Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Darshan by Helicopter from Kathgodam

Highlights & Route

Kathgodam, at the foot of the Kumaon hills, is where trains from Delhi and Lucknow end and where most Adi Kailash yatras begin. This 7-day programme uses it as both start and finish. You drive to Pithoragarh on the first day, spend a second day there for the compulsory hospital screening, and then fly into the Vyas valley for three nights at Gunji. Two helicopter sorties from Gunji take you to the two darshans: Jolingkong for Parvati Kund beneath Adi Kailash, and Nabidhang for Om Parvat. The last two days bring you back to Pithoragarh by air and to Kathgodam by road.

What sets this plan apart from the shorter helicopter versions is that it lands at Jolingkong. At close to 4,500 m there is a helipad a few kilometres from Parvati Kund, and an all-terrain vehicle covers that stretch, so even yatris who cannot walk far can stand at the lake shore with the Shiva temple beside them and Adi Kailash straight ahead. The Nabidhang sortie has similar ground support at the viewpoint. Between the two darshan days you sleep at Gunji, which gives the body the rest it needs at 3,200 m.

The valley remains remote even when reached by air. Homestays are simple, electricity is limited and phone signal is BSNL-only and patchy. Flights depend on clear weather and on operator schedules released in blocks, so dates can be limited and the plan has spare time built in at Pithoragarh. In return you get the full darshan of the Uttarakhand Kailash with none of the long drives above Dharchula.

Route

Kathgodam → Kainchi Dham, Chitai Golu Devta, Jageshwar → Pithoragarh → (helicopter) Gunji → (helicopter) Jolingkong, ATV to Parvati Kund, Adi Kailash → Gunji → (helicopter) Nabidhang, Om Parvat → Gunji → (helicopter) Pithoragarh → Kathgodam

Good to know before you book

• Indian citizens only. The Inner Line Permit is included, but your medical certificate, affidavit and police verification must reach us about a month before departure.
• The hospital screening at Pithoragarh must be completed before 1 pm on Day 2; please arrive on Day 1 as planned so this is not missed.
• In 2026 the Adi Kailash season ran from 1 May to November with a break in July and August. Helicopter dates inside the season are published by the operator and the tourism department; the 2027 calendar will appear here when released.
• Only a small bag goes on the helicopter. Main luggage stays at the Pithoragarh hotel.
• Carry cash for the valley; there are no ATMs or card machines above Dharchula.
• Train tickets to and from Kathgodam are not included; the overnight trains from Delhi fit the Day 1 start well.