The sacred mountain known as Adi Kailash, situated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand near the India-Tibet border, holds immense significance in Hindu belief. Referred to often as the “second abode of Lord Shiva” (after the more famous Mount Kailash) it rises to an altitude of about 6,310 m according to recent guides. Pilgrims travel through villages like Gunji and Kuti to reach the base area, and the route has been improved in recent years to reduce trekking portion.
Legend holds that Lord Shiva passed through this area during his celestial wedding, and that King Ravana received his boon here after a deep tapasya.
The nearby snow-peak of Om Parvat, with its natural “ॐ” formation of snow, complements the pilgrimage. Because of the region’s high altitude, remote location, and demanding terrain, the Yatra (pilgrimage) is tightly managed, typically operating in the more accessible months of the year when weather and roads permit.
In short: Adi Kailash is both a major spiritual destination and a high-altitude trek/drive route, combining faith, majestic Himalayan scenery, and adventure. Planning carefully for permits, fitness, weather, and travel logistics is essential.
Hanuman Jayanti at Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya 2025
Adi Kailash Yatra Overview Table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Kumaon region, Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, India |
| Altitude | Approx. 6,310 m above sea level (some sources) |
| Nearby peaks / landmarks | Om Parvat, Parvati Sarovar, Gunji, Jolingkong |
| Yatra season (2025) | Mid-May to June, and a second window from mid-September to October/early November |
| Permits required | Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Indian citizens (foreign nationals generally not eligible) |
| Typical duration | 5 days (from Dharchula) or 7-8 days (from Kathgodam) |
| Booking / official organiser | Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd (KMVN) – official website: |
Adi Kailash Yatra Timings of the Temple
Since Adi Kailash is not a conventional low-altitude temple with fixed daily aarti schedules in the same way as many valley temples, exact “opening” and “closing” hours are not widely published as such. The pilgrimage route is operated under Yatra windows and travel movement rather than daily darshan slots. However, for planning purposes:
| Period | Activity window |
|---|---|
| Yatra active window (2025) | Mid-May to late June; and mid-Sept to ~mid-Nov (weather permitting) |
| Daily movement toward target sites | Generally early morning starts from base camps (e.g., 6-8 am) and return by evening; exact schedules vary with vehicle/road/altitude conditions |
| Permit issuance & check-posts | In base area (Dharchula etc) documentation day, then onward travel over 4-5 days to target; checkpoints require permit at multiple points. |
Because of terrain, altitude and weather, pilgrims should assume flexible timing and allow extra buffer rather than fixed “darshan hours”.
Sevas and Darshans Available at the Temple
Since Adi Kailash Yatra is more of a pilgrimage circuit than a standard temple darshan with price-listed sevas, published information about specific service offerings, timings and individual price lists is limited. Here is a summary of common “darshan/seva” packages offered by tour-operators or official Yatra organisers. These are indicative only.
| Seva/Darshan Package | Description | Approx. Timing | Approx. Price* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Yatra by Road – 5 days (Dharchula to Dharchula) | Includes transport, basic stay, meals, drive to Adi Kailash & Om Parvat viewpoint | 5 days / 4 nights | ~ ₹ 40,000 (+ extras) |
| Road Yatra – 8 days (Kathgodam to Kathgodam) | Longer route with additional sightseeing in Kumaon before/after Adi Kailash | 8 days / 7 nights | ~ ₹ 50,000 (or more) |
| Aerial Darshan Package (Helicopter) | Helicopter flight from Pithoragarh to Adi Kailash / Om Parvat viewpoint and return, stay 1-2 nights | 1-2 nights | ~ ₹ 66,000 or “price on request” in 2025 listings |
*Note: Prices include permit, transport, stay, meals in many packages – verify exact inclusions with the tour operator.
Visitors should check with the official organiser (KMVN) for any additional sevas (e.g., special pujas at Parvati Sarovar, Gauri Kund) and any separate price listings as they may vary year to year and with inclusion of stay/transport.
How to Reach the Temple
Reaching Adi Kailash involves several stages of travel, often combining road-journey, high-altitude mountain roads, and short treks or jeep rides. Here’s a typical route:
- By Air/Train to Uttarakhand base: The nearest major railhead is Kathgodam; the nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (though still some distance away) or you can fly into Delhi and then travel by road.
- Road travel to base town: From Kathgodam → Haldwani → Pithoragarh → Dharchula (or alternate arrival point) by road. Then stay at Dharchula, complete permit and health formalities.
- High-altitude road/jeep to Gunji / Jolingkong village: From Dharchula to Gunji/Nabi via mountain roads (often 5-6 hours) at ~3,200 m elevation, which serves as a base for the final leg.
- Final leg to Adi Kailash & Parvati Sarovar / Gauri Kund viewpoint: From Gunji drive further to Jolingkong (4,762 m) and from there a short trek (or jeep/vehicle-accessible segment) to reach Darshan/Parvati Sarovar area.
- Return journey: Retrace the route back to Dharchula and onward.
Travelers should allow for weather delays, road blocks/landslides especially during monsoon, and altitude acclimatisation.
How to Book the Darshan / Yatra
Booking for the 2025 Yatra to Adi Kailash is managed through official and approved tour-operators, often under the supervision of state agencies like KMVN. Here are the key steps:
- Visit the official website of KMVN: https://www.kmvn.in.
- Look for the “Packages” section and select the Adi Kailash & Om Parvat Yatra.
- Download and fill in required forms: registration, medical fitness certificate, police verification form, indemnity/affidavit, Inner Line Permit.
- Upload the documents, make the payment for the package, and receive confirmation. Ensure that you choose your start-point (Kathgodam or Dharchula) and dates.
- On arrival at base (Dharchula) you will also complete check-in, health screening, and permit verification before proceeding.
- Keep a copy of the Inner Line Permit, ID proof (Aadhaar/Passport), fitness certificate etc; these will be checked at various checkpoints en route.
Important tips:
- Book early, as slots are limited and dependent on weather/road conditions.
- Ensure your health/fitness certificate is current (often within 1 month of Yatra start) and you have police verification.
- Carry cash, as ATM and network connectivity may be very limited en route.
Nearby Attractions
While en route to or returning from Adi Kailash, there are several interesting pilgrim and natural sites you can include:
- Parvati Sarovar & Gauri Kund: Sacred lake and kund near the Adi Kailash base area, where pilgrims often stop for a holy dip.
- Om Parvat viewpoint: The vantage point at Nabhidang to view the snow-formation of “ॐ” on the mountain.
- Jageshwar Dham: Ancient temple complex of Lord Shiva in Kumaon region; often included in the longer 8-day route.
- Chitai Golu Devta Mandir: Famous for the belief in justice and oath-fulfilment; also on the circuit.
- Scenic villages & mountain vistas through Byas Valley, Darma Valley, and Kuti-Gunji region: offer Himalayan cultural experience and dramatic views.
Important Instructions for Visitors
- Apply for and secure your Inner Line Permit (ILP) well in advance; carry multiple copies.
- Undergo a medical fitness check and ensure you are acclimatised for high altitude; be aware of symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Travel in the designated Yatra window (mid-May to June; September to early November) to minimise risk of road/ weather disruptions. Avoid monsoon months (July/August) and deep winter.
- Carry sufficient cash: ATMs may not function near Gunji or Jolingkong.
- Wear suitable clothing for high altitude cold (night temperatures may drop to -5 °C or lower).
- Follow local rules: Do not stray into restricted military/ border zones; do not litter; respect nature and mountain environment.
- Give yourself buffer time for delays due to weather, landslides or roadblocks; avoid planning rigid subsequent travel on the same day.
- Stay with your group and follow the instructions of the Yatra coordinator or official guide—remote areas are less forgiving.
- Carry copies of all important documents (permit, ID proof, health certificate) and keep original IDs safely.
- Ensure travel insurance or at least contingency fund in case of emergency evacuation.
Accommodation Options
Here’s a table with typical accommodation options along the Adi Kailash Yatra route:
| Location | Type of Accommodation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dharchula / Pithoragarh | Hotel / Guest House (shared rooms) | Base town for ILP check-in and rest day. |
| Gunji / Nabi / Napalchu | Guest Houses / Homestays | High-altitude stay; basic facilities; heating might be minimal. |
| Jolingkong / near Adi Kailash base | Homestay / Mountain Rest-House | Simple lodgings; prioritize rest and early start. |
| Return towns (Didihat/Chaukori etc) | Hotel / Lodge | More comfortable stay returning to lower altitude. |
When booking, check what’s included (meals, bedding, heating) and whether shared-room or private rooms. At high altitude, availability is limited so early booking is wise.
10. Dos and Don’ts at the Temple / Yatra
Dos:
- Do carry your permit and ID at all times for check-posts.
- Do keep yourself hydrated and eat light meals for acclimatisation.
- Do inform someone of your health condition; prefer to travel in group.
- Do respect local customs and the environment: the region is ecologically fragile.
- Do start early in the day to avoid unexpected weather changes.
Don’ts:
- Don’t attempt this Yatra unprepared: altitude, remoteness, and terrain are challenging.
- Don’t ignore signs of altitude sickness (headache, nausea, dizziness).
- Don’t take photos of restricted/military areas en route.
- Don’t rely solely on online banking/ATMs; carry emergency cash.
- Don’t go outside the permitted route; trespassing border zones near India-Tibet/Nepal may have serious consequences.
FAQs about Adi Kailash Yatra
Q1. Are foreigners allowed for Adi Kailash Yatra?
A: Generally, no. The Inner Line Permit is issued only to Indian nationals in this border region.
Q2. What is the best time to go?
A: The ideal months are May to June, and then September to early November (post-monsoon) when weather & roads are better. Avoid July–August.
Q3. How long does the Yatra take?
A: If you start from Dharchula it can be done in 5 days; if you start from Kathgodam it may take 7-8 days including sightseeing.
Q4. What is the permit cost?
A: The ILP fee for Adi Kailash is currently around ₹200-400 per person (for Indian nationals).
Q5. How much should I budget?
A: Many standard packages range from ~₹40,000 upward for Indian pilgrims (inclusive of transport, meals, stay) for the shorter route; personal carry-along expenses add further.
Q6. What about health/altitude?
A: Altitude is high (over 4,000-5,000 m in some parts). Acclimatisation and good health are essential. Avoid strenuous activity early.
Q7. What should I pack?
A: Warm layered clothing, waterproof outer, good trekking shoes, personal medication, cash, permit copies, ID proof, and snacks. Mobile network may be unreliable.
Q8. Is the route safe?
A: While improved roads make it accessible, the terrain remains Himalayan and weather/roadblock risks exist (landslides, snow). Travel in a properly organised group with guide.