The Adi Kailash Yatra is primarily a road journey with a short trek at the end. It’s a multi-day pilgrimage into the Kumaon Himalayas of Uttarakhand.
Key Points to Note:
- Inner Line Permit (ILP): Mandatory for all travelers, typically obtained at Dharchula.
- Vehicle: Beyond Dharchula, only specialized 4×4 vehicles are allowed due to challenging terrain.
- Best Time: May-June and September-October (post-monsoon) for favorable weather.
Adi Kailash Yatra Route Map From Kathgodam, Delhi & Pithoragarh
Route from Delhi
This is usually the longest route, often taking 7-8 days.
- Day 1: Delhi to Pithoragarh
- Mode: Bus or hired car/taxi.
- Duration: ~12-14 hours.
- Stay: Pithoragarh.
- Day 2: Pithoragarh to Dharchula
- Mode: Car/taxi.
- Duration: ~3-4 hours.
- Notes: Complete ILP formalities and medical check-up at Dharchula.
- Stay: Dharchula.
- Day 3: Dharchula to Gunji / Nabi Village
- Mode: 4×4 vehicle.
- Duration: ~3-4 hours.
- Stay: Gunji / Nabi (base camp for high-altitude exploration).
- Day 4: Gunji / Nabi – Jolingkong (Adi Kailash & Parvati Sarovar Darshan)
- Mode: 4×4 to Jolingkong, then ~1-3 km trek to Parvati Sarovar & Adi Kailash viewpoint.
- Duration: Full day trip.
- Stay: Return to Gunji / Nabi.
- Day 5: Gunji / Nabi – Nabidhang (Om Parvat Darshan)
- Mode: 4×4.
- Duration: Full day trip.
- Notes: View the ‘Om’ symbol naturally formed on Om Parvat.
- Stay: Return to Gunji / Nabi.
- Day 6: Gunji / Nabi to Dharchula
- Mode: 4×4.
- Duration: ~3-4 hours.
- Stay: Dharchula.
- Day 7: Dharchula to Kathgodam / Haldwani
- Mode: Car/taxi.
- Duration: ~8-9 hours.
- Stay: Kathgodam / Haldwani.
- Day 8: Kathgodam / Haldwani to Delhi
- Mode: Train/bus/car.
- Duration: ~6-8 hours.
Route from Pithoragarh
This route typically shortens the journey to about 4-6 days.
- Day 1: Pithoragarh to Dharchula
- Mode: Car/taxi.
- Duration: ~3-4 hours.
- Notes: Complete ILP formalities and medical check-up.
- Stay: Dharchula.
- Day 2: Dharchula to Gunji / Nabi Village
- Mode: 4×4 vehicle.
- Duration: ~3-4 hours.
- Stay: Gunji / Nabi.
- Day 3: Gunji / Nabi – Jolingkong (Adi Kailash & Parvati Sarovar Darshan)
- Mode: 4×4 to Jolingkong, then ~1-3 km trek.
- Duration: Full day trip.
- Stay: Return to Gunji / Nabi.
- Day 4: Gunji / Nabi – Nabidhang (Om Parvat Darshan) & Return
- Mode: 4×4.
- Duration: Full day trip.
- Stay: Return to Dharchula (or sometimes directly back to Pithoragarh depending on the package).
- Day 5: Dharchula to Pithoragarh (or onward to Kathgodam if combined)
- Mode: Car/taxi.
- Duration: ~3-4 hours.
- Stay: Pithoragarh (or proceed further).
Route from Kathgodam
This is a common starting point for those coming by train or needing a relatively closer major hub.
- Day 1: Kathgodam to Pithoragarh
- Mode: Car/taxi.
- Duration: ~7-8 hours.
- Stay: Pithoragarh.
- Day 2: Pithoragarh to Dharchula
- Mode: Car/taxi.
- Duration: ~3-4 hours.
- Notes: Complete ILP formalities and medical check-up.
- Stay: Dharchula.
- Day 3: Dharchula to Gunji / Nabi Village
- Mode: 4×4 vehicle.
- Duration: ~3-4 hours.
- Stay: Gunji / Nabi.
- Day 4: Gunji / Nabi – Jolingkong (Adi Kailash & Parvati Sarovar Darshan)
- Mode: 4×4 to Jolingkong, then ~1-3 km trek.
- Duration: Full day trip.
- Stay: Return to Gunji / Nabi.
- Day 5: Gunji / Nabi – Nabidhang (Om Parvat Darshan)
- Mode: 4×4.
- Duration: Full day trip.
- Stay: Return to Dharchula.
- Day 6: Dharchula to Kathgodam
- Mode: Car/taxi.
- Duration: ~8-9 hours.
- Stay: Kathgodam (or onward travel).
Note: The exact itineraries can vary slightly based on the tour operator, weather conditions, and whether the Om Parvat darshan is included on a separate day or combined. Always check with your chosen tour provider for their specific detailed itinerary.