Om Parvat, the sacred Himalayan mountain known for its natural “ॐ” snow formation, is located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. Traveling from Nainital to Om Parvat involves a combination of road travel through picturesque mountain towns and a final trek to the viewpoint. This guide covers the distance, route, and travel options for pilgrims and adventure seekers starting from Nainital.
Om Parvat from Nainital Distance
The road distance from Nainital to Om Parvat is approximately 270 to 300 kilometers. The journey typically takes around 10 to 12 hours by road, depending on weather and traffic conditions. Due to the mountainous terrain, travelers usually break this trip over multiple days, stopping at key towns such as Kathgodam, Pithoragarh, and Dharchula.
Route from Nainital to Om Parvat
1. Nainital to Kathgodam
Start by traveling from Nainital to Kathgodam, which is about 35 kilometers and takes around 1 to 1.5 hours by road. Kathgodam is the nearest major railway and road junction connecting to the Kumaon region.
2. Kathgodam to Pithoragarh
From Kathgodam, continue your drive towards Pithoragarh, the district headquarters near Om Parvat. This stretch is roughly 190 kilometers and can take 6 to 8 hours. The route offers scenic views of the Himalayan foothills and passes through small towns and villages.
3. Pithoragarh to Dharchula
From Pithoragarh, proceed to Dharchula, about 90 kilometers away. Dharchula is the gateway town for the Om Parvat pilgrimage, located near the Indo-Nepal border. The drive takes around 3 to 4 hours and involves mountainous roads with beautiful valleys.
4. Dharchula to Gunji
From Dharchula, local 4×4 vehicles are used to travel to Gunji, situated approximately 50 to 60 kilometers away. This journey takes 4 to 6 hours and passes through remote mountain paths along rivers and forests, providing an adventurous route.
5. Gunji to Nabidhang
From Gunji, a short yet steep drive of about 20 to 25 kilometers leads to Nabidhang, the highest motorable point close to Om Parvat at an elevation of about 4,300 meters. This segment can take 1.5 to 2 hours.
6. Trek from Nabidhang to Om Parvat Viewpoint
The final approach to Om Parvat involves trekking 5 to 7 kilometers from Nabidhang to the viewpoint where the sacred Om symbol formed by snow is clearly visible. This trek takes 2 to 3 hours and is considered moderate and accessible for most pilgrims.
Travel Tips
- Permits: Obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) at the Dharchula SDM office before proceeding to border areas.
- Best Time to Visit: Plan travel during May-June or September-October to avoid heavy rainfall and snowfall.
- Clothing and Gear: Carry warm clothes, comfortable trekking shoes, rain protection, and medicines for altitude sickness.
- Transport: Use high-clearance 4×4 vehicles for rough mountain roads beyond Dharchula.
- Acclimatization: Rest and acclimatize at Pithoragarh, Dharchula, and Gunji to minimize altitude sickness risk.
Summary
Reaching Om Parvat from Nainital involves a journey of about 270 to 300 kilometers through the Kumaon Himalayan region. The route combines road travel from Nainital to Kathgodam, Pithoragarh, and Dharchula, followed by a mountain drive and an easy trek from Nabidhang. This spiritual pilgrimage offers a unique blend of adventure, natural beauty, and divine experience at the Om Parvat peak.