Adi kailash

Adi Kailash

Adi Kailash, also known as Chhota Kailash, is located in the Kumaon region of Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, India.

Altitude: ~5,945 meters (19,505 feet) above sea level.
It is situated near the Indo-Tibetan border, in the serene Kuthi Valley, close to Om Parvat.

Adi Kailash is revered as one of the Panch Kailash pilgrimage destinations, along with Mount Kailash (Tibet), Shikhar Kailash (Shrikhand Mahadev, Himachal Pradesh), Kinnaur Kailash (Himachal Pradesh), and Manimahesh Kailash (Himachal Pradesh).

Adi Kailash is not just a physical journey but a spiritual ascent into the heart of the Himalayas. For those seeking peace, penance, and proximity to Lord Shiva, Adi Kailash offers everything — raw nature, deep spirituality, and thrilling adventure.

Whether you seek the divine or the divine within you, Adi Kailash Yatra is a journey your soul will forever cherish!

Mythological Importance and Story

In Hindu mythology, Adi Kailash is believed to be the replica of Mount Kailash in Tibet, the ultimate abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Adi Kailash is called the first home of Lord Shiva, and it is considered no less powerful than Mount Kailash itself.
According to legends, Rishi Vyas (author of Mahabharata) meditated here, and the Pandavas also visited this sacred mountain during their exile.
Pilgrims believe that visiting Adi Kailash and paying respects is equivalent to worshipping at the real Mount Kailash for those unable to go to Tibet.

History of Pilgrimage to Adi Kailash

The Adi Kailash Yatra was traditionally undertaken by monks and sages seeking divine grace in solitude.
Modern organized pilgrimages started in the late 20th century, promoted by Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) and supported by the Indian Government.
The journey was once extremely challenging but with improved roads, infrastructure, and helicopter services, it has become slightly more accessible today.

Best Time to Visit Adi Kailash

May to Mid-July: Snow melts and the valleys are lush.
September to Mid-October: Clear skies after monsoon and picturesque views.

Avoid:

Monsoon Season (July–August): Risk of landslides.
Winter (November–April): Extremely harsh and inaccessible.

How to Visit Adi Kailash

Step 1: Reach Dharchula

Dharchula is the starting point of the Adi Kailash Yatra.
It is a town on the India-Nepal border.

How to reach Dharchula:

Nearest railway station: Tanakpur Railway Station (~230 km away).
Nearest airport: Pantnagar Airport (~330 km away).
From Tanakpur/Kathgodam, buses and taxis are available to Dharchula.

Step 2: Proceed towards Gunji

Tourists need Inner Line Permits (ILP) to travel beyond Dharchula.
From Dharchula, you travel by 4×4 vehicles (jeep) through scenic and challenging mountain roads toward Gunji.
The drive from Dharchula to Gunji takes approximately 7–8 hours, crossing scenic and rugged terrain.

Step 3: Visit Adi Kailash and Om Parvat

From Gunji, excursions are organized towards Adi Kailash and Om Parvat separately.
Vehicles take you up to Jyolingkong, from where the Adi Kailash Parikrama (circumambulation) is done.
Some prefer short hikes around the area to sacred spots like Parvati Kund.

Inner Line Permit (ILP): Mandatory and issued at Dharchula after document verification (Aadhar Card, Passport size photos).

Guided Tours: Most visitors opt for government-authorized tour packages or private trekking agencies.

Beauty of the Journey

The Adi Kailash Yatra is not just a pilgrimage but a life-changing Himalayan journey.

The route is dotted with majestic waterfalls, lush valleys, snow-covered peaks, and gurgling rivers.
You witness the confluence of rivers like Kali and Kuti.
Om Parvat, with a natural ‘ॐ’ symbol formed by snow on the mountain face, is a major attraction during the journey.
Sacred spots like Parvati Sarovar, Shiva-Parvati Temple, and Brahma Parvat offer moments of deep reflection.

The silence of the valleys, spiritual vibrations, and sheer beauty of untouched nature create an unforgettable experience.

Trek Difficulty Level

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (compared to traditional treks in Himalayas)
Total Trek Distance: About 2–3 kilometers from Jyolingkong to Adi Kailash viewpoint and Parvati Kund.
Elevation Gain: Mild; suitable for people with basic fitness.
Trek Terrain:
- Mostly flat with a gradual incline.
- Rocky patches and cold winds at higher altitude.

Due to high altitude (~4,500 meters), mild symptoms of altitude sickness like headache or breathlessness can occur.

Availability of Guide or Travel Agency

Mandatory: Due to the proximity to the Indo-Tibetan border, Independent travel is NOT allowed.
You must travel with an authorized group organized by:
- Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) (Government agency)
- Registered private tour operators from Uttarakhand.

They take care of permits, transportation, accommodation, food, and local guides.

Local Guides: Available with the groups and agencies.
Porters and helpers: Available if needed, but generally not required for this small trek.

When to Start the Trek

Ideal to start early from Gunji or Jyolingkong.
Morning start (~7 AM) ensures better weather and safe return.
The actual trekking part (from Jyolingkong) can be covered comfortably within 2–3 hours (both ways).

Duration to Reach Adi Kailash and Return

Gunji to Jyolingkong (by vehicle): ~1 hour
Trek from Jyolingkong to Adi Kailash Base and Parvati Kund:
- 1–1.5 hours one way.
- Return trek: 1 hour.

Total time needed for visiting Adi Kailash from Gunji and back: 6–7 hours, including road travel, trekking, darshan, and rest.

Timings of Adi Kailash Darshan

There is no fixed temple structure at Adi Kailash like Kedarnath or Badrinath.
It’s a sacred mountain and Parvati Kund where pilgrims perform darshan, meditation, and rituals.
Best time for Darshan:
- Morning to early afternoon (7:00 AM to 2:00 PM).
- After 3:00 PM, the weather often deteriorates (clouds, cold winds).

Availability of Eateries During Trek

Limited food options en route.
Basic tea stalls are available at Gunji and Jyolingkong.
Carry packed breakfast/lunch/snacks.
Local guides or agencies usually arrange simple meals during travel days.

Tip: Carry dry fruits, energy bars, chocolates, and sufficient water during the trek.

Where to Stay

Budget Options (₹800–₹1500)

Basic Dharamshalas and Homestays at Dharchula, Gunji, and Napalchu villages.
Accommodations are simple: clean beds, blankets, basic food.

Mid-Range Options (₹2000–₹4000)

Guesthouses in Dharchula and KMVN Guesthouses in Gunji offer decent comfort with hot meals.

Luxury Options

Luxury is limited due to remoteness. Dharchula offers a few premium lodges with better services but don’t expect 5-star amenities.
Nearest luxury experience is at Pithoragarh town.

Important Items to Carry

Sturdy trekking shoes
Warm clothing (temperatures can drop suddenly)
Windproof jacket and raincoat
Personal medicines and first aid kit
Sunscreen, sunglasses, cap
Water bottles, thermos, dry snacks
Trekking pole (optional but helpful)
Torchlight, power bank
Identity proofs for ILP
Spiritual items (if planning to perform pujas)
Raincoat or poncho (for sudden weather changes)
Small backpack for the trek

Important Tips

Acclimatize properly at Dharchula or Gunji before moving higher.
Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory.
Mobile connectivity is poor beyond Dharchula. Some networks work intermittently at Gunji.
Weather changes rapidly. Always be prepared for rain, cold winds, and bright sun in a single day.
Respect local customs and army instructions in border areas.
No alcohol, non-veg food, or loud behavior in sacred zones.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Om Parvat: Sacred mountain where the natural ‘Om’ symbol appears.
Gunji Village: Picturesque village and a rest point for yatris.
Nabhidhang: Viewpoint for Om Parvat.
Pithoragarh: Gateway town to the yatra with forts, temples, and local bazaars.
Askot Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to Himalayan flora and fauna.
Narayan Ashram: Ancient spiritual center en route.

Famous Local Food and Eateries

Local Dhabas: Serve simple food like dal-chawal, roti, vegetables.
Must Try: Bhaang ki Chutney, Aloo ke Gutke, Mandua (Finger Millet) Roti.
In Dharchula: Basic restaurants offering North Indian and Kumaoni cuisine.

Tip: Food options are basic on the yatra route, so carry dry snacks.