Adi Kailash Distance: Road Km and Trek Distance Chart

Facts checked November 2026.

“How far is Adi Kailash?” is a question most families ask first. The answer has two parts: the long road journey through Kumaon to the border valley, and the short walking part at the top. This guide puts every distance in one place, with the source for each number, so you can plan days and fitness properly.

This page is part of our How to Reach Adi Kailash and Om Parvat guide. Planning the yatra? See our Adi Kailash yatra packages.

How far is Adi Kailash from Delhi?

Adi Kailash is in the Vyas valley of Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, near the border with Tibet. By road, Delhi to Pithoragarh town is 457 km, according to the Pithoragarh district website (Pithoragarh district). From Pithoragarh the road continues to Dharchula, then up the Kali gorge to Gunji, and then along the Kuti valley to Jolingkong, the Adi Kailash darshan point.

Because the last 100 km or so are narrow mountain roads, distance alone does not tell you the time. Plan night stops on the way and a rest day at Gunji. Our guide on how to reach Adi Kailash explains each leg and how many days to allow.

Adi Kailash distance chart: how far is each stretch?

Government listings round distances differently and the road has been realigned in places, so treat these as approximate. The Dharchula–Gunji stretch is the one that varies most between sources.

How far is Adi Kailash from Dharchula?

Dharchula is where you collect the Inner Line Permit and switch to a local 4×4. From here:

• Dharchula to Gunji: about 65 km by the Rural Tourism listing of the Ministry of Tourism (Rural Tourism, Govt of India), and “roughly 80 km” as described by the Union minister announcing a new tunnel (The Statesman).
• Gunji to Jolingkong: 33 km by the old trail (Gunji to Kuti 19 km, Kuti to Jolingkong 14 km) as listed by the Pithoragarh district (Pithoragarh district). The BRO road follows the same Gunji–Kuti–Jolingkong axis.

Adding these figures, Dharchula to Jolingkong is roughly 98–113 km on mountain road. Most yatris break it with at least one night at Gunji, which is also the base for Om Parvat darshan.

Is there still a trek to Adi Kailash?

Not as a must. Until a few years ago, Adi Kailash meant a long trek of many days from Tawaghat. Now the Border Roads Organisation has built and maintains the road up the Kuti valley. In May 2021, BRO reopened the Gunji–Kutti–Jolingkong axis after clearing avalanches and snow more than 30 feet high, on an axis at an average altitude of about 14,000 feet (Lokmat Times / ANI). Today most yatris drive to Jolingkong in a 4×4 from Gunji.

Trekkers can still walk the old route through the villages. The Pithoragarh district lists the classic stages below.

Adding these up, Tawaghat to Gunji is 74 km and Tawaghat to Jolingkong is 107 km on foot, before the return. The district page gives two different heights for Jolingkong (4,572 m and 4,770 m), so we show its table figure and do not treat either as exact. For the height of the peak and the darshan point, see our Adi Kailash height guide.

How much walking is there on the Adi Kailash yatra today?

On a road yatra, the walking is short but at high altitude, so it feels harder than the distance suggests.

• Parvati Kund: a short walk from the vehicle point at Jolingkong. The district calls this small lake Parvati Tal, notes a temple beside it, and says the peak is reflected in it.
• Gauri Kund: an optional walk beyond Parvati Kund, short but steep. Many seniors stay back at Parvati Kund.
• Old Lipulekh viewpoint (when open): a short but very high walk from the road end on the Om Parvat side.

The district lists Jolingkong to Adi Kailash as 4 km. That is the walk towards the base of the mountain, which most pilgrims do not attempt. Darshan is done from Jolingkong and Parvati Kund.

Gunji to Om Parvat and Adi Kailash: which is farther?

From Gunji the valley splits. The Kuti valley goes to Adi Kailash (33 km by the old trail), and the Kali valley goes past Kalapani (18 km) to Nabhidhang, the Om Parvat viewpoint. Most plans do Om Parvat one day and Adi Kailash the next, each as a return drive from Gunji. If you have only one day, ask your driver about road conditions on both sides before choosing.

Is the distance going to get shorter?

Yes, in future. The Union Minister of State for Road Transport, Ajay Tamta, announced a 5.4 km tunnel between Bundi and Gunji near Chiyalekh (names as reported), where the hills above the road are weak and unstable. It is expected to cut the Dharchula–Gunji journey by about 22 km. The detailed project report was still being prepared, and work begins only after the Centre approves it, so no opening date has been given (The Statesman).

Can a helicopter cut the distance?

If the road is too long for your family, helicopter options from Pithoragarh to Gunji cut out the long drive. Seats, dates and rules change each season. See our Adi Kailash helicopter guide.

How do you plan the road yatra?

Our Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra from Kathgodam and yatra from Dharchula cover these distances with rest days built in. Call or WhatsApp +91 78178 98687, or write to shiva@yatratotemples.in.

Frequently asked questions

What is the distance from Delhi to Adi Kailash?

Delhi to Pithoragarh is 457 km by road. Add the drive to Dharchula, about 65–80 km to Gunji and about 33 km to Jolingkong. With night stops and a rest day at Gunji, plan several days each way. Our Adi Kailash yatra cost guide shows how the days affect the budget.

How far is Adi Kailash from Dharchula?

Roughly 98–113 km by mountain road: about 65–80 km to Gunji, then about 33 km along the Kuti valley to Jolingkong.

How far is Gunji from Adi Kailash?

The old trail is 33 km: 19 km from Gunji to Kuti and 14 km from Kuti to Jolingkong. The BRO road follows the same axis.

What is the Adi Kailash trek distance?

The classic trek from Tawaghat to Jolingkong is 107 km one way by the district’s stage list. On a road yatra today, the walking is only the short walk to Parvati Kund and the optional climb to Gauri Kund.

Is the Adi Kailash trek difficult?

The road yatra has little walking, but the altitude makes every step harder. The old full trek is long and suited to fit, experienced trekkers. Get a medical check before either.

Can we go to Adi Kailash by car?

Private cars usually go up to Dharchula. Beyond that, most yatris use local 4×4 vehicles because the border road is narrow and rough in places. You also need the Inner Line Permit.

Which is the nearest railway station to Adi Kailash?

Tanakpur railway station, about 138 km from Pithoragarh by the district website, is the nearest railhead. Kathgodam is the other common option.