OM PARVAT AND ADI KAILASH

Tripoto

When I say"OM" what comes to your mind,a sacred sound,a spiritual symbol,mantra....but have you ever seen a mountain in the Himalayas with the impression of "OM",which is naturally formed by the deposition of the snow....want to see this amazing mountain,start preparing for this exhilarating trip into the Himalayas.

Photo of OM PARVAT AND ADI KAILASH 1/7 by Hemlata Gab
One can see the 'OM' impression more clearly as the snow melts after mid June

I did this trek three years back in first week of June in 2015,we were two women trekking for the first time.We did face some problems but no problem was so big as our desire to reach our destination.

One can take a package tour conducted by Kumoun Mandal Vikas Nigam Nainital and there are many other Tour and travel companies who conduct this trek.One other option is go by our own and this is the best budget option.

Once you are in Dharchula you need to obtain permit (inner line permit)for visiting Adi Kailash and Nabhidhang(Om Parvat),from the SDM's office(Tehsil office),which may take a day or two.

As it's an high altitude trek,take all necessary things from warm clothes to good trekking shoes.Pack light if you are carrying your backpack.

Photo of OM PARVAT AND ADI KAILASH 2/7 by Hemlata Gab
a pair of good trekking shoes is a must...I had to be very careful while walking on the snow because of my shoes.

REGION: Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.

DURATION: Depends how you are going but generally it takes almost two weeks.

HIGHEST ALTITUDE: 4575 m

BEST TIME: May,June

LAST ATM POINT: Dharchula

ITINERARY

1 Kathgodam to Dharchula is 12 hour jeep ride.

2 Dharchula to Narayan Ashram 44 km jeep ride.

3 Narayan Ashram to Sirkha 7 km trek

4 Sirkha to Gala 14 km trek (2440 m)

5 Gala to Budhi 21 km trek (2680 m)

6 Budhi to Gunji 17 km trek (3220 m)

7 Gunji to Kalapani and Nabhidhang 18 km trek (4246 m)

8 Back to Gunji.

9 Gunji to Kuti 19 km trek (3600 m)

10 Kuti to Jolingkong,Adi Kailash,Parvati Sarovar 14 km trek (4575 m)

We were lucky enough to get a helicopter from Dharchula to Gunji,that means almost 50 km trek(three to four days saved),which is the most difficult part of the trek,was done in less than half an hour.

Photo of OM PARVAT AND ADI KAILASH 3/7 by Hemlata Gab
aromatic wild flowers growing near Gunji Helipad

From Gunji,Om Parvat and Adi Kailash,are situated on the opposite directions,after reaching Gunji one can decide which place to visit first.

Photo of OM PARVAT AND ADI KAILASH 4/7 by Hemlata Gab
Nabhidhang,one can stay in Kumaon Mandal rest house.
Photo of OM PARVAT AND ADI KAILASH 5/7 by Hemlata Gab
viewing Om Parvat from Nabhidhang
Photo of OM PARVAT AND ADI KAILASH 6/7 by Hemlata Gab
Kuti,a beautiful village en route Adi Kailash
Photo of OM PARVAT AND ADI KAILASH 7/7 by Hemlata Gab
Adi Kailash,behind the clouds and Parvati Sarovar,Adi Kailash also known as Chotta Kailash is quite similar to Mount Kailash in Tibet.

.... let the journey begin.