Traveling from Kedarnath to Om Parvat involves a spiritual and adventurous journey through some of the most scenic and sacred Himalayan landscapes in Uttarakhand. Both Kedarnath and Om Parvat are important pilgrimage destinations but are located in different parts of the state, requiring a combination of trekking, road travel, and careful planning.
Kedarnath to Om Parvat Distance
The straight-line distance between Kedarnath and Om Parvat is roughly 150 to 170 kilometers; however, the actual travel distance by road and trekking routes is much longer due to mountainous terrain. The journey typically covers around 300 to 350 kilometers by road with multiple stops and transfers, making it a multi-day travel experience.
Route and Travel Options
There is no direct road connecting Kedarnath to Om Parvat, so the journey involves traveling from Kedarnath to nearby base towns, then onward by road towards the Lipulekh Pass area where Om Parvat is located.
Step 1: Kedarnath to Guptkashi
From Kedarnath, pilgrims trek approximately 16 kilometers downhill to the town of Guptkashi. This trek is well-marked and frequented by devotees visiting Kedarnath Temple.
Step 2: Guptkashi to Rishikesh/Hardwar
From Guptkashi, travelers take road transport (bus or taxi) to Rishikesh or Haridwar, major transit hubs with rail and air connectivity. This part of the journey usually takes 8 to 10 hours by road and covers around 230 kilometers.
Step 3: Rishikesh/Hardwar to Kathgodam
From Rishikesh or Haridwar, travelers can take trains or taxis to Kathgodam, the railhead for Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region. The train journey covers about 280 kilometers and takes approximately 8 to 10 hours.
Step 4: Kathgodam to Pithoragarh to Dharchula
From Kathgodam, the road journey continues towards Pithoragarh (about 190 kilometers) and then to Dharchula (approximately 85 kilometers), which is the gateway town for the Om Parvat Yatra. This stretch involves traveling through mountainous terrain and valleys, with scenic views and many stops along the way.
Step 5: Dharchula to Gunji and Nabidhang
From Dharchula, local jeeps or taxis transport pilgrims to Gunji (about 50 kilometers) and further to Nabidhang (20 kilometers), the highest motorable point before the final trek to Om Parvat.
Step 6: Trek from Nabidhang to Om Parvat Viewpoint
The final 5 to 7 kilometers to the Om Parvat viewpoint is covered on foot. This relatively moderate trek leads pilgrims to a spot with a clear view of Om Parvat’s iconic snow-formed Om symbol.
Travel Tips
- Plan Ahead: This journey requires multiple transfers, careful itinerary planning, and overnight stays.
- Permits: Inner Line Permits are mandatory and must be obtained at Dharchula for traveling to border areas.
- Weather: The best time for this yatra is from May to June and September to October due to favorable weather conditions.
- Physical Preparation: Acclimatize properly at various stops and be prepared for trekking and high-altitude weather changes.
- Local Guidance: Hire local guides or join organized pilgrimage groups for smoother travel and navigation.
Summary
Traveling from Kedarnath to Om Parvat involves trekking, long road travel, and multiple transfers through several towns including Guptkashi, Rishikesh, Kathgodam, Pithoragarh, and Dharchula before reaching the final trek to Om Parvat’s mystical peak. Although the distance is lengthy and the terrain challenging, the spiritual rewards and breathtaking Himalayan views make it a profoundly memorable pilgrimage.