Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra from Delhi

Highlights & Route

Adi Kailash stands above Jolingkong in the Vyas valley of Pithoragarh district, with the lake of Parvati Kund (also called Parvati Sarovar) and a small Shiva temple at its foot. Across the ridge, in the Kalapani valley, the face of Om Parvat carries a snow pattern in the shape of the Om, viewed from Nabidhang. These were once reached only by a long trek; border roads now take vehicles almost to both spots, which has opened the yatra to families and older pilgrims. In 2026 more than 37,000 permits were issued in the first forty days of the season.

Our 8-day plan is designed for yatris travelling from Delhi. You reach Kathgodam by overnight train or by road, and our vehicle takes over from there. The first day climbs through Bhimtal, Kainchi Dham, the Golu Devta temple at Chitai and Jageshwar Dham to Pithoragarh. The second brings you to Dharchula for the Inner Line Permit. From there a 4×4 takes you up the Kali gorge to Gunji, the base for two days of darshan: Jolingkong and Parvati Kund on one day, Nabidhang and Om Parvat on the next. The return is broken at Didihat or Chaukori and at Bhimtal, with a visit to the cave temple of Patal Bhuvaneshwar on the way.

This is a remote, high-altitude journey. Gunji is at about 3,200 m, Jolingkong close to 4,500 m and Nabidhang around 4,200 m. Roads above Dharchula are narrow, unpaved in places and can close after rain or rockfall. Homestays are simple, with limited electricity and almost no phone signal. In return you get one of the most powerful darshans in the Indian Himalaya, with our team handling permits, vehicles and the daily plan.

Route

Delhi → Kathgodam → Bhimtal → Kainchi Dham → Jageshwar → Pithoragarh → Dharchula → Gunji → Jolingkong (Adi Kailash, Parvati Kund) → Gunji → Nabidhang (Om Parvat) → Gunji / Napalchu → Dharchula → Didihat / Chaukori → Patal Bhuvaneshwar → Bhimtal → Kathgodam → Delhi

Good to know before you book

Indian citizens only. The Inner Line Permit is issued at Dharchula; we file it, but your medical certificate, affidavit and police verification must reach us about a month before departure.
The 2026 season opened on 1 May and ran to November with a break in July and August for the monsoon. May to June and September to October are the recommended windows.
The district administration sets an age range for permits, roughly 10 to 70 years in recent seasons. Please confirm with us if anyone in your group is near these limits.
No ATMs, card machines or reliable UPI beyond Dharchula; carry cash for ponies, tea and small purchases.
Only BSNL has patchy signal in Gunji. Tell your family you may be out of contact for three days.
Keep one buffer day at the end. Landslides and rain can delay the return by a day.

Yatra Highlights

Darshan at Parvati Kund and the Shiva temple beneath Adi Kailash at Jolingkong
Om Parvat from Nabidhang, with the Kali temple at Kalapani on the same day
Kumaon temples on the way up and Patal Bhuvaneshwar cave on the way down

Day 1 :

Kathgodam to Pithoragarh via Kainchi Dham and Jageshwar

Arrive at Kathgodam by overnight train from Delhi; our driver meets you at your arrival point (airport, railway station or hotel) at the agreed time. After breakfast at Bhimtal we stop at Kainchi Dham, the ashram of Neem Karoli Baba, then at the Golu Devta temple at Chitai near Almora, known for the thousands of bells tied by devotees. A longer halt follows at Jageshwar Dham, a cluster of ancient stone temples in a deodar grove. It is a full day of about 250 km and we reach Pithoragarh by evening.

Overnight: Pithoragarh

Day 2 :

Pithoragarh to Dharchula, Inner Line Permit

A drive of around 90 km brings us down to Dharchula on the Kali river, with Nepal on the opposite bank. We go together to the SDM office for the Inner Line Permit formalities; keep your originals, photocopies and photographs handy. The evening is free for the market, and this is the last place to withdraw cash and buy anything you have forgotten.

Overnight: Dharchula

Day 3 :

Dharchula to Gunji

We switch to 4x4 vehicles for the climb into the Vyas valley, about 80 km of mountain road along the Kali gorge through Chialekh and Garbyang, with checkposts where permits are verified. Gunji, at about 3,200 m, is our base for three nights. Rest on arrival, drink plenty of water and avoid exertion so your body adjusts.

Overnight: Gunji (homestay)

Day 4 :

Jolingkong: Adi Kailash and Parvati Kund

An early start up the Kuti valley to Jolingkong, about 40 km each way. From the road head a short walk leads to Parvati Kund, with the small Shiva temple on its shore and Adi Kailash rising behind the water. There is time for darshan, prayers and a quiet sit by the lake; Parvati Mukut and Pandav Parvat are pointed out from here. Gauri Kund is a longer, steep walk for very fit yatris only. We return to Gunji by afternoon.

Overnight: Gunji (homestay)

Day 5 :

Nabidhang: Om Parvat and Kalapani

We drive about 20 km up the Kalapani valley to Nabidhang, the viewpoint for Om Parvat, aiming to arrive before clouds build. On a clear morning the Om on the snow face is unmistakable. On the way back we stop at the Kali temple at Kalapani, near the source of the Kali river, and at the Vyas Gufa, the cave linked to Sage Vyas. The night is at Gunji or the neighbouring village of Napalchu.

Overnight: Gunji / Napalchu (homestay)

Day 6 :

Gunji to Didihat or Chaukori

We descend to Dharchula for lunch and continue to Didihat or Chaukori, around 180 km in all. The air feels thick and warm after the high valley. Chaukori, if we halt there, looks across to the Panchachuli peaks at sunset.

Overnight: Didihat / Chaukori

Day 7 :

Patal Bhuvaneshwar and on to Bhimtal

A morning visit to Patal Bhuvaneshwar, a limestone cave temple entered by a narrow passage, where natural rock forms are worshipped as deities. The entry involves some bending and a steep descent, so it is optional for those with knee trouble. We then drive about 200 km to Bhimtal for the last night.

Overnight: Bhimtal

Day 8 :

Bhimtal to Kathgodam and Delhi

After a relaxed breakfast by the lake, a short drive takes you to Kathgodam railway station or bus stand at your departure point (airport, railway station or hotel) for the journey to Delhi, arriving the same evening or early next morning depending on your train.

Overnight: not included (yatra ends)

Night	Place	Hotel (or similar)	Room type
1	Pithoragarh	Hotel confirmed at booking	Standard room, sharing basis
2	Dharchula	Hotel confirmed at booking	Standard room, sharing basis
3, 4	Gunji	Local homestay (confirmed at booking)	Standard room, sharing basis
5	Gunji / Napalchu	Local homestay (confirmed at booking)	Standard room, sharing basis
6	Didihat / Chaukori	Hotel confirmed at booking	Standard room, sharing basis
7	Bhimtal	Hotel confirmed at booking	Standard room, sharing basis

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand all

Is Delhi to Kathgodam travel included?

No. Most yatris take the overnight train from Delhi to Kathgodam, which fits the Day 1 start well. We can book the tickets for you at actual cost, or arrange a private car from Delhi if you prefer.

What documents do I need for the permit?

A valid photo ID, four photographs, a medical fitness certificate from an MBBS doctor dated within a month of travel, a notarised affidavit on Rs 30 stamp paper and a police verification form from your local station. We send you the formats and need everything about a month before departure.

How much walking is there?

Very little by the standards of a Himalayan yatra. At Jolingkong a short walk from the vehicle point reaches Parvati Kund; the rest is by 4×4. Gauri Kund and other side walks are optional. Ponies may be available at Jolingkong at local rates.

Is there an age limit?

The district administration has set the permit age range at roughly 10 to 70 years in recent seasons. Please confirm with us before booking if anyone in your group is close to these limits.

What is the food like in Gunji?

Simple, fresh vegetarian meals cooked by the homestay family: dal, rice, roti, local vegetables and plenty of tea. We include breakfast, lunch and dinner, but carry some dry fruit and snacks of your own.

Will my phone work?

Up to Dharchula, yes. Above it only BSNL has patchy coverage at Gunji, and there is none at Jolingkong or Nabidhang. Expect to be out of contact for about three days.

When is the best time to go?

May to June and September to October. The yatra does not operate during the July and August monsoon, when the road above Dharchula is most prone to landslides.

Is Patal Bhuvaneshwar included, and can elderly yatris go inside?

Yes. On Day 7 we stop at Patal Bhuvaneshwar on the way from Didihat or Chaukori to Bhimtal. It is a limestone cave temple where natural rock forms are worshipped as deities. You go in through a narrow passage with a steep descent and some bending, so it is optional. Yatris with knee, back or breathing problems can wait at the top while the rest of the group goes in. The cave entry fee is not included and is paid at the site.

Yatra	Duration	Starts from	Price
Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra from Delhi (this page)	8 days / 7 nights	Delhi	From ₹50,000
Adi Kailash & Om Parvat Yatra from Kathgodam	8 days / 7 nights	Kathgodam	From ₹40,500
Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Aerial Darshan 2027	2 days / 1 nights	Pithoragarh	From ₹40,000
Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Darshan by Helicopter from Delhi	9 days / 8 nights	Delhi	On request
Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Darshan by Helicopter from Kathgodam	7 days / 6 nights	Kathgodam	On request
Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Darshan by Helicopter from Pithoragarh	4 days / 3 nights	Pithoragarh	On request
Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra by Helicopter	4 days / 3 nights	Pithoragarh	On request
Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra from Dharchula	5 days / 4 nights	Dharchula	From ₹30,000

Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra from Delhi

Highlights & Route

Route

Good to know before you book

Yatra Highlights

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Inclusions & Exclusions

Included

Not included

Hotels

Documents & Fitness

Documents to carry

Fitness and health

Cancellation Policy

Frequently Asked Questions

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