Adi Kailash Trek Best Time & Travel Essentials Your Complete Travel Guide

Adi Kailash trek Guide

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“Not just a Journey Adi Kailash is a divine treat to mediate mind and soul”

The Himalayan mountains offer panoramic views of nature and a spiritual essence of God’s existence. In Hindu Mythology, Kailash Mountain is home to Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati. Adi Kailash in Pithoragarh looks like Mount Kailash in Tibet, China. Let us take you on a trek to Adi Kailash to learn about this spiritual extravaganza.

Overview

Situated near Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, Adi Kailash’s height is 5950 m which is 19520.99 feet. Also known as Chota Kailash, Shiva Kailash, or Baba Kailash, it is a holy tranquil, snow-clad pinnacle that reflects the purity of untouched divinity. The Adi Kailash is in the Kutti village, Tehsil Dharchula (derived from Mahabharat’s Kunti- the mother of Pandavas), the last village of Kumaon which is surrounded by Himalayan ranges, Om Parvat, Parvati Sarovar, Tibetan Plateau, and Kutti Valley.  

Religious Significance

The Adi Kailash closely resembles Mount Kailash of Tibet due to its similar formation. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva and Parvati visited here during their marriage from Kailash Mansarovar to Trigunnarayan. Also, Shiv Parivar (including Parvati, Ganesh and Kartikeya) resides here. People from all around visit here to seek the blessing of Lord Shiva and satiate (तृप्त) their souls. The shape of Om Parvat is ॐ that symbolises the connection with the universe, Shivay. 

Adi Kailash Weather Details :

Weather Monthly

  • Summer season (May to June)- At this time, daylight is more available and trekking is comfortable for tourists. Adi Kailash temperature is 30°C to 20°C
  • Monsoon season (July to September)– During rainy seasons trekking must be avoided here because of natural hazards due to downpours. Adi Kailash’s temperature is 25°C to 15°C
  • Autumn season (October to November)– Best weather to visit here and the leafage makes the views stunning. Adi Kailash’s temperature is 20°C to 10°C.
  • Winter season (December to April)– Chill weather and cold winds, with snow-clad hillocks, it becomes difficult and dangerous for pilgrims to reach Adi Kailash. Adi Kailash temperature is 10°C to O°C or minus thats very cold .

Best Time to Visit Adi Kailash(seasons): Summer and autumn

Adi Kailash Yatra 2025 opening date: 15 May 2025 – 30 September 2025. (Tentative Dates )

How to Reach Adi Kailash?

How to Reach Adi Kailash

Routes from Major cities:

Delhi

Delhi to Adi Kailash distance is 643 km

Duration: 18 hours

Route: Delhi → Moradabad → Rampur → Haldwani → Almora → Didihat → Dharchula → Adi Kailash (Base camp: JolingKong)

Dehradun

Dehradun to Adi Kailash distance is 580 km

Duration: 17 hours

Route: Dehradun → Nainital Almora → Pithoragarh → Dharchula → Adi Kailash (Base camp: Joling Kong)

  • Road conditions: Major cities up to Pithoragarh and Dharchula roads are quite well connected and a mix of hilly roads where careful driving is needed. Beyond this, the road might be narrow and routes have obstacles. 

Travelling by Helicopter 

Packages for helicopters are available to get an aerial view of Adi Kailash, a comfortable and seamless journey to the pilgrim. 

The closest place for operating a helicopter base is Pithoragarh which has helicopter charters and airstrip. 

Route:  (Pithoragarh → Gunji) by Helicopter → Adi Kailash (short road trek)

Route Maps and Guides

DaysDestinationDistanceDetails
1Dharchula to Sirkha48.9 km (2-3 hours)Drive or Trek via Twaghat-Shobla road
2Sirkha to Gala14 km (6-7 hours)It is a foot-stretch trek depending on a person’s health
3Gala to Budhi18 km (10-11 hours)Narrow pathways, river crossing
4Budhi to Gunji20 km (12 hours)Acclimatization stop, Village at high altitude
5Gunji to Kuti14km (6-7 hours)A trail along River Kali
6Kuti to Jolingkong (Base Camp)10 km (5 hours)Arriva at the Base camp of Adi Kailash
7Reached Adi Kailash0 kmExploring Adi Kailash

Adi Kailash Trek Overview

The Adi Kailash trek distance is approximately 80-90 km which consists of steep ascents, rocky paths and higher altitudes. Adi Kailash Trek Duration is 8-10 days with a daily trek of 6-9 hours according to health conditions. However, there are several rest points during this journey that can ease your Adi Kailash trek. 

Key Points

  • Due to Adi Kailash weather conditions and the tough route of Adi Kailash, visitors are advised to keep essentials such as warm clothing, food, and medical kits with them.
  • Acclimatisation in high altitudes is important for avoiding sickness to environment.
  • Trekking gear like body warmers or woollens, waterproof jackets, trekking boots, trekking poles, sleeping bags, and a good quality rucksack to carry things and water.
  • Permits and Documentation: As Adi Kailash is near the Indo-China border, local government bodies require permissions and documentation, which your travel manager can also arrange. These are:
  • Inner Line Permits
  • Protected Area Permits
  • Aadhar card, Pan card, etc. is needed as ID proof
  • Medical Certificate
  • Travel Insurance
  • The trekkers must focus on physical fitness by building immunity, stamina and endurance before the Adi Kailash trek. For physical fitness, you can:
  • Do cardiovascular exercises
  • Allowing your body to adjust to higher altitudes with low oxygen level
  • Drink 3-4 litres of water for hydration.
  • Breathing, Flexibility and stretching exercises
  • These activities may take a few days or months but it’s important to prepare your body before trekking to Adi Kailash

Practical Travel Tips

Practical Tips for a Smooth Journey

  1. Wear warm clothing, trek boots, waterproof clothes, raincoats, gloves, fleece jackets and anything that can protect from cold snowy weather.
  2. Stay hydrated with water and avoid smoking or alcoholism.
  3. Keep a medical kit for conditions like motion sickness, nausea, headaches or colds.
  4. Before trekking to Adi Kailash spend some time in ascent places like Dharchula, Kalapani or high-altitude villages for acclimatisation.

Local Culture and Etiquette

  1. Respect the sacred sites and natives culture.
  2. Be modest while dressing or speaking to anyone.
  3. Ask permission, if photography is allowed.
  4. Keep the environment clean, don’t throw trash.

Exploring Adi Kailash Om Parvat

Highlights of Adi Kailash Yatra

  •  Spiritual and Scenic Attractions

The trek to Adi Kailash is a combo of spiritual essence and natural splendor making it a memorable journey for trekkers. Some religious and scenic attractions here are:

  • Adi Kailash temple- Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
  • Shiv Parvati Temple– Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati.
  • Parvati Sarovar- Sacred lake related to Mata Parvati near Shiv Parvati temple.
  • Gaurikund- A sacred lake where Mata Parvati bathed and meditated.
  • Pandav fort- Place where Pandavas have spent 12 years of exile 
  • Parvati Mukut- Referred as “Mata Parvati’s crown” the mountain is in the shape of a crown.
  • Vyas Gufa- It is the meditation site of Rishi Ved Vyas, composer of Mahabharat
  • Jageshwar Dham- Temple with incredible architecture covered by deodar forest
  • Kunti Parvat- Mountain named after Mata Kunti, mother of Pandavas
  • Chitai Golu Mandir- Temple of Golu Devta(incarnation of Shiva)
  • Kali Mata Temple- A sacred Maa Kali temple to seek protection and strength
  • Bheem ki Kheti- This site with its natural significance believed to be cultivated by Bheem, a Pandava.

Om Parvat

Part of Adi Kailash’s excursions, Om Parvat is a sacred mountain of Lord Shiva. The place holds significance of the unique formation of ॐ on the mountain connected to Lord Shiva. Adi Kailash to Om Parvat distance is 40.5 km which takes 8-10 for completion. Both sites are connected to Shiva and many trekkers visit Om parvat during the Adi Kailash journey. 

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Watch this video to see How Adi Kailash Looks

Near by destinations and other extensions

Places to visit near Adi kailash

Kuti Village– This village is closest to Adi Kailash in Kuthi Yankti Valley. The Adi Kailash to Kuti village is 17 km.

Jonglikong Lake- It is also called Adi Kailash Lake surrounded by stunning hillocks. The Adi Kailash to Jonglikong lake is 15-20 km.

Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra- Adi Kailash to Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra distance is 300 km.

Kalapani- Adi Kailash to Kalapani distance is 20 km. The name given refers to “dark water” because of collection of springs near Kali River and Lipu Lekh Pass.

Nabhidhang– A point where you can see majestic view of Om Parvat. It is referred as Nabhi(Naval) of Goddess Parvati. Adi Kailash to Nabhidhangi distance is 30 km.

Dharchula- The nearest town to Adi Kailash where you can explore nature and the vibrant culture of Indo-Nepal. Adi Kailash to Dharchula distance is 80 km.

Chaukori- Adi Kailash to Chaukori distance is 140 km where you can view Nanda devi and Panchachuli panoramic views.

Patal Bhuvneshwar- Limestone cave temple of Lord Shiva, Adi Kailash to Patal Bhuvneshwar distance is 120 km.

Adi Kailash tour Packages and Costs

Every year many people want to visit this holy place Adi Kailash to seek blessings of Lord Shiva. Adi Kailash Yatra 2024 by TravelAcharya provides you best deal and services for solo travellers, groups or family package, we have package suited to your needs.

  1. Guided Tours

Price:

Package consists of planned itineraries, trek permits, accommodation, transportation, meals and expert guides.

  1. Groups Package

Price:

  • Budget-friendly options for friends, families, spiritual or traveller groups.
  • Shared accommodations, planned itineraries, transportation, meals and guide
  1. Solo Travellers

Price:

  • Transportation, accommodation assistance, permits, and minimal arrangements according to add-ons.
  • Discover the place at your own conditions and cost-friendly.

Cost of Add-ons to your Package:

  • Transportation cost:

By roadways jeep or tourist vehicles cost:

By Helicopter cost:

  • Accommodation cost:

Gneral rooms cost:

Deluxe rooms cost:

  • Meals:
  • Permits costs:
  • Tourist Guides:

Total Cost of Adi Kailash Road- Trek(General Package):

Total Cost of Adi Kailash Road- Trek(Deluxe Package)

Total Cost of Adi Kailash Helicopter Package:

 Tips

  1. Choose group package for distribution of cost
  2. Advance booking for discounts and secure permits
  3. Carry your own essentials to avoid add-on cost of trekking gears
  4. Select local transportation and meals for cost-friendly trip.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is best time to visit Adi Kailash?

Summer and autumn are best for trekking.

How can I reach Adi Kailash from Delhi?

By taking a local bus to Pithoragarh, then either take the roadway and trek to Dharchula to Adi Kailash or by helicopter.

What permits are required for the Adi Kailash Yatra?

Inner Line Permits, Protected Areas Permits and ID proofs are required.

How much does the Adi Kailash Yatra cost?

Travelling from Pithoragarh costs Rs. 15,000 per head, and permits costs Rs. 3000-5000. However, travel agency packages range from 25,000 to 33,000 depending upon where the journey begins and the services included.

What’s the distance between Adi Kailash and Om Parvat?

Adi Kailash-Om Parvat distance: 40.5 km.

Is Adi Kailash Yatra difficult? What should I prepare for?

Yes, after the trail begins from Dharchula roads weather conditions are uncertain. Trekking is mostly preferred so health fitness, trek essentials, warm clothes, trek boosts, water, food and medical kits are a must.

Can I book an Adi Kailash tour package for 2024?

Yes, you can book on Travel Acharya with the best deals and services on tour packages.

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