Are you looking for a spiritual and adventurous destination that will take you to the heights of the Himalayas and the depths of your soul? If yes, then you should consider visiting Adi Kailash, a sacred mountain in Uttarakhand that is believed to be a replica of Mount Kailash in Tibet, the abode of Lord Shiva. Adi Kailash is not only a holy place for Hindus, but also a stunning natural wonder that will mesmerize you with its beauty and diversity.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Adi Kailash, including how to reach, when to visit, what to see, and why to go.
How to Reach Adi Kailash
Adi Kailash is located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, near the India-Nepal border. The nearest airport to Adi Kailash is Pantnagar Airport, which is about 318 km away. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam Railway Station, which is about 275 km away. The nearest bus stand is Pithoragarh Bus Stand, which is about 140 km away. You can take a flight, train, or bus from major cities in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc., to reach these points and then hire a taxi or a shared jeep to reach Dharchula, which is the base camp for the Adi Kailash trek. Dharchula is a small town situated on the banks of the Kali River, which forms the border between India and Nepal.
You can also cross the river by a suspension bridge and visit the Nepalese side of Dharchula. From Dharchula, you will have to trek for about 7 days to reach Adi Kailash and Om Parvat.
We have provided a map and direction section below that shows the route and distance from Dharchula to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat.
Best Time to Visit Adi Kailash
The best time to visit Adi Kailash is from May to June and from October to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant and clear, and you can enjoy the stunning views of Om Parvat, which is a mountain near Adi Kailash that has a natural shape of Om symbol on its snow-clad surface.
Om Parvat is also known as Omkara Parvat or Adi Kailash Parvat and is considered sacred by Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains. During the best time to visit Adi Kailash, you can also witness some festivals and events that take place near Adi Kailash, such as Shivaratri in February-March, Navratri in September-October, etc. These festivals celebrate Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati, who are worshipped at Adi Kailash and Om Parvat.
The average temperature at Adi Kailash during the best time to visit ranges from 10°C to 25°C and the average rainfall is less than 100 mm. You should avoid visiting Adi Kailash during monsoon season from July to September due to landslides and roadblocks.
Itinerary for Adi Kailash Trek
The itinerary for Adi Kailash trek is as follows:
Day 1: Kathgodam to Dharchula (275 km/10 hours by road)
Arrive at Kathgodam Railway Station and board a taxi or a shared jeep to Dharchula.
Check-in at a hotel or a guest house in Dharchula and rest for the night.
Day 2: Dharchula to Mangti (22 km/1 hour by road) and Mangti to Gala (8 km/4 hours by trek)
After breakfast, drive from Dharchula to Mangti by taxi or a shared jeep.
Start trekking from Mangti to Gala through a forested trail along the Kali River.
Reach Gala by evening and camp for the night.
Day 3: Gala to Budhi (14 km/5 hours by trek)
After breakfast, resume trekking from Gala to Budhi through a steep ascent and descent along the river.
Cross a suspension bridge over the river and reach Budhi by afternoon.
Check-in at a guest house or a tent in Budhi and rest for the night.
Day 4: Budhi to Gunji (20 km/6 hours by trek)
After breakfast, continue trekking from Budhi to Gunji through a gradual climb along the river.
Cross another suspension bridge over the river and reach Gunji by evening.
Check-in at a guest house or a tent in Gunji and rest for the night.
Day 5: Gunji to Kutti (19 km/6 hours by trek)
After breakfast, proceed trekking from Gunji to Kutti through a scenic valley with picturesque villages like Garbyang, Nabi, and Kuti.
Reach Kutti by evening and camp for the night.
Kutti is a village named after Kunti, the mother of Pandavas in Mahabharata, who is said to have stayed here during their exile.
Day 6: Kutti to Jollingkong (14 km/5 hours by trek)
After breakfast, move on trekking from Kutti to Jollingkong through a steep ascent along the river.
Reach Jollingkong by afternoon and camp for the night.
Jollingkong is a place for acclimatization and visiting Gaurikund and Parvati Lake, which are sacred water bodies near Adi Kailash and Om Parvat.
Day 7: Jollingkong to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat (6 km/3 hours by trek) and back to Jollingkong
After breakfast, start trekking from Jollingkong to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat through a rocky and snowy trail.
Reach Adi Kailash and Om Parvat by noon and enjoy the divine darshan of the sacred mountains.
Perform parikrama, puja, meditation, and other rituals at Adi Kailash and Om Parvat as per your faith and preference.
Return to Jollingkong by evening and camp for the night.
Day 8: Jollingkong to Kutti (14 km/5 hours by trek)
After breakfast, retrace your steps from Jollingkong to Kutti through the same route as before.
Reach Kutti by afternoon and camp for the night.
Day 9: Kutti to Gunji (19 km/6 hours by trek)
After breakfast, retrace your steps from Kutti to Gunji through the same route as before.
Reach Gunji by evening and check-in at a guest house or a tent for the night.
Day 10: Gunji to Budhi (20 km/6 hours by trek)
After breakfast, retrace your steps from Gunji to Budhi through the same route as before.
Reach Budhi by evening and check-in at a guest house or a tent for the night.
Day 11: Budhi to Mangti (14 km/5 hours by trek) and Mangti to Dharchula (22 km/1 hour by road)
After breakfast, retrace your steps from Budhi to Mangti through the same route as before.
Drive from Mangti to Dharchula by taxi or a shared jeep.
Check-in at a hotel or a guest house in Dharchula and rest for the night.
Day 12: Dharchula to Kathgodam (275 km/10 hours by road)
After breakfast, drive from Dharchula to Kathgodam by taxi or a shared jeep.
Board a train or a bus from Kathgodam Railway Station or Bus Stand to your onward destination.
The Adi Kailash trek is one of the most rewarding and challenging treks in Uttarakhand. It offers you an opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of the Himalayas, the rich culture of the locals, and the spiritual aura of the sacred mountains.
Significance of Adi Kailash OM Parvat and Jageshwar Dham
Adi Kailash OM Parvat and Jageshwar Dham are not only natural wonders, but also spiritual treasures for Hindu pilgrims. They have a lot of historical, mythological, cultural, and spiritual significance that make them worth visiting.
Adi Kailash is considered to be a replica of Mount Kailash in Tibet, which is the abode of Lord Shiva, the supreme deity in Hinduism. According to legend, Lord Shiva created Adi Kailash as his second home when he was pleased with the devotion of his devotees in India. Adi Kailash is also known as Chhota Kailash or Little Kailash because of its resemblance to Mount Kailash. Adi Kailash is believed to be the source of four sacred rivers: Saraswati, Karnali, Indus, and Brahmaputra.
Om Parvat is a mountain near Adi Kailash that has a natural shape of Om symbol on its snow-clad surface. Om is the most sacred sound and symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. It represents the essence of the universe and the ultimate reality. Om Parvat is also known as Omkara Parvat or Adi Kailash Parvat because of its proximity and connection to Adi Kailash. Om Parvat is considered to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva’s power and grace.
Jageshwar Dham is a group of ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva near Adi Kailash. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva in India. Jageshwar Dham is also one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, which are the most sacred shrines of Goddess Shakti or Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. Jageshwar Dham is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva meditated under a deodar tree and manifested himself as Jageshwar or the Lord of the World.
Tips and Guidelines for Visiting Adi Kailash
Visiting Adi Kailash OM Parvat and Jageshwar Dham is not an easy task. It requires a lot of preparation and precaution to make it a safe and enjoyable experience.
Here are some tips and guidelines that you should follow before and during your visit:
- You should have a valid vaccination certificate, e-pass, medical certificate, fitness certificate, identity proof, etc., before booking your visit to Adi Kailash OM Parvat and Jageshwar Dham.
- You should carry essential items such as clothing (warm layers, raincoat, gloves, cap, etc.), footwear (trekking shoes, socks, etc.), backpacks (waterproof, lightweight, etc.), water bottles (refillable), snacks (dry fruits, chocolates, etc.), medicines (first-aid kit, painkillers, etc.), etc., for your visit.
- You should respect the local culture and customs of the people living near Adi Kailash OM Parvat and Jageshwar Dham. You should not litter, make noise, harm animals or plants, or indulge in any illegal or immoral activities.
- You should follow the environmental norms and regulations of the region. You should not use plastic, fire, or chemicals. You should dispose of your waste properly and recycle or reuse your resources.
- You should follow the instructions and advice of your guides and porters during your visit. You should not wander off the trail or go beyond the permitted areas. You should not take any risks or shortcuts that may endanger your life or others.
Conclusion
Adi Kailash OM Parvat and Jageshwar Dham are among the most sacred and beautiful places in the Himalayas. They offer you a unique opportunity to explore the natural and spiritual wonders of the region. They also challenge you to test your physical and mental strength and endurance. They also reward you with unforgettable memories and experiences that will enrich your life.
If you are looking for a spiritual and adventurous destination that will take you to the heights of the Himalayas and the depths of your soul, then you should visit Adi Kailash OM Parvat and Jageshwar Dham.
