Narayan Ashram, Dharchula: History, How to Reach and Stay

Facts checked November 2026.

Many families going to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat drive through Tawaghat without knowing that Narayan Ashram is only about 14 km away. It is a place where a pilgrim can sit in a quiet temple hall, join the aarti and, with a booking, stay the night in a simple room. This guide explains where it is, how to reach it, its history, what to expect and how to fit it into an Adi Kailash yatra.

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

Where is Narayan Ashram?

Narayan Ashram is in the Dharchula area of Pithoragarh district, in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand, near the borders with Nepal and Tibet. The Pithoragarh district website places it about 136 km north of Pithoragarh town and 14 km from Tawaghat, at an altitude of 2,734 metres (Pithoragarh district). The Kumaon division website gives the same altitude and says the road is motorable to Tawaghat, which is 19 km from Dharchula (Kumaon division).

In simple terms: Dharchula is the last big town on the Kali river. From there you go up to Tawaghat, and then climb about 14 km more to the ashram, which looks down over the valley.

How do you reach Narayan Ashram?

There is no railway or airport close by. Most visitors come by road via Pithoragarh and Dharchula.

The two government listings round the distances differently, so treat them as approximate. In practice:

1. Reach Pithoragarh from Kathgodam or Tanakpur railheads, or fly to Pantnagar and drive on. Our guide on how to reach Adi Kailash explains this leg.
2. Drive to Dharchula and stay the night. Pithoragarh to Dharchula is about four hours by road, as the culture portal eSamskriti noted in its 2012 visit report (eSamskriti).
3. Go on to the ashram by hired car or local shared jeep. eSamskriti describes the drive from Dharchula as about two hours.

Roads in this belt can be cut by landslides in the monsoon. Start early and keep a spare day.

Who founded Narayan Ashram, and why?

The ashram was founded in 1936 by Narayan Swami (Pithoragarh district). According to eSamskriti, Narayan Swami came from Mysore and had trained as an engineer. He passed through this valley on his own way to Kailash Mansarovar, saw how far the border villages were from schools and services, and decided to build a centre here. Work began in March 1936 and was completed by 1945, on land given by a local family (eSamskriti).

Both government listings describe it as a “spiritual cum socio-educational centre”. That is the heart of the place: a temple and meditation space, together with service to local people.

What is there to see and do?

• Temple hall: eSamskriti describes a temple on the first floor with a large hall and old pictures on the walls.
• Morning and evening aarti: held every morning and evening, as described by eSamskriti. Timings are not officially published, so ask on arrival.
• Meditation room and library: listed by the district website.
• Samadhi sthal: the district website lists a samadhi sthal in the ashram.
• School and training: the district website says the ashram has a school for local children and trains local youth.
• Short walk on the old Kailash route: eSamskriti mentions a fairly easy walk of about 5 km one way towards Sirkha village, on the old Kailash yatra foot route.

Can you stay at Narayan Ashram?

Yes. In its 2012 visit report, eSamskriti describes clean rooms with beds and blankets, bathrooms with hot water, and simple meals. Guests make a voluntary donation, and everyone washes their own plate after meals. To stay overnight you must contact the ashram and book in advance; day visitors can come at any time. Arrangements may have changed since then, so confirm when you book (eSamskriti).

Please remember this is an ashram, not a hotel. Dress modestly, keep noise low, follow the timings for meals and aarti, and it is best not to bring alcohol or non-vegetarian food. Ask before taking photographs inside the temple.

What is the best time to visit?

The Kumaon division page lists the ashram as open all year (Kumaon division).

For the weather higher up the same valley, see our Adi Kailash weather and best time guide.

Do you need a permit for Narayan Ashram?

The government listings do not mention a permit for the ashram itself. Rules for this border belt are set by the SDM office in Dharchula and can change, so ask there before you drive up. If you are going on to Gunji, Adi Kailash or Om Parvat, you need the Inner Line Permit anyway; our Adi Kailash permit guide lists the documents.

Is Narayan Ashram suitable for senior citizens?

Generally yes, with care. The ashram is reached by road, and the height (2,734 m) is much lower than Gunji or Adi Kailash, so it is a gentle place to rest. The road is narrow and winding, so people who get car-sick should carry medicine. Elders with heart or breathing problems should take their doctor’s advice before any travel above Dharchula.

How can you add Narayan Ashram to an Adi Kailash yatra?

Because the ashram is a detour of about 14 km from Tawaghat, near the start of the high road, it fits well on the way up (as a quiet first night above Dharchula) or on the way back. Other darshan stops on the same journey include Jageshwar Dham and Patal Bhuvaneshwar. Our Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra from Dharchula can be planned with a Narayan Ashram visit on request. Call or WhatsApp +91 78178 98687, or write to shiva@yatratotemples.in.

Related guides: Dharchula guide: weather, how to reach, permits

Frequently asked questions

Where is Narayan Ashram located?

Narayan Ashram is in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, above Dharchula. It is about 14 km from Tawaghat, and Tawaghat is 19 km from Dharchula.

What is the altitude of Narayan Ashram?

Both the Pithoragarh district and Kumaon division websites give the altitude as 2,734 metres.

Who built Narayan Ashram?

Narayan Swami founded the ashram in 1936. According to eSamskriti, he came this way on a Kailash Mansarovar yatra and set up the ashram as a spiritual and social-service centre for the border villages.

How far is Narayan Ashram from Dharchula?

By the government listings, Dharchula to Tawaghat is 19 km and Tawaghat to the ashram about 14 km. eSamskriti puts the drive from Dharchula at about two hours.

Can we stay overnight at Narayan Ashram?

Yes. eSamskriti describes simple rooms and meals on a donation basis, but you must book with the ashram in advance. Day visitors can come without booking.

Is Narayan Ashram on the way to Adi Kailash?

Not directly. It is about 14 km from Tawaghat, near the start of the Adi Kailash road above Dharchula, so it can be added as a detour on the way up or back.

Which is the nearest railway station to Narayan Ashram?

The Kumaon division names Tanakpur as the nearest railhead, about 280 km away. The district page lists Kathgodam at 350 km.