Situated at a fairly impressive altitude of 6,310 metres, Adi Kailash also referred to as Chota Kailash or Little Kailash is in one or the other way a replica of Mount Kailash in Tibet. Adi Kailash is a popular pilgrimage of the Hindu devotees. One can catch a glimpse of the emerald Parvati lake and the Gauri Kund adorned on the very foot of Chota Kailash.
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Adi Kailash, a trekking spree and a popular pilgrim place for the Hindu devotees
The love for hiking and spirituality often attracts the tourists to enjoy the splendor of Mount Adi Kailash which features wildflowers, fruits, cascading waterfalls and the thick woodlands that can engulf the wanderers in its gloom. The trek passes through the awe-inspiring Darma, Bryans and Chaundans Valley. One can admire the grandeur of the snowy Annapurna peak, the bubbling Kali River and the Narayan ashram. Many devotees like to head to Adi Kailash as in this trek one can explore the tiny Kuti village named after ‘Kunti’, the mother of Pandavas.
At the very foot of Chotta Kailash is Gauri kund reflecting its entire expanse. Yet another water body close by is called Parvati Sarovar. Also known as "Mansarovar" it is much smaller than the original one. A temple dedicated to Shiva and Parvati is there at the shoreline. Following the Chinese occupation of Tibet, Chotta Kailash served as the most revered substitute of Mount Kailash.
For experiencing spirituality in the lap of the Himalayas, the pilgrims can pay obeisance at the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati, adorned on the shoreline of the Adi Kailash. During the Chinese invasion of Tibet, the Chota Kailash was revered next to Mount Kailash by the locals.
From Gunji the Kailash Mansarovar route branches off to Kalapani from where the Kali river originates. Onwards from here is Navidhang (3987m) Lipupass is only 9 kms from here. From Navidhang "Om Parvat" , the miracle of nature is clearly perceptible. Snow lies on this mountain in the shape of a perpetual "OM", the primordial sound. All other slopes may be bare but this inscription in the snow is everlasting and as one observes it, one gets the feeling that the mountain itself is Lord Shiva incarnate.
Helicopter services are available for a more convenient journey to Adi Kailash, with several Adi Kailash tour packages offering this option. Travelers depart from the Pithoragarh Helipad, flying to Gunji, and from there, continue by helicopter to Jolingkong. At Jolingkong, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Adi Kailash from the designated viewpoint, making it a quick and hassle-free way to experience the sacred mountain.
The Uttarakhand government has suspended the Adi Kailash pilgrimage for the winter season as temperatures continue to drop in the high Himalayan region. The Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra in the Vyas Valley will remain closed from December 1.
According to Jitendra Verma, Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Dharchula, the issuance of Inner Line Permits (ILP) required for pilgrims to enter the Adi Kailash area will also be discontinued from December 1, with official orders already issued.
More than 35,000 devotees visited Adi Kailash during the yatra that began on May 30 this year. Pilgrims also paid visits to Om Parvat, Gauri Kund, Parvati Kund, and Bhim ki Kheti.
Following the visit of Narendra Modi, significant improvements in road connectivity and security arrangements have been made in the region, leading to a sharp rise in pilgrim and tourist footfall.
Lord Shiva–Parvati Temple Gates Closed for Winter on Kartik Purnima
The gates of the Lord Shiva–Parvati temple were ceremonially closed on November 5 on the occasion of Kartik Purnima. The rituals were performed by priests Gopal Singh Kutiyal and Virendra Singh Kutiyal amid Vedic chanting. Before the closure, over 500 devotees participated in bhajans, kirtans, and darshan. The ceremony concluded amid light snowfall.
The temple will reopen next year in May 2026, only after weather conditions improve and the route is cleared.
Earlier pilgrims had to do the trekking of 198 kms for preforming Adi Kailash & Om Parvat Yatra. Now Government has developed a new road in the area with BRO which bought down the optional trekking part to 2-7 kms only. Beyond Dhrchula roads are rough so you must go in local Bolero/ Bolero Camper etc.
Due to its ease of accessibility, now Adi Kailash Yatra getting popular day by day.
The distinguished Adi Kailash is one of the most revered mountains of India, known for its spiritual munificence and hiking bliss. According to the Hindu mythology, Adi Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva, his consort Parvati and their offspring Ganpati and Kartikey. Therefore, the spectacular Adi Kailash mountain range is considered as the most sacred mountain range in the world and is worshiped by many Hindus for its religious importance.
Day 1: Kathgodam - Jageshwar – Pithoragarh (1627 mts.)
(196 kms - 9 to 10 hours of journey) -
Start your tour at 6:30 am from Kathgodam. Proceed to Pithoragarh via Jageshwar.
Enroute visiting Places: Kainchi Dham, Golu Devta temple at Chitayi, Jageshwar Dham via Bhimtal and Almora.
Day 2: Pithoragarh to Dharchula (910 mts.)
(96 kms. 4 to 5 hours of journey)
Morning tea, Breakfast at Pithoragarh. Proceed to Dharchula (at 7:00am) by bus/Tempo traveler.
Visiting Places: Gori and Kaali River at Jauljibi and Jwaleshwar temple at Joljibi on the way.
Day 3: Dharchula to Gunji (3200 mts.)
(71 kms. 5 to 6 hours of journey)
Morning tea, Breakfast at Dharchula. Proceed to Gunji (at 7:00am) by Bolero/ Bolero Camper.
Visiting Places: - Budhi village, Chiyalekh meadows and panoramic view of Mount Aapi and Namjing Parvat, Garbyang, Napalchu on the way to Gunji.
Day 4: Gunji to Nabhidhang (4266 mts.) back to Gunji
Morning tea, Breakfast at Gunji. Proceed to Nabhidhang (at 7:00am) by Bolero/Bolero Camper via Kalapani (22+22 kms. 6 to 7 hours of journey). Lunch at Nabhidhang (at 12:00 noon), Om parvat darshan at Nabhidhang and back to Gunji (at 4:00pm).
Visiting Places: - Ganesh Parwat and Mount Aapi darshan from Gunji, Nag Parwat, Vyash Gufa, Kaali Mandir dharshan at Kalapani, Nabhi parwat and Om parwat darshan at Nabhidhang.
Day 5: Gunji to Jyolingkong (4378 mts.) - Adi Kailash and back to Budhi
Morning tea, Breakfast at Gunji. Proceed to Jyolingkong (at 6:30am) via Nabi, Kutti, by Bolero/Camper. (86 kms. to and fro from Gunji to Adi Kailash and back to budhi and 9 to 10 hours of journey). Visit parwati sarovar and Adi Kailash darshan, Gauri Kund, Parwati mukut, Pandav parwat, lunch at Jyolingkong (at 1:pm), after lunch proceed to Budhi (at 5:00pm)
Visiting Places: - Kunti Kila, Kutti village, Nikarchu Parwat darshan, Parwati Sarovar visits, Aadi Kailash, Parwati mukut, Pandav Parwat, Gauri kund darshan.
Day 6: Budhi to Chaukori (2010 mts.) via Dharchula
(193 kms and 8 to 9 hours journey)
Morning tea, Breakfast at Budhi Proceed to Chaukori (at 7:00am) via Dharchula, Didihat by Bus/ tempo traveler. Lunch at Didihat, after lunch proceed to Chaukori
Day 7: Chaukori to Bhimtal (1370mts.) via Patal Bhuvneshwar, Sheraghat, Almora.
(209km and 9 to 10 hours journey)
Morning tea, Breakfast at Chaukori Proceed to Bhimtal (at 8:00am) via Patal Bhuvneshwar/Almora, by bus/ tempo traveler. Lunch at Patal Bhuvneshwar (at 12:00pm) after lunch proceed to Bhimtal (at 6:00pm)
Day 8: Bhimtal to Kathgodam
Morning tea, breakfast at Bhimtal after breakfast proceed to Kathagodam (at 8:30am). You can also visit Nainital, Sattal after the tour.
Adi Kailash, also referred to as Shiva Kailash, Chhota Kailash, Baba Kailash, or Jonglingkong Peak, is situated in Pithoragarh district. This revered Himalayan site mirrors the sanctity of Mount Kailash in Tibet.
Check out the Adi Kailash weather report for February
The minimun and maximum temperature in February in Adi Kailash is -20°C and 6°C respectively. The weather is generally snowfall in February and you would feel chilling cold throughout the day. Heavy Woolen clothes are recommended for Adi Kailash in February.
Adi Kailash is famous among tourist as Pilgrimage, High Altitude Trek, Expedition, Remote, Road Trip, Adventure.
Adi Kailash is popular destination for following activities/ interests - Adventure, Peaks and Mountains, Pilgrimage, Religious, Trekking.
In Aug-Sept, I joined a group of 20 travellers for a trip to Adi Kailash. Starting from Bhimtal we reach our destination via Dharchula over three days. Despite rain the day before, we were fortunate to have clear skies as we ascended. About 50% of the roads were good to go. we rode horses from Jyolingkong to visit the Shiv Parvati Temple and Parvati Sarovar, with stunning views of Chhota Kailash.The road to Gauri Kund was rocky and narrow, making it tricky with both horses and people passing through. Snow flurries began as we reached Gauri Kund, and the temperature dropped. After hydrating, we took an easier route back.The journey was a truly divine experience, and I felt Lord Shiva's grace guiding us every step of the way. Om Namah Shivaya.
Our family road trip to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat was amazing .. The drive through scenic mountain roads was thrilling, though the uneven and harsh roads made it a bit challenging. Despite that, we enjoyed stunning views and peaceful stops along the way. The beauty and serenity of Adi Kailash and Om Parvat made it all worthwhile. A perfect mix of adventure and spirituality, highly recommended ...
I planned to visit Adi Kailash in July 2024, but unfortunately, my trip got canceled due to heavy rain. I came back from Dharchula only .. The weather was unpredictable, and the roads became risky, making it unsafe to travel. I was really disappointed, as I had heard so much about the beauty of Adi Kailash. Hopefully, I will be able to visit next time ..
