukori (famous for its panoramic views of the Panchachuli peaks) or Almora. You may also include a detour to the Patal Bhuvaneshwar caves if time permits.
Early breakfast and begin the final descent to the plains, merging onto the highway back to Delhi. Drop-off by late evening.
Inclusions
- Transportation (Plains & Lower Hills): AC vehicle (e.g., Innova, Tempo Traveller, or Mini Coach depending on group size) for the round trip from Delhi to Dharchula.
- Transportation (High Altitude): Dedicated local 4x4 vehicles (usually Mahindra Bolero or Camper) from Dharchula onwards to Gunji, Jolingkong (Adi Kailash), and Nabidhang (Om Parvat), as regular vehicles cannot navigate this terrain.
- Accommodation:
- Comfortable 3-star or 4-star equivalent hotel stays in Kathgodam, Pithoragarh, and Dharchula.
- Basic, shared-occupancy homestays or Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) guesthouses in high-altitude zones (Gunji, Nabi, or Kuti).
- Meals: All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8. The menu will be strictly pure vegetarian throughout the entire journey, aligning with the spiritual nature of the yatra.
- Permit Processing: Full assistance with acquiring the Inner Line Permit (ILP) at Dharchula, including documentation handling and coordination with the SDM office.
- Safety Equipment: Oxygen cylinders and a comprehensive high-altitude medical kit carried in the 4x4 vehicles.
- Guide/Escort: An experienced local tour guide or experienced driver-guide who is intimately familiar with the route, weather patterns, and military checkpoints.
Exclusions
- Taxes: 5% GST (or applicable taxes) on the final package cost.
- Medical Fees: Charges for the mandatory physical fitness check-up and medical certificate required at Dharchula for the permit.
- Helicopter/Pony Services: Any pony, palanquin (palki), or ATV charges for the short 2–3 km treks near Parvati Sarovar or Gauri Kund if guests choose not to walk.
- Unforeseen Delays: Additional accommodation, food, or transport costs incurred due to natural calamities, landslides, road blockages, or changes in weather (which are common in the Vyas Valley).
- Personal Expenses: Travel insurance, emergency evacuation costs, laundry, tips for drivers/guides, phone calls, or bottled water where regular filtered water is provided.
- Special Rituals: Puja items, donations (dakshina) at Kainchi Dham, Jageshwar Dham, or the Kali Temple.
Registration
- Fill up Booking Form with your details
- Scan & upload passport copy
- Send documents via email
- Transfer booking amount
- Pay remaining 15 days before yatra
- Receive final confirmation