Adi Kailash, also known as Chhota Kailash, is one of the most sacred and breathtaking regions of the Indian Himalayas, located in the Kumaon region of Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, close to the Indo-Tibetan border. Surrounded by snow-clad peaks, serene lakes, and pristine valleys, this mystical land beautifully blends spirituality, adventure, and Himalayan wilderness. The majestic Adi Kailash Peak (6,310 m), revered as a spiritual counterpart of Mount Kailash in Tibet, along with the divine Om Parvat, known for its natural snow formation resembling the sacred symbol “ॐ”, makes this region a place of immense religious importance.
Adi Kailash is about 500–550 km from Dehradun and the journey takes 7–8 days including travel, permits, and visits to Om Parvat. The route is a combination of road travel + permits + jeep rides/short treks.
Step 1: Dehradun → Dharchula (Base Camp)
By Road:
Distance: ~ 480 km
Route: Dehradun → Haldwani → Pithoragarh → Dharchula
Travel Time: 14–16 hours (best done in 2 days with an overnight halt at Pithoragarh or Didihat).
By Air:
Nearest airport to Dharchula is Pantnagar Airport.
Dehradun → Pantnagar (by flight, ~1 hr) → road journey to Dharchula (~330 km, 10–11 hrs).
By Train:
Dehradun → Tanakpur Railway Station (~9 hrs).
Tanakpur → Dharchula (~220 km by road, 8–9 hrs).
📍 Dharchula is the official base camp for Adi Kailash Yatra.
Step 2: Obtain Inner Line Permit (ILP)
Required since Adi Kailash lies near the India–China border.
Issued by the SDM office in Dharchula.
Documents needed: Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID, passport-size photos, and medical fitness.
Travel agencies like Hodophile Tour Travel can arrange this for you.
Step 3: Dharchula → Gunji
Journey continues by jeep/vehicle convoy, managed by local administration for safety.
Route: Dharchula → Budhi → Chialekh → Gunji (~90 km, takes 2 days with halts due to terrain & checks).
Scenic highlights: Kali River valley, forests, and remote Himalayan villages.
Step 4: Gunji → Adi Kailash & Om Parvat
From Gunji, two sacred routes branch out:
Gunji → Nabhidhang (to see Om Parvat):
Short jeep ride, where you can view the natural snow “ॐ” formation.
Gunji → Jolingkong (to reach Adi Kailash):
Jeep ride + short trek (~14 km).
Visit Parvati Sarovar (a sacred lake) and witness the majestic Adi Kailash peak (6,310 m).
Baijnath (16 km) – Ancient temples by the Gomti River, known for exquisite stone carvings and historical significance.
Bageshwar (38 km) – A sacred town at the confluence of Gomti and Saryu rivers, famous for the Baghnath Temple.
Someshwar (12 km) – A small valley town with scenic beauty and the revered Someshwar Mahadev Temple.
Rudradhari Falls & Caves (12 km) – A natural waterfall and cave complex surrounded by dense pine forests, ideal for treks.
Binsar (48 km) – A wildlife sanctuary offering panoramic Himalayan views and rich flora-fauna.
Almora (52 km) – A cultural hub known for its heritage temples, local markets, and Kumaoni traditions.
Ranikhet (60 km) – A charming hill cantonment with orchards, golf course, and colonial-era beauty.
Distance: ~430 km | Travel Time: 12–13 hrs (by road)
Route: Dehradun → Rishikesh → Haldwani → Almora → Pithoragarh
Highlights:
Drive through Garhwal and Kumaon hills with scenic river valleys.
Stopovers at Rishikesh (holy Ganga ghats) and Almora (panoramic Himalayan views).
Stay: Overnight at Pithoragarh in a hotel/guesthouse.
Distance: ~100 km | Travel Time: 4–5 hrs
Highlights:
Picturesque drive along the Kali River, which forms the natural boundary between India and Nepal.
Reach Dharchula, the last major town before the border region.
Complete Inner Line Permit (ILP) formalities at the SDM Office.
Evening free to explore the small border town markets and relax before the expedition.
Stay: Overnight at Dharchula.
Distance: ~50 km (by jeep)
Travel Time: 5–6 hrs (roads are rugged, drive is slow)
Highlights:
Journey begins along narrow mountain roads with deep gorges.
Pass through remote villages like Mangti and Malpa.
Reach Budhi, a small settlement surrounded by alpine forests.
Acclimatization walk in the evening to adjust to altitude.
Stay: Overnight in homestay or tents at Budhi.
Distance: ~45 km
Travel Time: 6–7 hrs (by jeep & short trek in some stretches)
Highlights:
Travel through Chialekh and Garbyang, ancient villages rich in local culture.
Landscape changes from thick forests to open meadows.
Arrive at Gunji (3,200 m) – the main base for Om Parvat and Adi Kailash visits.
Evening rest and short acclimatization trek around Gunji.
Stay: Overnight at Gunji.
Distance: ~35 km (round trip by jeep)
Travel Time: 4–5 hrs
Highlights:
Drive from Gunji to Nabhidhang (4,300 m).
Witness the divine Om Parvat, where snow forms a natural “ॐ” symbol.
Time for meditation, prayers, and photography.
Return to Gunji for rest.
Stay: Overnight at Gunji.
Distance: ~90 km | Travel Time: 6–7 hrs
Highlights:
Retrace journey via Budhi and Chialekh to return to Dharchula.
Evening at leisure in Dharchula – explore the border town or relax after the high-altitude expedition.
Stay: Overnight at Dharchula.
Distance: ~480 km | Travel Time: 14–15 hrs (with halts)
Highlights:
Long return drive via Pithoragarh, Almora, and Rishikesh.
Evening arrival in Dehradun with unforgettable memories of Adi Kailash & Om Parvat Yatra.
- Best Season: May to October (avoid heavy rains and peak winters).
- Fitness: Moderate fitness required; altitude can cause breathlessness.
- Permits: Mandatory Inner Line Permit (arranged at Dharchula).
- Clothing: Warm woolens, windproof jackets, trekking shoes, rain gear.
- Other Musts: Medicines, torch, power bank, and identity proofs.
Adi Kailash, also known as Chhota Kailash, is a sacred mountain in the Indian Himalayas (Kumaon, Uttarakhand). It resembles Mount Kailash in Tibet and holds deep spiritual significance in Hinduism as the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Adi Kailash is situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, near the Indo-Tibet border. The journey usually starts from Dharchula.
Adi Kailash stands at an altitude of about 6,191 meters (20,312 ft) above sea level.
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (37 km away).
By Train: Haridwar Railway Station connects major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
By Road: Well-connected by NH 58 from Delhi (approx. 5–6 hours drive).
Om Parvat (snow pattern in the shape of ॐ).
Parvati Sarovar & Gauri Kund (sacred lakes at Jyolingkong).
Narayan Ashram (spiritual retreat).
Kuti Village (linked with Pandavas from Mahabharata).
