Adi Kailash Yatra is one of the most important pilgrimage journeys in Uttarakhand, taking devotees to Adi Kailash, also known as Chota Kailash. Located in the Pithoragarh district near the Indo-Tibetan border, the sacred peak stands at an altitude of approximately 5,945 metres and is revered by devotees of Lord Shiva. Most Adi Kailash Yatra Packages also include a visit to Om Parvat, a mountain known for its naturally occurring snow formation that resembles the sacred 'Om' symbol. During the journey, pilgrims can visit important sites such as Gauri Kund, Parvati Sarovar, Gunji, and Nabidhang while travelling through some of the most remote Himalayan landscapes of Uttarakhand.
Our Adi Kailash Yatra Package 2026 is designed for travellers seeking a well-organised pilgrimage with proper route planning and on-ground support. Depending on the selected itinerary, the package may include accommodation, transportation, permit assistance, meals, and local guidance throughout the journey. Along with the spiritual significance of Adi Kailash and Om Parvat, the Yatra offers an opportunity to explore the unique culture, mountain villages, and high-altitude valleys of the Kumaon Himalayas, making it one of the most sought-after pilgrimage tours in India.
| Also Known As | Chota Kailash, Shiva Kailash, Baba Kailash |
|---|
| Location | Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand (Indo-Tibetan border) |
| Altitude | 5,945 m (approx.) above sea level |
| Yatra Season 2026 | May 2026 - September 30, 2026 |
| Best Months | May-June and September (July and August are less preferred because of landslides and monsoon disruptions.) |
| Trek Distance | 2-7 km trek; rest of route is motorable |
| Trek Difficulty | Moderate |
| ILP Required | Yes β Inner Line Permit, SDM Dharchula (mandatory for all Indians) |
| Starting Points | Kathgodam / Delhi / Dharchula |
| Package Starting Price | βΉ27,500 per person |
What is Adi Kailash and Om Parvat?
Adi Kailash is considered the Indian replica of Mount Kailash in Tibet β the abode of Lord Shiva. While Kailash Mansarovar Yatra requires crossing into Tibet (China) with a China visa, Adi Kailash is entirely within India. Indian pilgrims need no passport or foreign travel formalities β only an Inner Line Permit from SDM Dharchula. It is one of the five sacred peaks of the Panch Kailash circuit in the Himalayas.
Om Parvat, on the same route at approximately 6,191 metres, bears a naturally formed snow pattern on its face that takes the shape of the sacred 'Om' symbol (ΰ₯). This is visible from the Nabidhang viewpoint. Both Adi Kailash darshan and Om Parvat darshan are covered in the same yatra β you do not need separate trips for the two.
The route passes through the Kali Ganga valley in Pithoragarh via remote high-altitude villages β Gunji, Nabi, Nabidhang, and Jolingkong. The lower sections have forests of oak and rhododendron; as you gain altitude beyond Gunji, the terrain opens into high-altitude meadows and rocky ridgelines. Above Nabidhang, it is bare mountain all the way to Jolingkong base camp.
Adi Kailash and the Panch Kailash
The Panch Kailash are five peaks in the Himalayas revered as the abodes of Lord Shiva. Adi Kailash (Chota Kailash) is the second of the five. The other four are Mount Kailash in Tibet, Manimahesh Kailash in Himachal Pradesh, Shrikhand Mahadev in Himachal Pradesh, and Kinnaur Kailash in Himachal Pradesh. Of all five, Adi Kailash is the only one that combines with Om Parvat darshan in a single trip, and is the only one fully inside India with no foreign travel required.
Adi Kailash Yatra 2026 - Season, Registration & Inner Line Permit
Yatra Season 2026
The Adi Kailash Yatra 2026 season opened in May 2026 and runs through September 30, 2026. Before the season opens, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) clears the high-altitude road sections beyond Gunji and Jolingkong β this snow clearance work determines the exact start date each year. The route is completely closed from November to April.
Best months: May-June and September. Avoid July-August strictly β heavy monsoon rain causes landslides and road blockages on the Dharchula-Gunji stretch. The route can be cut off for days at a time during monsoon.
Inner Line Permit (ILP) β Mandatory
Adi Kailash and Om Parvat fall in a restricted zone near the Indo-Tibet border. An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory for all Indian nationals travelling beyond Dharchula. Without an ILP, you will be turned back at the first checkpost. There are Multiple security and permit checkposts are located along the route β the permit is checked at every one.
Who issues it: SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) Office, Dharchula, Pithoragarh. Also arrangeable through KMVN or a registered tour operator.
Documents needed: Aadhaar card / Voter ID / Passport (original + 4 photocopies), 2β4 passport-size photographs, ILP application form (filled and signed), and a Medical Fitness Certificate from a registered MBBS doctor.
Foreign nationals / OCI: A separate Protected Area Permit (PAP) from the Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi is required. Apply at least 2β3 months in advance.
Age: Age eligibility may vary by operator and medical fitness requirements. KMVN and most operators cap at 70 years given the altitude.
KMVN: Pre-register at kmvn.gov.in | Helpline: 05942-236936. Final ILP collection is done in person at SDM Dharchula.
Solo travel: Technically permitted but not recommended. Most operators require a group of at least four. KMVN runs fixed batch departures.
How to Reach Adi Kailash - Starting Points
From Kathgodam (Most Popular Railhead)
Kathgodam Railway Station is the most convenient rail starting point for the Adi Kailash Yatra. Three trains run daily between Delhi and Kathgodam: Kathgodam Shatabdi Express (12040/12039, departs New Delhi 6:20 AM, arrives Kathgodam 11:55 AM β fastest at 5 hrs 35 min), Ranikhet Express (15013, departs Delhi Cantt 8:21 PM, arrives Kathgodam 5:05 AM), and Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express (15035, departs Delhi 4:00 PM). From Kathgodam, drive to Pithoragarh (approximately 210 km) and then to Dharchula (approximately 93 km).
From Tanakpur (Alternative Railhead)
Tanakpur Railway Station is another option for those coming from Delhi β take the Purnagiri Jan Shatabdi Express (12036) from Delhi to Tanakpur, and then drive to Dharchula (approximately 160 km). This cuts the overall road distance compared to the Kathgodam route.
From Delhi by Road
Delhi to Dharchula by road is approximately 580 km via Moradabad β Rampur β Tanakpur β Pithoragarh β Dharchula. The drive takes around 12β14 hours. Some packages offer a pickup from Delhi with an overnight drive to Dharchula.
Nearest Airport
Naini Saini Airport is the nearest airport to Dharchula, approx. 100 km away. Pantnagar Airport is about 330 km from Dharchula with better flight connectivity via Delhi. From both airports, travel by road to Dharchula.
Adi Kailash Yatra Route - Altitude Chart
| Place | Altitude (approx.) | Significance |
|---|
| Dharchula | 915 m | ILP collection, last major town |
| Tawaghat | 1,066 m | Entry point to the restricted zone |
| Gunji | 3,120 m | Base camp; last fuel and supplies |
| Nabi | 3,500 m | Traditional Bhotiya village |
| Nabidhang | 4,600 m | Om Parvat viewpoint |
| Jolingkong | 4,745 m | Adi Kailash base camp, Shiv Mandir |
| Gauri Kund | ~4,700 m | Sacred glacial lake for holy dip |
| Adi Kailash (peak) | 5,945 m | Chota Kailash β darshan from base |
Sacred Sites on the Adi Kailash Yatra
Adi Kailash / Chota Kailash: The 5,945 m peak considered the Indian abode of Lord Shiva. Darshan is done from the base area at Jolingkong β the peak is not climbed during the pilgrimage.
Gauri Kund: Glacial lake at the foot of Adi Kailash, associated with Goddess Parvati. Pilgrims take a dip in the icy waters before darshan.
Parvati Sarovar: Sacred lake near Jolingkong, associated with Devi Parvati. Located close to Gauri Kund.
Om Parvat (6,191 m): Bears a naturally occurring snow pattern in the shape of the 'Om' symbol (ΰ₯) on its face. Visible from Nabidhang β one of the most striking natural sights on this route.
Shiv Mandir, Jolingkong: A small Shiva temple at the Adi Kailash base camp. The main site for puja and prayers during the yatra.
Nabi and Kuti villages: Traditional Bhotiya high-altitude villages on the yatra route, inhabited by one of the oldest communities in the Pithoragarh region.
Gauri Kund: Sacred kund on the route, linked to the legends of Devi Parvati.
Adi Kailash Om Parvat Yatra by Helicopter
For those who want to experience the darshan of Adi Kailash without the long road journey and high-altitude trek, a helicopter tour is available. The helicopter option is particularly suitable for senior citizens and pilgrims with knee, joint, or respiratory conditions.
- Helicopter service for Adi Kailash and Om Parvat operates from Pithoragarh helipad.
- The helicopter covers the Pithoragarh-Nabidhang-Jolingkong route, bypassing the long Dharchula road stretch.
- The ILP is still mandatory even for helicopter tours β ensure you have it before departure.
- Helicopter Yatra can be completed in 1β2 days versus 5β8 days by road. Contact us for availability and pricing.
Trek Difficulty and Altitude Safety
Trek difficulty: Moderate. The actual trekking portion is 2β7 km; the rest of the route is covered by vehicle. The ascent to Jolingkong (4,745 m) is the most demanding section. No technical climbing or special equipment is needed.
Altitude sickness: At altitudes above 3,500 m, symptoms like headache, nausea, and breathlessness can appear. The standard protocol is to ascend gradually, rest at Gunji before proceeding to Jolingkong, and stay well hydrated. Carry Diamox (acetazolamide) β consult your doctor for dosage before travel.
Acclimatisation: A rest day at Gunji (3,120 m) before going higher is recommended. Do not attempt to reach Jolingkong directly from Dharchula in one day.
Medical facilities: Basic medical support is available at Gunji. Beyond that, the area is extremely remote. Carry your own medicines, first-aid kit, and ORS sachets.
Best Time for Adi Kailash Yatra
May β June: Right after the season opens. BRO clears the road by mid-May, meadows are fresh, and rhododendrons are in bloom in the lower valleys. Stable weather and clear views of Om Parvat.
July β August (Monsoon β NOT RECOMMENDED): Heavy rain triggers landslides and road cuts on the Dharchula-Gunji stretch. KMVN and operators advise against yatra in these months. The route can be blocked for days continuously.
September: The best month for Adi Kailash Yatra. Post-monsoon skies are open, Om Parvat's Om formation is clearly visible, and the Himalayan views are at their clearest. Temperatures are cool but the trail is dry and safe.
October onwards: Early snowfall can begin from late September on the higher sections. The season closes by September 30, 2026. Do not plan yatra in October without checking current route conditions.
What to Pack for Adi Kailash Yatra
- Heavy woollen layers, thermal inners, and a down jacket β temperatures drop below 0Β°C at Jolingkong even in June
- Waterproof trekking shoes with ankle support
- Poncho or waterproof rain jacket
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+), UV-protection sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat
- Diamox (altitude sickness tablets), paracetamol, ORS sachets, antacid β consult your doctor before travel
- Medical fitness certificate β carry original and 2 photocopies
- Original ID proof + minimum 4 photocopies (required at every checkpost on the route)
- Trekking poles β strongly recommended for the ascent to Jolingkong
- Water bottle (minimum 1 litre) + water purification tablets
- Energy bars and dry fruits for the trek days
- Headlamp or small torch with extra batteries
- Cash in small denominations β ATMs available only up to Pithoragarh / Dharchula
Inclusions and Exclusions
Package Inclusions
- Pick-up and drop from the selected starting point (Kathgodam / Delhi / Dharchula)
- Accommodation on sharing basis β guesthouses and KMVN rest houses throughout the route
- Daily meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- ILP (Inner Line Permit) paperwork assistance and coordination
- Experienced local guide and support staff throughout the yatra
- All transport by vehicle on motorable sections of the route
- Porter and mule arrangement for the trek sections (where applicable)
- Basic first-aid kit and on-route medical support
- All applicable taxes except 5% GST
Package Exclusions
- Train or flight fares to the starting point (Kathgodam / Delhi)
- 5% GST on the tour package cost
- ILP government fees (paid separately at SDM Dharchula)
- Medical fitness certificate charges
- Personal expenses β tips, shopping, laundry, personal medicines
- Travel or medical insurance of any kind
- Helicopter charges if opted for any section
- Any cost due to natural calamity, road blockage, landslide, or force majeure
Cancellation Policy
- 30 days or more before departure: 10% of tour cost deducted
- 15β29 days before departure: 25% of tour cost deducted
- 7β14 days before departure: 50% of tour cost deducted
- Within 7 days or no-show: No refund
- No refund for unused services, early return, or darshan missed due to personal reasons
- For cancellations due to natural calamity, government order, or route closure: alternative arrangements where possible; monetary refunds subject to actuals
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is Adi Kailash and why is it called Chota Kailash?
Adi Kailash is a 5,945-metre peak in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, near the Indo-Tibet border. It is called Chota Kailash or Shiva Kailash because it is considered the Indian equivalent of Mount Kailash in Tibet β the abode of Lord Shiva. Unlike Kailash Mansarovar, which requires a China visa and international travel, Adi Kailash is entirely within India. Only an Inner Line Permit is needed β no passport required for Indian citizens.
Q2. Is a passport required for Adi Kailash Yatra?
No. Indian citizens do not need a passport for the Adi Kailash Yatra. The entire route is within India. However, an Inner Line Permit (ILP) from SDM Dharchula is mandatory, as the area is a restricted border zone near Tibet. Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or any government photo ID is accepted for the ILP.
Q3. What is the Inner Line Permit and how do I get it for Adi Kailash?
The ILP is a government document required to enter the restricted zone beyond Dharchula. It is issued by the SDM Office, Dharchula. Documents: Aadhaar card (original + 4 copies), passport photos (2β4), filled application form, and a Medical Fitness Certificate from an MBBS doctor. Approval takes 1β3 working days. Our team handles coordination for all registered package bookings.
Q4. What is the Adi Kailash Yatra 2026 season opening date?
The Adi Kailash Yatra 2026 season opened in May 2026 and runs through September 30, 2026. Best months are MayβJune and September. JulyβAugust monsoon is to be strictly avoided. The route is closed from November to April due to snow.
Q5. Can Om Parvat darshan be done on the same Adi Kailash trip?
Yes. Om Parvat is on the same route and the darshan is done from the Nabidhang viewpoint at 4,600 m. The naturally formed 'Om' snow symbol on Om Parvat's face is visible from Nabidhang on clear days. All our Adi Kailash packages include Om Parvat darshan at Nabidhang.
Q6. What is the trek difficulty level for Adi Kailash Yatra?
The trek difficulty is Moderate. The actual trek is only 2β7 km; the rest of the route is motorable. The highest point visited is Jolingkong at 4,745 m. No technical climbing is needed. However, altitude acclimatisation is important β a rest day at Gunji (3,120 m) before proceeding higher is strongly recommended.
Q7. What is the difference between Adi Kailash and Kailash Mansarovar?
Mount Kailash (Kailash Mansarovar) is in Tibet, China, at 6,638 m and requires a China visa. The trip goes outside India. Adi Kailash (Chota Kailash) is in Uttarakhand, India, at 5,945 m. No foreign travel is needed β only an Inner Line Permit. Both are considered abodes of Lord Shiva. Adi Kailash is the accessible Indian alternative for pilgrims who cannot undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Q8. How much does the Adi Kailash Yatra cost in 2026?
Our Adi Kailash Yatra packages start from βΉ27,500 per person. The 8-day Kathgodam-to-Kathgodam package is approximately βΉ42,900 per person. The 5-day Delhi-to-Delhi package is approximately βΉ48,900 per person. Prices vary by group size, accommodation type, and inclusions. Contact us for group rates and customised Adi Kailash Om Parvat Yatra packages.
Q9. What trains run from Delhi to Kathgodam for Adi Kailash Yatra?
Three trains run daily between Delhi and Kathgodam: Kathgodam Shatabdi Express (12040, departs New Delhi 6:20 AM, arrives Kathgodam 11:55 AM β fastest option at 5 hrs 35 min), Ranikhet Express (15013, departs Delhi Cantt 8:21 PM, arrives Kathgodam 5:05 AM), and Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express (15035, departs Delhi 4:00 PM, arrives Kathgodam 10:45 PM). Book through IRCTC well in advance as trains fill up during peak yatra season.
