Adi Kailash Om Parvat Yatra Via Lohaghat

About this tour

The historical significance of Adi Kailash as an ancient pilgrimage site dates back to times when pilgrimages were esteemed in Hinduism. Pilgrims from across India sought heavenly benefits, spiritual awakening, and a closer connection with the divine, leaving behind a trail of devotion and vitality. The revered Adi Kailash mountain holds a central place in Hindu mythology, notably mentioned in the Mahabharata. The Pandavas brothers and their wife Draupadi embarked on a sacred pilgrimage seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings, stopping at Adi Kailash. This journey is believed to have purified their souls, contributing to their success in the battle of Kurukshetra.

Maa Parvati wished to be near Lord Shiva, so she prayed at Adi Kailash. Lord Shiva was moved and made Adi Kailash his home. This shows their bond and Lord Shiva’s care for devotees. Visitors with sincerity can seek blessings. Maa Parvati’s tale teaches reverence and connection to the divine for growth and wish fulfillment.

Quick information

• Duration: 6N/7D
• Difficulty: Easy
• Starting Point: Kathgodam/Haldwani (Uttarakhand)
• Best time to Visit: May-June and September- October
• Highest Altitude: Jolingkong 4,572 m (15,000 feet)
• Total trek distance: Total 4 Km trek from Jolingkong to Parvati Kund and back.
• Temperature: Day: (10°C to 15°C) and Night: (5°C to -2°C)
• Meals: Vegetarian
• Accommodation: Homestay & Hotel
• Age group: 8-60 years
• Nearest airport: Pantnagar Airport
• Nearest railway station: Kathgodam Railway Station

Adi Kailash Itinerary

Day 01: Kathgodam to Lohaghat

• The trip starts at Kathgodam where we’ll pick you up from a pre-defined point. We will take the route via Tanakpur which is more convenient for the pilgrims (especially senior citizens) as against the road taken via Almora, which includes traveling through a lot of bends and curves. The total distance from Kathgodam to Lohaghat is around 180 kilometers.
• We will enjoy the scenic views of Champawat while going to Lohaghat. The Golu Devta Temple in Champawat will be a key attraction on Day 1. Also known as Nyay K Devta (The Lord of Justice), Golu Devta is famous amongst the pilgrims for providing instant justice to the people. The interesting part is that any disputes occurring in the area are mostly solved at this temple rather than by visiting any court! The procedure involves writing a letter to Golu addressing the issue and it is believed that justice occurs naturally after the letter is submitted! The Golu Temple in Champawat is the origin behind all the other Golu Temples in Kumaon, like Chitai Golu Temple and Ghorakhal Golu Temple! What’s more interesting is that we’ll be visiting even Chitai Golu Temple while returning.

Temples Covered : Golu Devta Temple- Champawat, Baleshwar Temple.
Other Sightseeing: Advaita Ashram Mayavati, Koli Dhek Lake.

Day 02: Lohaghat to Dharchula

• After having our breakfast on this day, we’ll leave for Dharchula by 8:30AM. While on the way to Dharchula, we’ll pass through Pithoragarh, which is also famously known as the Mini-Kashmir of India. We will be covering a total distance of 150 kilometers on Day 2.
• We will reach Dharchula by 2:00 PM, where all our documents will be thoroughly checked and our medical fitness will be checked at the Government Hospital. Further, we will be issued the Inner Line Permit (ILP) for our Adi-Kailash Yatra. For having its proximity to Tibet and Nepal and due to security reasons; it becomes important to obtain the ILP from the local administration.
• Dharchula is a small town located right next to the International boundary of India and Nepal. The Kali River flowing along Dharchula (India) and Darchula (Nepal)* acts as a boundary and divides both countries. You can also visit Nepal through the suspension bridge built over the Kali River before 6:00PM. We’ll be staying at Dharchula this night.

En-route: Gurna Mata Temple, Pithoragarh.

Day 03: Dharchula to Nabi/Gunji

• We must say that the actual yatra to Adi-Kailash starts on Day 3. After having breakfast, we’ll leave for either Nabi or Gunji (depending upon the availability of stay on the said dates) from Dharchula. The mode of transportation shall also change on Day 3 and we’ll be traveling on 4×4 vehicles from Dharchula. Being based locally, we have a team of highly experienced drivers who will ensure that your journey from Dharchula to Nabi/Gunji becomes smooth!
• While on the way, we shall cross the hamlets of Chhiyalekh, Bundi, and Garbyang. We shall also come across some natural waterfalls, that are in full youth-hood during the summers! We would request you to keep your Aadhar cards handy as our Identities and ILPs are checked very often this day! Throughout our way to Nabi/Gunji, we’ll be traveling along the borders of Nepal!
• Upon checking in to your hotel/home-stay/guest house; we shall visit the Manokamna temple in Nabi (preferably by walk). After returning, dinner will be served and we’ll sleep early as we’ll be visiting Parvati Kund the next day!

Day 04: Nabi/Gunji to Jolingkong (Adi Kailash Base Camp) to Nabi/Gunji

• The darshan of Shree Adi-Kailash are divine and rare. The best darshans are possible only if we reach Jolingkong (the base camp of Parvati Kund, Gauri Kund, and Shree Adi Kailash) before 10:00 AM. After having our breakfast quite early this morning, we’ll leave for Jolingkong. It’ll take us two hours to reach Jolingkong from Nabi/Gunji. We shall pass through Village Kuti, which is named after the mother of Pandavas- Maa Kunti while going to Jolingkong.
• After undergoing checking by Army personnel, we shall leave for Parvati Kund from Jolingkong. Please note that the vehicles are parked at Jolingkong and we need to walk from here to reach Parvati Kund. The distance between Jolingkong and Parvati Kund is two kilometers and we will also get to see Bhim ki Kheti while on the way! You can get to see a clear sight of Shree Adi Kailash as soon as you start your walk toward Parvati Kund!
• If weather conditions are suitable and if the health conditions permit; we can also attempt visiting Gauri Kund, which is further four kilometers from Parvati Kund. If you are inclined to spirituality; you can easily feel some positive energies around you at Parvati Kund. After performing Pooja rituals and taking a holy dip in the Parvati Kund (if you wish), we shall return to Nabi. Overnight stay at Nabi/Gunji.

Sightseeing : Pandav Fort, Brahma Parvat, Kunti Parvat, Pandav Parvat, Parvati Kund.

Day 05: Nabi/Gunji to Nabhidhang (Om Parvat Base Camp) to Dharchula

• The base camp for Om Parvat is Nabhidhang, which is around two hours away from Nabi. The darshan/views of Shree Om Parvat are pristine and clear only in the mornings. This day, after an early morning breakfast, we shall leave for Nabhidhang.
• Om Parvat, indeed is a miracle of Mother Nature. Once you reach the base-camp, you can get to see the sacred symbol ॐ carved atop a mountain. The Army has recently built a temple in Jyolingkong from where you can offer prasaad to the parvat, chant meditate, and perform rituals.
• While returning, we will be visiting the famous Kali Mata temple in Kalapani. This is also the place from where you get to see the sight of Vyas Gufa, the cave where Ved Vyas Ji meditated. The Gufa is atop mountains and cannot be reached, but seen. Kalapani holds great significance, both spiritually and geographically. Right above Kalapani is the ‘Kalapani Glacier,’ which is the source of the Kali River. The river feeds thousands of people as it passes numerous towns and hamlets while it travels through India and Nepal! We shall leave for Dharchula after having darshans at Kali temple and will have overnight stay and dinner at Dharchula.

Sightseeing : Nabhi Parvat, Nag Parvat, Vyas Gufa, Kalapani Temple, Nabhidhang

Day 06: Dharchula to Jageshwar

• To not miss out on the Jageshwar and Kainchi Dham temples, we will take the route via Almora while returning. This trip will give you an entire tour of the Kumaon region. Or say, you’ll cover the entire Kumaon circuit on this trip.
• On this day, we’ll be traveling to the famous Patal Bhubneshwar Temple and Caves in Gangolihat. Patal Bhubneshwar is a group of caves believed to house Lord Shiva and thirty-three different kinds of Gods! The cave is about 160 meters long and goes 90 feet deep from where you enter. Inside, the rocks have formed amazing shapes that look like hanging icicles and rocky mounds, all in different colors.
• We shall also visit the famous Hat Kalika temple in Gangolihat. The temple is famous all across Kumaon and is believed to be the divine form of Maa Kaali. It’ll take us around three hours to reach Jageshwar Temple from Gangolihat. Jageshwar Temples, also known as Jageshwar or Jageshwar Valley Temples, form a collection of 125 ancient Hindu temples dating from the 7th to the 14thcentury.

Day 07: Jageshwar to Chitai Golu Dev Temple to Kathgodam

• On the last day, we shall start early morning at 6:00 AM and visit Chitai Golu Devta Temple. You must feel blessed as you get a lot of blessings from Golu Devta on the very first and the last day of the trip. The Chitai Golu Devta Temple is an extension of the first Golu Devta temple that you visited in Champawat.
• After having Darshan at Chitai, we shall leave for Kainchi Dham. We will pass through Almora, which is one of the largest towns(Hill-town) in Uttarakhand. It’ll take us three hours to reach Kainchi Dham from Golu temple. We prefer to have lunch after having darshan at Kainchi Dham or before, depending upon the situation then.
• Past having Darshan, we shall drop you back to Kathgodam, with a promise to meet again!

Sightseeing : Chitai Golu Devta Temple; Almora; Kainchi Dham; Bhimtal.

Adi Kailash Registration Process

1. Fill Yatra Application and Yatra Permit forms for Adi Kailash Yatra 2023 with colored photo.
2. Obtain a medical fitness certificate from any MBBS doctor.
3. Email Registration Form, scan valid ID to info@nomadadventures.co.in.
4. Provide a copy of identity proof (Valid Indian Passport, Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, Driving License).
5. Include two additional passport-size colored photographs.
6. Complete the payment of the remaining amount one month before the Yatra date.

Best Time To Visit Adi Kailash Om Parvat

The best time to visit Adi Kailash Om Parvat is May-June and September-October. These months offer favorable weather conditions for trekking and exploring the region. The temperatures are moderate, with daytime temperatures ranging from 7°C to 15°C and nighttime temperatures ranging from 0°C to -2 °C. It is important to note that weather conditions can vary, so it’s always recommended to check the local forecast before planning your visit.

How Difficult is Adi Kailash Om Parvat Yatra?

The Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra is considered to be Easy in difficulty level. Here are the main reasons why:

In the past, it was a very challenging trek due to the lack of developed roads. Now, jeep transportation is available for most of the journey, making it much easier especially for elderly or less fit pilgrims. Now the total trek distance is 4 km from Jolingkong (Adi Kailash Base Camp) to Parvati Kund and back.

While easier than before, the trek still has its challenges. There can be steep ascents and descents, along with rough, unpaved roads.. Your altitude would be around 4,572 meters (15,000 ft) at Jolingkong (Adi Kailash bast camp) and 4,300 meters (14,107) at Nabhidhang (Om parvat base camp) which can lead to altitude sickness, and can make even simple walking difficult for elderly pilgrims.

Packing List: Essentials To Carry

When planning an active trip, it’s essential to consider how to stay comfortable in changing weather conditions. The key to achieving maximum comfort with minimum weight is by layering appropriately. Versatile, mixed, and matched layers provide the proper insulation, ventilation, and weather protection.

We’ve created a comprehensive gear list to help you choose the proper equipment. It’s essential only to bring what is necessary, as this will help you stay comfortable and make the trek easier for the field staff.

What to Carry on the Trek?

• Thermals – Tops and Bottoms to keep you warm in cold temperatures
• Day Pack (20 L-30 L) and Rucksack 50 L – 60 L to carry your essentials
• Bag Rain Cover to protect your belongings from Rain
• Fleece pants and Woolen gloves and Woolen cap for Added Warmth
• Fleece/ Jacket or Sweater to keep you warm on chilly evenings
• Hiking Pants (Warm, Convertible, Quick-Dry, Lightweight) for comfort and flexibility
• Woolen Socks (4-5 pairs) to keep your feet warm and dry
• Trekking poles (1 Pair) to support your body during the trek
• Insulated Jacket to Provide an extra layer of Warmth
• Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight) to protect you from the sun and bugs
• Rain-Coat/ Poncho to keep you dry during rain showers
• Sport Sunglasses and Sun cap for protection against the sun
• Hiking shoes for good grip and support
• Water Bottles to stay hydrated during the trek

Make sure to pack wisely and leave behind any unnecessary items to keep your backpack light. A well-planned packing list ensures a safe and comfortable trek, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of nature fully.

Important Tips To Know Before You Go On The Trek

• Adjusting to high altitude is crucial for trekking safely.
• Trek itineraries may change in emergencies; be prepared.
• Consult a doctor and carry medication for safety.
• Camping is vital; bring power banks for electronics.
• Keep the trekking area clean and conserve water.
• Bring sufficient cash; ATMs may be unavailable.
• Avoid using earphones for safety reasons.
• Use reusable bags; avoid plastic to protect the environment.
• Follow trek guides’ instructions for safety.
• Inform authorities in case of cancellation.
• Pack lightly for comfort and safety.
• Children under six should avoid high-altitude treks.
• Avoid alcohol and intoxicants for safety.

How To Reach Kathgodam/Haldwani

To reach Kathgodam or Haldwani, which are both in the state of Uttarakhand, India, you have several options depending on your starting point:

By Air:

Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (PGH) is the nearest airport to Haldwani, located about 35 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach Kathgodam or Haldwani.

By Train:

Kathgodam Railway Station: Kathgodam has its own railway station, which is well-connected with major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata. Trains from all major cities ply to Kathgodam.

By Road:

From Delhi: Kathgodam and Haldwani are approximately 290 kilometers away from Delhi. You can take NH9 and NH34 to reach there. The journey takes around 6-8 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

Bus Services: There are regular bus services from major cities like Delhi and Dehradun to Kathgodam and Haldwani. State-owned as well as private buses run on these routes.

By Taxi:

Private Taxis: You can also hire a private taxi from Delhi directly to Kathgodam or Haldwani. This offers a more comfortable and flexible option, although at a higher cost.

Tips:

• Book in Advance: If you are traveling during peak seasons like summer or during festivals, it’s advisable to book your tickets (flight, train, or bus) in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle.
• Weather Check: Check the weather conditions, especially if you’re traveling during the monsoon season as landslides are common in the hilly areas of Uttarakhand.
• Local Transport: Once you reach Kathgodam or Haldwani, there are local transport options like auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and local buses to help you navigate within the towns.