Adi Kailash Closing Date 2026 (5 Nov) and Opening Date 2027

Facts checked November 2026.

The Adi Kailash and Om Parvat yatra runs in the high Vyas valley of Dharchula, Pithoragarh district, so the season is short and shaped by snow and the monsoon. This page sets out what was reported for 2026 and 2025, how the dates are decided, and how to plan for 2027.

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

When does the Adi Kailash Yatra open?

In 2026 the yatra began on 1 May. At a review meeting chaired by the Pithoragarh District Magistrate, it was decided that the Jolingkong Shiva temple would open to pilgrims on 1 May 2026, with online inner line permit (ILP) processing starting on 28 April.

In 2025 the season started later, on 30 May 2025, as reported by ETV Bharat. So the opening day changes every year. It depends on snow clearance on the Dharchula–Gunji–Jolingkong road and on the district administration’s preparations.

2027 opening: not announced yet. The temple’s chief priest has said it will reopen in May 2027. Expected (estimate): sometime in May 2027, based on the last two seasons (30 May 2025 and 1 May 2026). This is not a confirmed date. In 2026 the Pithoragarh district administration announced the opening date and permit start in April.

When does the Adi Kailash Yatra close?

There are two kinds of closure to know about.

• Monsoon pause: In 2026 the Dharchula SDM stopped issuing inner line permits after 1 July because of monsoon and landslide risk. The second phase was first delayed when a Bailey bridge near Kulagarh on the Dharchula–Gunji road washed away, and permits restarted around 20 September 2026, with 481 permits issued on the first day.
• Winter closure: The Shiva-Parvati temple at Jolingkong (near Kuti village, about 4,570 m or 15,000 ft) closed on 5 November 2026, after traditional puja, decided by the temple committee and villagers because snowfall is likely in November. The same date, 5 November, was used in 2025.

After the temple closes, the people of Kuti village move down to the lower valleys for winter. On 2 November 2026 the Dharchula SDM said the yatra would continue as long as the weather stays good and heavy snow does not affect the higher parts of the route. The temple doors closed on 5 November 2026, and Amar Ujala reported that 70,991 permits were issued during the 2026 season. After the closing, whether permits are issued for the lower route depends on the weather from day to day. Please confirm with the SDM office in Dharchula before travelling.

How long does the Adi Kailash Yatra run each year?

In simple terms, the yatra runs from May to early November, with a break for the monsoon. In 2026 the open windows were:

• May to June: the first phase (in 2026, 1 May to 1 July).
• Late September to October: the second phase, after the monsoon (in 2026, from around 20 September).
• Early November: only until the temple closes and snow arrives.

In 2026 there was also a short gap from 19 to 26 October, when no ILPs were issued to pilgrims because of the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run. Heavy rain also halted the yatra on 25 September 2026, with permits resuming only once roads and weather improved. For weather by month, read our Adi Kailash weather and best time guide.

Adi Kailash Yatra dates by year

Earlier years are left out because we could not find clear official reports for them.

Who decides the Adi Kailash opening and closing dates?

• Pithoragarh district administration: the District Magistrate and the Dharchula SDM decide when the yatra starts, when permits are issued and when they are stopped for monsoon or road damage.
• Temple committee and Kuti villagers: they decide the winter closing day of the Shiva-Parvati temple, and inform the administration.
• Weather and roads: snow, landslides and bridge damage on the Dharchula–Gunji road can change any date at short notice. In 2026 the Border Roads Organisation rebuilt a washed-away bridge on this road.

Adi Kailash Yatra registration online and inner line permit

There is no separate “registration” like Char Dham. What every pilgrim needs is an inner line permit, because the route goes close to the China border. In 2026, as reported:

1. Apply online or at the tehsil: ILPs could be applied for through an online portal, and were issued from the Dharchula tehsil (Tehsildar/SDM) office. Offline applications were also accepted there.
2. Medical fitness test: a medical fitness check is mandatory. By 24 May 2026, a counter in Room 10 of the Pithoragarh district hospital issued permits straight after the medical test.
3. Documents: an identity card and photographs were required. See our Adi Kailash documents checklist.

Permits are issued only while the route is open. They stop during the monsoon pause and in special windows, such as 19–26 October 2026. Our Adi Kailash permit guide explains each step in more detail.

Planning your 2027 Adi Kailash Yatra around the dates

• Plan for May–June or late September–October. Avoid the monsoon pause (in 2026, July to mid-September).
• Keep one or two spare days. Roads above Dharchula can close after rain.
• Wait for the official 2027 announcement before booking fixed train or flight tickets.
• For the road route and stops, read how to reach Adi Kailash.

How Yatra To Temples can help

Yatra To Temples arranges Adi Kailash and Om Parvat yatras with help on permits, the medical check, stays and road travel through Dharchula and Gunji. We will share the confirmed 2027 dates as soon as the district administration announces them. See our Adi Kailash and Om Parvat yatra packages, or reach us at +91 78178 98687 (call or WhatsApp) or shiva@yatratotemples.in.

Also read: Adi Kailash Yatra FAQ: permit, route, weather and cost.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Adi Kailash Yatra opening date for 2027?

It has not been announced yet. The temple’s chief priest has said it will reopen in May 2027. Our estimate is sometime in May 2027, based on the 2025 and 2026 seasons, but it is not confirmed.

What was the Adi Kailash Yatra closing date in 2026?

The Shiva-Parvati temple at Jolingkong closed for winter on 5 November 2026. The SDM said the yatra could continue after that as long as the weather allows, so please check with the Dharchula SDM office before you go.

Is the Adi Kailash Yatra open during the monsoon?

Usually not. In both 2025 and 2026 the administration stopped issuing inner line permits in early July because of monsoon and landslide risk. In 2026 permits restarted around 20 September; in 2025 a restart was planned from 15 September.

Can I apply for the Adi Kailash permit online?

In 2026 an online portal was used for inner line permit applications, and permits were issued from the Dharchula tehsil office. A medical fitness test is mandatory before the permit is issued.

Is the Adi Kailash Yatra open in December or January?

No. The temple closes in early November and the Kuti villagers move down for winter. The temple is due to reopen in May.

How many pilgrims visited Adi Kailash in 2026?

Amar Ujala reported that 70,387 permits were issued from 1 May to 30 October 2026. The Northern Gazette reported 70,767 pilgrims by 2 November 2026.

Can I visit Adi Kailash in November?

Only partly, and only if the weather allows. The Shiva-Parvati temple at Jolingkong closed for winter on 5 November in both 2025 and 2026, because snowfall is likely in November. After that, permits for the lower route depend on the weather day to day, so confirm with the SDM office in Dharchula before travelling.

Why is the Adi Kailash Yatra closed in winter?

Because of snow. The Shiva-Parvati temple at Jolingkong stands at about 4,570 m (15,000 ft), and the temple committee and Kuti villagers close it in early November when snowfall becomes likely. Kuti’s residents then move down to lower valleys for the winter. Expected (estimate): the yatra reopens in May 2027. See our Adi Kailash yatra from Dharchula.