Nomad Saikat
The Adi Kailash or Chota Kailash or Shiva Kailash is a mountain located in the Himalayan mountain range in the state of Uttarakhand. It is located in the Pithoragarh district and the Adi Kailash Trek is one of the most important treks here. Along with Adi Kailash Om Parvat is also an important mountain. They are located at a very close proximity with the Indo China border that makes them more important. These locations also have huge religious significance attached to it as well. And for a Lord Shiva devotee these locations play a significant religious role as well. With the picturesque views, the unique scenery, the breathtaking beauty and the captivating spots along the journey makes this a haven for travelers. For both trekkers as well as devotees it can be one of a lifetime kind of experience.
Adi Kailash and Om Parvat
The Adi Kailash Yatra is an ultimate dream destination for a lot of devotees as well as travelers. It is a site of pilgrimage where people from all over the world visit and it holds a lot of significance as well. There is history and legends attached to it that makes them so important. Furthermore you will also find other sightseeing sites here along the journey that will offer you a mesmerizing experience. According to beliefs this is the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati and therefore for Hindus the location is of utmost relevance. Keep on reading this article as here I will mention everything that you need to know about the Kailash Yatra. This will be a helpful article for you if you are planning a yatra to Adi Kailash any time soon.
Adi Kailash Trek Route
Earlier the Adi Kailash trek distance was about 198 km and it covered the Adi Kailash and the Om Parvat Yatra. However, later very recently the Government developed a road which takes down the optional part of trekking to around 2-7 km only. After a point in Dharchula the roads are very rough so one can take a Bolero or Bolero Camper as well. Dharchula to Adi Kailash distance is about 53.2 km. Because of this easy accessibility the Yatra is getting more popular in recent years.
History of Adi Kailash
Adi Kailash or Chota Kailash or Little Kailash is one such location that holds a lot of historical relevance and mythological importance. According to legends this is the location of Lord Shiva’s marriage with Goddess Parvati. Furthermore there are other legends that suggest that the demon king Ravana from Ramayana also had spent generous years of his life here before being all powerful. There are stories regarding the Pandavas as well that suggest that they have meditated here for many years. Revered sage Ved Vyas also has meditated here for a really long time. Overall the site is one of the most revered sites of pilgrimage and the devotees consider this very powerful. They believe that visiting this location would make them enlightened and it would turn the negativity of their lives to a positive thinking approach.
The Adi Kailash Yatra is essentially a religious journey where devotees visit the major religious locations and worship. Millions of devotees embark on this spiritual journey every year to achieve spiritual healing and to fulfill their wishes. According to legends this is one such location where Lord Shiva answers the questions of the devotees and also listens to their demands. The yatra is much more than any other normal trek as it holds a lot of spiritual importance. However it is also one of the popular activities for adventure enthusiasts as the journey to the location is beautiful and will always remain memorable for every person.
Itinerary of Adi Kailash Yatra
Day 1
Kathgodam- Jageshwar- Pittorgarh (1627 meters)
Overall it would take approximately around 9 to 10 hours to cover this distance. You can therefore start your journey at around 6:30 in the morning and travel towards Pithoragarh. On your way you would however visit places like Golu Devta Temple, Kainchi Dham, Jagesgwar Dham, Bhimtal and Almora.
Day 2
Pithorgarh to Dharchula (910 meters)
This distance would take you around 4 to 5 hours of time to cover. You can have your morning tea or breakfast at Pithoragarh and then travel towards Dharchula. You will get a bus or tempo from here though to travel. On your way however you will get to visit locations like Kaali and Gauri Rivers and Jwaleshwar Temple.
Read More : Kinnaur Kailash Yatra 2024, Trek Distance, Height, Temperature
Day 3
Dharchula to Gunji (3200 meters)
It would be a 71 km distance and it might take around 5 to 6 hours to cover the journey. You can have your morning tea or breakfast at Dharchula and proceed towards Gunji by 7 am in the morning. From here however you will get a Bolero or Bolero Camper. On your way you will get to explore some locations also. These are Chiyalekh Meadows, Budhi Village, Mount Aapi, Namjing Parvat, Napalchu, Garbyang etc.
Day 4
Gunji to Nabhidhang (4266 meters) and then again back to Gunji
You can have your morning tea or breakfast at Gunji and then start your journey to proceed towards Nabhidhang. Here also you will get a Bolero or Bolero Camper that will take you via Kalapani. It would take you around 6 to 7 hours to complete that distance only to reach Nabhidhang, where you can have your lunch and visit Om Parvat. After Om Parvat Darshan you will come back to Gunji by 4 pm. Other than that you will also get to explore locations like Ganesh Parvat, Nag Parvat, Vyas Gufa, Nabhi Parvat, Kaali Mandir.
Day 5
Gunji to Jyolingkong (4378 meters) visiting Adi Kailash and back to Budhi
At first you can have your breakfast and tea at Gunji and then start your journey towards Jyolingkong. You will therefore go via Nabi and Kutti village in a Bolero or Bolero Camper. From Gunji to Adi Kailash the distance is 86 km to and fro and it would take around 9 to 10 hours to reach Budhi. Here you will also get to visit the Adi Kailash Parvat and Parvati Sarovar. Furthermore you will visit Gauri Kund, Pandav Parvat, Parvati Mukut. At noon you can have lunch at Jyolingkong and then you will have to proceed towards Budhi.
Day 6
Budhi to Chaukori (2-10 meters) through Dharchula
This is a 193 km journey that would take around 8 to 9 hours. After having the morning tea or breakfast at Budhi you will have to start your journey to reach Chaukori. The journey goes through Dharchula in a bus or a tempo. Then you can however have your lunch at Didihat and proceed to reach Chaukori.
Day 7
Chaukori to Bhimtal (1370 meters)
This is a 209 km journey and it takes around 9 to 10 hours to complete. From Chaukori you can start your journey after having breakfast. You will travel via Patal Bhuvaneshwar in a bus or a tempo. You will reach Patal Bhuvaneshwar by noon and after lunch you can complete the rest of the journey to reach Bhimtal.
Day 8
Bhimtal to Kathgodam
You can have your breakfast at Bhimtal and proceed towards Kathgodam and that marks the end of the Kailash Yatra.
Adi Kailash Temperature
The ideal time for the yatra is from mid May to June and again from September to October. The summer season is ideally the best time for a trek as it feels comfortable to cope with the environment at that time. The summer temperature varies between -2 to 25 degrees. From May to June the temperature ranges from 5 degrees to 15 degrees making it the most favourable time for the yatra.
During the monsoon season it is not the recommended time for the yatra as the trails get slippery. So it can be a little risky and difficult to cover this route during the monsoon season though. The monsoon season often also leads to landslides that make the journey more difficult. You cannot visit here during the winter season as there is chilly weather and snowfall. Temperature during the winters ranges from -22 degrees to 16 degrees and sometimes even goes below -30 degrees making it completely unsuitable for a visit. The snowfall blocks the road fully that makes it impossible to carry on this journey during winters
Wrapping Up!
So that was all about the Adi Kailash Yatra. Now you simply need to plan a yatra and you can very well enjoy this blissful experience. It can be one of a lifetime kind of experience as you embark on this religious yatra. Other than the pristine view here the journey would rejuvenate your mind and soul. The mythological attachment of the location and the religious importance are undoubtedly one of the major highlights of this yatra. For the devotees of Lord Shiva this yatra holds a lot of prominence too. So if you are an adventure enthusiast or a devotee you can surely go forward with this yatra. It will be a spiritual journey that will be etched in your mind forever.
So when are you planning to continue with the Adi Kailash Yatra? And also let me know if this article on the Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra is helpful for you in planning this trip there.
